bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Report on the Treatment of Children with Advanced Neuroblastoma with Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
Authors: Chen Jing , Gu Long-Jun , Tang Jing-Yan , Zhao Hui-Jun , Pan Ci , Xue Hui-Liang , Wang Yao-Ping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Neuroblastoma(NB) is a common solid tumors in children. Even with active chemotherapy, operation and irradiation, the survival rate is still very low in advanced patients. To improve the treatment results, autolougous haematopoietic stem cell transplantations have been performed in 11 patients with advanced NB in our hospital. The average age was 3.8 years old (2–6 years old) and the average weight was 15.3kg(11.6–20kg) in this group. All 9 patients were in stage IV with the primary mass in abdomen and extensive bone marrow involvement but 2 patients in stage III with the primary mass in thorax. Although high dose chemotherapy and active operation was given, 4 cases still have not got complete remission at the time of transplant. As 2 cases received 2 times transplant, totally 13 transplants were performed in these 11 children. 3 were collected stem cell from the anterior crista of iliac in both sides while another 10 were received the stem cell from the peripheral mononuclear cell harvested with CS-3000 cell separator after G-CSF mobilization. To reduce the risk of post transplant relapse, 4 cases were purged with CliniMACS based on the CD34 positive selection. All the patients conditioned with Etopside plus Carboplatin plus Melphalan. Results show the number of mononuclear cell collected from bone marrow or peripheral blood was equal to 5.7±0.9′108/kg and 5.7±1.0′108/kg respectively(p>0.05). All of them achieved the haematopoietic reconstitution after transplantation. The mean time for the neutrophile count recovering to 0.5 ′109/L was 10.5±5.7 days and the platelet recovering over 2.0 ′109/L. The mean transfusion independent day was 16.8±9.4 days with average 2 units of packed red blood cells and 4 units of platelet products transfused in the course of transplantation. The mean fellow up time was 26.7 months. 4/11 children died of relapse 5 months to 27 months after transplantation. Other 7 children are still in survival. None of our children died of complication associated with transplantation. It suggests autologous stem cell transplantation is a safe and effective measure in the treatment of children with advanced neuroblastoma and worth of further recommendation.
Long-Term Follow-Up of CML Patients Treated with Autografting Followed by IFN-A and Imatinib for Relapsed Patients.
Authors: Carella A.M. , Corsetti Maria T. , Beltrami Germana , Bodenizza Carlo , Cavaliere Marina 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Residual diploid hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) represent a quantitatively useful reservoir from a therapeutic standpoint, particularly early in the course of the disease. Clinical evidence for the persistence of diploid HPC in CML has been provided by the fact that Ph-negative cells are mobilized into the blood of patients treated with chemotherapy/G-CSF, IFN-a and, more recently, with Imatinib. In this report, we update our experience in 50 patients with early chronic phase not previously treated with IFN-a. All patients completed the mobilization protocol (ICE/mini-ICE) and diploid or prevalently diplod HPC were mobilized in peripheral blood after G-CSF. High-dose therapy consisted of Busulfan (4 mg/kg/d x 4 days) (44 patients) or TBI-containing regimen (6 patients). No patient died of the procedure. After engraftment, all patients were treated with IFN-a (3–5 MU/d three times weekly). The median follow-up of 50 patients is 77 months (range, 8 to 142 months). At present (July 31, 2004), 39 patients (78%) are alive at a median follow-up of 89 months (range, 43 –142) from autografting: 15/39 patients maintain major cytogenetic remission (MCyR) under IFN-a (1 patient received MUD in MCyR;) 23 patients (22 in CP and 1 in AP), who relapsed cytogenetically received Imatinib. Sixteen out of 23 pts on Imatinib achieved MCyR (2 patients) or complete cytogenetic remission (CCyR) (14 patients). Eleven out of 50 patients died at a median of 35 months (range, 8 to 106 months): 9 patients of blastic transformation (2 in the Imatinib group), 1 patient of fulminant hepatitis and 1 of cardiac arrest under Imatinib treatment. In conclusion, intensive treatment with autografting/IFN-a ± Imatinib was able to control the disease in 39/50 patients of whom 31 patients are still in major/complete cytogenetic remission.
