bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumors
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Ma Qinyun , Wang Shaohua , Zhang Huijun , Huang Dayu 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundPosterior mediastinal neurogenic tumors are among the most frequent mediastinal masses in adults. These tumors may be dumbbell shaped, extending into the spinal canal, exclusively paraspinal or apical tumors extending in the cervical region. In this report, we present our experience in the surgical resection of these tumors and discuss the surgical strategies for such tumors.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of 121 patients who underwent surgery for posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumors at our department during the period 2009 to 2016. Seventy‐four tumors were excised via video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Other approaches included thoracotomy, supraclavicular incision, supraclavicular incision plus thoracotomy/VATS, and a posterior approach with laminectomy combined with thoracotomy/VATS.ResultsTumors were resected completely in 119 cases and partially in two. The majority of the tumors were benign nerve sheath tumors. No recurrence developed during postoperative median follow‐up period of 31 months.ConclusionMost posterior neurogenic tumors can be resected via VATS. Thoracotomy is the appropriate surgical approach for large tumors. A supraclavicular approach is recommended for tumors extending in the cervical region, and this can be combined with VATS or thoracotomy in case of larger masses. A posterior approach could be used for patients with dumbbell tumors.
Combination of a modified quick, easy, cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe extraction method with a deep eutectic solvent based microwave‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction: Application in extraction and preconcentration of multiclass pesticide residues in tomato samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Sohrabi Hessamaddin , Mohebbi Ali , Mogaddam Mohammad Reza Afshar 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this study, a new two–step extraction procedure based on the combination of a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method with a deep eutectic solvent based microwave‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed for the extraction of multiclass pesticides in tomato samples before their analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. In this method, initially, an aliquot of tomato is crushed and diluted with deionized water. The mixture is then passed through a filter paper and its residue and aqueous phase are separated. Afterwards, acetonitrile as an extraction/disperser solvent is passed through the filter paper containing the refuse. The analytes remained in the refuse are extracted into the acetonitrile and then the obtained extract is mixed with a deep eutectic solvent. The obtained mixture is injected into the tomato juice and placed in a microwave oven for 15 s. Consequently, a cloudy state is formed and the extractant containing the analytes are sedimented at the bottom of the tube after centrifugation. Finally, 1 μL of the sedimented phase is removed and injected into the separation system. Under the optimum conditions, limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.42–0.74 and 1.4–2.5 ng/g, respectively.
Ligand fishing of anti‐neurodegenerative components from Lonicera japonica using magnetic nanoparticles immobilised with monoamine oxidase B
Authors: Wu Gui‐Fang , Jiang Xiao‐Lan , Gong Yu‐Zhou , Hu Ya‐Dong , Bai Xiao‐Lin , Liao Xun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this work, monoamine oxidase B was immobilised onto magnetic nanoparticles to prepare a new type of affinity solid‐phase extraction adsorbent, which was used to extract the possible anti‐neurodegenerative components from the Lonicera japonica flower extracts. Coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry, two monoamine oxidase B ligands were fished‐out and identified as isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C, which were found to be inhibitors of the enzyme for the first time, with similar half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 29.05 ± 0.49 and 29.77 ± 1.03 μM, respectively. Furthermore, equilibrium‐dialysis dissociation assay of enzyme‐inhibitor complex showed that both compounds have reversible binding patterns to monoamine oxidase B, and kinetic analysis demonstrated that they were mixed‐type inhibitors for monoamine oxidase B, with Ki and Kis values of 9.55 and 37.24 μM for isochlorogenic acid A, 9.53 and 35.50 μM for isochlorogenic acid C, respectively. The results indicated that isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C were the major active components responsible for the anti‐degenerative activity of the flowers of L. japonica, while magnetic nanoparticles immobilised monoamine oxidase B could serve as an efficient solid‐phase extraction adsorbent to specifically extract monoamine oxidase B inhibitors from complex herbal extracts.
