bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing the resting state default mode network derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging tasks as an endophenotype: A twins study
Authors: Korgaonkar Mayuresh S. , Ram Kaushik , Williams Leanne M. , Gatt Justine M. , Grieve Stuart M.
Published: January 2014

The resting state default mode network (DMN) has been shown to characterize a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Evidence suggests an underlying genetic basis for this network and hence could serve as potential endophenotype for these disorders. Heritability is a defining criterion for endophenotypes. The DMN is measured either using a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan or by extracting resting state activity from task‐based fMRI. The current study is the first to evaluate heritability of this task‐derived resting activity. 250 healthy adult twins (79 monozygotic and 46 dizygotic same sex twin pairs) completed five cognitive and emotion processing fMRI tasks. Resting state DMN functional connectivity was derived from these five fMRI tasks. We validated this approach by comparing connectivity estimates from task‐derived resting activity for all five fMRI tasks, with those obtained using a dedicated task‐free resting state scan in an independent cohort of 27 healthy individuals. Structural equation modeling using the classic twin design was used to estimate the genetic and environmental contributions to variance for the resting‐state DMN functional connectivity. About 9–41% of the variance in functional connectivity between the DMN nodes was attributed to genetic contribution with the greatest heritability found for functional connectivity between the posterior cingulate and right inferior parietal nodes (P < 0.001). Our data provide new evidence that functional connectivity measures from the intrinsic DMN derived from task‐based fMRI datasets are under genetic control and have the potential to serve as endophenotypes for genetically predisposed psychiatric and neurological disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3893–3902, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic influence of apolipoprotein E4 genotype on hippocampal morphometry: An N = 725 surface‐based Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative study
Authors: Shi Jie , Leporé Natasha , Gutman Boris A. , Thompson Paul M. , Baxter Leslie C. , Caselli Richard J. , Wang Yalin ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2014

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is the most prevalent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hippocampal volumes are generally smaller in AD patients carrying the e4 allele compared to e4 noncarriers. Here we examined the effect of APOE e4 on hippocampal morphometry in a large imaging database—the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). We automatically segmented and constructed hippocampal surfaces from the baseline MR images of 725 subjects with known APOE genotype information including 167 with AD, 354 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 204 normal controls. High‐order correspondences between hippocampal surfaces were enforced across subjects with a novel inverse consistent surface fluid registration method. Multivariate statistics consisting of multivariate tensor‐based morphometry (mTBM) and radial distance were computed for surface deformation analysis. Using Hotelling's T2 test, we found significant morphological deformation in APOE e4 carriers relative to noncarriers in the entire cohort as well as in the nondemented (pooled MCI and control) subjects, affecting the left hippocampus more than the right, and this effect was more pronounced in e4 homozygotes than heterozygotes. Our findings are consistent with previous studies that showed e4 carriers exhibit accelerated hippocampal atrophy; we extend these findings to a novel measure of hippocampal morphometry. Hippocampal morphometry has significant potential as an imaging biomarker of early stage AD. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3903–3918, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A functional MRI study of the relationship between naming treatment outcomes and resting state functional connectivity in post‐stroke aphasia
Authors: van Hees Sophia , McMahon Katie , Angwin Anthony , de Zubicaray Greig , Read Stephen , Copland David A.
Published: January 2014

Background

The majority of studies investigating the neural mechanisms underlying treatment in people with aphasia have examined task‐based brain activity. However, the use of resting‐state fMRI may provide another method of examining the brain mechanisms responsible for treatment‐induced recovery, and allows for investigation into connectivity within complex functional networks

Methods

Eight people with aphasia underwent 12 treatment sessions that aimed to improve object naming. Half the sessions employed a phonologically‐based task, and half the sessions employed a semantic‐based task, with resting‐state fMRI conducted pre‐ and post‐treatment. Brain regions in which the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) correlated with treatment outcomes were used as seeds for functional connectivity (FC) analysis. FC maps were compared from pre‐ to post‐treatment, as well as with a group of 12 healthy older controls

Results

Pre‐treatment ALFF in the right middle temporal gyrus (MTG) correlated with greater outcomes for the phonological treatment, with a shift to the left MTG and supramarginal gyrus, as well as the right inferior frontal gyrus, post‐treatment. When compared to controls, participants with aphasia showed both normalization and up‐regulation of connectivity within language networks post‐treatment, predominantly in the left hemisphere

Conclusions

The results provide preliminary evidence that treatments for naming impairments affect the FC of language networks, and may aid in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the rehabilitation of language post‐stroke. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3919–3931, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Progression of brain atrophy in the early stages of Parkinson's disease: A longitudinal tensor‐based morphometry study in de novo patients without cognitive impairment
Authors: Tessa Carlo , Lucetti Claudio , Giannelli Marco , Diciotti Stefano , Poletti Michele , Danti Sabrina , Baldacci Filippo , Vignali Claudio , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Mascalchi Mario , Toschi Nicola
Published: January 2014

