@article{AltieriSbieraHerterichetal.2020,
  author    = {Altieri, Barbara and Sbiera, Silviu and Herterich, Sabine and De Francia, Silvia and Della Casa, Silvia and Calabrese, Anna and Pontecorvi, Alfredo and Quinkler, Marcus and Kienitz, Tina and Mannelli, Massimo and Canu, Letizia and Angelousi, Anna and Chortis, Vasileios and Kroiss, Matthias and Terzolo, Massimo and Fassnacht, Martin and Ronchi, Cristina L.},
  title     = {Effects of Germline CYP2W1*6 and CYP2B6*6 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Mitotane Treatment in Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Multicenter ENSAT Study},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {2},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers12020359},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200565},
  pages     = {359},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Mitotane is the only approved drug for advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and no biomarkers are available to predict attainment of therapeutic plasma concentrations and clinical response. Aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of cytochrome P450(CYP)2W1 and CYP2B6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as biomarkers. A multicenter cohort study including 182 ACC patients (F/M = 121/61) treated with mitotane monotherapy after radical resection (group A, n = 103) or in not completely resectable, recurrent or advanced disease (group B, n = 79) was performed. CYP2W1*2, CYP2W1*6, CYP2B6*6 and CYP2B6 rs4803419 were genotyped in germline DNA. Mitotane blood levels were measured regularly. Response to therapy was evaluated as time to progression (TTP) and disease control rate (DCR). Among investigated SNPs, CYP2W1*6 and CYP2B6*6 correlated with mitotane treatment only in group B. Patients with CYP2W1*6 (n = 21) achieved less frequently therapeutic mitotane levels (>14 mg/L) than those with wild type (WT) allele (76.2\% vs 51.7\%, p = 0.051) and experienced shorter TTP (HR = 2.10, p = 0.019) and lower DCR (chi-square = 6.948, p = 0.008). By contrast, 55\% of patients with CYP2B6*6 vs. 28.2\% WT (p = 0.016) achieved therapeutic range. Combined, a higher rate of patients with CYP2W1*6WT+CYP2B6*6 (60.6\%) achieved mitotane therapeutic range (p = 0.034). In not completely resectable, recurrent or advanced ACC, CYP2W1*6 SNP was associated with a reduced probability to reach mitotane therapeutic range and lower response rates, whereas CYP2B6*6 correlated with higher mitotane levels. The association of these SNPs may predict individual response to mitotane.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DinnesBancosdiRuffanoetal.2016,
  author    = {Dinnes, Jacqueline and Bancos, Irina and di Ruffano, Lavinia Ferrante and Chortis, Vasileios and Davenport, Clare and Bayliss, Susan and Sahdev, Anju and Guest, Peter and Fassnacht, Martin and Deeks, Jonathan J and Arlt, Wiebke},
  title     = {Imaging for the diagnosis of malignancy in incidentally discovered adrenal masses: a systematic review and meta-analysis},
  series = {European Journal of Endocrinology},
  volume    = {175},
  journal   = {European Journal of Endocrinology},
  number    = {2},
  doi       = {10.1530/EJE-16-0461},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-188086},
  pages     = {R51-R64},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Objective: Adrenal masses are incidentally discovered in 5\% of CT scans. In 2013/2014, 81 million CT examinations were undertaken in the USA and 5 million in the UK. However, uncertainty remains around the optimal imaging approach for diagnosing malignancy. We aimed to review the evidence on the accuracy of imaging tests for differentiating malignant from benign adrenal masses. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Science Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Citation Index, and ZETOC (January 1990 to August 2015). We included studies evaluating the accuracy of CT, MRI, or F-18-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG)-PET compared with an adequate histological or imaging-based follow-up reference standard. Results: We identified 37 studies suitable for inclusion, after screening 5469 references and 525 full-text articles. Studies evaluated the accuracy of CT (n = 16), MRI (n = 15), and FDG-PET (n = 9) and were generally small and at high or unclear risk of bias. Only 19 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Limited data suggest that CT density >10 HU has high sensitivity for detection of adrenal malignancy in participants with no prior indication for adrenal imaging, that is, masses with <= 10 HU are unlikely to be malignant. All other estimates of test performance are based on too small numbers. Conclusions: Despite their widespread use in routine assessment, there is insufficient evidence for the diagnostic value of individual imaging tests in distinguishing benign from malignant adrenal masses. Future research is urgently needed and should include prospective test validation studies for imaging and novel diagnostic approaches alongside detailed health economics analysis.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{OrtizAbioseBichetetal.2016,
  author    = {Ortiz, Alberto and Abiose, Ademola and Bichet, Daniel G. and Cabrera, Gustavo and Charrow, Joel and Germain, Dominique P. and Hopkin, Robert J. and Jovanovic, Ana and Linhart, Aleš and Maruti, Sonia S. and Mauer, Michael and Oliveira, Jo{\~a}o P. and Patel, Manesh R. and Politei, Juan and Waldek, Stephen and Wanner, Christoph and Yoo, Han-Wook and Warnock, David G.},
  title     = {Time to treatment benefit for adult patients with Fabry disease receiving agalsidase beta: data from the Fabry Registry},
  series = {Journal of Medical Genetics},
  volume    = {53},
  journal   = {Journal of Medical Genetics},
  number    = {7},
  doi       = {10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103486},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-188241},
  pages     = {495-502},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background Agalsidase beta is a form of enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, a genetic disorder characterised by low alpha-galactosidase A activity, accumulation of glycosphingolipids and life-threatening cardiovascular, renal and cerebrovascular events. In clinical trials, agalsidase beta cleared glycolipid deposits from endothelial cells within 6 months; clearance from other cell types required sustained treatment. We hypothesised that there might be a 'lag time' to clinical benefit after initiating agalsidase beta treatment, and analysed the incidence of severe clinical events over time in patients receiving agalsidase beta. Methods The incidence of severe clinical events (renal failure, cardiac events, stroke, death) was studied in 1044 adult patients (641 men, 403 women) enrolled in the Fabry Registry who received agalsidase beta (average dose 1 mg/kg every 2 weeks) for up to 5 years. Results The incidence of all severe clinical events was 111 per 1000 person-years (95\% CI 84 to 145) during the first 6 months. After 6 months, the incidence decreased and remained stable within the range of 40-58 events per 1000 patient-years. The largest decrease in incidence rates was among male patients and those aged >= 40 years when agalsidase beta was initiated. Conclusions Contrary to the expected increased incidence of severe clinical events with time, adult patients with Fabry disease had decreased incidence of severe clinical events after 6 months treatment with agalsidase beta 1 mg/kg every 2 weeks.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SeydelmannLiuKraemeretal.2016,
