bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can spectral computed tomography imaging improve the differentiation between malignant and benign pulmonary lesions manifesting as solitary pure ground glass, mixed ground glass, and solid nodules?
Authors: Chen Mai‐Lin , Li Xiao‐Ting , Wei Yi‐Yuan , Qi Li‐Ping , Sun Ying‐Shi 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThis study quantitatively assessed the efficacy of spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging parameters for differentiating the malignancy and benignity of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) manifesting as ground glass nodules (GGNs) and solid nodules (SNs).MethodsThe study included 114 patients with SPNs (61 GGNs, and 53 SNs) who underwent CT plain and enhanced scans in the arterial (a) and venous (v) phases using the spectral imaging mode. The spectral CT imaging parameters included: iodine concentrations (IC) of lesions in the arterial (ICLa) and venous (ICLv) phases; normalized IC (NICa/NICv, normalized to the IC in the aorta); the slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit (HU) curve (λHUa/λHUv); and monochromatic CT number (CT40keVa/v, CT70keVa/v) enhancement on 40 and 70 keV images. The two‐sample Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare quantitative parameters between malignant and benign SPNs, SNs, and GGNs.ResultsPathology revealed 75 lung cancer cases, 3 metastatic nodules, 14 benign nodules, and 22 inflammatory nodules. Among the 53 SNs there were 37 malignant and 16 benign nodules. Among the 61 GGNs there were 41 malignant and 20 benign nodules. Overall, the CT40keVa, λHUa, CT40keVv, λHUv, and ICLv of benign SPNs were all greater than those of malignant SPNs (all P < 0.05). For GGNs, CT40keVa/v, CT70keVa/v, λHUa/λHUv, and ICLv of malignant GGNs were all lower than those of benign GGNs.ConclusionSpectral CT imaging is a more promising method for distinguishing malignant from benign nodules, especially in nodules manifesting as GGNs in contrast‐enhanced scanning.
How to choose an antidepressant medication
Authors: Bayes A. , Parker G. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveWe consider how to choose an antidepressant (AD) medication for the treatment of clinical depression.MethodA narrative review was undertaken addressing antidepressant ‘choice’ considering a range of parameters either weighted by patients and clinicians or suggested in the scientific literature. Findings were synthesised and incorporated with clinical experience into a model to assist AD choice.ResultsEfficacy studies comparing ADs offer indicative guidance, while precision psychiatry prediction based on genetics, developmental trauma, neuroimaging, behavioural and cognitive biomarkers, currently has limited clinical utility. Our model offers guidance for AD choice by assessing first for the presence of a depressive subtype or symptom cluster and matching choice of AD class accordingly. Failing this, an AD can be chosen based on depression severity. Within‐class choice can be determined by reference to personality style, patient preference, medical or psychiatric comorbidities and side‐effect profile.ConclusionClarification of AD choice would occur if medications are trialled in specific depressive subtypes rather than using the generic diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Such ‘top‐down’ methods could be enhanced by ‘bottom‐up’ studies to classify individuals according to symptom clusters and biomarkers with AD efficacy tested in these categories. Both methods could be utilised for personalised AD choice.
Children aged 0–16 admitted to Swedish intensive care units and paediatric intensive care units showed low mortality rates
Authors: Larsson Viksten Jessica , Engerström Lars , Steinvall Ingrid , Samuelsson Anders , Fredrikson Mats , Walther Sten , Sjöberg Folke B. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimThis study described the basic characteristics of children aged 0–16 years who were treated in intensive care units (ICUs) and paediatric ICUs (PICUs), compared their outcomes and examined any causes of death.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of admissions to 74 ICUs and three PICUs in Sweden that were recorded in the Swedish Intensive Care Registry from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012.ResultsWe retrieved data on 12 756 children who were admitted 17 003 times. The case mix differed between the ICUs, which were mainly admissions for injuries, accidents and observation, and PICUs, which were mainly admissions for malformations, genetic abnormalities and respiratory problems (p < 0.001). The median stays in the ICUs and PICUs were 1.4 and 3.5 days (p < 0.001), respectively. The respective crude mortality rates were 1.1% and 2.0, and the Paediatric Index of Mortality version 2 standardised mortality ratios were 0.43 and 0.50. None of these differences were significant. Most deaths were within 24 hours: About 57% in the ICUs, mainly from brain anomalies, and 13% in the PICUs, mainly from circulatory problems.ConclusionSweden had a low mortality rate in both ICUs and PICUs and the children admitted to these two types of unit differed.