The presence of brain atrophy and its progression in early Parkinson's disease (PD) are still a matter of debate, particularly in patients without cognitive impairment. The aim of this longitudinal study was to assess whether PD patients who remain cognitively intact develop progressive atrophic changes in the early stages of the disease. For this purpose, we employed high‐resolution T1‐weighted MR imaging to compare 22 drug‐naïve de novo PD patients without cognitive impairment to 17 age‐matched control subjects, both at baseline and at three‐year follow‐up. We used tensor‐based morphometry to explore the presence of atrophic changes at baseline and to compute yearly atrophy rates, after which we performed voxel‐wise group comparisons using threshold‐free cluster enhancement. At baseline, we did not observe significant differences in regional atrophy in PD patients with respect to control subjects. In contrast, PD patients showed significantly higher yearly atrophy rates in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulum, caudate nucleus, and thalamus when compared to control subjects. Our results indicate that even cognitively preserved PD patients show progressive cortical and subcortical atrophic changes in regions related to cognitive functions and that these changes are already detectable in the early stages of the disease.Hum Brain Mapp 35:3932–3944, 2014. ©2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aging effects on the resting state motor network and interlimb coordination
Authors: Solesio‐Jofre Elena , Serbruyns Leen , Woolley Daniel G. , Mantini Dante , Beets Iseult A. M. , Swinnen Stephan P.
Published: January 2014

Both increases and decreases in resting state functional connectivity have been previously observed within the motor network during aging. Moreover, the relationship between altered functional connectivity and age‐related declines in bimanual coordination remains unclear. Here, we explored the developmental dynamics of the resting brain within a task‐specific motor network in a sample of 128 healthy participants, aged 18–80 years. We found that age‐related increases in functional connectivity between interhemispheric dorsal and ventral premotor areas were associated with poorer performance on a novel bimanual visuomotor task. Additionally, a control analysis performed on the default mode network confirmed that our age‐related increases in functional connectivity were specific to the motor system. Our findings suggest that increases in functional connectivity within the resting state motor network with aging reflect a loss of functional specialization that may not only occur in the active brain but also in the resting brain. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3945–3961, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of methodological variables on functional connectivity findings in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Nair Aarti , Keown Christopher L. , Datko Michael , Shih Patricia , Keehn Brandon , Müller Ralph‐Axel
Published: January 2014

Growing evidence suggests that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) involves abnormalities of multiple functional networks. Neuroimaging studies of ASD have therefore increasingly focused on connectivity. Many functional connectivity (fcMRI) studies have reported network underconnectivity in children and adults with ASD. However, there are notable inconsistencies, with some studies reporting overconnectivity. A previous literature survey suggested that a few methodological factors play a crucial role in differential fcMRI outcomes. Using three ASD data sets (two task‐related, one resting state) from 54 ASD and 51 typically developing (TD) participants (ages 9–18 years), we examined the impact of four methodological factors: type of pipeline (co‐activation vs. intrinsic analysis, related to temporal filtering and removal of task‐related effects), seed selection, field of view (whole brain vs. limited ROIs), and dataset. Significant effects were found for type of pipeline, field of view, and dataset. Notably, for each dataset results ranging from robust underconnectivity to robust overconnectivity were detected, depending on the type of pipeline, with intrinsic fcMRI analyses (low bandpass filter and task regressor) predominantly yielding overconnectivity in ASD, but co‐activation analyses (no low bandpass filter or task removal) mostly generating underconnectivity findings. These results suggest that methodological variables have dramatic impact on group differences reported in fcMRI studies. Improved awareness of their implications appears indispensible in fcMRI studies when inferences about “underconnectivity” or “overconnectivity” in ASD are made. In the absence of a gold standard for functional connectivity, the combination of different methodological approaches promises a more comprehensive understanding of connectivity in ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4035–4048, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
Finding theory‐ and evidence‐based alternatives to fear appeals: Intervention Mapping
Authors: Kok Gerjo , Bartholomew L. Kay , Parcel Guy S. , Gottlieb Nell H. , Fernández María E.
Published: January 2014

Fear arousal—vividly showing people the negative health consequences of life‐endangering behaviors—is popular as a method to raise awareness of risk behaviors and to change them into health‐promoting behaviors. However, most data suggest that, under conditions of low efficacy, the resulting reaction will be defensive. Instead of applying fear appeals, health promoters should identify effective alternatives to fear arousal by carefully developing theory‐ and evidence‐based programs. The Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol helps program planners to optimize chances for effectiveness. IM describes the intervention development process in six steps: (1) assessing the problem and community capacities, (2) specifying program objectives, (3) selecting theory‐based intervention methods and practical applications, (4) designing and organizing the program, (5) planning, adoption, and implementation, and (6) developing an evaluation plan. Authors who used IM indicated that it helped in bringing the development of interventions to a higher level.
Relationship of Inglehart's and Schwartz's value dimensions revisited
Authors: Dobewall Henrik , Strack Micha
Published: January 2014