  author    = {Seydelmann, Nora and Liu, Dan and Kr{\"a}mer, Johannes and Drechsler, Christiane and Hu, Kai and Nordbeck, Peter and Schneider, Andreas and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Bijnens, Bart and Ertl, Georg and Wanner, Christoph and Weidemann, Frank},
  title     = {High-Sensitivity Troponin: A Clinical Blood Biomarker for Staging Cardiomyopathy in Fabry Disease},
  series = {Journal of the American Heart Association},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Journal of the American Heart Association},
  number    = {e002839},
  doi       = {10.1161/JAHA.115.002839},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-165682},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background High-sensitivity troponin (hs-TNT), a biomarker of myocardial damage, might be useful for assessing fibrosis in Fabry cardiomyopathy. We performed a prospective analysis of hs-TNT as a biomarker for myocardial changes in Fabry patients and a retrospective longitudinal follow-up study to assess longitudinal hs-TNT changes relative to fibrosis and cardiomyopathy progression. Methods and Results For the prospective analysis, hs-TNT from 75 consecutive patients with genetically confirmed Fabry disease was analyzed relative to typical Fabry-associated echocardiographic findings and total myocardial fibrosis as measured by late gadolinium enhancement (LE) on magnetic resonance imaging. Longitudinal data (3.9±2.0 years), including hs-TNT, LE, and echocardiographic findings from 58 Fabry patients, were retrospectively collected. Hs-TNT level positively correlated with LE (linear correlation coefficient, 0.72; odds ratio, 32.81 [95\% CI, 3.56-302.59]; P=0.002); patients with elevated baseline hs-TNT (>14 ng/L) showed significantly increased LE (median: baseline, 1.9 [1.1-3.3] \%; follow-up, 3.2 [2.3-4.9] \%; P<0.001) and slightly elevated hs-TNT (baseline, 44.7 [30.1-65.3] ng/L; follow-up, 49.1 [27.6-69.5] ng/L; P=0.116) during follow-up. Left ventricular wall thickness and EF of patients with elevated hs-TNT were decreased during follow-up, indicating potential cardiomyopathy progression. Conclusions hs-TNT is an accurate, easily accessible clinical blood biomarker for detecting replacement fibrosis in patients with Fabry disease and a qualified predictor of cardiomyopathy progression. Thus, hs-TNT could be helpful for staging and follow-up of Fabry patients.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PerkovicAgarwalFiorettoetal.2016,
  author    = {Perkovic, Vlado and Agarwal, Rajiv and Fioretto, Paola and Hemmelgarn, Brenda R. and Levin, Adeera and Thomas, Merlin C. and Wanner, Christoph and Kasiske, Bertram L. and Wheeler, David C. and Groop, Per-Henrik},
  title     = {Management of patients with diabetes and CKD: conclusions from a "Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes" (KDIGO) controversies conference},
  series = {Kidney International},
  volume    = {90},
  journal   = {Kidney International},
  number    = {6},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.kint.2016.09.010},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-186599},
  pages     = {1175-1183},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {The prevalence of diabetes around the world has reached epidemic proportions and is projected to increase to 642 million people by 2040. Diabetes is already the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in most developed countries, and the growth in the number of people with ESKD around the world parallels the increase in diabetes. The presence of kidney disease is associated with a markedly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and death in people with diabetes. Several new therapies and novel investigational agents targeting chronic kidney disease patients with diabetes are now under development. This conference was convened to assess our current state of knowledge regarding optimal glycemic control, current antidiabetic agents and their safety, and new therapies being developed to improve kidney function and cardiovascular outcomes for this vulnerable population.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DietrichKrebsLimanetal.2019,
  author    = {Dietrich, Georg and Krebs, Jonathan and Liman, Leon and Fette, Georg and Ertl, Maximilian and Kaspar, Mathias and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Puppe, Frank},
  title     = {Replicating medication trend studies using ad hoc information extraction in a clinical data warehouse},
  series = {BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making},
  volume    = {19},
  journal   = {BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12911-018-0729-0},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200409},
  pages     = {15},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Background Medication trend studies show the changes of medication over the years and may be replicated using a clinical Data Warehouse (CDW). Even nowadays, a lot of the patient information, like medication data, in the EHR is stored in the format of free text. As the conventional approach of information extraction (IE) demands a high developmental effort, we used ad hoc IE instead. This technique queries information and extracts it on the fly from texts contained in the CDW. Methods We present a generalizable approach of ad hoc IE for pharmacotherapy (medications and their daily dosage) presented in hospital discharge letters. We added import and query features to the CDW system, like error tolerant queries to deal with misspellings and proximity search for the extraction of the daily dosage. During the data integration process in the CDW, negated, historical and non-patient context data are filtered. For the replication studies, we used a drug list grouped by ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System) codes as input for queries to the CDW. Results We achieve an F1 score of 0.983 (precision 0.997, recall 0.970) for extracting medication from discharge letters and an F1 score of 0.974 (precision 0.977, recall 0.972) for extracting the dosage. We replicated three published medical trend studies for hypertension, atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. Overall, 93\% of the main findings could be replicated, 68\% of sub-findings, and 75\% of all findings. One study could be completely replicated with all main and sub-findings. Conclusion A novel approach for ad hoc IE is presented. It is very suitable for basic medical texts like discharge letters and finding reports. Ad hoc IE is by definition more limited than conventional IE and does not claim to replace it, but it substantially exceeds the search capabilities of many CDWs and it is convenient to conduct replication studies fast and with high quality.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ManiucSalingerAndersetal.2019,