Comparison Between Low Mechanical Index and High Mechanical Index Contrast Modes of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography: Evaluation of Perfusion Defects of Hypervascular Hepatocellular Carcinomas During the Post–Vascular Phase
Authors: Duisyenbi Zaya , Numata Kazushi , Nihonmatsu Hiromi , Fukuda Hiroyuki , Chuma Makoto , Kondo Masaaki , Nozaki Akito , Tanaka Katsuaki , Maeda Shin 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesWe evaluated the detection rates for perfusion defects in hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas comparing the low mechanical index (MI) and high MI contrast modes during the post–vascular phase (PVP) of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography.MethodsSeventy‐eight patients with 84 hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas (mean diameter, 23.4 ± 11.2 mm) were selected for this retrospective study. All the patients underwent whole‐liver scanning using conventional ultrasonography before injection of a perflubutane‐based contrast agent (Sonazoid), and all the detected nodules were classified as either hypoechoic or hyperechoic nodules. Next, hypoechoic and hyperechoic nodules were evaluated using contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography, and the presence of a perfusion defect was assessed for each nodule using both the low MI (0.2–0.3) and the high MI (0.7–1.2) contrast modes during the PVP (10 minutes after injection). The data were analyzed using the McNemar test.ResultsForty‐four nodules were classified as hypoechoic nodules, and the remaining 40 nodules were classified as hyperechoic nodules using conventional ultrasonography. The detection rate for perfusion defects determined using the high MI contrast mode was higher than that determined using the low MI contrast mode in hyperechoic nodules during the PVP (low MI, 58% [23 of 40]; high MI, 90% [36 of 40]; P < .0001). However, no significant difference was observed between the low MI and the high MI contrast modes in hypoechoic nodules (low MI, 80% [35 of 44]; high MI, 89% [39 of 44]; P = .125).ConclusionCompared with the low MI contrast mode, the high MI contrast mode was more sensitive for detecting perfusion defects in hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas in patients with hyperechoic nodules during the PVP.
Hyperspectral imaging in automated digital dermoscopy screening for melanoma
Authors: Hosking Anna‐Marie , Coakley Brandon J. , Chang Dorothy , Talebi‐Liasi Faezeh , Lish Samantha , Lee Sung Won , Zong Amanda M. , Moore Ian , Browning James , Jacques Steven L. , Krueger James G. , Kelly Kristen M. , Linden Kenneth G. , Gareau Daniel S. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectivesEarly melanoma detection decreases morbidity and mortality. Early detection classically involves dermoscopy to identify suspicious lesions for which biopsy is indicated. Biopsy and histological examination then diagnose benign nevi, atypical nevi, or cancerous growths. With current methods, a considerable number of unnecessary biopsies are performed as only 11% of all biopsied, suspicious lesions are actually melanomas. Thus, there is a need for more advanced noninvasive diagnostics to guide the decision of whether or not to biopsy. Artificial intelligence can generate screening algorithms that transform a set of imaging biomarkers into a risk score that can be used to classify a lesion as a melanoma or a nevus by comparing the score to a classification threshold. Melanoma imaging biomarkers have been shown to be spectrally dependent in Red, Green, Blue (RGB) color channels, and hyperspectral imaging may further enhance diagnostic power. The purpose of this study was to use the same melanoma imaging biomarkers previously described, but over a wider range of wavelengths to determine if, in combination with machine learning algorithms, this could result in enhanced melanoma detection.MethodsWe used the melanoma advanced imaging dermatoscope (mAID) to image pigmented lesions assessed by dermatologists as requiring a biopsy. The mAID is a 21‐wavelength imaging device in the 350–950 nm range. We then generated imaging biomarkers from these hyperspectral dermoscopy images, and, with the help of artificial intelligence algorithms, generated a melanoma Q‐score for each lesion (0 = nevus, 1 = melanoma). The Q‐score was then compared to the histopathologic diagnosis.ResultsThe overall sensitivity and specificity of hyperspectral dermoscopy in detecting melanoma when evaluated in a set of lesions selected by dermatologists as requiring biopsy was 100% and 36%, respectively.ConclusionWith widespread application, and if validated in larger clinical trials, this non‐invasive methodology could decrease unnecessary biopsies and potentially increase life‐saving early detection events. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:214–222, 2019. © 2019 The Authors.Lasers in Surgery and MedicinePublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk of Parkinson's disease dementia related to level I MDS PD‐MCI
Authors: Hoogland Jeroen , Boel Judith A. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Schmand Ben A. , Geskus Ronald B. , Dalrymple‐Alford John C. , Marras Connie , Adler Charles H. , Weintraub Daniel , Junque Carmen , Pedersen Kenn F. , Mollenhauer Brit , Goldman Jennifer G. , Tröster Alexander I. , Burn David J. , Litvan Irene , Geurtsen Gert J. ,   on behalf of the MDS Study Group “Validation of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson Disease”
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society criteria for mild cognitive impairment in PD need validation. The objectives of this present study were to evaluate prognostic validity of level I (abbreviated) International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society mild cognitive impairment in PD criteria for development of PD dementia and compared them with level II (comprehensive) criteria.MethodsWe analyzed data from 8 international studies (1045 patients) from our consortium that included baseline data on demographics, motor signs, depression, detailed neuropsychological testing, and longitudinal follow‐up for conversion to Parkinson's disease dementia. Survival analysis evaluated their contribution to the hazard of Parkinson's disease dementia.ResultsLevel I mild cognitive impairment in PD, increasing age, male sex, and severity of PD motor signs independently increased the hazard of Parkinson's disease dementia. Level I and level II mild cognitive impairment in PD classification had similar discriminative ability with respect to the time to Parkinson's disease dementia.ConclusionsLevel I mild cognitive impairment in PD classification independently contributes to the hazard of Parkinson's disease dementia. This finding supports the prognostic validity of the abbreviated mild cognitive impairment in PD criteria. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Chemoinformatic Consideration of Novel Psychoactive Substances: Compilation and Preliminary Analysis of a Categorised Dataset
Authors: Firman James W. , Belfield Samuel J. , Chen George , Jackson Megan , Lam Fai Hou , Richmond Callum , Smith James , Steinmetz Fabian P. , Cronin Mark T. D. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRecent years have seen the emergence into circulation of a growing array of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Knowledge of the pharmacological profiles and risk liability of these compounds is typically very scarce. Development of chemoinformatic tools enabling prediction of properties within uncharacterised analogues has potential be of particular use. In order to facilitate this, compilation of a chemical inventory comprising known NPS is a necessity. Sourcing a variety of published governmental and analytical reports, a dataset composed of 690 distinct acknowledged NPS, complete with defined chemical structures, has been constructed. This is supplemented by a complementary series of 155 established psychoactive drugs of abuse (EPDA). Classification was performed in accordance with their key molecular structural features, subjective effect profiles and pharmacological mechanisms of action. In excess of forty chemical groupings, spanning seven subjective effect categories and six broad mechanisms of pharmacological action, were identified. Co‐occurrence of NPS and EPDA within specific classes was common, showcasing inherent scope both for chemical read‐across and for the derivation of structural alerts.
