bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reorganization of functional brain networks mediates the improvement of cognitive performance following real‐time neurofeedback training of working memory
Authors: Zhang Gaoyan , Yao Li , Shen Jiahui , Yang Yihong , Zhao Xiaojie 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWorking memory (WM) is essential for individuals' cognitive functions. Neuroimaging studies indicated that WM fundamentally relied on a frontoparietal working memory network (WMN) and a cinguloparietal default mode network (DMN). Behavioral training studies demonstrated that the two networks can be modulated by WM training. Different from the behavioral training, our recent study used a real‐time functional MRI (rtfMRI)‐based neurofeedback method to conduct WM training, demonstrating that WM performance can be significantly improved after successfully upregulating the activity of the target region of interest (ROI) in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Zhang et al., [2013]: PloS One 8:e73735); however, the neural substrate of rtfMRI‐based WM training remains unclear. In this work, we assessed the intranetwork and internetwork connectivity changes of WMN and DMN during the training, and their correlations with the change of brain activity in the target ROI as well as with the improvement of post‐training behavior. Our analysis revealed an “ROI‐network‐behavior” correlation relationship underlying the rtfMRI training. Further mediation analysis indicated that the reorganization of functional brain networks mediated the effect of self‐regulation of the target brain activity on the improvement of cognitive performance following the neurofeedback training. The results of this study enhance our understanding of the neural basis of real‐time neurofeedback and suggest a new direction to improve WM performance by regulating the functional connectivity in the WM related networks. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1705–1715, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quorum sensing and biofilm formation in mycobacteria: Role of c‐di‐GMP and methods to study this second messenger
Authors: Sharma Indra Mani , Petchiappan Anushya , Chatterji Dipankar 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBacteria have evolved to survive the ever‐changing environment using intriguing mechanisms of quorum sensing (QS). Very often, QS facilitates formation of biofilm to help bacteria to persist longer and the formation of such biofilms is regulated by c‐di‐GMP. It is a well‐known second messenger also found in mycobacteria. Several methods have been developed to study c‐di‐GMP signaling pathways in a variety of bacteria. In this review, we have attempted to highlight a connection between c‐di‐GMP and biofilm formation and QS in mycobacteria and several methods that have helped in better understanding of c‐di‐GMP signaling. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(12):823–834, 2014
Insights into the organization of plumatellid larvae (lophotrochozoa, Bryozoa) by means of 3D‐imaging and confocal microscopy
Authors: Schwaha Thomas F. , Handschuh Stephan , Redl Emanuel , Wanninger Andreas 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTCover illustration. Phylactolaemata are the smallest clade of the Bryozoa consisting approximately of 70–80 species. They are an exclusively limnic and possess a rather abberant larval type that is considered to be altered due to accelerated asexual development that is heterochronically shifted into the larval period. In this issue of the Journal of Morphology, Schwaha et al. (pp. 109–120 10.1002/jmor.20326) study the serotonergic nervous system and muscular system of plumatellid Phylactolaemata. The cover illustration shows a maximum intensity projection of a CLSM image stack showing the serotonergic nervous system in yellow, muscular system in red and cell nuclei in blue.
Ultrafast 3D balanced steady‐state free precession MRI of the lung: Assessment of anatomic details in comparison to low‐dose CT
Authors: Heye Tobias , Sommer Gregor , Miedinger David , Bremerich Jens , Bieri Oliver 
Published: December 2014

PurposeTo evaluate the anatomical details offered by a new single breath‐hold ultrafast 3D balanced steady‐state free precession (uf‐bSSFP) sequence in comparison to low‐dose chest computed tomography (CT).Materials and MethodsThis was an Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant prospective study. A total of 20 consecutive patients enrolled in a lung cancer screening trial underwent same‐day low‐dose chest CT and 1.5T MRI. The presence of pulmonary nodules and anatomical details on 1.9 mm isotropic uf‐bSSFP images was compared to 2 mm lung window reconstructions by two readers. The number of branching points on six predefined pulmonary arteries and the distance between the most peripheral visible vessel segment to the pleural surface on thin slices and 50 mm maximum intensity projections (MIP) were assessed. Image quality and sharpness of the pulmonary vasculature were rated on a 5‐point scale.ResultsThe uf‐bSSFP detection rate of pulmonary nodules (32 nodules visible on CT and MRI, median diameter 3.9 mm) was 45.5% with 21 false‐positive findings (pooled data of both readers). Uf‐bSSFP detected 71.2% of branching points visible on CT data. The mean distance between peripheral vasculature and pleural surface was 13.0 ± 4.2 mm (MRI) versus 8.5 ± 3.3 mm (CT) on thin slices and 8.6 ± 3.9 mm (MRI) versus 4.6 ± 2.5 mm (CT) on MIPs. Median image quality and sharpness were rated 4 each.ConclusionAlthough CT is superior to MRI, uf‐bSSFP imaging provides good anatomical details with sufficient image quality and sharpness obtainable in a single breath‐hold covering the entire chest. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:602–609.