  author    = {Maniuc, Octavian and Salinger, Tim and Anders, Fabian and M{\"u}ntze, Jonas and Liu, Dan and Hu, Kai and Ertl, Georg and Frantz, Stefan and Nordbeck, Peter},
  title     = {Impella CP use in patients with non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock},
  series = {ESC Heart Failure},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {ESC Heart Failure},
  number    = {4},
  doi       = {10.1002/ehf2.12446},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-202794},
  pages     = {863- 866},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Aims From the various mechanical cardiac assist devices and indications available, the use of the percutaneous intraventricular Impella CP pump is usually restricted to acute ischaemic shock or prophylactic indications in high-risk interventions. In the present study, we investigated clinical usefulness of the Impella CP device in patients with non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock as compared with acute ischaemia. Methods and results In this retrospective single-centre analysis, patients who received an Impella CP at the University Hospital W{\"u}rzburg between 2013 and 2017 due to non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock were age-matched 2:1 with patients receiving the device due to ischaemic cardiogenic shock. Inclusion criteria were therapy refractory haemodynamic instability with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction and serum lactate >2.0 mmol/L at implantation. Basic clinical data, indications for mechanical ventricular support, and outcome were obtained in all patients with non-ischaemic as well as ischaemic shock and compared between both groups. Continuous variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (quartiles). Categorical variables are presented as count and per cent. Twenty-five patients had cardiogenic shock due to non-ischaemic reasons and were compared with 50 patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction. Resuscitation rates before implantation of Impella CP were high (32 vs. 42\%; P = 0.402). At implantation, patients with non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock had lower levels of high-sensitive troponin T (110.65 [57.87-322.1] vs. 1610 [450.8-3861.5] pg/mL; P = 0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase (377 [279-608] vs. 616 [371.3-1109] U/L; P = 0.007), while age (59 ± 16 vs. 61.7 ± 11; P = 0.401), glomerular filtration rate (43.5 [33.2-59.7] vs. 48 [35.75-69] mL/min; P = 0.290), C-reactive protein (5.17 [3.27-10.26] vs. 10.97 [3.23-17.2] mg/dL; P = 0.195), catecholamine index (30.6 [10.6-116.9] vs. 47.6 [11.7-90] μg/kg/min; P = 0.663), and serum lactate (2.6 [2.2-5.8] vs. 2.9 [1.3-6.6] mmol/L; P = 0.424) were comparable between both groups. There was a trend for longer duration of Impella support in the non-ischaemic groups (5 [2-7.5] vs. 3 [2-5.25] days, P = 0.211). Rates of haemodialysis (52 vs. 47\%; P = 0.680) and transition to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (13.6 vs. 22.2\%; P = 0.521) were comparable. No significant difference was found regarding both 30 day survival (48 vs. 30\%; P = 0.126) and in-hospital mortality (66.7 vs. 74\%; P = 0.512), although there was a trend for better survival in the non-ischaemic group. Conclusions These data suggest that temporary use of the Impella CP device might be a useful therapeutic option for bridge to recovery not only in ischaemic but also in non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MuellerScholdenKirchhofMorbachetal.2019,
  author    = {M{\"u}ller-Scholden, Lara and Kirchhof, Jan and Morbach, Caroline and Breunig, Margret and Meijer, Rudy and R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Tiffe, Theresa and Yurdadogan, Tino and Wagner, Martin and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Bots, Michiel L. and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Heuschmann, Peter U.},
  title     = {Segment-specific association of carotid-intima-media thickness with cardiovascular risk factors - findings from the STAAB cohort study},
  series = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders},
  volume    = {19},
  journal   = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders},
  number    = {84},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12872-019-1044-0},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200720},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Background The guideline recommendation to not measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) for cardiovascular risk prediction is based on the assessment of just one single carotid segment. We evaluated whether there is a segment-specific association between different measurement locations of CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Subjects from the population-based STAAB cohort study comprising subjects aged 30 to 79 years of the general population from W{\"u}rzburg, Germany, were investigated. CIMT was measured on the far wall of both sides in three different predefined locations: common carotid artery (CCA), bulb, and internal carotid artery (ICA). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, and obesity were considered as risk factors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, odds ratios of risk factors per location were estimated for the endpoint of individual age- and sex-adjusted 75th percentile of CIMT. Results 2492 subjects were included in the analysis. Segment-specific CIMT was highest in the bulb, followed by CCA, and lowest in the ICA. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking were associated with CIMT, but not diabetes and obesity. We observed no relevant segment-specific association between the three different locations and risk factors, except for a possible interaction between smoking and ICA. Conclusions As no segment-specific association between cardiovascular risk factors and CIMT became evident, one simple measurement of one location may suffice to assess the cardiovascular risk of an individual.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HeidenreichWengDonhauseretal.2019,
  author    = {Heidenreich, Julius F. and Weng, Andreas M. and Donhauser, Julian and Greiser, Andreas and Chow, Kelvin and Nordbeck, Peter and Bley, Thorsten A. and K{\"o}stler, Herbert},
  title     = {T1- and ECV-mapping in clinical routine at 3 T: differences between MOLLI, ShMOLLI and SASHA},
  series = {BMC Medical Imaging},
  volume    = {19},
  journal   = {BMC Medical Imaging},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12880-019-0362-0},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201999},
  pages     = {59},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Background T1 mapping sequences such as MOLLI, ShMOLLI and SASHA make use of different technical approaches, bearing strengths and weaknesses. It is well known that obtained T1 relaxation times differ between the sequence techniques as well as between different hardware. Yet, T1 quantification is a promising tool for myocardial tissue characterization, disregarding the absence of established reference values. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of native and post-contrast T1 mapping methods as well as ECV maps and its diagnostic benefits in a clinical environment when scanning patients with various cardiac diseases at 3 T. Methods Native and post-contrast T1 mapping data acquired on a 3 T full-body scanner using the three pulse sequences 5(3)3 MOLLI, ShMOLLI and SASHA in 19 patients with clinical indication for contrast enhanced MRI were compared. We analyzed global and segmental T1 relaxation times as well as respective extracellular volumes and compared the emerged differences between the used pulse sequences. Results T1 times acquired with MOLLI and ShMOLLI exhibited systematic T1 deviation compared to SASHA. Myocardial MOLLI T1 times were 19\% lower and ShMOLLI T1 times 25\% lower compared to SASHA. Native blood T1 times from MOLLI were 13\% lower than SASHA, while post-contrast MOLLI T1-times were only 5\% lower. ECV values exhibited comparably biased estimation with MOLLI and ShMOLLI compared to SASHA in good agreement with results reported in literature. Pathology-suspect segments were clearly differentiated from remote myocardium with all three sequences. Conclusion Myocardial T1 mapping yields systematically biased pre- and post-contrast T1 times depending on the applied pulse sequence. Additionally calculating ECV attenuates this bias, making MOLLI, ShMOLLI and SASHA better comparable. Therefore, myocardial T1 mapping is a powerful clinical tool for classification of soft tissue abnormalities in spite of the absence of established reference values.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{HaringCrandallCarboneetal.2019,
  author    = {Haring, Bernhard and Crandall, Carolyn J and Carbone, Laura and Liu, Simin and Li, Wenjun and Johnson, Karen C and Wactawski-Wende, Jean and Shadyab, Aladdin H and Gass, Margery L and Kamensky, Victor and Cauley, Jane A and Wassertheil-Smoller, Sylvia},
  title     = {Lipoprotein(a) plasma levels, bone mineral density and risk of hip fracture: a post hoc analysis of the Women's Health Initiative, USA},
  series = {BMJ Open},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {BMJ Open},
  doi       = {10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027257},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201139},
  pages     = {e027257},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Objectives Elevated Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, its roles in bone metabolism and fracture risk are unclear. We therefore investigated whether plasma Lp(a) levels were associated with bone mineral density (BMD) and incident hip fractures in a large cohort of postmenopausal women. Design Post hoc analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), USA. Setting 40 clinical centres in the USA. Participants The current analytical cohort consisted of 9698 white, postmenopausal women enrolled in the WHI, a national prospective study investigating determinants of chronic diseases including heart disease, breast and colorectal cancers and osteoporotic fractures among postmenopausal women. Recruitment for WHI took place from 1 October 1993 to 31 December 1998. Exposures Plasma Lp(a) levels were measured at baseline. Outcome measures Incident hip fractures were ascertained annually and confirmed by medical records with follow-up through 29 August 2014. BMD at the femoral neck was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry in a subset of participants at baseline. Statistical analyses Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations of quartiles of plasma Lp(a) levels with hip fracture events and hip BMD T-score, respectively. Results During a mean follow-up of 13.8 years, 454 incident cases of hip fracture were observed. In analyses adjusting for confounding variables including age, body mass index, history of hysterectomy, smoking, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, general health status, cardiovascular disease, use of menopausal hormone therapy, use of bisphosphonates, calcitonin or selective-oestrogen receptor modulators, baseline dietary and supplemental calcium and vitamin D intake and history of fracture, no significant association of plasma Lp(a) levels with low hip BMD T-score or hip fracture risk was detected. Conclusions These findings suggest that plasma Lp(a) levels are not related to hip BMD T-score or hip fracture events in postmenopausal women.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BluemelZinkKlopockietal.2019,
  author    = {Bl{\"u}mel, Rabea and Zink, Miriam and Klopocki, Eva and Liedtke, Daniel},
  title     = {On the traces of tcf12: Investigation of the gene expression pattern during development and cranial suture patterning in zebrafish (Danio rerio)},
  series = {PLoS ONE},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {PLoS ONE},
  number    = {6},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0218286},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201428},