This study examines the relationship between Inglehart's and Schwartz's value dimensions—both at the individual and the country levels. By rotating one set of items towards the other, we show that these value dimensions have more in common than previously reported. The ranking of countries (N = 47) based on Schwartz's Embeddedness—Autonomy and the Survival—Self‐Expression dimensions reached a maximum of similarity, r = .82, after rotating Inglehart's factor scores 27 degrees clockwise. The correlation between the other pair of dimensions (Schwartz's Hierarchy‐Mastery—Egalitarianism‐Harmony and Inglehart's Traditional—Secular‐Rational values) was near zero before and after rotation. At the individual level (N = 46,444), positive correlations were found for Schwartz's Conservation—Openness dimension with both of Inglehart's dimensions (Survival—Self‐Expression and Traditional—Secular‐Rational values). The highest correlation with this Schwartz dimension was obtained at the Secular‐Rational/Self‐Expression diagonal, r = .24, after rotating the factor scores 45 degrees clockwise. We conclude that Schwartz's and Inglehart's originally proposed two‐dimensional value structures share one dimension at the country level and some commonality at the individual level, whereas the respective other pair of dimensions seem to be more or less unrelated.
Amplification of attentional blink by distress‐related facial expressions: Relationships with alexithymia and affectivity
Authors: Grynberg Delphine , Vermeulen Nicolas , Luminet Olivier
Published: January 2014

The present studies aimed to analyse the modulatory effect of distressing facial expressions on attention processing. The attentional blink (AB) paradigm is one of the most widely used paradigms for studying temporal attention, and is increasingly applied to study the temporal dynamics of emotion processing. The aims of this study were to investigate how identifying fear and pain facial expressions (Study 1) and fear and anger facial expressions (Study 2) would influence the detection of subsequent stimuli presented within short time intervals, and to assess the moderating influence of alexithymia and affectivity on this effect. It has been suggested that high alexithymia scorers need more attentional resources to process distressing facial expressions and that negative affectivity increases the AB. We showed that fear, anger and pain produced an AB and that alexithymia moderated it such that difficulty in describing feelings (Study 1) and externally oriented thinking (Study 2) were associated with higher interference after the processing of fear and anger at short time presentations. These studies provide evidence that distressing facial expressions modulate the attentional processing at short time intervals and that alexithymia influences the early attentional processing of fear and anger expressions. Controlling for state affect did not change these conclusions.
Acculturation, self‐construal, mental and physical health: An explorative study of East Asian students in Germany
Authors: Shim Gayoung , Freund Henning , Stopsack Malte , Kämmerer Annette , Barnow Sven
Published: January 2014

The present study explores acculturation and its associated aspects of two East Asian student groups with different levels of exposure to German culture (100 international students from East Asian countries [IS]; 61 second generation students of East Asian descent [SGS]). First, we investigated the relationships between acculturation, self‐construal, depressive and somatic symptoms, and differences between the student groups in these variables. Second, the four acculturation types (integration, assimilation, separation and marginalization) were examined regarding their relationship to self‐construal and health outcomes. The results showed that the acculturation dimensions (mainstream, heritage) were relevant to the level of depressive symptoms for IS which was not the case for SGS. Furthermore, IS reported more somatic symptoms whereas there was no difference between the two groups in the level of depressive symptoms. In the analysis of acculturation types, assimilated and integrated students were characterized by high independent self‐construal, while separated and integrated students showed high interdependent self‐construal. Assimilated students displayed the least depressive symptoms of all acculturation groups. This study highlights different characteristics of East Asian students in acculturation, self‐construal and health outcomes, and discusses the complexity of the relationships between acculturation types and health.
Toward understanding Malaysian fishermen's decision making on the use of fishing technology: A mental model approach
Authors: Hamzah Azimi , Krauss Steven E. , Shaffril Hayrol A. M. , Suandi Turiman , Ismail Ismi A. , Abu Samah Bahaman
Published: January 2014

The vast majority of Malaysia's fishermen are located in rural areas, specifically in the Western and Eastern coastal regions of Peninsular Malaysia and the Sabah and Sarawak central zones. In these areas, the fishing industry is relied upon as a major economic contributor to the region's residents. Despite the widespread application of various modern technologies into the fishing industry (i.e., GPS, sonar, echo sounder, remote sensing), and the Malaysian government's efforts to encourage their adoption, many small‐scale fishermen in the country's rural areas continue to rely on traditional fishing methods. This refusal to embrace new technologies has resulted in significant losses in fish yields and needed income, and has raised many questions regarding the inputs to decision making of the fishermen. Drawing on multiple literatures, in this article we argue for the use of a mental model approach to gain an in‐depth understanding of rural Malaysian fishermen's choices of technology adoption according to four main constructs—prior experience, knowledge, expertise and beliefs or values. To provide needed inputs to agricultural specialists and related policy makers for the development of relevant plans of action, this article aims to provide a way forward for others to understand dispositional barriers to technology adoption among fishermen who use traditional methods in non‐Western contexts.
What my parents make me believe in learning: The role of filial piety in Hong Kong students' motivation and academic achievement
Authors: Chen Wei‐Wen , Wong Yi‐Lee
Published: January 2014

