bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dementia in Taiwan Area
Authors: Yang Yuanhan 
Published: December 2018

Objective Taiwan has an increasing aging population like other developed areas. The aging population will lead to an increased prevalence of dementia. Methods This article will reflect the status of dementia in Taiwan, including updated epidemiology, diagnosis, subtypes, and optimal treatment of dementia. Results The article also describes and interprets the Taiwan Dementia Policy to establish a clear, large view of the current state of management of dementia in Taiwan and future policy implementation. Conclusion A comprehensive policy to dementia, from the basic researches to clinical care and treatment, is necessary to the increased aged population in Taiwan.
A Study of the Effects of 3,5-Diiodo-L-Thyronine in the Tail Suspension and Forced Swim Models of Depression
Authors: Markova Nataliia , Chernopiatko Anton , Kubatiev Asian , Bachurin Sergey , Steinbusch Harry M. W. , Strekalova Tatyana 
Published: December 2018

Objectives Recent findings have further highlighted the role of the thyroid system in the pathophysiology of depression and revealed new physiologically relevant elements of the thyroid system. Our previous study showed an antidepressant-like effect of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine (T2), which was previously considered to be a physiologically inactive molecule, in mice. Here, we aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects of T2 further. Methods We studied the effects of bolus injections of T2 to C57Bl6J mice at doses of 0.25 or 0.75 mg/kg with the tail suspension and forced swim models. The effects of the higher dose were investigated in CD1 mice in the forced swim test. Potential behavioral effects of these treatments were also studied using the novel cage and dark-light box tests. Results A reduction of depressive-like behavior was found in mice treated with 0.75 mg/kg of T2 in the tail suspension test, but not in the forced swim test. Locomotion and anxiety variables were unaltered following treatment with T2. There were no significant changes after bolus administration of 0.25 mg/kg T2 in either test for depressive-like behavior. Thus, bolus injection of T2 at the dose 0.75 mg/kg can induce antidepressant-like effects without affecting other behaviors. Conclusions A discrepant result in the forced swim test may be due to its different sensitivity to T2 compared with the tail suspension paradigm. Furthermore, the development of procedural modifications of this model can be useful in its application in preclinical studies.
A Newly Developed Open-End Intracranial Hematoma Drainage Tube
Authors: He Chao , Wanussakul Nongnaphat , Yang Dong , Wu Tianya , Zhao Ming 
Published: December 2018

Objective To design a new open-end intracranial hematoma drainage tube for clinical application. Methods The newly developed device consists of two parts: the plunger and barrel. On one side, the barrel is bullet shaped with an opening tip. The plunger is located in the middle cavity of the tube barrel and extended out at the open-end. It was designed for strengthening the tube barrel and for convenience in performing the drainage procedure. It can be used by inserting the drainage tube into the lesion and pulling out the plunger, whereby blood will forcefully rise up inside the barrel, providing a satisfactory outcome. It is made for effusion drainage purposes. During the procedure, the drainage tip is placed at the deepest part of the intracranial hematoma to completely drain the blood. Moreover, the plunger fits tightly in the tube, preventing leakage during the operation. With the use of the device, brain can be separated. In addition, the device can help reduce the risk of cerebral damage because of the small operating area. The barrel sidewall has matching opening holes bilaterally and equally for exchanging substances between the inner and outer parts. The overlapping ratio in each horizontal pair is around 1/3–1/2. Each pair on the opposite side will form a different pressure. Thus, the opening holes will not easily get blocked with blood clot. Results Blood and accumulated liquid from the deepest part of the intracranial hematoma can be directly drawn through the drainage tube without damaging a large area. The tube does not get blocked easily and allows for complete removal of the hematoma. Conclusions The device is asuitable instrument for clinical application.
Transplantation of Neural Progenitor Cells Differentiated from Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells for Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Injury
Authors: Dong Shasha , Liu Na , Hu Yang , Zhang Ping , Pan Chao , Zhang Youping , Tang Yingxin , Tang Zhouping 
Published: December 2018

