cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124142.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Topical Treatment with Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Promotes Wound Healing and Barrier Recovery Induced by Skin Abrasion

description: It has been reported that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes the healing of skin ulceration by inducing fibroblast proliferation, yet the role of bFGF on epidermal barrier function, especially from the perspective of scratch-induced skin abrasion, remains unknown. To this end, we initially developed an epidermal abrasion mouse model induced by scratching with a stainless-steel wire brush, and examined the effects of bFGF on the wound healing induced by skin abrasion. This procedure induced a significant elevation of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in a scratch-count-dependent manner. This elevated TEWL was significantly decreased following topical application of bFGF to the skin. In addition, bFGF increased the expression of Ki67 in keratinocytes following mechanical scratching. These results suggest that bFGF enhances keratinocyte proliferation, which, in turn, repairs the skin barrier disruption and wounds caused by scratching in mice. Consistently, bFGF stimulated proliferation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). Intriguingly, the effect of bFGF and other growth factors on NHEK proliferation was additive. However, high cell density diminished the effect of bFGF on NHEK proliferation. This particular result can be explained by our observation that FGF receptor mRNA expression in NHEK was low under conditions of high cell density. Our findings suggest that bFGF stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, especially in a lower cell density environment, to repair skin wound in accord with skin barrier recovery.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124133.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: The Utility of Administrative Data for Surveillance of Comorbidity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Validation Study

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Although comorbidity is important in multiple sclerosis (MS), few validated methods for its assessment exist. We validated and applied administrative case definitions for several comorbidities in MS. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Using provincial administrative data we identified persons with MS and a matched general population cohort. Case definitions for chronic lung disease (CLD), epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and migraine were developed using administrative data, and validated against medical records. We applied these definitions to estimate the age-standardized prevalence of these comorbidities in the MS and matched cohorts. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Versus medical records, administrative case definitions showed moderate agreement for CLD (ĸ = 0.41), migraine (ĸ = 0.51), and epilepsy (ĸ = 0.44), fair agreement for IBS (ĸ = 0.36) and could not be calculated for IBD (small sample size). The 2005 prevalence of CLD was similar in the MS (15.6%) and general populations (14.4%). The prevalence of the remaining comorbidities was higher in the MS than the general populations: epilepsy (4.12 vs. 1.12%), IBD (0.78 vs. 0.65%), IBS (12.2 vs. 6.80%) and migraine (23.0 vs. 16.5%). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Administrative data are valid for tracking CLD, epilepsy, and migraine in MS. The prevalence of epilepsy, IBD, IBS and migraine is increased in MS versus the general population.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124139.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: An International Survey of Deep Brain Stimulation Procedural Steps

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is standard of care for the treatment of certain movement disorders. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We sought to characterize the spectrum of steps performed in DBS surgery, at centers around the world where this surgery is performed. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We identified the main steps in DBS surgery workflow and grouped these 19 steps into 3 phases (preoperative, operative, and postoperative). A survey tool, informed by a pilot survey, was administered internationally by trained study personnel at high- and low-volume DBS centers. Procedural components, duration, and surgeon motivational factors were assessed. Cluster analysis was used to identify procedural and behavioral clusters. <b><i>Results:</i></b> One hundred eighty-five procedure workflow surveys (143 DBS centers) and 65 online surveys of surgeon motivational drivers were completed (45% response rate). Significant heterogeneity in technique, operative time, and surgeon motivational drivers was reported across centers. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We provide a description of the procedural steps involved in DBS surgery and the duration of these steps, based on an international survey. These data will enable individual surgeons and centers to examine their own experience relative to colleagues at other centers and in other countries. Such information could also be useful in comparing efficiencies and identifying workflow obstacles between different hospital environments.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124121
title: Supplementary Material for: Aromatase Variants Modify Risk for Alzheimer's Disease in a Multiethnic Female Cohort

description: <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Few studies of gene variants that affect estrogen activity investigate their association with risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women of different ethnicities. We investigated the influence of <i>CYP19</i> polymorphisms on risk for AD in a multiethnic cohort of women, with individual ethnicity assessed by genetic population ancestry informative markers (AIMs) as well as by self-identified ethnicity. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Among 1,686 women participating in the Washington Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project, association with risk for AD was assessed for 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the <i>CYP19</i> gene using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, presence of an <i>APOE</i> ε4 allele, years of education, and body mass index. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Risk for AD was associated with 6 SNPs in women of predominantly Caucasian AIMs-defined ancestry. Of these, 2 were also associated with decreased risk of AD in women of admixed/Hispanic AIMs ancestry. Two separate SNPs were found to be protective in women of predominantly African AIMs-based ancestry. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b><i>CYP19</i> polymorphisms affect risk for AD in women, and risk alleles vary by AIMs-defined ancestry. These effects are possibly due to linkage disequilibrium patterns or differences in the prevalence of comorbid risk factors mediating the SNP effect on risk for AD by group.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124124
title: Supplementary Material for: Estradiol and Pubertal Growth in Girls