Chinese students are well‐known for their academic excellence. However, studies that explore the underlying mechanism of how cultural factors relate to the motivational process and academic achievement of Chinese students have been limited. This study aimed to examine the role of filial piety in shaping Chinese students' theories of intelligence so as to obtain a clearer understanding of the process by which parent–child connectedness is linked to Chinese students' academic achievement. A sample of 312 university students in Hong Kong were assessed concerning their filial piety beliefs, theories of intelligence and academic achievement. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results indicated that different filial piety beliefs relate to students' academic achievement by shaping different theories of intelligence. Reciprocal filial piety beliefs were found to facilitate an incremental view of intelligence, which in turn contributes to students' academic achievement. Authoritarian filial piety beliefs were shown to be associated with an entity view of intelligence, which consequently deteriorates students' academic achievement. Cultural views of motivational processes can shed light on how motivational beliefs are developed as a product of cultural or socialization processes, which, in turn, contribute to students' academic success.
Learning from parents' stories about what works in early intervention
Authors: Pighini Maria J. , Goelman Hillel , Buchanan Marla , Schonert‐Reichl Kimberly , Brynelsen Dana
Published: January 2014

Using a multiple case study approach, this ethnography examined the experiences of parents of children deemed at risk for developmental delays or disabilities who had received early intervention (EI) services (birth to age 3 years) in a large urban location in Western Canada. Participants (11 adult parents and 7 children) were drawn from six families. Methods of data collection included focus groups (FG), face‐to‐face interviews and file reviews. Member check and expert reviews were conducted throughout data collection and data analyses as part of the validation process in this ethnography. Qualitative content analyses followed by thematic analyses highlighted the implementation of family‐centred practices (FCP) as a main theme. Parents identified how EI professionals using FCP embraced collaborative practices. FCP resulted in parents leading the EI process for their children. More specifically, EI professionals shared strategies and information to support parents in gaining a deeper understanding of their children's individual developmental characteristics. Parents expressed how empowering this level of understanding was for them as they learned to articulate what were their children's needs for developmental, health and educational services. Recommendations for future research include inquiring about parents' experiences for families of diverse constellations and/or residing in smaller urban or rural communities.
Ambivalent sexism, attitudes towards menstruation and menstrual cycle‐related symptoms
Authors: Marván Ma. Luisa , Vázquez‐Toboada Rocío , Chrisler Joan C.
Published: January 2014

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between ambivalent sexism and beliefs and attitudes towards menstruation, and, in turn, to study the influence of these variables on menstrual cycle‐related symptoms. One hundred and six Mexican women completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, the Beliefs about and Attitudes toward Menstruation Questionnaire and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. The higher scores on benevolent sexism were associated with the most positive attitudes towards menstruation and also with the belief that a menstruating woman should or should not do some activities and that menstruation keeps women from their daily activities. The higher scores on hostile sexism were associated with rejection of menstruation as well as with feelings of embarrassment about it. Beliefs about and attitudes towards menstruation predicted menstrual cycle‐related symptoms related to negative affect, impaired concentration and behavioural changes, but did not predict somatic symptoms. These results will be useful to health professionals and advocates who want to change the negative expectations and stereotypes of premenstrual and menstrual women and reduce the sexism and negative attitudes towards women that are evident in Mexican culture.
Differential evolution of lifespan and fecundity between asexual and sexual females in a benign environment
Authors: Smith Hilary A. , Snell Terry W.
Published: January 2014

Here we report one of the first investigations of evolvability of lifespan and reproduction in metazoans, examining both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. We tested effects on senescence of an environmental variable (simulated lake hydroperiod, the length of time an aquatic habitat is inundated), female reproductive physiology (asexual females that reproduce by ameiosis, vs. sexual females reproducing by meiosis), and time in a benign culture environment (minimal, if any, external mortality factors). To do this we established chemostat cultures of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis s.s., and maintained the cultures for 385 days. Hydroperiod alone, or in interaction with the effects of reproductive physiology and time in the benign environment, had no significant effect on the rate of aging. Yet combining animals from both ephemeral and permanent hydroperiods revealed a 26% increase in asexual female lifespan across seasons (23% decrease in the rate of aging) and a 56% increase in asexual fecundity, suggesting that maintenance in benign laboratory conditions leads to slower aging. The relative stasis of traits for sexual in contrast to asexual females implies a role of reproductive physiology on evolvability. In addition we found a positive correlation between fecundity and lifespan, suggesting an absence of trade‐offs in these life history traits in the benign laboratory environment.
Highly effective antibiofilm coating of silver–polymer nanocomposite on polymeric medical devices deposited by one step plasma process
Authors: Agarwala Munin , Barman Tapan , Gogoi Dolly , Choudhury Bula , Pal Arup R. , Yadav R. N. S.
Published: January 2014

