Sclerosed liver hemangioma mimicking malignant tumor at MR imaging: Pathologic correlation

This case report illustrates atypical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in a liver hemangioma mimicking a malignant lesion—lower signal intensity than cerebrospinal fluid on T2-weighted spin-echo images and lack of early enhancement on dynamic contrast material—enhanced gradient-echo images. Pathologic analysis demonstrated nearly total replacement of the vascular cavities by dense fibrous tissue. In this rare, sclerosed form, this lesion could not be defined as a hemangioma with MR imaging.     

Androgen receptor in salivary gland carcinoma: A review of an old marker as a possible new target

The role of the androgen receptor (AR) as an immunomarker for diagnosis of salivary gland duct carcinoma (SDC) is well known. Other non‐squamous cell head and neck cancers (NSCC‐HN), including a small subset of salivary gland cancers (SGCs), can also express AR. With the increase in effective and powerful new generation of anti‐androgen agents and drugs administered orally, more targetable AR‐driven NSCC‐HN, such as subsets of SGCs, should be investigated for possible expression of AR. In this review, we focus on SGC subtypes, which could express AR and describe the main androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) strategies.     

Preparation and characterisation of PHT-loaded chitosan lecithin nanoparticles for intranasal drug delivery to the brain

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) for intranasal (IN) drug delivery to the brain represents a hopeful strategy to enhance brain targeting of anti-epileptic drugs. In the present work, chitosan–lecithin NPs loaded with phenytoin (PHT), were prepared using the nano-precipitation method. The spherical nature of the NPs and their stability were confirmed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, while the average dynamic size and zeta potential were measured using dynamic light scattering. The encapsulation efficiency of PHT was higher than 60% for all prepared NPs. Release studies showed that the amount of released PHT was directly related to the amount of chitosan used. The optimum preparation, L₁₀C_i⁺ was administered via the IN route, and the levels of PHT in the brain were measured in three-time points. Two experimental controls were given via the intraperitoneal (IP) and IN routes. The highest PHT amount reaching 1.01 ± 0.55% for L₁₀C_i⁺, which was associated with a sustained release of PHT. These preliminary findings show that the IN delivery of PHT-loaded NPs is very promising for managing epilepsy. The direct nose-to-brain approach increases the safety margins of PHT, while the sustained release could improve patient compliance in a clinical setting.

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) for intranasal (IN) drug delivery to the brain represents a hopeful strategy to enhance brain targeting of anti-epileptic drugs.     

Vitamin D deficiency in children with bronchial asthma in southern Jordan: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH vitamin D) levels in Jordanian children with bronchial asthma, and to examine correlations between 25-OH vitamin D levels and asthma severity and control.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the Paediatric Chest Clinic, Al-Karak Governmental Hospital, Southern Jordan, between May 2015 and February 2016. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was determined in children aged 1–14 years diagnosed with bronchial asthma (6–14 years) or recurrent wheezing episodes (<6 years). Asthma severity was determined based on the Global Initiative for Asthma assessment, the Asthma Control Test, and the Childhood Asthma Control Test. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with low and normal 25-OH vitamin D levels, and correlations between asthma severity and 25-OH vitamin D level were assessed.ResultsOut of 98 included children, 25-OH vitamin D levels were deficient and insufficient in 41 (41.8%) and 34 (34.7%) children, respectively. Only 23 (23.5%) had sufficient 25-OH vitamin D levels. A significant correlation was found between severity of asthma symptoms and 25-OH vitamin D deficiency.Conclusion25-OH vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Jordanian children with bronchial asthma and correlates significantly with asthma severity.     

Unilateral decompressive craniectomy for children with severe brain injury. Report of seven cases and review of the relevant literature

Severe head injuries in children (under 15 years of age) have many features that differentiate them from head injuries in adults. In such cases, non-surgical treatment cannot always prevent fatal herniation. We report on seven cases of children with severe head injury, presenting with decorticate posturing and treated by unilateral decompressive craniectomy. The aim of the unilateral decompressive craniectomy was to decompress the midbrain and the brainstem. Post-operatively, all patients showed good recovery within 5 weeks (Glasgow Coma Scale score 15). The alternative treatment modalities are discussed critically in an attempt to determine the value of the unilateral decompressive craniectomy procedure and to define the clinical parameters that might identify those children most likely to benefit from this technique. CONCLUSION: the unilateral decompressive craniectomy has an advantage over non-surgical treatment of children with severe brain injury and should be considered in their management.