Objectives Currently, the clinical repair of sciatic nerve injury remains difficult. Previous studies have confirmed that transplantation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells promotes nerve regeneration and restoration at peripheral nerve injury sites. Methods In this study, adipose tissue-derived stem cells were induced to differentiate into neural progenitor cells, transfected with a green fluorescent protein-containing lentivirus, and then transplanted into the lesions of rats with sciatic nerve compression injury. Results Fluorescence microscopy revealed that the transplanted cells survived, migrated, and differentiated in rats. At two weeks post-operation, a large number of transplanted cells had migrated to the injured lesions; at six weeks post-operation, transplanted cells were visible around the injured nerve and several cells were observed to express a Schwann cell marker. Sciatic function index and electrophysiological outcomes of the transplantation group were better than those of the control group. Cell transplantation promoted the recovery of motor nerve conduction velocity and compound muscle action potential amplitude, and reduced gastrocnemius muscle atrophy. Conclusions Our experimental findings indicate that neural progenitor cells, differentiated from adipose tissue-derived stem cells, are potential seed stem cells that can be transplanted into lesions to treat sciatic nerve injury. This provides a theoretical basis for their use in clinical applications.
Comparison of Different Microsurgery Methods for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Xie Zihang , Chen Lin , Wang Yan , Cui Zhiqiang , Wang Shijie , Ao Qiang , Zhang Yuqi , Zuo Huancong 
Published: December 2018

Objective To study the influence of different microsurgical methods on surgical outcomes and complications, and to improve the surgical outcomes for trigeminal neuralgia. Methods The clinical data of 109 patients with trigeminal neuralgia, who were treated with microsurgery, were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to surgical modality: the trigeminal neuralgia decompression group (TND group, 19 patients), the TND and rhizotomy group (rhizotomy group, 55 patients), and the TND and selective lesioning group (lesioning group, 35 patients). The mid-term and short-term effects of microsurgery, and the occurrences of complications, were compared between the 3 groups. Results There were no statistical differences in the frequency of complications between the 3 groups (P > 0.05). Eighty-four patients were followed up for 6 to 33 months. The rate of pain disappearance was found to be 94.4% in the TND group, and 100% in both the rhizotomy and lesioning groups; thus, no significant differences were found between these 3 groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, 50% of the patients in the rhizotomy group and 3.6% of the patients in the lesioning group had facial numbness while no patients were affected with facial numbness in the TND group, and the differences between these 3 groups were significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions Microsurgery is effective and safe for trigeminal neuralgia. The use of TND, in combination with selective lesioning, ensures therapeutic efficacy and improves the quality of life in postoperative patients.
Gangliocytoma Combined with a Pituitary Adenoma: Reports of Three Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Zhenmin , Li Peng , Zhou Qiangyi , Yang Zhijun , Liu Pinan 
Published: December 2018

Objectives Sellar gangliocytomas are extremely rare. Since they present clinically and radiologically as pituitary adenomas, the preoperative diagnosis of these mixed tumors is very difficult. Here, we report three cases of gangliocytoma combined with pituitary adenoma and describe our findings. Methods The clinical data of the three cases of gangliocytoma combined with pituitary adenoma have been retrospectively analyzed, and the published literature has also been reviewed. Results All three patients underwent pure endonasal endoscopic surgery, and no recurrence was observed over a follow-up of at least 30 months. Growth hormone (GH)-hypersecreting adenoma and tumor calcification were detected in these mixed tumors. Conclusions Pure endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery may be an effective way for the treatment of this kind of tumor. Gross total resection of the tumor is recommended. In addition, calcification with GH-hypersecretion may serve as a preoperative diagnostic clue for gangliocytoma in the sella turcica.
Application of Multimodal Image Fusion Technology in Brain Tumor Surgical Procedure
Authors: Li Jiefei , Zhang Yuqi , He Le , Zuo Huancong 
Published: December 2018