Foley's catheters were coated with Silver (Ag), plasma polymerized aniline (PPAni) and Ag−PPAni composite by plasma based deposition processes which were characterized by XRD, EDX, SEM, and FT‐IR spectroscopy and bioassays were performed to validate their efficacies to kill planktonic cells as well as to remove biofilm. The analyses confirmed the formation of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), PPAni and Ag−PPAni composite and also corroborated their successful deposition over the catheters. Antibacterial assays showed that coated catheters were capable of killing planktonic cells of most commonly encountered uropathogens and equally capable of eradicating biofilm formation by the uropathogens as evident from the reduced cfu/ml. UV–vis spectroscopy results showed that the nanoparticle coated catheters were capable of gradual release of AgNPs, killing all planktonic cells in solution over the time. Foley's catheters coated with AgNPs and their composites by one step plasma process were non‐toxic devices capable of killing planktonic cells and proficient in eradicating biofilm formation which could be used to cutback the likelihood of the catheter related complications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1223–1235, 2014.
An atmospheric‐pressure plasma‐treated titanium surface potentially supports initial cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation of cultured human prenatal‐derived osteoblastic cells
Authors: Kawase Tomoyuki , Tanaka Takaaki , Minbu Hiromi , Kamiya Mana , Oda Masafumi , Hara Toshiaki
Published: January 2014

An atmospheric‐pressure plasma (APP) treatment was recently reported to render titanium (Ti) surfaces more suitable for osteoblastic cell proliferation and osteogenesis. However, the mechanism of action remains to be clearly demonstrated. In this study, we focused on cell adhesion and examined the effects of the APP treatment on the initial responses of human prenatal‐derived osteoblastic cells incubated on chemically polished commercially pure Ti (CP‐cpTi) plates. In the medium containing 1% fetal bovine serum, the initial cell adhesion and the actin polymerization were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The expression of cell adhesion‐related molecules and osteoblast markers at the messenger RNA level was assessed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Although the cells on the APP‐treated CP‐cpTi surface developed fewer cytoskeletal actin fibers, they attached with higher affinity and consequently proliferated more actively (1.46‐fold over control at 72 h). However, most of the cell adhesion molecule genes were significantly downregulated (from 40 to 85% of control) in the cells incubated on the APP‐treated CP‐cpTi surface at 24 h. Similarly, the osteoblast marker genes were significantly downregulated (from 49 to 63% of control) at 72 h. However, the osteoblast marker genes were drastically upregulated (from 197 to 296% of control) in these cells by dexamethasone and β‐glycerophosphate treatment. These findings suggest that the APP treatment improves the ability of the CP‐cpTi surface to support osteoblastic proliferation by enhancing the initial cell adhesion and supports osteoblastic differentiation when immature osteoblasts begin the differentiation process. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1289–1296, 2014.
Evolution of fetal ventricular dilatation in relation to severity at first presentation
Authors: Lam Sarah‐Jane , Kumar Sailesh
Published: January 2014

Background

To assess the outcome of 360 cases of fetal ventriculomegaly in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

Cases of fetal ventriculomegaly between June 1993 and December 2011 were identified from the departmental fetal database. The fetal medicine reports and obstetric notes were reviewed to ascertain the antenatal progression of the ventriculomegaly as well as the outcome of the pregnancy. Ventriculomegaly was defined by a lateral ventricular wall atrial measurement of greater than 10 mm. Cases were subdivided into mild (>10 to <12 mm), moderate (≥12 to <15 mm), and severe (≥15 mm). Termination of pregnancy was offered in cases where there were associated anomalies, aneuploidy, or the ventriculomegaly progressed.

Results

Of the 360 cases, 189 were mild, 79 were moderate, and 92 were severe. Sixty‐four percent of cases had associated anomalies. Forty‐six percent of cases in the mild group and 26% in the moderate group resolved. Only one case in the severe group improved. The mean rate of progression in the mild group was 1.07 (SD 1.03) mm/week, whereas in the moderate group progression was at a mean rate of 1.41 (SD 0.77) mm/week. Progression of severe ventriculomegaly was significantly higher at a mean rate of 3.26 (SD 2.92) mm/week (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The majority of fetuses with mild ventriculomegaly normalized, whereas the majority of moderate cases remained stable. The rate of progression of ventriculomegaly increased with severity. Fetuses with ventriculomegaly should be offered serial scans to allow the progression of ventriculomegaly to be ascertained with the option of late termination of pregnancy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:193–198, 2014
Extrinsic pulmonary stenosis in primary mediastinal B‐cellular lymphoma
Authors: Pugliatti Pietro , Donato Rocco , Grimaldi Patrizia , Nunnari Flavia , de Gregorio Cesare , Zito Concetta , Carerj Scipione
Published: January 2014