27‐hydroxycholesterol promotes Aβ accumulation via altering Aβ metabolism in mild cognitive impairment patients and APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaona , Xi Yuandi , Yu Huiyan , An Yu , Wang Ying , Tao Lingwei , Wang Yushan , Liu Wen , Wang Tao , Xiao Rong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe oxysterol 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC) has been considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Because β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) is the pathological hallmark of AD, the aim of this study is to verify whether 27‐OHC could lead to cognitive impairment through modulating Aβ accumulation and deposition. Regulation of Aβ metabolism was explored as the pathogenic mechanism of 27‐OHC. Furthermore, microRNAs (miRNAs) and their relations with 27‐OHC were also detected. In present study, matched case‐control study and APP/PS1 transgenic mice research were conducted. The results showed that the 27‐OHC and Aβ in plasma were increased in mild cognitive impairment patients, and a slight correlation was found between 27‐OHC and Aβ1‐40. This relationship was also proved by the research of APP/PS1 mice. More severe learning and memory impairment and higher Aβ1‐40 expression in brain and plasma were detected in the APP/PS1 mice of 27‐OHC treatment group. In addition, increased amyloid plaques were also found in the hippocampus of 27‐OHC‐treated mice. In order to find out the mechanism of 27‐OHC on regulating Aβ metabolism, the factors of Aβ production (APP, BACE1 and ADAM10), transport (LRP1 and RAGE) and elimination (NEP and IDE) were tested respectively. The gene and protein expressions of APP, BACE1 and RAGE were increased while LRP1 and IDE were decreased in the brain of 27‐OHC‐treated mice. At last, down‐regulated expression of miRNA let‐7g‐5p was found after 27‐OHC treatment. In conclusion, these findings suggested that excessive 27‐OHC could enhance the accumulation and deposition of Aβ both in brain and blood, resulting in a severe impairment of cognition, especially in the modulation of Aβ1‐40. The mechanism might be associated with the regulation of Aβ metabolism, and miRNA let‐7g‐5p was likely to play a vital role in this pathological process induced by 27‐OHC.
Oxaprozin: A new hope in the modulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity
Authors: Ianni Andrea , Celenza Giuseppe , Franceschini Nicola 
Published: December 2018

AbstractOxaprozin (4,5‐diphenyl‐2‐oxazolepropionic acid) is a non‐steroidal, analgesic and antipyretic propionic acid derivative, whose activity in treating inflammatory disorders is well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of oxaprozin to modulate the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), a zinc‐dependent endopeptidase involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological events associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. The interaction between oxaprozin and MMP‐9 was firstly investigated in silico by molecular docking and analysis with LIGPLOT software. Subsequently, the potential inhibitory activity of oxaprozin against MMP‐9 and the possible mechanism of the ligand–enzyme interaction were investigated in vitro. Taking into account the in silico findings, MMP‐9 can be considered a potential target of oxaprozin, which seems to be able to chelate the catalytic zinc ion through the nitrogen of the oxazole ring and the carboxylate moiety. Moreover, one of the phenyl rings interact with the S1′ inhibitor‐binding pocket through hydrophobic interaction. Gelatin zymography and enzymatic inhibition assay confirmed the potential role of oxaprozin as a competitive inhibitor of MMP‐9. These observations sound particularly interesting if we consider the pathological role of MMP‐9, especially evident in inflammatory conditions and cancer. This work may represent a starting point to improve the understanding of the role of oxaprozin, as well as its structural analogues, in modulating the MMP‐9 function.