Risk Factors of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT).
Authors: Bonferroni Margherita , Grasso Mariella , Tavera Silvia , Calvi Roberta , Mattei Daniele , Pistone Maria A. , Gallamini Andrea 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Aim: to analyse the incidence and risk factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after ASTC.
Methods: 129 pts who underwent ASCT in our Institution from June 1997 to June 2004 were analysed retrospectively ( 40 NHL, 66 MM, 8 HD, 8AML, 7CLL). Conditioning regimen consisted in MitoMel in NHL, Melphalan in MM (100–200/m2) and BEAM in AML and CLL. All patients were monitored with Ag pp65 twice weekly from conditioning therapy to hematological recovery. CMV prophylaxis consisted of acyclovir (400 mg p.o. twice daily) and the use of leucocyte-depleted blood products. Following the report of a positive CMV Ag all patients were treated with ganciclovir 5 mg/kg or foscarnet 90 mg/kg twice daily for 2 weeks or until the test was negative.
Results: we observed 8 CMV Ag positive: 5 were MM in RP at the transplant and 2 out of 3 NHL were heavily pretreated. Six patients were older than 60 years. The number of CD34 infused was 3.8x106/kg (range 3.1–5.1 ). The mean time for PMN > 500/ul and platelets > 30.000/ul was respectively 11 and 21 days. CMV Ag occurred after a mean time of 21 days (4–45) following ASCT. All patients with a positive CMV Ag were febrile. CMV infection was considered the sole cause of fever in 4 pts; 2 had antibiotic-resistant fever, 1 acute enteritis and 1 pneumonia. The remaining 4 pts had concomitant sepsis: Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Staphylococcus Epidermidis. Seven pts had CMV Ag levels >5/200000 cells and one pt >2/200000 at presentation. The resolution of fever and clearance of CMV Ag occurred after 5.6 days (3–9) from the start of antiviral treatment, but in 2 pts was delayed (respectively 14 and 18 days). Of note, these two pts had the highest CMV Ag levels observed (350 and 961) and one treated with foscarnet developed acute renal failure.
Conclusion:
1) CMV infection is an infrequent complication of ASCT( 6,2%) 2) CMV Ag detection was unrelated to the number of CD34 infused and the duration of neutropenia. 3) Pts heavly pretreated, febrile or with sepsis had high rates of CMV reactivation and disease. This subset of pts require more frequent diagnostic evaluation and prompt antiviral therapy.
Conventional Hospital Room Is as Safe as Sterile Unit for High-Dose Chemotherapy and Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) Transplantation.