  pages     = {e0218286},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {The transcription factor 12 (tcf12) is a basic Helix-Loop-Helix protein (bHLH) of the E-protein family, proven to play an important role in developmental processes like neurogenesis, mesoderm formation, and cranial vault development. In humans, mutations in TCF12 lead to craniosynostosis, a congenital birth disorder characterized by the premature fusion of one or several of the cranial sutures. Current research has been primarily focused on functional studies of TCF12, hence the cellular expression profile of this gene during embryonic development and early stages of ossification remains poorly understood. Here we present the establishment and detailed analysis of two transgenic tcf12:EGFP fluorescent zebrafish (Danio rerio) reporter lines. Using these transgenic lines, we analyzed the general spatiotemporal expression pattern of tcf12 during different developmental stages and put emphasis on skeletal development and cranial suture patterning. We identified robust tcf12 promoter-driven EGFP expression in the central nervous system (CNS), the heart, the pronephros, and the somites of zebrafish embryos. Additionally, expression was observed inside the muscles and bones of the viscerocranium in juvenile and adult fish. During cranial vault development, the transgenic fish show a high amount of tcf12 expressing cells at the growth fronts of the ossifying frontal and parietal bones and inside the emerging cranial sutures. Subsequently, we tested the transcriptional activity of three evolutionary conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) located in the tcf12 locus by transient transgenic assays and compared their in vivo activity to the expression pattern determined in the transgenic tcf12:EGFP lines. We could validate two of them as tcf12 enhancer elements driving specific gene expression in the CNS during embryogenesis. Our newly established transgenic lines enhance the understanding of tcf12 gene regulation and open up the possibilities for further functional investigation of these novel tcf12 enhancer elements in zebrafish.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WinterAndelovicKampfetal.2019,
  author    = {Winter, Patrick and Andelovic, Kristina and Kampf, Thomas and Gutjahr, Fabian Tobias and Heidenreich, Julius and Zernecke, Alma and Bauer, Wolfgang Rudolf and Jakob, Peter Michael and Herold, Volker},
  title     = {Fast self-navigated wall shear stress measurements in the murine aortic archusing radial 4D-phase contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 17.6 T},
  series = {Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance},
  volume    = {21},
  journal   = {Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12968-019-0566-z},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201120},
  pages     = {64},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Purpose 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and the assessment of wall shear stress (WSS) are non-invasive tools to study cardiovascular risks in vivo. Major limitations of conventional triggered methods are the long measurement times needed for high-resolution data sets and the necessity of stable electrocardiographic (ECG) triggering. In this work an ECG-free retrospectively synchronized method is presented that enables accelerated high-resolution measurements of 4D flow and WSS in the aortic arch of mice. Methods 4D flow and WSS were measured in the aortic arch of 12-week-old wildtype C57BL/6 J mice (n = 7) with a radial 4D-phase-contrast (PC)-CMR sequence, which was validated in a flow phantom. Cardiac and respiratory motion signals were extracted from the radial CMR signal and were used for the reconstruction of 4D-flow data. Rigid motion correction and a first order B0 correction was used to improve the robustness of magnitude and velocity data. The aortic lumen was segmented semi-automatically. Temporally averaged and time-resolved WSS and oscillatory shear index (OSI) were calculated from the spatial velocity gradients at the lumen surface at 14 locations along the aortic arch. Reproducibility was tested in 3 animals and the influence of subsampling was investigated. Results Volume flow, cross-sectional areas, WSS and the OSI were determined in a measurement time of only 32 min. Longitudinal and circumferential WSS and radial stress were assessed at 14 analysis planes along the aortic arch. The average longitudinal, circumferential and radial stress values were 1.52 ± 0.29 N/m2, 0.28 ± 0.24 N/m2 and - 0.21 ± 0.19 N/m2, respectively. Good reproducibility of WSS values was observed. Conclusion This work presents a robust measurement of 4D flow and WSS in mice without the need of ECG trigger signals. The retrospective approach provides fast flow quantification within 35 min and a flexible reconstruction framework.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{TiffeMorbachRueckeretal.2019,
  author    = {Tiffe, Theresa and Morbach, Caroline and R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Wagner, Martin and Faller, Hermann and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Heuschmann, Peter U.},
  title     = {Impact of patient beliefs on blood pressure control in the general population: findings from the population-based STAAB cohort study},
  series = {International Journal of Hypertension},
  volume    = {2019},
  journal   = {International Journal of Hypertension},
  doi       = {10.1155/2019/9385397},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200992},
  pages     = {9385397},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Background. Effective antihypertensive treatment depends on patient compliance regarding prescribed medications. We assessed the impact of beliefs related towards antihypertensive medication on blood pressure control in a population-based sample treated for hypertension. Methods. We used data from the Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) study investigating 5000 inhabitants aged 30 to 79 years from the general population of W{\"u}rzburg, Germany. The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire German Version (BMQ-D) was provided in a subsample without established cardiovascular diseases (CVD) treated for hypertension. We evaluated the association between inadequately controlled hypertension (systolic RR >140/90 mmHg; >140/85 mmHg in diabetics) and reported concerns about and necessity of antihypertensive medication. Results. Data from 293 participants (49.5\% women, median age 64 years [quartiles 56.0; 69.0]) entered the analysis. Despite medication, half of the participants (49.8\%) were above the recommended blood pressure target. Stratified for sex, inadequately controlled hypertension was less frequent in women reporting higher levels of concerns (OR 0.36; 95\%CI 0.17-0.74), whereas no such association was apparent in men. We found no association for specific-necessity in any model. Conclusion. Beliefs regarding the necessity of prescribed medication did not affect hypertension control. An inverse association between concerns about medication and inappropriately controlled hypertension was found for women only. Our findings highlight that medication-related beliefs constitute a serious barrier of successful implementation of treatment guidelines and underline the role of educational interventions taking into account sex-related differences.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MarzoccoFazeliDiMiccoetal.2018,
  author    = {Marzocco, Stefania and Fazeli, Gholamreza and Di Micco, Lucia and Autore, Giuseppina and Adesso, Simona and Dal Piaz, Fabrizio and Heidland, August and Di Iorio, Biagio},