We describe the case of a 34‐year‐old man with a history of asthenia and excessive fatigability. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a mass in the right ventricular outflow tract with a peak systolic gradient of 52 mmHg. Contrast‐enhanced CT confirmed the presence of a lobulated mass, which extensively filled the anterior mediastinum, infiltrating the pulmonary artery trunk up to occupying the right ventricular outflow tract. CT‐guided biopsy revealed primary mediastinal B‐cellular lymphoma. The patient underwent chemotherapy, achieving complete remission of the disease at the 12‐month follow‐up, while the gradient across the pulmonary artery dropped from 52 mmHg to 14 mmHg. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:68–70, 2015
Doppler assessment of splanchnic arterial flow in patients with liver cirrhosis: Correlation with ammonia plasma levels and MELD score
Authors: Glišić Tijana M. , Perišić Mirjana D. , Dimitrijevic Sladjana , Jurišić Vladimir
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To assess the clinical significance of blood flow velocity and resistance index (RI) in the visceral arteries of patients with liver cirrhosis with respect to plasma ammonia (NH3) level and liver function.

Methods

We included 80 patients with liver cirrhosis (58 men) and 20 healthy controls (11 men). Duplex Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess flow velocity and RI in the hepatic (HA), right (RRA), and left renal (LRA), and splenic (SA) (LA) artery. Plasma NH3 was measured by biochemistry. Liver function was assessed by MELD score (model of end‐stage liver disease).

Results

HA, LRA, and SA systolic flow velocities were greater, whereas RRA diastolic velocity was lower in patients with liver cirrhosis than in controls RI was higher in LRA, RRA, SA, and HA in patients with liver cirrhosis than in controls. NH3 levels were significantly elevated in all patients with liver cirrhosis (p < 0.05) and significantly correlated with RI of RRA, LRA, and SA.

Conclusion

We found greater renal, hepatic, and LA RI in patients with liver cirrhosis than in healthy controls. The correlation we found between elevated renal artery RI (≥0.70) and MELD score emphasizes the risk of renal dysfunction during progression of liver cirrhosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:264–269, 2014
Arc‐Disjoint In‐ and Out‐Branchings With the Same Root in Locally Semicomplete Digraphs
Authors: Bang‐Jensen Jørgen , Huang Jing
Published: January 2014

Deciding whether a digraph contains a pair of arc‐disjoint in‐ and out‐branchings rooted at a specified vertex is a well‐known NP‐complete problem (as proved by Thomassen, see ). This problem has been shown to be polynomial time solvable for semicomplete digraphs and for quasi‐transitive digraphs . In this article, we study the problem for locally semicomplete digraphs. We characterize locally semicomplete digraphs that contain a pair of arc‐disjoint in‐ and out‐branchings rooted at a specified vertex. Our proofs are constructive and imply the existence of a polynomial time algorithm for finding the desired branchings when they exist. Our results generalizes those from for semicomplete digraphs and solves an open problem from .
Generation and characterization of immortalized rat retinal microglial cell lines
Authors: Jiang Xiao‐shuang , Ni Ying‐qin , Liu Tian‐jin , Zhang Meng , Jiang Rui , Xu Ge‐zhi
Published: January 2014

Retinal microglia play an important role as resident immunocompetent and phagocytic cells in the event of injury and disease. Retinal microglia and microglia precursor transplantation show a rescue effect in ischemic retina and retinal degeneration. However, studies of retinal microglia have been hampered by the difficulty of obtaining sufficient numbers of microglia. One way to circumvent this difficulty is to establish permanent retinal microglia cell lines. In the present study, we report the generation of immortalized retinal microglia, T‐MG cells, from postnatal day 3 rat retinal tissue using a lentiviral vector encoding SV40 large T antigen. The T‐MG cells exhibited cell‐type‐specific antigens for monocyte/macrophage lineage cells, including CD11b (OX42), ED1 (OX6), and Iba1, and actively phagocytosed latex beads. In addition to primary retinal microglia, T‐MG cells also have the ability to recruit into chemokines. Treatment of T‐MG cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to increased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Genome‐wide microarray analysis showed a less than 1% difference in the genes between the T‐MG cells and the control primary retinal microglia. The T‐MG cells exhibited properties similar to those of the primary retinal microglia and should have considerable utility as an in vitro model for the study of retinal microglia in health and as a curative therapy and an in vivo model for the study of retinal microglia in disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of volatile compounds in turbot (Psetta maxima) during refrigerated storage by headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Xu Yongxia , Liu Ying , Jiang Chengcheng , Zhang Chaomin , Li Xuepeng , Zhu Danshi , Li Jianrong
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

A procedure based on headspace solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) was developed for the study of the volatile profile characteristics of turbot during refrigerated storage at 4°C for 20 days in order to find possible markers of freshness or spoilage.