Objective To construct brain tumors and their surrounding anatomical structures through the method of registration, fusion and, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction based on multimodal image data and to provide the visual information of tumor, skull, brain, and vessels for preoperative evaluation, surgical planning, and function protection. Methods The image data of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected from fifteen patients with confirmed brain tumors. We reconstructed brain tumors and their surrounding anatomical structures using NeuroTech software. Results The whole 3D structures including tumor, brain surface, skull, and vessels were successfully reconstructed based on the CT and MRI images. Reconstruction image clearly shows the tumor size, location, shape, and the anatomical relationship of tumor and surrounding structures. We can hide any reconstructed images such as skull, brain tissue, blood vessles, or tumors. We also can adjust the color of reconstructed images and rotate images to observe the structures from any direction. Reconstruction of brain and skull can be semi transparent to display the deep structure; reconstruction of the structures can be axial, coronal, and sagittal cutting to show relationship among tumor and surrounding structures. The reconstructed 3D structures clearly depicted the tumor features, such as size, location, and shape, and provided visual information of the spatial relationship among its surrounding structures. Conclusions The method of registration, fusion, and 3D reconstruction based on multimodal images to provide the visual information is feasible and practical. The reconstructed 3D structures are useful for preoperative assessment, incision design, the choice of surgical approach, tumor resection, and functional protection.
Neurocutaneous Melanosis with Intraspinal Malignant Melanoma in Adults — An Extremely Rare Clinical Entity: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Liu Dongkang , Wei Yujun , Wang James , Wang Guihuai 
Published: December 2018

Objectives Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) in adult patients was rare, and few cases had been reported. In this report, we summarized the features of NCM in adult patients for providing useful information about this rare clinical entity. Methods In this report, we present a case of a 41-year-old woman, who was eventually diagnosed with NCM with intraspinal malignant melanoma. The clinical features, treatments, and prognosis of cases of NCM in adults were thoroughly reviewed and discussed. Results A 41-year-old woman was eventually diagnosed with NCM with intraspinal malignant melanoma. The postoperative course was uneventful and her symptoms significantly improved (VAS: 3 points). However, she developed symptoms of intracranial hypertension and deteriorated rapidly after 11 months of operation, and died 1 month later. To date, only 15 cases of NCM in adults have been reported in the English literature. Analyses showed that the average age was 33.8 years (range 19–65 years), and 11 patients (68.8%) were between 20 and 40 years. A slight male predominance (M:F/11:5) was found. For the 12 cases which detailed follow-up information was available, 9 patients (75%) died, with a survival time ranging from 1 day to 29 months post-operation. Death occurred within the first month of operation in 6 cases (46. 2%). The median survival time was 3 months. Conclusions We presented a rare case of NCM with intraspinal malignant melanoma in an adult patient. Although rare, this clinical entity causes significant mortality and has poor prognosis.
Long-Term Results of a Simultaneous Trial of Deep Brain and Motor Cortex Stimulation in Refractory Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Son Byung-chul , Choi Jin-gyu , Ha Sang-woo , Kim Deog-ryeong 
Published: December 2018