Insight into the selective mechanism of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase γ with benzothiazole and thiazolopiperidine γ‐specific inhibitors by in silico approaches
Authors: Zhu Jingyu , Li Kan , Xu Lei , Jin Jian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe phosphoinositide 3‐kinase γ (PI3Kγ) has been verified to be a potential drug target for the treatments of various human physical disorders. Although received lots of attention, the development of PI3Kγ‐selective inhibitors is still a challenging subject because of its unique protein structural features. Aiming to uncover the interaction mechanism between the selective inhibitors and PI3Kγ, a series of benzothiazole and thiazolopiperidine PI3Kγ isoform‐selective inhibitors were studied with an integrated in silico strategy by combining molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, binding free energy calculations, and decomposition analysis. Firstly, three molecular docking models, including rigid receptor docking, induced fit docking (IFD), and quantum mechanical‐polarized ligand docking, were respectively, built, and the IFD preliminarily predicted the docking poses of all studied inhibitors and roughly analyzed the binding mechanism. Secondly, four binding complexes with representative inhibitors were selected to perform molecular dynamic simulations and free energy calculations. The predicted binding energies were consistent with the experimental bioactivities and different binding patterns between potent and weak inhibitors were uncovered. Finally, through the Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area binding free energy decomposition, residue–inhibitor interactions spectra were obtained and several key residues contributing to favorable binding were highlighted, which provides valuable information for rational PI3Kγ inhibitor design and modification.
Neuroblastoma‐like schwannoma with giant rosette: A potential diagnostic pitfall for hyalinizing spindle cell tumor
Authors: Koubaa Mahjoub Wafa , Jouini Raja , Khanchel Fatma , Ben Brahim Ehsen , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Helel Imen , Khayat Olfa , Chadli Aschraf , Badri Talel , Mentzel Thomas 
Published: December 2018

Neuroblastoma‐like schwannoma (NLS) is a rare variant of a common tumor. The aim of this study is to discuss, through a literature review, the differential diagnoses of NLS while emphasizing the importance of ancillary studies.So far, 24 cases have been reported. We describe an additional case in a 64‐year‐old woman who had a 3‐cm subcutaneous tumor on her flank. The histological examination showed an encapsulated neoplasm. Most of the tumor was made of giant rosettes. These rosettes had several sizes reaching 2.6 mm. They showed a palisade of rounded cells. Nuclei were hyperchromatic but bland. The center was made of eosinophilic cores of collagenous radiating fibrils. Neoplastic cells stained strongly for S‐100 protein. In the capsule, perineural cells stained for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). No expression of Mucin 4 (MUC4) was present. This was consistent with NLS. The same peculiar appearance of giant rosettes has been described in hyalinizing spindle cell tumor with giant rosettes (HSCT). We propose the term “neuroblastoma‐like schwannoma” when there are small rosettes, “HSCT‐like schwannoma” for tumors with giant rosettes and “collagen‐rich schwannoma” when there are “ill‐defined” structures reminiscent of rosettes. Immunohistochemical panel containing S100, EMA, and MUC4, as well as molecular testing when needed should be performed.
Morphological awareness predicts the growth rate of Chinese character reading
Authors: Lin Dan , Sun Huilin , McBride Catherine 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIn this longitudinal study, we assessed 88 Hong Kong Chinese typically developing kindergarteners' Chinese character reading accuracy four times with 6‐month intervals over 1.5 years with the first testing point in the fall of the second year of kindergarten (K2), during which morphological awareness, phonological awareness, orthographic awareness, visual–spatial relationships, and nonverbal IQ were tested (Time 1). The latent growth curve modeling showed that reading development in Chinese of typically developing kindergarteners followed a cumulative linear trajectory, suggesting that children with higher initial reading ability develop reading ability at a faster rate. Additionally, morphological awareness at K2 positively and uniquely predicted a linear growth pattern of character reading between K2 and K3 over 1.5 years, a period in which formal teaching and learning Chinese takes place in Hong Kong. Contributing to the literature, these findings highlighted the unique significance of morphological awareness in the growth rate of reading: Typically developing children with better early morphological awareness tend to have a higher initial point of reading ability and, more importantly, a faster growth rate, resulting in a wider discrepancy of developmental outcomes between low‐ and high‐ performers. The results suggest that greater attention should be focused on the development of morphological awareness in early readers, given its salient role in Chinese reading development.