Wild Morchella conica Pers. from different origins: a comparative study of nutritional and bioactive properties
Authors: Vieira Vanessa , Fernandes Ângela , Barros Lillian , Glamočlija Jasmina , Ćirić Ana , Stojković Dejan , Martins Anabela , Soković Marina , Ferreira Isabel CFR 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDMorchella conica Pers. is a species of fungus that belongs to the Morchellaceae family and was studied in order to obtain more information about this species, by comparing Portuguese and Serbian wild samples. Free sugars, fatty acids, tocopherols, organic and phenolic acids were analysed by chromatographic techniques. M. conica methanolic extracts were tested regarding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The absence of hepatotoxicity was confirmed in porcine liver primary cells.RESULTSThe nutrition value varied between the two samples and the Serbian one gave the highest energy contribution and content in sugars, polyunsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds, while the Portuguese sample was richer in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and organic acids. In general, the Portuguese sample revealed the highest antioxidant potential (except for lipid peroxidation inhibition), while the Serbian one displayed higher antimicrobial activity. None of the samples revealed toxicity towards liver cells.CONCLUSIONThe present study provides new data concerning chemical characterization and bioactivity of Morchella conica Pers. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of antioxidant peptides of Jinhua ham generated in the products and through the simulated gastrointestinal digestion system
Authors: Zhu Chao‐Zhi , Zhang Wan‐Gang , Zhou Guang‐Hong , Xu Xing‐Lian 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to purify and identify antioxidant peptides present in the extract of Chinese dry‐cured Jinhua ham. Jinhua ham extracts were separated into five fractions (A–E) by size‐exclusion chromatography. Each fraction was subjected to a simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion system and fractions showing strong antioxidant activities were collected and subjected to liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for further purification and identification.RESULTSUsing MS/MS analysis, 33 peptides were identified in these fractions. Several key peptides were selected for synthesis and their antioxidant activity determined. The peptide showing strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity was GKFNV, which showed 92.7% antioxidant activity at a concentration of 1 mg mL−1; the peptide LPGGGHGDL showed the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity; and LPGGGT and HA showed strong inhibition activity against erythrocyte hemolysis (about 45%) before digestion. On the other hand, KEER may contribute to Fe2+ chelating ability in fraction C after GI digestion.CONCLUSIONJinhua dry‐cured ham seems to be a potential source of antioxidant peptides generated in the products and in GI digestion. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of central inset pharyngeal flap for velopharyngeal insufficiency on eustachian tube function
Authors: El‐Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Amer Hazem Saeed , Elnashar Ismail , Khazbak Alaa Omar , Khater Ahmed 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/HypothesisThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of the central inset pharyngeal flap, used for correcting persistent velopharyngeal incompetence after cleft palate repair, on Eustachian tube (ET) function.MethodsThis study included 28 patients who were diagnosed with persistent velopharyngeal insufficiency following primary cleft palate repair, together with otitis media with effusion (OME) and/or ET dysfunction that failed to improve after the primary palatoplasty and extensive medical treatment. Diagnosis of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in these cases was performed by video nasoendoscopy and speech assessment. Prior to and after surgery, patients were assessed through otoscopic, tympanometric, and audiometric evaluation.ResultsAll postoperative otoscopic findings were significantly better than preoperative (P < 0.05) finding, except for tympanic membrane (TM) calcification (P > 0.05). Postoperative tympanometry revealed type A curve (normal) in 30 ears (53.6%), with significant improvement in ET function after this type of flap (P < 0.001).ConclusionET can be improved after performing the superiorly based flap with new central inset in patients with persistent VPI following palatoplasty. Thus, there is no need for surgical interference to manage OME in these cases, except after trying this technique.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1729–1732, 2015
Effects of oxymetazoline on nasal flow and maximum aerobic exercise performance in patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy
Authors: Gómez‐Hervás Javier , García‐Valdecasas Bernal Juan , Fernández‐Prada María , Palomeque‐Vera Juan M. , García‐Ramos Amador , Fernández‐Castanys Belén F. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the effect of topical intranasal oxymetazoline on nasal resistance and aerobic exercise performance in patients with nasal congestion caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophy.Study DesignIndividual randomized controlled trial.MethodsEight patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy performed a set of exercise tests to exhaustion 1 week apart. They were given oxymetazoline or a placebo before each of the two test sessions according to a random pattern. Changes in nasal airflow were measured as peak nasal flow and ventilatory efficiency parameters, ventilatory equivalents, end‐expiratory pressure, oxygen consumption, cardiac efficiency, rate of perceived exertion, and maximal and submaximal mechanical power.ResultsTen minutes after use of the drug or placebo, improvements in maximum nasal airflow were seen in the oxymetazoline group (P < 0.05). However, exercise tests showed improvements in both groups (P < 0.05). After exertion, there was no difference between the two groups in maximum nasal airflow (P > 0.05). There were no differences between groups in oxygen consumption, rate of perceived exertion, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, or ventilatory equivalents for oxygen.ConclusionOxymetazoline increased nasal airflow in patients with turbinate hypertrophy, but this change did not translate into gains in physical exercise parameters or perceived exertion.Level of Evidence1b. Laryngoscope, 125:1301–1306, 2015
What drives quality of life in patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma?
