Variable selection with group structure in competing risks quantile regression

We study the group bridge and the adaptive group bridge penalties for competing risks quantile regression with group variables. While the group bridge consistently identifies nonzero group variables, the adaptive group bridge consistently selects variables not only at group level but also at within‐group level. We allow the number of covariates to diverge as the sample size increases. The oracle property for both methods is also studied. The performance of the group bridge and the adaptive group bridge is compared in simulation and in a real data analysis. The simulation study shows that the adaptive group bridge selects nonzero within‐group variables more consistently than the group bridge. A bone marrow transplant study is provided as an example.     

Primary alveolar soft part sarcoma arising from the cerebellopontine angle

Introduction

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare soft tissue malignant neoplasm, frequently metastasizes to the brain. However, primary intracranial ASPS is extremely rare. We present a case of primary intracranial ASPS arising from the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) without demonstrable systemic lesions.

Case report

An 11-year-old girl presented with a recurrent tumor in the right CPA after a partial resection and radiation therapy (RT). Near-total resection with a minimal tumor left in the jugular foramen was performed. The pathological diagnosis was ASPS. There was no evidence of primary extracranial tumors. She underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and gamma knife surgery. At 29 months after the second surgery, magnetic resonance imaging revealed multifocal enhancing lesions at the prepontine cistern, right CPA and medulla oblongata, despite intensive treatment. However, extracranial metastasis was not noted. This case suggested a poor outcome of primary intracranial ASPS, similar to extracranial ASPS.     

Characteristics and outcomes of varied treatment modalities for partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms: a review of 35 cases

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms (PTIAs) in terms of location, shape, size, and symptoms, and to assess outcome according to the type of treatment.

Methods

We reviewed the radiological and clinical findings of 35 cases of PTIAs followed in our institution between 2006 and 2011. We divided all treatment modalities into two groups. Patients in group A (n?=?15) were treated by blood flow blockage from the lesion of the pathogenic segment of the parent where the PTIAs originated, and patients in group B (n?=?20) were only treated with obliteration of the remnant perfused aneurysmal sac. Radiological and clinical outcomes of treatment were compared between the two groups.

Results

Group A showed complete occlusion in 15 cases (100 %) compared to six cases (30.0 %) in group B (p?Conclusion PTIAs should be treated by preventing blood flow from the lesion of the pathogenic segment of the parent artery where PTIAs originate. This treatment approach is associated with better clinical and radiological outcomes.     

Ventilatory support and predictors of hospital stay in neonates

: Ventilatory support in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and related care modalities have profound lifelong benefits for neonates. : Ventilatory support and predictors of hospital stay were prospectively examined in 262 neonates and their mothers who were admitted to a NICU. A mixed-model, generalized estimating equation approach was used for prediction analysis, accounting for the dependencies of multiple births (26.3% of sample). : Predictors for hospital stay included gestational age, congenital defects, birth weight, days requiring ventilator support, and oxygen support. Cubic curves present the best-fit model for the relationships between maturity (gestational age and birth weight) and length of hospital stay; along with days requiring oxygen support, ventilator support, and central arterial and venous access lines. : Ventilatory support and associated care modalities are important resources for high-risk neonates during hospital stay. Future studies need to determine the best care course for neonatal ventilatory support to prevent complications.     

Korean Red Ginseng Extract Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Sorafenib through Abrogation of CREB and c‐Jun Activation in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Although application of sorafenib in the treatment of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains one of the best examples of successful targeted therapy, majority of RCC patients suffer from its side effects as well as develop resistance to this targeted therapy. Thus, there is a need to promote novel alternative therapies for the treatment of RCC. In this study, we investigated whether Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) could inhibit the proliferation and induce chemosensitization in human renal cancer cells. Also, we used a human phospho‐antibody array containing 46 antibodies against signaling molecules to examine a subset of phosphorylation events after KRGE and sorafenib combination treatment. Korean red ginseng extract suppressed the proliferation of two RCC cell lines; activated caspase‐3; caused poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage; abrogated the expression of B‐cell lymphoma 2, B‐cell lymphoma extra large, survivin, inhibitors of apoptosis proteins‐1/2, cyclooxygenase‐2, cyclin D1, matrix metallopeptidase‐9, and vascular endothelial growth factor; and upregulated pro‐apoptotic gene products. Interestingly, KRGE enhanced the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of sorafenib in RCC cells. The combination treatment of KRGE and sorafenib more clearly suppressed cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element‐binding protein and c‐Jun phosphorylation and induced phosphorylation of p53 than did the individual treatment regimen. Our results clearly demonstrate that KRGE can enhance the anticancer activity of sorafenib and may have a substantial potential in the treatment of RCC. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.