Authors: Ketterer Nicolas , Zaman Khalil , Luthi Francois , Rosselet Anne , Bally Frank , Schneider Philippe , Frossard Valerie , Leyvraz Serge 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Infectious complications in transplanted patients (pts) motivate recommendations that autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) should be carried out in special rooms endowed with positive pressure and high-efficiency particulate air filtration (HEPA) filters. However growing indications for ASCT and cost restrictions prompt to lighten the procedure without compromising the safety. We report here 59 consecutive and non-selected ASCTs performed from 2/00 to 4/04 in conventional single rooms (without positive pressure air filtration) to analyze early toxicity, infectious complications and 100-days (d.) transplant related death (TRD). High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and ASCT were administered for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n=39), multiple myeloma (n=13) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n=2). Five pts with multiple myeloma received double ASCT. Median (med.) age was 54 years (range 22–71). Med. number (nb.) of previous lines of treatment was 1 (range 1–6). Thirty-nine pts were intensified in 1st remission (26 CR, 11 PR, 2 MR), 12 in 2nd remission (10 CR, 2 PR), 1 in 3rd CR and 2 in either SD or refractory relapse. Except for amphotericin-B mouthwashes and oral valacyclovir in case of HSV seropositivity, no systemic prophylactic antibiotic (abt) was used. The med. nb. of reinfused stem cells was 3.7x106 CD34+/kg (1.86–33.3). One pt received 0.94x106 CD34+ cells/kg combined with bone marrow. G-CSF was started at day 7 (2–15) after transplant. Med. time to achieve an absolute neutrophil count >0.5x109/L and >1.0x109/L was respectively (resp.) 10 d. (8–13) and 11 d. (8–13). Med. time to spontaneous platelet count >20x109/L and >50x109/L was resp. 11 d. (0–28) and 13 d. (9–81). The med. nb. of red cells and platelets transfusions was resp. 2 (0–12) and 2 (0–25). Except five pts, all developed fever (>38.3°C) and 56 out of the 59 pts received abt for a med. duration of 12 d. (1–46). Twenty-six pts (44%) had fever without any documented infection. Grade3/4 infections were diagnosed in 27 pts (46%). One patient presented candidemia. No case of aspergillosis was observed. Two pts (3%) needed transient transfer to the intensive care unit because of septicemia with reversible cardio-respiratory failure. The med duration of hospitalization was 20 d. (2–75), and was <28 d. for 54/59 pts (92%). With a med. follow up of 22.6 months (3–52), 44 patients are still alive: 33 (61%) in CR and 11 (20%) with relapse. 11 patients died: 8 from progressive disease, one following allotransplant 12 months after ASCT and one at d. 104 due to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The later was the unique TRD. The profile of toxicity and the low TRD rate observed in our non selected pts are comparable to whose reported usually in the literature for pts treated in sterile units with HEPA, confirming that HDC and ASCT can be safely realized in conventional single rooms.
Survival after Autologous Transplantation to Treat Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with a History of CNS Involvement, Bone Marrow Involvement, or Histologic Transformation.
Authors: Hayes-Lattin Brandon , Mehta Pritesh , Dunn Adam , Subbiah Nan , Leis Jose F. , Simic Aleksandra , Allen Bryon , Balliesen Suzanne , Curtin Peter T. , Epner Elliot , Fleming William H. , Jacoby Carol , Mauro Michael J. , Nichols Craig R. , Schubach Susan , Maziarz Richard T. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who present with extra-nodal involvement or histologic transformation from low-grade disease have lower rates of survival after conventional-dose therapy. The impact of these features on outcomes after high-dose therapy with autologous transplantation was investigated.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 64 consecutive patients receiving autologous transplantation from 1995 to 2003 for the treatment of DLBCL. Variables considered were age, gender, histologic transformation, history of bone marrow involvement, history of central nervous system (CNS) involvement, time from diagnosis to transplant, number of pre-transplant regimens, chemosensitivity prior to transplant, conditioning regimen, year of transplant, and the use of peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cells. Survivals were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to test the significance of factors on survival. Univariate association between variables and survival were tested by the log-rank test. Correlation between variables was tested with Spearman’s rank coefficient.
Results: The median age at transplant among 64 patients was 53.5 years (17–74). The median overall survival was 3.3 years. Among these patients, 12 had a history of CNS involvement, 10 had a history of bone marrow involvement, and 12 had transformed from low-grade lymphoma. A Cox regression model suggested age <50 (log-rank, p=0.093), <2 regimens prior to transplant (log-rank, p=0.052), and the lack of BEAM as conditioning regimen (log-rank, p=0.019) as multivariate factors for survival. However, the use of BEAM was highly associated with older age (R²= 0.42, p=0.001) and more prior chemotherapy regimens (R²=0.24, p=0.054). A history of extranodal involvement, including prior CNS involvement (p=0.842) or bone marrow involvement (p=0.518), was not associated with lower survival by univariate analysis. No significant association was found between survival and a history of transformation (p=0.484).