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Tveiten Øystein Vesterli , Driscoll Colin L. , Goplen Frederik K. , Neff Brian A. , Pollock Bruce E. , Tombers Nicole M. , Lund‐Johansen Morten , Link Michael J. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the influence of posttreatment audiovestibular symptoms, facial neuropathy, and headache on long‐term quality‐of‐life outcomes in patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) utilizing the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) Health Survey and the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) scale.Study DesignCross‐sectional observation study.MethodsPatients with sporadic small‐ or medium‐sized VS (< 3.0 cm) who were evaluated between 1998 and 2008 at two independent tertiary academic referral centers were surveyed. Multivariable associations with the PANQOL total score and the SF‐36 physical and mental component scores evaluated using regression analysis.ResultsA total of 538 surveyed patients returned a completed questionnaire, providing a response rate of 79%. Two hundred forty‐seven (46%) patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery, 143 (27%) microsurgery, and 148 (28%) observation. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that ongoing dizziness was associated with the greatest reduction in PANQOL total score, followed by headache. After adjusting for all examined features, ongoing dizziness and ongoing headache were the only two variables that were associated with both the SF‐36 physical and mental component scores. Patient sex and treatment modality did not significantly influence PANQOL or SF‐36 scores.ConclusionsOngoing dizziness and headache are the strongest predictors of long‐term quality‐of‐life reduction in patients with sporadic VS, while the impact of hearing loss, facial nerve function, and tinnitus are less by comparison. This information may be valuable for patient counseling, refinement of VS quality‐of‐life assessment instruments, and determining high‐yield targets for therapy in efforts to further improve patient outcomes.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1697–1702, 2015
A comparative population‐based analysis of sinonasal diffuse large B‐cell and extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Dubal Pariket M. , Dutta Rahul , Vazquez Alejandro , Patel Tapan D. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: December 2014

Objective/HypothesisDiffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL) are aggressive tumors. ENTKL is very rare in the United States and often affects the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses; DLBCL, although more common, rarely occurs in these locations. Our study aims to compare incidence and survival of these lymphomas in the sinonasal cavity.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of the United States National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry.MethodsThe SEER database was searched for patients diagnosed with sinonasal ENKTL and DLBCL between 1973 and 2011. Data analyzed included patient demographics, incidence, treatment modality, and survival.ResultsThree hundred and twenty‐eight sinonasal ENKTL (SN‐ENKTL) cases and 1,054 sinonasal DLBCL (SN‐DLBCL) cases were identified. The mean ages at diagnosis for SN‐ENKTL and SN‐DLBCL were 51.7 and 67.8 years, respectively (P = 0.0001). Overall 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) rates for SN‐DLBCL were 85.5%, 63.5%, and 44.0%, compared to 66.4%, 30.9%, and 9.2% for SN‐ENKTL, respectively (P < 0.0001). For patients matched for stage, age, and treatment modality, the 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year DSS for the SN‐DLBCL group was 94.4%, 72.8%, and 46.8%, respectively, whereas the respective survival rates for the SN‐ENKTL group were 77.6%, 38.4%, and 13.9%, respectively (P < 0.0001 at each time interval).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this study represents the only population‐based comparison between SN‐DLBCL and SN‐ENKTL. SN‐DLBCL has a better prognosis regardless of gender, stage, treatment modality, and age.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 125:1077–1083, 2015
Voice disorders in Sjögren's syndrome: Prevalence and related risk factors
Authors: Pierce Jenny L. , Tanner Kristine , Merrill Ray M. , Miller Karla L. , Ambati Bala K. , Kendall Katherine A. , Roy Nelson 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/HypothesisSjögren's Syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease that causes sicca (dryness) symptoms by affecting secretions most notably of the lacrimal and salivary glands. Voice disorders have been documented in patients with SS, but the true prevalence and relationships among possible contributing factors remain unknown. This preliminary epidemiological investigation examined prevalence and risk factors for voice disorders in SS.Study DesignSelf‐report epidemiological questionnaire.MethodsOne hundred and one (101) patients with SS (94 females, 7 males; M age = 59.4 years; standard deviation [SD] = 14.1 years) completed an extensive interview using a previously validated questionnaire involving the patient's medical, family, occupational, psychosocial, social/lifestyle, voice use, and general health histories. Summary statistics, chi‐squares, risk ratios, and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the frequency and severity of voice disorders in individuals with SS, as well as associations with demographic, lifestyle, health, disease severity, and voice use factors.ResultsThe prevalence of a current voice disorder in individuals with SS was 59.4%. In general, voice disorders began gradually; were chronic; and correlated with SS disease severity independent of age, sex, duration of the disease, comorbid autoimmune conditions, and use of SS‐related medication. Specific voice symptoms including chronic throat dryness and soreness were significantly associated with SS disease severity.ConclusionsVoice disorders are relatively common in SS and are more frequent as disease severity worsens. These findings have important implications for evaluation and treatment of patients with SS.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:1385–1392, 2015