Long‐term cannabidiol treatment in patients with Dravet syndrome: An open‐label extension trial
Authors: Devinsky Orrin , Nabbout Rima , Miller Ian , Laux Linda , Zolnowska Marta , Wright Stephen , Roberts Claire 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObjectiveAdd‐on cannabidiol (CBD) significantly reduced seizures associated with Dravet syndrome (DS) in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial: GWPCARE1 Part B (NCT02091375). Patients who completed GWPCARE1 Part A (NCT02091206) or Part B, or a second placebo‐controlled trial, GWPCARE2 (NCT02224703), were invited to enroll in a long‐term open‐label extension trial, GWPCARE5 (NCT02224573). We present an interim analysis of the safety, efficacy, and patient‐reported outcomes from GWPCARE5.MethodsPatients received a pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified CBD in oral solution (100 mg/mL), titrated from 2.5 to 20 mg/kg/d over a 2‐week period, with their existing medications. Based on response and tolerance, CBD could be reduced or increased up to 30 mg/kg/d.ResultsBy November 2016, a total of 278 patients had completed the original randomized trials, and 264 (95%) enrolled in this open‐label extension. Median treatment duration was 274 days (range 1‐512) with a mean modal dose of 21 mg/kg/d, and patients received a median of 3 concomitant antiepileptic medications. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 93.2% of patients and were mostly mild (36.7%) or moderate (39.0%). Commonly reported AEs were diarrhea (34.5%), pyrexia (27.3%), decreased appetite (25.4%), and somnolence (24.6%). Seventeen patients (6.4%) discontinued due to AEs. Twenty‐two of the 128 patients from GWPCARE1 (17.2%), all taking valproic acid, had liver transaminase elevations ≥3 times the upper limit of normal. In patients from GWPCARE1 Part B, the median reduction from baseline in monthly seizure frequency assessed in 12‐week periods up to week 48 ranged from 38% to 44% for convulsive seizures and 39% to 51% for total seizures. After 48 weeks of treatment, 85% of patients/caregivers reported improvement in the patient's overall condition on the Subject/Caregiver Global Impression of Change scale.SignificanceThis trial shows that long‐term CBD treatment had an acceptable safety profile and led to sustained, clinically meaningful reductions in seizure frequency in patients with treatment‐resistant DS.
Comment on: Mass Fractions of Forty‐Six Major and Trace Elements, Including Rare Earth Elements, in Sediment and Soil Reference Materials Used in Environmental Studies. Fiket et al. (2017), Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 41, 123–135
Authors: Roje Vibor 
Published: December 2018

This paper is intended to be a constructive discussion of Fiket et al. (2017, Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 41, 123–135), who dealt with the determination of major, trace and rare earth elements in several sediment and soil certified reference materials. In the present author's view, the paper by Fiket et al. (2017) suffers from a lack of reference to several publications in which somewhat similar results had already been reported. The present contribution therefore provides a comparison of previously published results with those of Fiket et al. for the CRMs soil NCS DC 77302 (GBW 07410), stream sediment NCS DC 73309 (GBW 07311), marine sediments MESS‐3 and NCS DC 75301 (GBW 07314) and estuarine sediment IAEA‐405. It is argued that this fuller consideration (a) allows critical evaluation of the quality of the results presented by Fiket et al. and (b) highlights the advantages of their work. Finally, attention is drawn to the (possible or real) problems that can arise during simultaneous determination of multiple trace elements.