Objective Although deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor cortex stimulation (MCS) are effective in patients with refractory neuropathic pain, their application is still empirical; there is no consensus on which technique is better. Methods To enhance the success rate of trial stimulation of invasive neuromodulation techniques and identify approapriate stimulation targets in individual patients, we performed a simultaneous trial of thalamic ventralis caudalis (Vc) DBS and MCS in 11 patients with chronic neuropathic pain and assessed the results of the trial stimulation and long-term analgesia. Results Of the 11 patients implanted with both DBS and MCS electrodes, nine (81.8%) had successful trials. Seven of these nine patients (77.8%) responded to MCS, and two (18.2%) responded to Vc DBS. With long-term follow-up (56 ± 27.5 months), the mean numerical rating scale decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The degree of percentage pain relief in the chronic MCS (n = 7) and chronic DBS (n = 2) groups were 34.1% ± 18.2% and 37.5%, respectively, and there was no significant difference (P = 0.807). Five out of the seven MCS patients (71%) and both DBS patients had long-term success with the treatments, defined as >30% pain relief compared with baseline. Conclusions With simultaneous trial of DBS and MCS, we could enhance the success rate of invasive trials. Considering the initial success rate and the less invasive nature of epidural MCS over DBS, we suggest that MCS may be a better, initial means of treatment in chronic intractable neuropathic pain. Further investigations including other subcortical target-associated medial pain pathways are warranted.
Resection of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor under Awake Anesthesia: A Novel Approach to Minimize Postoperative Motor Deficits
Authors: Khan Ahsan Ali , Chen Lukui , Guo Xiaoyuan , Wang Hong , Wu Guojian , Kong Jun , Yin Ning 
Published: December 2018

Objective To observe advantages and disadvantages of the resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumor under awake anesthesia. Methods Two patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumor underwent resection under awake anesthesia and followed up post-operatibely for any motor deficits. Results Patients who underwent tumor resection under awake (AAA) anesthesia combined with intraoperative NPM had no motor deficits postoperatively. More accurate and nondelayed responses were observed in the awake cycle of anesthesia and helped guide surgery, thus avoiding injuries to the spinal cord. Conclusion Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are not common, but only gross total resection (GTR) can provide complete remission of symptoms and progression-free survival. However, GTR sometimes results in motor function deficits postoperatively, particularly when the cervical cord is involved, and especially if surgery is done under general anesthesia with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (NPM) alone, because of delayed sensory evoked potential and motor evoked potential responses. We present two cases that underwent GTR of cervical intramedullary spinal cord tumors under an asleep-awake-asleep (AAA) cycle of anesthesia, combined with intraoperative NPM in which no postoperative motor deficits were observed on 6-months follow up.
Multiple Factor Analysis of Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis
Authors: Qu Chuanqiang , Zhao Yuanyuan , Sun Qinjian , Du Yifeng 
Published: December 2018

Objective To discuss the correlation among intracranial arterial stenosis and its risk factors. Methods A total of 486 patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic cerebral infarction were examined using color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and transcranial doppler ultrosonography (TCD). According to the degrees of extracranial arterial stenosis, patients with mild-to-moderate extracranial stenosis were classified into group A (435 cases) while those with constant severe stenosis or occlusion were classified into group B (51 cases). The differences between the two groups of risk factors were compared, and the multi-factor logistic regression analysis of risk factors associated with moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis was performed. Results ① The risk factors that were significantly associated with intracranial arterial stenosis included age (P = 0.034) and gender (P = 0.044). ② Intracranial artery stenosis was observed in both anterior and posterior cerebral arteries in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease respectively (P < 0.05). ③ Compared with group A, patients in group B were older (P = 0.000), with a higher proportion of men (P = 0.037), and the intracranial arterial stenosis degrees were significantly higher (P = 0.013). ④ Multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes is a risk factor for moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis (P < 0.05), and hyperlipidemia is a protective factor (P = 0.012). Conclusions Age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and smoking are risk factors for the distribution of intracranial arterial stenosis. The degrees of intracranial arterial stenosis are related with extracranial arterial stenosis. Diabetes is a risk factor for moderately severe intracranial arterial stenosis while hyperlipidemia is a protective factor.
Surgical Treatment of Brainstem Cavernous Malformations with Three Basic Skull Base Approaches and Minimally Invasive Techniques: Observations in 20 Patients
Authors: Yin Wen , Ma Jianrong , Liao Yiwei 
Published: December 2018