Robust nonadiabatic T2 preparation using universal parallel‐transmit kT‐point pulses for 3D FLAIR imaging at 7 T
Authors: Gras Vincent , Pracht Eberhard D. , Mauconduit Franck , Le Bihan Denis , Stöcker Tony , Boulant Nicolas 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequence is a pillar technique to detect brain lesions in MRI. At ultrahigh field, the lengthening of T1 often advocates a T2‐weighting preparation module to regain signal and contrast between tissues, which can be affected by transmit RF field inhomogeneity. In this note, we report an extension of a previous fluid attenuated inversion recovery study that now incorporates the T2 preparation with parallel transmission calibration‐free universal pulses to mitigate the problem.MethodsThe preparation consisted of a 90°‐τ‐180°‐τ‐90° module to implement an effective inversion in the CSF and a saturation in the brain tissues. Care was taken for the pulses to have the desired phase relationship in every voxel by appropriate pulse design. The RF pulse design made use of the kT‐point parametrization and was based on a database of 20 B1+ and ΔB0 maps previously acquired on different subjects at 7 T. Simulations and experiments on 5 volunteers, not contained in the database, were performed for validation.ResultsSimulations reported very good inversion efficiency for the preparation module with 8% variation, with respectively 4 and 6 times less power and specific absorption rate than for the adiabatic version. Experiments revealed fluid attenuated inversion recovery images free of B1+ artifacts.ConclusionThis work contributes further to the panel of 3D sequences validated and now available with universal pulses at 7 T. The drop in power and specific absorption rate demand compared with adiabatic pulses in the T2 preparation leads to more freedom for the design of the readout train.
Toward direct MRI of neuro‐electro‐magnetic oscillations in the human brain
Authors: Truong Trong‐Kha , Roberts Kenneth C. , Woldorff Marty G. , Song Allen W. 
Published: January 2019

PurposeNeuroimaging techniques are widely used to investigate the function of the human brain, but none are currently able to accurately localize neuronal activity with both high spatial and temporal specificity. Here, a new in vivo MRI acquisition and analysis technique based on the spin‐lock mechanism is developed to noninvasively image local magnetic field oscillations resulting from neuroelectric activity in specifiable frequency bands.MethodsSimulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo experiments using an eyes‐open/eyes‐closed task in 8 healthy volunteers were performed to demonstrate its sensitivity and specificity for detecting oscillatory neuroelectric activity in the alpha‐band (8‐12 Hz). A comprehensive postprocessing procedure was designed to enhance the neuroelectric signal, while minimizing any residual hemodynamic and physiological confounds.ResultsThe phantom results show that this technique can detect 0.06‐nT magnetic field oscillations, while the in vivo results demonstrate that it can image task‐based modulations of neuroelectric oscillatory activity in the alpha‐band. Multiple control experiments and a comparison with conventional BOLD functional MRI suggest that the activation was likely not due to any residual hemodynamic or physiological confounds.ConclusionThese initial results provide evidence suggesting that this new technique has the potential to noninvasively and directly image neuroelectric activity in the human brain in vivo. With further development, this approach offers the promise of being able to do so with a combination of spatial and temporal specificity that is beyond what can be achieved with existing neuroimaging methods, which can advance our ability to study the functions and dysfunctions of the human brain.
Differential age‐, gender‐, and side‐dependency of vagus, spinal accessory, and phrenic nerve calibers detected with precise ultrasonography measures
Authors: Walter Uwe , Tsiberidou Panagiota 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroduction: The standard ultrasonographic measurement tools (trace, ellipse) of cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of very small nerves typically yield rough measures in full square millimeters. Methods: In 70 volunteers, the elliptically shaped CSAs of mid‐cervical vagus, accessory, and phrenic nerves were estimated with three methods: 2 on‐board tools (area tracing, ellipse fitting) and an off‐line calculation of the CSA after on‐board measuring of its long‐axis and short‐axis diameters both displayed with 1‐2 digits following the decimal point. Results: CSA measures of all mid‐cervical nerves obtained with the precise approach were smaller than the two standard measures (each P < 0.001). Larger CSA of right compared to left vagus nerve was detected with all methods. However, decrease of accessory and phrenic nerve CSAs with increasing age and larger size of vagus nerve CSA in women vs. men were evident only with precise measures. Discussion: Small nerve CSA should preferably be estimated with precise measures. Muscle Nerve 59:486–491, 2019
26.1%‐efficient POLO‐IBC cells: Quantification of electrical and optical loss mechanisms
Authors: Hollemann Christina , Haase Felix , Schäfer Sören , Krügener Jan , Brendel Rolf , Peibst Robby 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe present experimental results for interdigitated back contacted (IBC) solar cells with passivating POLO contacts for both polarities with a nominal intrinsic poly‐Si region between them. We reach efficiencies of 26.1% and 24.9% on a 1.3 Ω cm and 80 Ω cm p‐type FZ wafer and 24.6% on a 2 Ω cm n‐type Cz wafer, respectively. The initially measured implied efficiency potentials of the cells after passivating the surfaces are very similar, namely, 26.8%, 26.8%, and 26.4%, respectively. We attribute the difference between the efficiency potential and the final current‐voltage measurement to degradation, perimeter, and series and shunt resistance losses, which we quantify by lifetime measurements. With these measurements in combination with a finite element simulation, we determine the surface recombination velocity in the nominal intrinsic poly‐Si region to be in the range from 13 to 21 cm s−1. Using the same approach, we analyze the increase of the front surface recombination velocity during cell processing from 2 to 10 cm s−1 for the 1.3 Ω cm and from 0.5 to 2.3 cm s−1 for the 80 Ω cm. This leads to the fact that cells fabricated on lowly doped bulk material are more vulnerable to a process‐induced degradation of the surface passivation quality. We further determine the theoretical limits of the cells by firstly idealizing the recombination (28% for 1.3 Ω cm and 28.2% for 80 Ω cm) and secondly also idealizing the optics of the solar cells (29.4% and 29.5%).
Household incense burning and children's respiratory health: A cohort study in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Tan Lixing , Huss Anke , Guo Cui , Brook Jeffrey R. , Tse Lap‐ah , Lao Xiang Q. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundIncense burning is an important source of indoor air pollution in many Asian regions. We investigated the associations between household incense burning and lung function, lung function growth and respiratory diseases and symptoms in primary school children in Hong Kong.MethodsA total of 4041 children (mean age: 9.1 years) were recruited from 27 primary schools in Hong Kong. Information on incense burning and medical history of respiratory diseases and symptoms was collected by questionnaire. Spirometry tests were performed to measure the children‘s lung function. A follow‐up study was carried out after 1‐year interval. Linear and logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between incense burning, lung function, and lung function growth, and respiratory diseases and symptoms, respectively.ResultsAt baseline, incense burning was associated with 48.6 mL/min [95% confidence interval (CI): −96.7, −0.5] lower maximum mid‐expiratory flow (MMEF) in boys. In follow‐up, incense burning was associated with reduced peak expiratory flow (PEF) growth in all participants. We also found that incense burning was associated with increased prevalence of bronchitis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.72] and bronchiolitis (OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.56). Incense burning was also associated with higher prevalence of pneumonia (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.10, 6.87) and wheezing (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.05) in boys, but not in girls.ConclusionsWe found that incense burning may adversely affect children‘s respiratory health. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
A review of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children with a focus on the role of long‐term treatment with macrolides
Authors: El Boustany Patricia , Gachelin Elsa , Colomban Cécile , Cernoia Julie , Sudour Patrick , Carsin Ania , Dubus Jean‐Christophe 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBronchiectasis is a rare chronic airway disease arising from several respiratory and systemic diseases. The grade of evidence for specific treatment of childhood bronchiectasis unrelated to cystic fibrosis (CF) is low with very few randomized controlled trials. Treatment has been based mainly on evidence from studies in adults with non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and patients with cystic fibrosis. Recently, long‐term treatment with macrolides has been proposed. These molecules offer the advantage of anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in addition to their antibacterial properties. A total of three randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials conducted in adults showed that macrolides taken for 6‐12 months led to a significant reduction in exacerbation rates. Only one long‐term, randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in the pediatric population. It showed that azithromycin administered weekly for up to 24 months reduced pulmonary exacerbations. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of treatment with macrolides. The clinical profile of children who would benefit from this treatment also needs to be determined.