  title     = {Supplementation of short-chain fatty acid, sodium propionate, in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: beneficial effects on inflammatory parameters and gut-derived uremic toxins, a pilot study (PLAN Study)},
  series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
  number    = {10},
  issn      = {2077-0383},
  doi       = {10.3390/jcm7100315},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-197626},
  pages     = {315},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Background: In end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gut-derived uremic toxins play a crucial role in the systemic inflammation and oxidative stress promoting the excess morbidity and mortality. The biochemical derangement is in part a consequence of an insufficient generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) due to the dysbiosis of the gut and an insufficient consumption of the fermentable complex carbohydrates. Aim of the study: The primary end-point was to evaluate the potential efficacy of SCFA (specifically, sodium propionate (SP)) for patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) on systemic inflammation. Secondary end-points included potential attenuation of oxidative stress markers, insulin resistance and production of gut-derived uremic toxins indoxyl sulfate and p-cresol sulfate, as well as health status after SP supplementation. Study design: We performed a single-center non-randomized pilot study in 20 MHD patients. They received the food additive SP with a daily intake of 2 × 500 mg in the form of capsules for 12 weeks. Pre-dialysis blood samples were taken at the beginning, after six weeks and at the end of the administration period, as well as four weeks after withdrawal of the treatment. Results: The subjects revealed a significant decline of inflammatory parameters C-reactive protein (-46\%), interleukin IL-2 (-27\%) and IL-17 (-15\%). The inflammatory parameters IL-6 and IFN-gamma showed a mild non-significant reduction and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased significantly (+71\%). While the concentration of bacterial endotoxins and TNF-α remained unchanged, the gut-derived uremic toxins, indoxyl sulfate (-30\%) and p-cresyl sulfate (-50\%), revealed a significant decline. The SP supplementation reduced the parameters of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (-32\%) and glutathione peroxidase activity (-28\%). The serum insulin levels dropped by 30\% and the HOMA-index by 32\%. The reduction of inflammatory parameters was associated with a lowering of ferritin and a significant increase in transferrin saturation (TSAT). Four weeks after the end of the treatment phase, all improved parameters deteriorated again. Evaluation of the psycho-physical performance with the short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire showed an enhancement in the self-reported physical functioning, general health, vitality and mental health. The SP supplementation was well tolerated and without important side effects. No patient had left the study due to intolerance to the medication. The SP supplementation in MHD patients reduced pro-inflammatory parameters and oxidative stress and improved insulin resistance and iron metabolism. Furthermore, SP effectively lowered the important gut-derived uremic toxins indoxyl and p-cresol sulfate. These improvements were associated with a better quality of life. Further controlled studies are required in a larger cohort to evaluate the clinical outcome.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KrieterKerwagenRuethetal.2019,
  author    = {Krieter, Detlef H. and Kerwagen, Simon and R{\"u}th, Marieke and Lemke, Horst-Dieter and Wanner, Christoph},
  title     = {Differences in dialysis efficacy have limited effects on protein-bound uremic toxins plasma levels over time},
  series = {Toxins},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {Toxins},
  number    = {4},
  doi       = {10.3390/toxins11010047},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201770},
  pages     = {47},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {The protein-bound uremic toxins para-cresyl sulfate (pCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) are associated with cardiovascular disease in chronic renal failure, but the effect of different dialysis procedures on their plasma levels over time is poorly studied. The present prospective, randomized, cross-over trial tested dialysis efficacy and monitored pre-treatment pCS and IS concentrations in 15 patients on low-flux and high-flux hemodialysis and high-convective volume postdilution hemodiafiltration over six weeks each. Although hemodiafiltration achieved by far the highest toxin removal, only the mean total IS level was decreased at week three (16.6 ± 12.1 mg/L) compared to baseline (18.9 ± 13.0 mg/L, p = 0.027) and to low-flux dialysis (20.0 ± 12.7 mg/L, p = 0.021). At week six, the total IS concentration in hemodiafiltration reached the initial values again. Concentrations of free IS and free and total pCS remained unaltered. Highest beta2-microglobulin elimination in hemodiafiltration (p < 0.001) led to a persistent decrease of the plasma levels at week three and six (each p < 0.001). In contrast, absent removal in low-flux dialysis resulted in rising beta2-microglobulin concentrations (p < 0.001). In conclusion, this trial demonstrated that even large differences in instantaneous protein-bound toxin removal by current extracorporeal dialysis techniques may have only limited impact on IS and pCS plasma levels in the longer term.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SeidlmayerMagesBerbneretal.2019,
  author    = {Seidlmayer, Lea K. and Mages, Christine and Berbner, Annette and Eder-Negrin, Petra and Arias-Loza, Paula Anahi and Kaspar, Mathias and Song, Moshi and Dorn, Gerald W. and Kohlhaas, Michael and Frantz, Stefan and Maack, Christoph and Gerull, Brenda and Dedkova, Elena N.},
  title     = {Mitofusin 2 is essential for IP3-mediated SR/Mitochondria metabolic feedback in ventricular myocytes},
  series = {Frontiers in Physiology},
  volume    = {10},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Physiology},
  number    = {733},
  issn      = {1664-042X},