Factors associated with severe epiglottitis in adults: Analysis of aJapanese inpatient database
Authors: Suzuki Sayaka , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yamasoba Tatsuya 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/HypothesisThe aim of the study was to evaluate the factors associated with the development of severe epiglottitis in adults to provide information for physicians to make early decisions on airway management.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsAdult patients admitted to acute care hospitals with a diagnosis of acute epiglottitis between January 2011 and December 2012 were identified in the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database of Japan. The main outcome measures were: 1) severe epiglottitis requiring airway intervention or resulting in early death within 2 days after admission and 2) 2‐day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between patient characteristics and development of severe epiglottitis.ResultsA total of 6,072 epiglottitis patients from 599 hospitals were identified. The proportion of developing severe epiglottitis was 9.4%, and 2‐day mortality was 0.4%. Factors significantly associated with severe epiglottitis were older age, male sex (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–2.00;P < .001), body mass index (BMI) >25.0 kg/m2(OR 1.31; 95% CI, 1.05–1.63;P = .018), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.41; 95% CI, 1.06–1.86;P = .017), epiglottic cyst (OR 2.90; 95% CI, 1.46–5.78;P = .002), pneumonia (OR 2.90; 95% CI, 1.73–4.86;P < .001), and academic hospitals (OR 1.56; 95% CI, 1.21–2.00;P = .001). Epiglottitis‐related admission was summer‐dominant, but seasonality was not significantly associated with severe epiglottitis.ConclusionDevelopment of severe epiglottitis was significantly associated with older age, BMI >25.0 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus, epiglottic cyst, or pneumonia at admission.Level of Evidence2b.Laryngoscope, 125:2072–2078, 2015
A 7.5‐Mb duplication at chromosome 11q21‐11q22.3 is associated with a novel spastic ataxia syndrome
Authors: Johnson Janel O. , Stevanin Giovanni , van de Leemput Joyce , Hernandez Dena G. , Arepalli Sampath , Forlani Sylvie , Zonozi Reza , Gibbs J. Raphael , Brice Alexis , Durr Alexandra , Singleton Andrew B. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias are most commonly caused by nucleotide repeat expansions followed by base‐pair changes in functionally important genes. Structural variation has recently been shown to underlie spinocerebellar ataxia types 15 and 20.MethodsWe applied single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping to determine whether structural variation causes spinocerebellar ataxia in a family from France.ResultsWe identified an approximately 7.5‐megabasepair duplication on chromosome 11q21‐11q22.3 that segregates with disease. This duplication contains an estimated 44 genes. Duplications at this locus were not found in control individuals.ConclusionsWe have identified a new spastic ataxia syndrome caused by a genomic duplication, which we have denoted as spinocerebellar ataxia type 39. Finding additional families with this phenotype will be important to identify the genetic lesion underlying disease. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Parkinson's disease correlates with promoter methylation in the α‐synuclein gene
Authors: Pihlstrøm Lasse , Berge Victoria , Rengmark Aina , Toft Mathias 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundGenome‐wide association studies have demonstrated association between SNCA variability and susceptibility to Parkinson's disease, but causal mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that risk variants affect methylation of a putative promoter in SNCA intron 1, previously highlighted in epigenetic studies of Parkinson's disease.MethodsWe analyzed sample sets from blood (n = 72) and cerebral cortex (n = 24) in Parkinson's disease patients and healthy controls. We genotyped SNCA single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, examined messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and assessed intron 1 methylation levels by methylation‐sensitive restriction enzyme digestion and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsPatients showed significant hypomethylation as compared with controls in the blood sample set. In addition, rs3756063 was associated with SNCA methylation level in both blood (P = 5.9 × 10−5) and brain (P = 0.023).ConclusionsOur findings support a link between SNCA variability, promoter methylation, and Parkinson's disease risk and indicate that methylation patterns in brain are mirrored in the blood. SNCA methylation warrants further investigation as a potential biomarker. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society