description: <b><i>Aim:</i></b> The objective of this study was to determine estradiol levels and assess their relationship to pubertal growth in girls. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty-seven 24-hour profiles of serum 17β-estradiol were retrospectively analyzed in relation to growth in 27 healthy girls admitted for short/tall stature (n = 20) or recruited as healthy volunteers at Göteborg Pediatric Growth Research Center (GP-GRC). <b><i>Inclusion Criteria:</i></b> Birth weight and length above –2 SDS, gestational age 37–42 weeks, prepubertal height and weight within ±3 SDS and normal growth hormone secretion. Serum estradiol was determined by a validated ultrasensitive extraction radioimmunoassay (detection limit 4 pmol/l). A sixth-grade polynomial was fitted to each girl’s growth data. Growth velocity and age at peak height velocity (PHV) was calculated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A dose-response model was used to find the morning 17β-estradiol level at which half of the maximal pubertal growth up to PHV had occurred, EC<sub>50</sub>, which was 20 pmol/l with a 95% confidence interval of 13–31. When 17β-estradiol exceeds early pubertal levels (Tanner breast stage 2, 10–51 pmol/l), less than 25% of the potential pubertal growth velocity up to PHV remains. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Morning 17β-estradiol in the low early pubertal range (13–31 pmol/l) is associated with increasing growth velocity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124127.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Writing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress: A Meta-Analysis

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> Face-to-face psychological treatments have difficulty meeting today’s growing mental health needs. For the highly prevalent posttraumatic stress (PTS) conditions, accumulating evidence suggests that writing therapy may constitute an efficient treatment modality, especially when administered through the Internet. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of writing therapies for PTS and comorbid depressive symptoms. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The literature was searched using several structured and unstructured strategies, including key word searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and PILOTS databases. Six studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the analyses. These studies included a total of 633 participants, of which 304 were assigned to writing therapy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Across 5 direct comparisons of writing therapy to waiting-list control, writing therapy resulted in significant and substantial short-term reductions in PTS and comorbid depressive symptoms. There was no difference in efficacy between writing therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, but we caution that this finding was based on only 2 direct comparisons. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Writing therapy is an evidence-based treatment for PTS, and constitutes a useful treatment alternative for patients who do not respond to other evidence-based treatments. Internet adaptations of writing therapy for PTS may be especially useful for reaching trauma survivors in need of evidence-based mental health care who live in remote areas or who prefer to retain their anonymity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124118
title: Supplementary Material for: INNULs: A Novel Design Amplification Strategy for Retrotransposable Elements for Studying Population Variation

description: <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Retrotransposable elements (REs), consisting of long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), are a group of markers that can be useful for human identity testing. Until now, however, due to the inherent size difference (up to 6 kb in some instances) associated with insertion and null alleles (or INNULs), the use of REs for facilitated population studies has not been sought or practical. The size of the insertion elements (from a few hundred to several thousand bp) has proven to limit their utility as a marker because of the inefficient amplicon yield with PCR. A novel primer design now facilitates INNUL marker testing. A preliminary panel of single-locus markers was developed to evaluate the potential of typing these insertion elements. Nine INNULs (5 Alu and 4 LINEs) were typed in three major North American populations and analyzed for population genetic features. In addition, the variation of each marker among the sample populations provides insight of its potential use as individual identification or ancestral marker. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> INNUL markers were developed into fluorescently labeled single-loci PCR. Nine markers were developed with amplicons that were less than 180 bp in length, and, depending on the locus amplicons of the INNULs, alleles varied in size from 50 to 1 bp. This allele size is noteworthy because the insertion alleles of the 9 loci range in size from 297 to 6,195 bp. The allele distribution of the INNULs was assessed and analyzed in three major North American populations. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Upon observation of the distribution of the alleles in three major North American populations, the markers generally met Hardy-Weinberg expectations, and there was little evidence of detectable levels of linkage disequilibrium. Due to varying distributions of the alleles in the major population groups tested, some of the markers might be better suited for use as an individual identification marker, while others are better suited for bio-ancestral studies. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Using the primer design strategy described in our work, SINEs and (for the first time, to our knowledge) LINEs can be utilized as markers for studying population genetic variation that is more amenable to the limitations of the PCR technique. This study lays the foundation for future work of developing a multiplex panel of INNUL markers that can be used as a single-tube assay for human identity testing utilizing small amplicons (&lt;180 bp), which could be useful for ancient or degraded forensic DNA samples.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124121.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Aromatase Variants Modify Risk for Alzheimer's Disease in a Multiethnic Female Cohort