RESULTS

A total of 61 volatile compounds including aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols, alkenes, alkanes, aromatics, amines and others were identified in turbot muscle extracted by the optimised HS‐SPME method. The volatile profile characteristics of turbot at different storage periods were specified by principal component analysis (PCA). The concentrations of hexanal, heptanal, (2E,4E)‐heptadienal, acetophenone, 2‐undecanone and 1‐octen‐3‐ol decreased during storage, whereas benzene acetaldehyde, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, 2‐nonanone, acetic acid butyl ester, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and trimethylamine increased.

CONCLUSION

SPME‐GC‐MS combined with PCA may be a useful method for monitoring the volatile profile characteristics of turbot during storage, which could be potentially used for freshness evaluation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Wolfberries potentiate mitophagy and enhance mitochondrial biogenesis leading to prevention of hepatic steatosis in obese mice: The role of AMP‐activated protein kinase α2 subunit
Authors: Lin Dingbo , He Hui , Ji Hua , Willis Jordan , Willard Lloyd , Jiang Yu , Medeiros Denis M. , Wark Logan , Han Jing , Liu Yongzhang , Lu Bin
Published: January 2014

Scope

The aim of this study is to investigate whether AMP‐activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2) is essential for wolfberry's protective effects on mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent hepatic steatosis in mice.

Methods and results

Six‐week‐old male AMPKα2 knockout mice and genetic background C57BL/6J (B6) mice were fed a control, high‐fat diet (HD, 45% (kilocalorie) fat), and/or HD with 5% (kilocalarie) wolfberry diets for 18 wk. At termination, blood and liver tissues were sampled for analysis by ELISA, HPLC, microscopy, real‐time PCR, and Western blot. HD lowered hepatic lutein and zeaxanthin contents, inhibited protein expression of β,β‐carotene 9′,10′‐oxygenase 2 (BCO2) and heat shock protein 60 in mitochondria, increased reactive oxygen species level, and suppressed mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis as determined by accumulation of p62, inhibited phosphorylation of Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 on Ser555, and declined expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1 α, resulting in hepatic steatosis in B6 and knockout mice. Dietary wolfberry elevated the xanthophyll concentrations and enhanced expression of BCO2 and heat shock protein 60, attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress, activated AMPKα2, potentiated mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, and enhanced lipid oxidation and secretion in the liver of B6 mice.

Conclusion

Dietary wolfberry selectively activated AMPKα2, which resulted in enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and potentiated mitophagy, leading to the prevention of hepatic steatosis in obese mice.
3DQRS: A method to obtain reliable QRS complex detection within high field MRI using 12‐lead electrocardiogram traces
Authors: Gregory T. Stan , Schmidt Ehud J. , Zhang Shelley Hualei , Ho Tse Zion Tsz
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To develop a technique that accurately detects the QRS complex in 1.5 Tesla (T), 3T, and 7T MRI scanners.

Methods

During early systole, blood is rapidly ejected into the aortic arch, traveling perpendicular to the MRI's main field, which produces a strong voltage (VMHD) that eclipses the QRS complex. Greater complexity arises in arrhythmia patients, since VMHD varies between sinus‐rhythm and arrhythmic beats. The 3DQRS method uses a kernel consisting of 6 electrocardiogram (ECG) precordial leads (V1‐V6), compiled from a 12‐lead ECG performed outside the magnet. The kernel is cross‐correlated with signals acquired inside the MRI to identify the QRS complex in real time. The 3DQRS method was evaluated against a vectorcardiogram (VCG)‐based approach in two premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and two atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, a healthy exercising athlete, and eight healthy volunteers, within 1.5T and 3T MRIs, using a prototype MRI‐conditional 12‐lead ECG system. Two volunteers were recorded at 7T using a Holter recorder.

Results

For QRS complex detection, 3DQRS subject‐averaged sensitivity levels, relative to VCG were: 1.5T (100% versus 96.7%), 3T (98.9% versus 92.2%), and 7T (96.2% versus 77.7%).

Conclusion

The 3DQRS method was shown to be more effective in cardiac gating than a conventional VCG‐based method. Magn Reson Med 71:1374–1380, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Muscle intrusion as a potential cause of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , Walker Francis O. , Newman Jill C. , Arcury Thomas A. , Mora Dana C. , Haiying Chen , Quandt Sara A.
Published: January 2014