  doi       = {10.3389/fphys.2019.00733},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-199141},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Aim: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are multifunctional peptide hormones that regulate the function of the cardiovascular and renal systems. Both hormones increase the intracellular production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP\(_3\)) by activating their membrane-bound receptors. We have previously demonstrated that IP\(_3\)-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca\(^{2+}\) release results in mitochondrial Ca\(^{2+}\) uptake and activation of ATP production. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that intact SR/mitochondria microdomains are required for metabolic IP\(_3\)-mediated SR/mitochondrial feedback in ventricular myocytes. Methods: As a model for disrupted mitochondrial/SR microdomains, cardio-specific tamoxifen-inducible mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) knock out (KO) mice were used. Mitochondrial Ca\(^{2+}\) uptake, membrane potential, redox state, and ATP generation were monitored in freshly isolated ventricular myocytes from Mfn2 KO mice and their control wild-type (WT) littermates. Results: Stimulation of ET-1 receptors in healthy control myocytes increases mitochondrial Ca\(^{2+}\) uptake, maintains mitochondrial membrane potential and redox balance leading to the enhanced ATP generation. Mitochondrial Ca\(^{2+}\) uptake upon ET-1 stimulation was significantly higher in interfibrillar (IFM) and perinuclear (PNM) mitochondria compared to subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) in WT myocytes. Mfn2 KO completely abolished mitochondrial Ca\(^{2+}\) uptake in IFM and PNM mitochondria but not in SSM. However, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake induced by beta-adrenergic receptors activation with isoproterenol (ISO) was highest in SSM, intermediate in IFM, and smallest in PNM regions. Furthermore, Mfn2 KO did not affect ISO-induced mitochondrial Ca\(^{2+}\) uptake in SSM and IFM mitochondria; however, enhanced mitochondrial Ca\(^{2+}\) uptake in PNM. In contrast to ET-1, ISO induced a decrease in ATP levels in WT myocytes. Mfn2 KO abolished ATP generation upon ET-1 stimulation but increased ATP levels upon ISO application with highest levels observed in PNM regions. Conclusion: When the physical link between SR and mitochondria by Mfn2 was disrupted, the SR/mitochondrial metabolic feedback mechanism was impaired resulting in the inability of the IP\(_3\)-mediated SR Ca\(^{2+}\) release to induce ATP production in ventricular myocytes from Mfn2 KO mice. Furthermore, we revealed the difference in Mfn2-mediated SR-mitochondrial communication depending on mitochondrial location and type of communication (IP\(_3\)R-mRyR1 vs. ryanodine receptor type 2-mitochondrial calcium uniporter).},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SbieraKunzWeigandetal.2019,
  author    = {Sbiera, Silviu and Kunz, Meik and Weigand, Isabel and Deutschbein, Timo and Dandekar, Thomas and Fassnacht, Martin},
  title     = {The new genetic landscape of Cushing's disease: deubiquitinases in the spotlight},
  series = {Cancers},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {Cancers},
  number    = {11},
  issn      = {2072-6694},
  doi       = {10.3390/cancers11111761},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193194},
  pages     = {1761},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare condition caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing adenomas of the pituitary, which lead to hypercortisolism that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment options in case of persistent or recurrent disease are limited, but new insights into the pathogenesis of CD are raising hope for new therapeutic avenues. Here, we have performed a meta-analysis of the available sequencing data in CD to create a comprehensive picture of CD's genetics. Our analyses clearly indicate that somatic mutations in the deubiquitinases are the key drivers in CD, namely USP8 (36.5\%) and USP48 (13.3\%). While in USP48 only Met415 is affected by mutations, in USP8 there are 26 different mutations described. However, these different mutations are clustering in the same hotspot region (affecting in 94.5\% of cases Ser718 and Pro720). In contrast, pathogenic variants classically associated with tumorigenesis in genes like TP53 and BRAF are also present in CD but with low incidence (12.5\% and 7\%). Importantly, several of these mutations might have therapeutic potential as there are drugs already investigated in preclinical and clinical setting for other diseases. Furthermore, network and pathway analyses of all somatic mutations in CD suggest a rather unified picture hinting towards converging oncogenic pathways.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DuenasEspinVelaPauwsetal.2016,
  author    = {Due{\~n}as-Esp{\´i}n, Ivan and Vela, Emili and Pauws, Steffen and Bescos, Cristina and Cano, Isaac and Cleries, Montserrat and Contel, Joan Carles and Keenoy, Esteban de Manuel and Garcia-Aymerich, Judith and Gomez-Cabrero, David and Kaye, Rachelle and Lahr, Maarten M. H. and Lluch-Ariet, Mag{\´i} and Moharra, Montserrat and Monterde, David and Mora, Joana and Nalin, Marco and Pavlickova, Andrea and Piera, Jordi and Ponce, Sara and Santaeugenia, Sebasti{\`a} and Schonenberg, Helen and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Tegner, Jesper and Velickovski, Filip and Westerteicher, Christoph and Roca, Josep},
  title     = {Proposals for enhanced health risk assessment and stratification in an integrated care scenario},
  series = {BMJ Open},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {BMJ Open},
  number    = {e010301},
  doi       = {10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010301},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164743},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Objectives Population-based health risk assessment and stratification are considered highly relevant for large-scale implementation of integrated care by facilitating services design and case identification. The principal objective of the study was to analyse five health-risk assessment strategies and health indicators used in the five regions participating in the Advancing Care Coordination and Telehealth Deployment (ACT) programme (http://www.act-programme.eu). The second purpose was to elaborate on strategies toward enhanced health risk predictive modelling in the clinical scenario. Settings The five ACT regions: Scotland (UK), Basque Country (ES), Catalonia (ES), Lombardy (I) and Groningen (NL). Participants Responsible teams for regional data management in the five ACT regions. Primary and secondary outcome measures We characterised and compared risk assessment strategies among ACT regions by analysing operational health risk predictive modelling tools for population-based stratification, as well as available health indicators at regional level. The analysis of the risk assessment tool deployed in Catalonia in 2015 (GMAs, Adjusted Morbidity Groups) was used as a basis to propose how population-based analytics could contribute to clinical risk prediction. Results There was consensus on the need for a population health approach to generate health risk predictive modelling. However, this strategy was fully in place only in two ACT regions: Basque Country and Catalonia. We found marked differences among regions in health risk predictive modelling tools and health indicators, and identified key factors constraining their comparability. The research proposes means to overcome current limitations and the use of population-based health risk prediction for enhanced clinical risk assessment. Conclusions The results indicate the need for further efforts to improve both comparability and flexibility of current population-based health risk predictive modelling approaches. Applicability and impact of the proposals for enhanced clinical risk assessment require prospective evaluation.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BuschNadalSchmidetal.2016,