Surface Water‐Groundwater Interaction in the Guanzhong Section of the Weihe River Basin, China
Authors: Kong Feihe , Song Jinxi , Zhang Yan , Fu Guobin , Cheng Dandong , Zhang Guotao , Xue Ying 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAs a crucial agricultural and economic development zone since the Qin Dynasty (221 to 206 BC), the Guanzhong section of the Weihe River basin is facing serious water resource shortages due to population growth and regional development. Its water resource amount per capita is only 361 m3, about 1/6 of the average in China and less than 1/20 of the average in the world. Surface water and groundwater (SW‐GW) interaction, having a significant influence on the spatiotemporal distribution of water resources, was qualitatively and quantitatively investigated during a wet year based on stable isotopes and hydrochemistry. The results show that the recharge pattern in the north part varies with season, that is, 40% of the surface water recharge comes from groundwater in the dry season, but 93% of the groundwater recharge comes from surface water in the rainy season. In the south part, groundwater is always recharged by surface water, with contributions of 47% and 61% in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. For the main stream, the recharge pattern is complicated and varies with season and site. This study will provide useful information about SW‐GW interaction at basin scale. Integrated management of groundwater and surface water could improve the efficiency of regional water resources utilization and promote accurate and sustainable water management in the semi‐arid basin.
Dental condition and salivary characteristics in Vietnamese patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Pham Thuy A. V. , Le Dinh D. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the dental status and salivary characteristics and to analyse the correlation between creatinine clearance with DMFT index and salivary flow rate in Vietnamese patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsThis study was conducted on 111 CKD and 109 non‐CKD patients. The socio‐demographic characteristics associated with dental habits and xerostomia status were recorded from a self‐administered questionnaire. Dental status (DT, MT, FT) and salivary characteristics (flow rate; pH; buffering capacity; urea and creatinine concentrations) were examined. The multivariate regression models were used to assess the correlation of creatinine clearance with DMFT index and salivary flow rate with adjustment for confounders.ResultsPatients with CKD made MT and DMFT indices significantly higher than non‐CKD subjects. Chronic kidney disease patients had reduced salivary flow rate; but higher xerostomia level, salivary pH and buffering capacity than those in non‐CKD subjects. Results of multivariate regression models showed that with lower creatinine clearance 1 mL/min, DMF index was higher 0.02 teeth, and salivary flow rate lower 0.003 mL/min.ConclusionsThere were no differences in dental status between patients with CKD and those without CKD, except that poor renal function is directly related with a higher DMFT index and lower salivary flow rate. Dental professionals should pay greater attention to oral problems during the progression of CKD to prevent deterioration of oral health.
Treatment of peri‐implant mucositis with a chitosan brush—A pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wohlfahrt Johan Caspar , Aass Anne M. , Koldsland Odd C. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis aim of this study was to evaluate a chitosan brush for the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis.Materials and methodsA total of 11 patients with a combined total of 24 dental implants and who were diagnosed with peri‐implant mucositis were included in this 6‐month, split mouth, pilot clinical trial. Implants were randomly assigned to either treatment with a chitosan brush using an oscillating dental hand piece or treatment with titanium curettes. Supportive treatment was provided at 3 months. Two calibrated periodontists, blinded to treatment group, performed all examinations, including probing pocket depths (PPD) and bleeding on probing (mBoP). The changes in clinical parameters were compared between groups at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 months. A Mann‐Whitney U test with an alpha level of 0.05 was used for the statistical analyses.ResultsBoth groups demonstrated significant reductions in mBoP between baseline and 6 months. The test implants treated with the chitosan brush had a better improvement in mBoP at 2 weeks and 4 weeks compared to the implants treated with the titanium curettes. The reduction in PPD was significantly better in the test group at 4 weeks. All implants had stable bone levels, as seen on radiographs between baseline and 6 months.ConclusionReduced signs of inflammation were seen in both groups 6 months after the baseline treatment and 3 months after maintenance. A chitosan brush seems to be a safe and efficient device for debridement of dental implants.