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between flexor digitorum and lumbrical muscle intrusion into the carpal tunnel and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Five hundred thirteen manual laborers (1026 wrists) were evaluated with ultrasound to determine whether those with CTS had more muscle intrusion into the carpal tunnel than those without CTS. One hundred ninety of the participants without CTS at baseline (363 wrists) were followed over 1 year to determine whether muscle intrusion at baseline predicted the development of CTS. Results: Participants with CTS had more muscle within the carpal tunnel with the wrist in the neutral (P = 0.026) and flexed (P = 0.018) positions than those without CTS. Baseline muscle intrusion did not predict development of CTS at 1 year. Conclusions: Muscle intrusion into the carpal tunnel is associated with CTS, but muscle intrusion alone does not predict the development of CTS over the course of a year. Muscle Nerve 50: 517–522, 2014
A novel protocol for assessing exercise performance and dystropathophysiology in the mdx mouse
Authors: Rocco Andrew B. , Levalley Jewel C. , Eldridge Jennifer A. , Marsh Susan A. , Rodgers Buel D.
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Dystrophinopathy in the young mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is comparatively mild, requires induction, and is rarely assessed with tests of systemic muscle function in whole animals. Methods: A modified TREAT‐NMD induction protocol was used to evaluate respiratory and exercise performance, starting and ending with maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) tests. Results: The initial and/or final VO2max, time to exhaustion, speed at exhaustion, and total expended calories were significantly lower in mdx mice. Episodic VO2 and VCO2 fluctuations occurred during training and resulted in dissociated patterns of VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). These fluctuations further resulted in significantly greater VO2 coefficient of variation and RER values and lower minimal VO2 values. Conclusions: Quantifying respiratory performance during exercise is a potentially useful means for studying pathophysiology in mdx mice, as it assesses intact animals over time, is more sensitive than some histological markers, and assesses systemic muscle function. Muscle Nerve 50: 541–548, 2014
Noninvasive and invasive ventilation and enteral nutrition for ALS in Italy
Authors: Fini Nicola , Georgoulopoulou Eleni , Vinceti Marco , Monelli Marco , Pinelli Giovanni , Vacondio Paolo , Giovannini Michele , Dallari Rossano , Marudi Andrea , Mandrioli Jessica
Published: January 2014

Introduction: We performed a population‐based study to assess amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) survival after noninvasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IV), and enteral nutrition (EN). Methods: We included patients diagnosed from 2000 to 2009 in Modena, where a prospective registry and a Motor Neuron Diseases Centre have been active since 2000. Results: Of the 193 incident cases, 47.7% received NIV, 24.3% received tracheostomy, and 49.2% received EN. A total of 10.4% of the patients refused NIV, 31.6% refused IV, and 8.7% refused EN. The median survival times after NIV, IV, and EN were 15, 19, and 9 months, respectively. Of the tracheostomized patients, 79.7% were discharged from the hospital; 73.0% were discharged to home. The median survival times for tracheostomized patients who were cared for at home and in nursing homes were 43 and 2 months, respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the place of discharge was the only independent prognostic factor after IV (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Service organizations may promote adherence to NIV, IV, EN, and influence postprocedure survival. These data may be useful in defining health plans regarding advanced ALS care and in patient counseling. Muscle Nerve 50: 508–516, 2014
Role of metallothioneins as danger signals in the pathogenesis of colitis
Authors: Devisscher Lindsey , Hindryckx Pieter , Lynes Michael A , Waeytens Anouk , Cuvelier Claude , Vos Filip De , Vanhove Christian , Vos Martine De , Laukens Debby
Published: January 2014

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are recurrent intestinal pathologies characterized by a compromised epithelial barrier and an exaggerated immune activation. Mediators of immune cell infiltration may represent new therapeutic opportunities. Metallothioneins (MTs) are stress‐responsive proteins with immune‐modulating functions. Metallothioneins have been linked to IBDs, but their role in intestinal inflammation is inconclusive. We investigated MT expression in colonic biopsies from IBDs and acute infectious colitis patients and healthy controls and evaluated MT's role in experimental colitis using MT knockout mice and anti‐MT antibodies. Antibody potential to target extracellular MT and its mechanism was tested in vitro. Biopsies of patients with active colitis showed infiltration of MT‐positive cells in a pattern that correlated with the grade of inflammation. MT knockout mice displayed less severe acute dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis compared to congenic wild‐type mice based on survival, weight loss, colon length, histological inflammation and leukocyte infiltration. Chronic DSS‐colitis confirmed that Mt1 and Mt2 gene disruption enhances clinical outcome. Blockade of extracellular MT with antibodies reduced F4/80‐positive macrophage infiltration in DSS‐ and trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid‐colitis, with a tendency towards a better outcome. Whole‐body single‐photon emission computer tomography of mice injected with radioactive anti‐MT antibodies showed antibody accumulation in the colon during colitis and clearance during recovery. Necrotic and not apoptotic cell death resulted in western blot MT detection in HT29 cell supernatant. In a Boyden chamber migration assay, leukocyte attraction towards the necrotic cell supernatant could be abolished with anti‐MT antibody, indicating the chemotactic potential of endogenous released MT. Our results show that human colitis is associated with infiltration of MT‐positive inflammatory cells. Since antibody blockade of extracellular MT can reduce colitis in mice, MT may act as a danger signal and may represent a novel target for reducing leukocyte infiltration and inflammation in IBD patients. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd