bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical response to apatinib monotherapy in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Jianping , Liu Xiaoyan , Yang Sheng , Zhang Xiangru , Shi Yuankai 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimApatinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor mainly targeting VEGFR‐2, exerts both antiangiogenesis and antiproliferation effects. Apatinib shows clinical benefit in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at an initial dose of 750 mg qd. We further assessed the efficacy and safety of apatinib at a more frequently used dose of 500 mg qd. The preliminary clinical outcome of apatinib in patients with brain metastases was also reported.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 25 patients who received apatinib between August 2015 and May 2016. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was calculated by using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsThe objective response rate and disease control rate were 8.0% and 68.0%, respectively. The median PFS was 5.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–9.57) months. In the second‐line setting (n = 13), the median PFS was 7.37 (95% CI: 0.01–14.72) months, whereas the median PFS for the 12 patients treated with apatinib as third line or beyond therapy was 5.17 (95% CI: 1.78–8.55) months. Of the seven patients with brain metastases, four patients had stable disease. All patients were well tolerant to apatinib without any grade 3 or 4 adverse events. The most common grade 1 or 2 adverse events included hypertension (72.0%), hand‐foot‐skin reaction (24.0%), fatigue (24.0%) and abnormal liver function (20.0%).ConclusionsApatinib is effective and well tolerated in patients with advanced NSCLC, even at a dosage of 500 mg qd, and might offer a new option for the treatment of such patients with brain metastases.
The effects of smoking on vascular endothelial growth factor and inflammation markers: A case‐control study
Authors: Ugur Merve Guzeldulger , Kutlu Ruhusen , Kilinc Ibrahim 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long‐term poor airflow. Tobacco smoking is the most common cause of COPD. In this study, we aimed to assess the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammation markers on smokers and non‐smoking individuals.MethodsOur study was a case‐control study and 175 individuals who want to give up smoking constituted the case group. As a control group, 175 individuals who never smoked.ResultsThe mean age of 350 participants was 35.83 ± 13.11 years. Educational status of the non‐smokers was significantly higher than that of the smoking group (P < .001). When smoking and non‐smoking groups were compared in terms of VEGF and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), it was found that these values were statistically higher in smokers than non‐smokers (P < .001). The levels of IL‐10 were found to be higher in non‐smokers than in smokers (P < .001). Although a moderate positive correlation was found between VEGF and IL‐6 levels (r = .486, P < .001), there was a weak negative correlation between VEGF and IL‐10 (r = –.210, P < .001). A weak negative correlation was found between IL‐6 and IL‐10 (r = –.185, P < .001).ConclusionsIn our study, IL‐6 inflammatory marker and VEGF levels were found to be high and IL‐10 anti‐inflammatory marker was discovered to be low in smokers. For this reason, raising awareness in the society about the harms of smoking and encouraging people to give it up have become more challenging to counteract the inflammatory effects of smoking in human body and to prevent many smoking‐related diseases.
Hard boron rich boron nitride nanoglasses
Authors: Çetin Ayşegül Ö. , Durandurdu Murat 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBoron‐rich amorphous boron nitride (BxN1−x, 0.55 ≤ x ≤ 0.95) alloys are generated by means of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and their local structure, mechanical properties and electronic structure are exposed. BN:B phase separations are perceived in all amorphous networks, suggesting that these materials can serve as nanoglass ceramics. The sp2 hybridization is the main building unit in the BN‐rich regions for low boron concentrations, and the models carry locally the signature of the two‐dimensional hexagonal BN structure. The amorphous states having both sp2 and sp3 hybridizations form for boron contents between 70% and 80%. At higher boron concentrations, sp3 hybridization with a fraction of ~90%‐98% is detected as seen in the cubic or wurtize BN crystals. In the boron rich regions, the ideal and defective pentagonal pyramids emerge at 60% boron content, and the first complete B12 molecule develops at 70% boron concentration. In addition to the B12 icosahedron, the formation of a cage‐like B16 molecule is, for the first time, discovered in some amorphous alloys. The isolated B16 molecule is, however, found to be unstable. The Vickers harness calculations reveal that some of these amorphous alloys can serve as hard materials. When their electron properties are considered, all amorphous materials are predicted to be semiconducting.
Temperature stable K0.5(Nd1−xBix)0.5MoO4 microwave dielectrics ceramics with ultra‐low sintering temperature
Authors: Pang Li‐Xia , Zhou Di , Wang Da‐Wei , Zhao Jin‐Xiong , Liu Wei‐Guo , Yue Zhen‐Xing , Reaney Ian M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractK0.5(Nd1−xBix)0.5MoO4 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.7) ceramics were prepared via the solid‐state reaction method. All ceramics densified below 720°C with a uniform microstructure. As x increased from 0.2 to 0.7, relative permittivity (ɛr) increased from 13.6 to 26.2 commensurate with an increase in temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (TCF) from – 31 ppm/°C to + 60 ppm/°C and a decrease in Qf value (Q = quality factor; f = resonant frequency) from 23 400 to 8620 GHz. Optimum TCF was obtained for x = 0.3 (−15 ppm/°C) and 0.4 (+4 ppm/°C) sintered at 660 and 620°C with ɛr ~15.4, Qf ~19 650 GHz, and ɛr ~17.3, Qf ~13 050 GHz, respectively. Ceramics in this novel solid solution are a candidate for ultra low temperature co‐fired ceramic (ULTCC) technology.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris: algorithms for diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Roenneberg S. , Biedermann T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare inflammatory skin disease that affects men and women of all ages and also children. The clinical appearance of PRP is highly variable, as is the individual prognosis. Therefore, stratifying PRP into six disease subtypes represents a first step to personalized medicine for this rare inflammatory skin disease. The next step should be to associate specific therapeutic strategies with these subtypes of PRP. However, no randomized, controlled trials on the treatment of PRP have been performed. Consequently, the actual treatment algorithm for PRP will be based on clinical experience, small case series and case reports. The majority of published evidence is on type I PRP, whereas the treatment experience for other clinical types of PRP is still sparse and has to be gained. Nevertheless, it is now time to start developing valid algorithms as a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of PRP based on the data available. This review makes use of algorithms developed in psoriasis and atopic eczema and puts together recent insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment experience of PRP. The innovative intention of this appraisal is to develop a structured algorithm for PRP treatment that should be further developed going forward.
Effect of strong tooth‐bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide on marginal seal of dental restorations using self‐etch and total‐etch adhesives
Authors: Piemjai Morakot , Lenglerdphol Spun 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the distance and/or thickness of dye penetration at enamel and cementum/dentin margins of restorations before and after vital bleaching. Class V cavities were prepared on extracted human premolars and restored with light‐cured resin composite using either AQ‐Bond or Single‐Bond2 adhesives. Four conditions: no bleaching (control), restored before bleaching (RB), bleached and immediately restored (BIR), bleached and stored in artificial saliva for 7 days then restored (B7R), were used for each adhesive group. After soaking in basic fuchsin dye for 24 hours, all specimens were vertically sectioned through the middle of restorations to measure the distance and/or the thickness of dye penetration. No microleakage was found either on enamel and cementum/dentin margins of control group using AQ‐Bond. Whereas leakage was found in the control group using Single‐Bond2 and bleached groups. Statistically significant differences in leakage distance and/or thickness were found among groups at the cementum/dentin margin (P < .05). Dye could penetrate into the pulp chamber of BIR (60%) and B7R (15%) specimens.Clinical SignificanceThe negative control or leakage‐free group is very important when discussing the effects of bleaching on marginal seal or microleakage. Bleaching using 38% H2O2 increases the microleakage distance and dye penetration area of cementum/dentin margin more than that of enamel margin. The bleached tooth is not a good substrate for reliable bonding and complete seal and it is also a channel for external stimuli reaching the pulp.
Investigation of color and turbidity in the clarification of sugarcane juice by ozone
Authors: Rodrigues Rômulo , Sperandio Luiz Carlos Campana , Andrade Cid Marcos Gonçalves 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe sugar‐energy industries are highlighted in Brazil for exercising fundamental roles in the economy, being responsible for the production of products and by‐products considered essential in the daily life of a society, such as sugar, alcohol and energy. One of the processes used in the production of sugar is the clarification of sugar by sulfur. Due to the high toxicity of sulfur and its derivatives, harmful to both the human and the environment, there is a great and constant concern in reducing the consumption and emissions of these compounds. Seeking a method of clarification of sugarcane juice that uses less harmful clarifying agents and provides less loss of sugars, the present work investigated how ozonation affects certain parameters of the sugarcane juice, which are turbidity and color (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis). In the experiment, the samples were divided into two lots and submitted to ozonation with ozone generation rates of 13, 17, and 21 mg O3/min, temperatures of 30, 60, and 90 °C and duration of 0, 30, and 60 min. A complete factorial design with three factors was used, in three equidistant levels (33), totaling 27 samples for each lot. The experiments were performed randomly, submitted to analysis of variance using the STATISTICA software. The results presented in this work are better than those obtained in real situations and similar to others in experimental situation by ozonation; when compared with traditional methods of clarification, our results are at least equal to them.Practical applicationsA method of obtaining better quality sugar is presented from the point of view of clarification. This method does not use chemical agents harmful to human health and the environment.
An agent‐based simulation model of Eldana saccharina Walker
Authors: van Vuuren B.J. , Potgieter L. , van Vuuren J.H. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a stalk borer pest plaguing the sugar producing industry in South Africa . The pest feeds on the internal tissue of sugarcane stalks, causing yield losses in sucrose. Various control methods have been proposed in an attempt to suppress the pest. These control methods are, however, often difficult and costly to test, implement, and develop further in an iterative manner. In an attempt to better understand the behavior and population dynamics of E. saccharina, an agent‐based simulation model is presented in this paper which simulates the stalk borer's biology, feeding habits, mating behavior, dispersal patterns, and various other characteristics as accurately as possible. The flexibility and validity of the model are then ascertained by subjecting the model to expert opinion and parameter variation analysis. A simplified control measure is then implemented in order to demonstrate the possibility for using the agent‐based model in the future for developing and testing integrated pest management strategies against E. saccharina.Recommendations for Resource Managers
The use of agent‐based simulation modeling is investigated as a possible means for accurate capturing of the behavior of E. saccharina.
The ability to accurately recreate pest behavior poses the opportunity for the detailed testing and development of control strategies to combat this sugarcane pest.
By employing simulation modeling, control strategies may be tested to assess their anticipated success in eradicating the pest.
The speed with which long‐term analyses may be conducted, as well as the absence of the associated cost of infield testing, means that various scenarios may be investigated over a number of iterations in an attempt to optimize the process and achieve maximum confidence prior to infield implementation of the control strategies.
The successful implementation of this science may provide a platform to extend this type of modeling to include other pests and/or plant hosts which may benefit from pest suppression.
Exhumation of the Mesozoic Guojialing Granodiorite: Implication for the Preservation of Gold Deposits in the Jiaobei Terrane, China
Authors: Wang Jianping , Liu Zhenjiang , Liu Jun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPreservation conditions are very important for mineral systems and a suitable exhumation process is critical for endogenetic deposits, especially for those deposits formed in orogenic settings, where deposits are inclined to erode away due to strong uplift. TheGuojialing batholith, intruding into theLinglong granites and theJiaodongGroup right before regional gold mineralization, is one of the most important gold ore‐hostingMesozoic intrusions in theJiaobei terrane. Gold deposits and the intrusion together underwent similar tectonothermal evolutionary processes. Exhumation and denudation process of theGuojialing granodiorite was constrained by biotite geobarometry and apatite fission track (FT) analysis. Biotite geobarometric data yields an emplacement depth of 3.0 km, while denudation since 110Ma was calculated from theFTdata at about 2.7 km. FT inverse modeling revealed a rapid uplift sinceca100 Ma. Compared with the gold ore‐forming depth which is confined between 2.5 and 9.5 km by fluid inclusion studies, great gold potential in the depths is inferred in theJiaobei terrane. Our result is consistent, to some extent, with the hypothesis of aMesozoic paleoplateau inEastChina.
Long-term follow-up of aneurysms treated electively with woven stent-assisted coiling
Authors: Cheung Nicholas K , Chiu Albert HY , Cheung Andrew K , Wenderoth Jason D 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundPreliminary short-term results for stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) using woven/braided stents have been promising. However, evidence supporting mid- to long-term efficacy and durability is lacking.ObjectiveTo report the long-term results for the durability of elective intracranial aneurysms treated with woven stents.Materials and methodsBetween May 2012 and May 2015, 98 consecutive patients with 103 aneurysms underwent elective woven SACE across three Australian neurovascular centres. All patients had immediate, 6- and 18-month clinical and radiological follow-up. Radiological assessment was performed with modified Raymond–Roy occlusion scores based on angiography results, while clinical assessment was based on the modified Rankin Scale.ResultsSix-month follow-up was available in 100 aneurysms, and an 18-month follow-up in 97 aneurysms. Total occlusion rates of 82% were achieved at inception, 82% at 6 months, and 90% at 18 months. Satisfactory occlusion with small neck remnants was present in 17% at inception, 16% at 6 months, and 9% at 18 months. Good neurological outcomes were achieved in 95% at 18 months. Intraprocedural thromboembolic events were recorded in 3% and delayed events in 1% (all in patients taking clopidogrel). Aneurysm recurrence occurred in one patient (1%). Technical complications occurred in 5%. The total complication rate was 10%.ConclusionsWoven SACE is safe, efficacious, and durable at long-term 18-month follow-up, with very low recurrence and re-treatment rates. Preliminary results appear better than those for traditional laser-cut stents.
First-in-Class ERK1/2 Inhibitor Ulixertinib (BVD-523) in Patients with MAPK Mutant Advanced Solid Tumors: Results of a Phase I Dose-Escalation and Expansion Study
Authors: Sullivan Ryan J. , Infante Jeffrey R. , Janku Filip , Wong Deborah Jean Lee , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Keedy Vicki , Patel Manish R. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , Mier James W. , Tolcher Anthony W. , Wang-Gillam Andrea , Sznol Mario , Flaherty Keith , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Carvajal Richard D. , Varghese Anna M. , Lacouture Mario E. , Ribas Antoni , Patel Sapna P. , DeCrescenzo Gary A. , Emery Caroline M. , Groover Anna L. , Saha Saurabh , Varterasian Mary , Welsch Dean J. , Hyman David M. , Li Bob T. 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Ulixertinib (BVD-523) is an ERK1/2 kinase inhibitor with potent preclinical activity in BRAF- and RAS-mutant cell lines. In this multicenter phase I trial (NCT01781429), 135 patients were enrolled to an accelerated 3 + 3 dose-escalation cohort and six distinct dose-expansion cohorts. Dose escalation included 27 patients, dosed from 10 to 900 mg twice daily and established the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of 600 mg twice daily. Ulixertinib exposure was dose proportional to the RP2D, which provided near-complete inhibition of ERK activity in whole blood. In the 108-patient expansion cohort, 32% of patients required dose reduction. The most common treatment-related adverse events were diarrhea (48%), fatigue (42%), nausea (41%), and dermatitis acneiform (31%). Partial responses were seen in 3 of 18 (17%) patients dosed at or above maximum tolerated dose and in 11 of 81 (14%) evaluable patients in dose expansion. Responses occurred in patients with NRAS-, BRAF V600–, and non–V600 BRAF-mutant solid tumors.
Significance: Here, we describe the first-in-human dose-escalation study of an ERK1/2 inhibitor for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors. Ulixertinib has an acceptable safety profile with favorable pharmacokinetics and has shown early evidence of clinical activity in NRAS- and BRAF V600- and non-V600–mutant solid-tumor malignancies. Cancer Discov; 8(2); 184–95. ©2017 AACR.
See related commentary by Smalley and Smalley, p. 140.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 127
Subclinical Cardiac Dysfunction and Brain Health in Midlife: CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Substudy
Authors: Cermakova Pavla , Muller Majon , Armstrong Anderson C. , Religa Dorota , Bryan R. Nick , Lima João A. C. , Launer Lenore J. 
Published: December 2017

Background
We investigated whether cardiac parameters in young adulthood are associated with indicators of brain health in midlife.

Methods and Results

This study includes 648 participants from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study (52% women, 38% black). We studied associations of cardiac parameters assessed by echocardiography (left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume, and left ventricular mass) in young adulthood (mean age: 30 years) with brain measures obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (total brain, gray and white matter volume, white matter integrity, abnormal white matter) in midlife (mean age: 50 years). In 406 individuals with complete measurements, higher left atrial volume was associated with lower white matter fractional anisotropy, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (β=−0.002;
P
<0.02). The association was strongest in black participants and in men.

Conclusions
Higher left atrial volume in early adulthood is associated with impairment of white matter integrity in midlife. Interventions to improve cardiac function in young adults may benefit brain health and should be targeted in particular at black men.
Crime Prevention in the U.S.A.
Authors: Marshall P. 
Published: December 2017

I wish to express my gratitude to the Ford (Dagenham) Trust for making possible the study tour on which the following article is based. The assistance so freely given by Mr. John T. Minnich, Legal Attaché, United States Embassy, London, and Mr. Peter Hamilton, Hon. Secretary, British Security Industry Association, was invaluable in planning my itinerary. In the wide range of contacts in America, with organizations ranging from police departments to private corporations and universities, and with individuals from all walks of life, I invariably met kindness, courtesy and hospitality; this made my tour an outstanding experience.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes Comparing Percutaneous Chevron-Akin Osteotomies vs Open Scarf-Akin Osteotomies for Hallux Valgus
Authors: Lai Mun Chun , Rikhraj Inderjeet Singh , Woo Yew Lok , Yeo William , Ng Yung Chuan Sean , Koo Kevin 
Published: December 2017

Background: Minimally invasive surgeries have gained popularity due to less soft tissue trauma and better wound healing. To date, limited studies have compared the outcomes of percutaneous and open osteotomies. This study aims to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of percutaneous chevron-Akin osteotomies vs open scarf–Akin osteotomies at 24-month follow-up. Method: We reviewed a prospectively collected database in a tertiary hospital hallux valgus registry. Twenty-nine feet that underwent a percutaneous technique were matched to 58 feet that underwent open scarf and Akin osteotomies. Clinical outcome measures assessed included visual analog scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score (AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Radiological outcomes included hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). All patients were prospectively followed up at 6 and 24 months. Results: Both groups showed comparable clinical and radiological outcomes at the 24-month follow-up. However, the percutaneous group demonstrated less pain in the perioperative period ( P < .001). There were significant differences in the change in HVA between the groups but comparable radiological outcomes in IMA at the 24-month follow-up. The percutaneous group demonstrated shorter length of operation ( P < .001). There were no complications in the percutaneous group but 3 wound complications in the open group. Conclusions: We conclude that clinical and radiological outcomes of third-generation percutaneous chevron-Akin osteotomies were comparable with open scarf and Akin osteotomies at 24 months but with significantly less perioperative pain, shorter length of operation, and less risk of wound complications. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.