description: <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Few studies of gene variants that affect estrogen activity investigate their association with risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women of different ethnicities. We investigated the influence of <i>CYP19</i> polymorphisms on risk for AD in a multiethnic cohort of women, with individual ethnicity assessed by genetic population ancestry informative markers (AIMs) as well as by self-identified ethnicity. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Among 1,686 women participating in the Washington Heights Inwood Columbia Aging Project, association with risk for AD was assessed for 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the <i>CYP19</i> gene using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, presence of an <i>APOE</i> ε4 allele, years of education, and body mass index. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Risk for AD was associated with 6 SNPs in women of predominantly Caucasian AIMs-defined ancestry. Of these, 2 were also associated with decreased risk of AD in women of admixed/Hispanic AIMs ancestry. Two separate SNPs were found to be protective in women of predominantly African AIMs-based ancestry. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b><i>CYP19</i> polymorphisms affect risk for AD in women, and risk alleles vary by AIMs-defined ancestry. These effects are possibly due to linkage disequilibrium patterns or differences in the prevalence of comorbid risk factors mediating the SNP effect on risk for AD by group.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124124.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Estradiol and Pubertal Growth in Girls

description: <b><i>Aim:</i></b> The objective of this study was to determine estradiol levels and assess their relationship to pubertal growth in girls. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty-seven 24-hour profiles of serum 17β-estradiol were retrospectively analyzed in relation to growth in 27 healthy girls admitted for short/tall stature (n = 20) or recruited as healthy volunteers at Göteborg Pediatric Growth Research Center (GP-GRC). <b><i>Inclusion Criteria:</i></b> Birth weight and length above –2 SDS, gestational age 37–42 weeks, prepubertal height and weight within ±3 SDS and normal growth hormone secretion. Serum estradiol was determined by a validated ultrasensitive extraction radioimmunoassay (detection limit 4 pmol/l). A sixth-grade polynomial was fitted to each girl’s growth data. Growth velocity and age at peak height velocity (PHV) was calculated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A dose-response model was used to find the morning 17β-estradiol level at which half of the maximal pubertal growth up to PHV had occurred, EC<sub>50</sub>, which was 20 pmol/l with a 95% confidence interval of 13–31. When 17β-estradiol exceeds early pubertal levels (Tanner breast stage 2, 10–51 pmol/l), less than 25% of the potential pubertal growth velocity up to PHV remains. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Morning 17β-estradiol in the low early pubertal range (13–31 pmol/l) is associated with increasing growth velocity.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124106
title: Supplementary Material for: Strontium and Caries: A Long and Complicated Relationship

description: Investigations into the role of strontium (Sr) in caries prevention have attracted great interest in the research community in the past, with their peak in the 1970–80s. To this date, no clear indication of the relative importance of Sr in caries prevention has been provided. A vast number of animal caries, epidemiological and mechanistic studies have been conducted. Although there is much discrepancy, the majority of studies suggest that Sr exhibits some cariostatic properties, predominantly in the presence of fluoride. An optimum Sr concentration of 5–10 ppm in drinking water has been proposed as a direct result of several epidemiological caries studies. Despite these results, no direct link can be established between Sr and caries prevention as, to date, no relevant, randomized controlled trials have been reported. The extrapolation of potential cariostatic properties of Sr from epidemiological studies is difficult due to the co-presence of several other trace elements in the water of the study areas, with many of these elements being attributed cariostatic properties in their own right. Furthermore, the role of caries risk factors was not taken into consideration. There is a clear need for further research, especially on the mineral phases in the dental hard tissues, plaque and plaque fluid associated with Sr as these may give rise to a better understanding of this subject matter. Based on the current data, the cariostatic properties of Sr, or at least those proposed by some authors, cannot be supported.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124109
title: Supplementary Material for: Altered Reactivity of Tertiary Mesenteric Arteries following Acute Myocardial Ischemia

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> It is unknown if cardiac ischemia has any deleterious effect on the contractile properties of nonischemic, peripheral vascular beds. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether acute myocardial ischemia results in peripheral vascular dysfunction. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> This study characterized force maintenance and the sensitivity to acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated smooth muscle (SM) relaxation of tertiary (3rd) mesenteric arteries from Sprague-Dawley rats following 30 min of myocardial ischemia. Both the phosphorylation of nonmuscle (NM) light chain (LC) and SM-LCs as well as the expression of myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) were also determined. Our data demonstrate that acute myocardial ischemia resulted in vascular dysfunction of 3rd mesenteric vessels, characterized by decreases in force maintenance, ACh- and cGMP-mediated SM relaxation, the phosphorylation of NM-LCs and SM-LCs, and MYPT1 expression. Ischemia was also associated with an increase in protein polyubiquitination, suggesting that during ischemia MYPT1 is targeted for degradation or proteolysis. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Acute myocardial ischemia produces peripheral vascular dysfunction; the changes in LC phosphorylation and MYPT1 expression result in a decrease in both tone and the sensitivity to NO-mediated SM relaxation of the peripheral vasculature.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124112
title: Supplementary Material for: Fluoroquinolone Photodegradation Influences Specific Basophil Activation

description: Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are photoreactive drugs, but it is not known whether laboratory light exposure can influence the induction of photoproducts and modify in vitro test results. The basophil activation test (BAT) has proven to be useful for evaluating immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to FQs, with a higher percentage of positive responders with ciprofloxacin (CIP) than with moxifloxacin (MOX). We studied the effect of laboratory light on CIP and MOX degradation, and drug-protein conjugate formation, and its influence on the BAT for evaluating IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to FQs. The results showed an important decrease in fluorescence emission intensity under light compared to dark conditions for MOX, and that BAT positivity was lower in light (17.9%) than in dark (35.7%) conditions. No changes were found for CIP in either fluorescence emission intensity or BAT results (46.4% in both conditions). We can conclude that light exposure is a critical factor in BAT results when photolabile drugs like MOX are used. Therefore, light is important when interpreting in vitro results.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124115
title: Supplementary Material for: Nuclear Segmentation, Condensation and Bilateral Symmetry in Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes Reflect Genomic Order and Favor Immunologic Function

description: Segmentation, condensation and bilateral symmetry of the nuclei of polymorphonuclear leukocytes seem related to their function. Segmentation of the nuclei into two or more lobes and their condensation facilitate their passage (diapedesis) through the endothelial layer of blood vessels to the extravasal space and subsequent locomotion through the interstitial compartment of different tissues. Bilateral symmetry of these nuclei along with their association to the cytoskeletal fibers contribute to their efficiency in locomotion by alignment of the axis of nuclear symmetry to the axis of cellular polarity, which orients towards the direction of locomotion in response to cytokines and other stimuli. Observations of the cytogenetic facets of intranuclear order support these assumptions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.5124109.v1
title: Supplementary Material for: Altered Reactivity of Tertiary Mesenteric Arteries following Acute Myocardial Ischemia

description: <b><i>Background:</i></b> It is unknown if cardiac ischemia has any deleterious effect on the contractile properties of nonischemic, peripheral vascular beds. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether acute myocardial ischemia results in peripheral vascular dysfunction. <b><i>Methods and Results:</i></b> This study characterized force maintenance and the sensitivity to acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated smooth muscle (SM) relaxation of tertiary (3rd) mesenteric arteries from Sprague-Dawley rats following 30 min of myocardial ischemia. Both the phosphorylation of nonmuscle (NM) light chain (LC) and SM-LCs as well as the expression of myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) were also determined. Our data demonstrate that acute myocardial ischemia resulted in vascular dysfunction of 3rd mesenteric vessels, characterized by decreases in force maintenance, ACh- and cGMP-mediated SM relaxation, the phosphorylation of NM-LCs and SM-LCs, and MYPT1 expression. Ischemia was also associated with an increase in protein polyubiquitination, suggesting that during ischemia MYPT1 is targeted for degradation or proteolysis. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Acute myocardial ischemia produces peripheral vascular dysfunction; the changes in LC phosphorylation and MYPT1 expression result in a decrease in both tone and the sensitivity to NO-mediated SM relaxation of the peripheral vasculature.