  author    = {Busch, Martin and Nadal, Jennifer and Schmid, Matthias and Paul, Katharina and Titze, Stephanie and H{\"u}bner, Silvia and K{\"o}ttgen, Anna and Schultheiss, Ulla T. and Baid-Agrawal, Seema and Lorenzen, Johan and Schlieper, Georg and Sommerer, Claudia and Krane, Vera and Hilge, Robert and Kielstein, Jan T. and Kronenberg, Florian and Wanner, Christoph and Eckardt, Kai-Uwe and Wolf, Gunter},
  title     = {Glycaemic control and antidiabetic therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease - cross-sectional data from the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) cohort},
  series = {BMC Nephrology},
  volume    = {17},
  journal   = {BMC Nephrology},
  number    = {59},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12882-016-0273-z},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164687},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Little is known about practice patterns of anti-diabetic therapy in the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and correlates with glycaemic control. We therefore aimed to analyze current antidiabetic treatment and correlates of metabolic control in a large contemporary prospective cohort of patients with diabetes and CKD. Methods The German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study enrolled 5217 patients aged 18-74 years with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or proteinuria >0.5 g/d. The use of diet prescription, oral anti-diabetic medication, and insulin was assessed at baseline. HbA1c, measured centrally, was the main outcome measure. Results At baseline, DM was present in 1842 patients (35 \%) and the median HbA1C was 7.0 \% (25th-75th percentile: 6.8-7.9 \%), equalling 53 mmol/mol (51, 63); 24.2 \% of patients received dietary treatment only, 25.5 \% oral antidiabetic drugs but not insulin, 8.4 \% oral antidiabetic drugs with insulin, and 41.8 \% insulin alone. Metformin was used by 18.8 \%. Factors associated with an HbA1C level >7.0 \% (53 mmol/mol) were higher BMI (OR = 1.04 per increase of 1 kg/m2, 95 \% CI 1.02-1.06), hemoglobin (OR = 1.11 per increase of 1 g/dL, 95 \% CI 1.04-1.18), treatment with insulin alone (OR = 5.63, 95 \% CI 4.26-7.45) or in combination with oral antidiabetic agents (OR = 4.23, 95 \% CI 2.77-6.46) but not monotherapy with metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, or glinides. Conclusions Within the GCKD cohort of patients with CKD stage 3 or overt proteinuria, antidiabetic treatment patterns were highly variable with a remarkably high proportion of more than 50 \% receiving insulin-based therapies. Metabolic control was overall satisfactory, but insulin use was associated with higher HbA1C levels.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{DienemannFujiiOrlandietal.2016,
  author    = {Dienemann, Thomas and Fujii, Naohiko and Orlandi, Paula and Nessel, Lisa and Furth, Susan L. and Hoy, Wendy E. and Matsuo, Seiichi and Mayer, Gert and Methven, Shona and Schaefer, Franz and Schaeffner, Elke S. and Sol{\´a}, Laura and Stengel, B{\´e}n{\´e}dicte and Wanner, Christoph and Zhang, Luxia and Levin, Adeera and Eckardt, Kai-Uwe and Feldman, Harold I.},
  title     = {International Network of Chronic Kidney Disease cohort studies (iNET-CKD): a global network of chronic kidney disease cohorts},
  series = {BMC Nephrology},
  volume    = {17},
  journal   = {BMC Nephrology},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12882-016-0335-2},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-164604},
  pages     = {121},
  year      = {2016},
  abstract  = {Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health burden, yet it is still underrepresented within public health agendas in many countries. Studies focusing on the natural history of CKD are challenging to design and conduct, because of the long time-course of disease progression, a wide variation in etiologies, and a large amount of clinical variability among individuals with CKD. With the difference in health-related behaviors, healthcare delivery, genetics, and environmental exposures, this variability is greater across countries than within one locale and may not be captured effectively in a single study. Methods Studies were invited to join the network. Prerequisites for membership included: 1) observational designs with a priori hypotheses and defined study objectives, patient-level information, prospective data acquisition and collection of bio-samples, all focused on predialysis CKD patients; 2) target sample sizes of 1,000 patients for adult cohorts and 300 for pediatric cohorts; and 3) minimum follow-up of three years. Participating studies were surveyed regarding design, data, and biosample resources. Results Twelve prospective cohort studies and two registries covering 21 countries were included. Participants age ranges from >2 to >70 years at inclusion, CKD severity ranges from stage 2 to stage 5. Patient data and biosamples (not available in the registry studies) are measured yearly or biennially. Many studies included multiple ethnicities; cohort size ranges from 400 to more than 13,000 participants. Studies' areas of emphasis all include but are not limited to renal outcomes, such as progression to ESRD and death. Conclusions iNET-CKD (International Network of CKD cohort studies) was established, to promote collaborative research, foster exchange of expertise, and create opportunities for research training. Participating studies have many commonalities that will facilitate comparative research; however, we also observed substantial differences. The diversity we observed across studies within this network will be able to be leveraged to identify genetic, behavioral, and health services factors associated with the course of CKD. With an emerging infrastructure to facilitate interactions among the investigators of iNET-CKD and a broadly defined research agenda, we are confident that there will be great opportunity for productive collaborative investigations involving cohorts of individuals with CKD.},
  language  = {en}
}