Objective Brainstem cavernous malformation (BSCM) is extremely challenging for neurosurgeons in terms of surgical approach choices. In this article, we summarized our experience in skull base approaches of BSCM, and elucidated the advance of surgical treatments of brain stem cavernous malformation through reviewing recent relevant articles. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 20 consecutive patients who underwent resection between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2016. Only midline suboccipital, subtemporal approach and retrosigmoid approach were used in this series. The diagnoses of all patients were confirmed by radiological and histological examination. Results All 20 patients were completely extirpated without surgical-related mortality. The mean follow-up period was 9.5 months (range, 2-20 months). Of the 20 patients, 80% symptomatic patients underwent surgery after first bleeding episode within 3 months, 20% after two or more bleeding episodes by magnetic resonance imaging. After resection and during follow-up, 75% of patients had an improvement in their modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores, whereas 10% were worse compared with their preoperative presentation; 15% were unchanged. Conclusion Appropriate basic surgical approach and minimally invasive techniques are necessary in preventing impairment of neurologic function. The three common basic skull base approaches, combined with minimally invasive techniques can handle most of BSCMs with good surgical results.
Posterior Mediastinal Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Jing Linkai , Sun Zhenxing , Guo Yi , Wu Youtu , Wang James , Wang Guihuai 
Published: December 2018

Objectives Ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign neurogenic tumor arising from the sympathetic ganglia. In this report, we reviewed and summarized the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of a posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma. Case Here, we report on a 29-year-old man referred to us with transient pain in the right side of the chest, lasting for three days. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities. The results of routine laboratory tests were within the normal ranges. Thoracic spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined, solid mass in the right paravertebral region at the T5-T8 level, measuring 7.5 cm × 4.2 cm × 1.5 cm. To accurately locate the lesion during surgery, O-arm intraoperative imaging was used in conjunction with the Stealth Station navigation system. The tumor was completely excised and no related complications occurred. The tumor was an encapsulated mass with a solid, homogenous, grayish-tan cut surface. Histopathological examinations confirmed that the mass was a ganglioneuroma. Conclusions Ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign tumor. Prior to treatment, a careful imaging evaluation is necessary in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis can be made by histological examination. En bloc resection is the preferred treatment for ganglioneuroma as it has an excellent prognosis.
Diagnóstico preorganizacional de una comunidad pesquera
Authors: Loría Paniagua Dennis , Rodríguez Román Cristina , Arce Soto Marita 
Published: December 2018

El Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura (INCOPESCA), por medio Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG), solicitaron a la Escuela de Economía y Agronegocios de la Universidad de Costa Rica(EEAA), un criterio técnico en cuanto al análisis de un diagnóstico pre organizacional para la comunidad pesquera. Esta iniciativa institucional surge como una preocupación por parte del INCOPESCA con el fin de mejorar la situación socioeconómica de los habitantes de dicha comunidad. La comunidad estudiada tiene una población de 62 habitantes entre los 0 y los 74 años de edad, de los cuales el 49% son hombres y el 51% restante, mujeres. La actividad primaria de subsistencia es la pesca y la extracción de moluscos, cuyos productos se comercializan en el Mercado Central de Puntarenas. Este establecimiento pesquero se caracteriza por tener una marcada división comunitaria que debilita constantemente el trabajo conjunto en proyectos integrales que beneficien a los habitantes. Dadas estas situaciones, en términos metodológicos el análisis pre organizacional se enfocó en las dimensiones socio-organizacionales, económico-productivas y ambientales. El desarrollo de este proceso, fue guiado por un equipo de trabajo de EEAA y estudiantes de último año del Recinto de Grecia de la Universidad de Costa Rica y se concluyó que existe capacidad institucional para apoyar a la comunidad pesquera, sin embargo es necesario trabajar en un programa de formación integral en áreas de desarrollo humano, organizacional y empresarial para que en el corto plazo, los habitantes de la comunidad pueda adoptar una figura organizativa que les permita mejorar su condiciones socio-económicas y productivas.