Conclusions: A history of CNS involvement, bone marrow involvement, or histologic transformation is not associated with lower rates of survival among patients undergoing autologous transplantation for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at our institution. Patients who present with such histories remain candidates for autologous transplantation.
Enhanced Growth Suppression of Philadephia1 Leukemia Cells in Mice by Targeting Both BCR-ABL and VEGF through the Antisense Strategy.
Authors: Han Zhong Chao , Cong Xiu Li , Li Bin , Yang Ren Chi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The Philadephia chromosome (Ph1) translocation results in the formation of the BCR-ABL oncogene in over 95% patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). VEGF levels are elevated both in the plasma of CML patients and in conditioned media taken from CML cells. Therefore, simultaneous targeting of BCR-ABL and VEGF might be a rational strategy for attempting treatment of Philadephia1 leukemia. To test this hypothesis, we used an antisense strategy to downregulate BCR-ABL and VEGF expression in K562 cells, a human erythroleukemia cell line. In vitro, combination of bcr/abl and VEGF antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (AS-ODNs) exerted a specific synergistic antiproliferative effect on K562 cells and prominently sensitized K562 cells to apoptosis-inducing stimuli. In vivo, nude mice injected with K562 cells were treated systemically with BCR-ABL or VEGF AS-ODNs or with both ODNs in combination. In comparison with the mice treated with individual agents, the mice treated with both ODNs showed a slower growth of leukemia tumors, a reduction of microvessel density and an increased apoptosis in the tumors. These results demonstrate that targeting both BCR-ABL and VEGF may represent an excellent strategy to overcome the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and ultimately to augment the efficacy of chemotherapy in CML.
Transduction of Primate Cells with Feline Foamy Virus Envelope Pseudotyped Prototype Foamy Virus Vectors.
Authors: Su RuiJun , Rosales Rency L. , Lochelt Martin , Josephson Neil C. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Because of their genetic and biological similarity to humans, non-human primates are the best pre-clinical models for testing the efficacy and safety of gene therapy systems. However, the presence of endogenous simian foamy virus infection in nearly all non-human primates kept in captivity complicates foamy virus (FV) vector stem cell transduction studies in these animals. A major concern is that repopulating cells exposed to FV vector stocks will elicit an immune response in non-human primate hosts. Though human serum does not inactivate prototype foamy virus (PFV) vectors, a one hour incubation of PFV vector stock in the presence of serum samples from Papio Cynophalus (baboon), Macaca Mulatta (rhesus macaque), or Macaca Fasicularis (long-tailed macaque) results in a 75–100% drop in titer. To overcome this serum mediated inactivation we sought to pseudotype PFV vectors in the feline foamy virus (FFV) envelope. The wild-type envelope from the FUV strain of FFV does not pseudotype our PFV vectors. Therefore we generated chimeras with regions of both the FFV and PFV envelope. By substituting portions of the FFV envelope leader peptide sequence and membrane spanning domain with corresponding PFV envelope regions we generated chimeric envelopes capable of high titer (105–106 FFU/ml) PFV vector production. Serum samples from Macaca Mulatta produced less inactivation of the FFV pseudotyped than the PFV pseudotyped vectors. Furthermore, both the PFV and FFV pseudotyped vectors demonstrated efficient transduction of baboon mesenchymal stem cells (27–43%) and baboon embryonic stem cells (37–40%). However, the FFV pseudotyped vectors transduced both human and baboon CD34+ cells less efficiently than the PFV pseudotyped vectors. We plan to test PFV vectors pseudotyped by other FV envelopes for inactivation by primate serum, and for their ability to transduce primate hematopoietic cells.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infections in Immunocompromized Children.
Authors: Chiang Alan Kwok Shing , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung , Ha Shau Yin , Chan Kwok Hung 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Eleven children who were immunocompromized due to chemotherapy were infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during an outbreak of RSV infection in the Pediatric Oncology Unit of Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong. The clinical symptoms, effect on treatment regimen, outcome of infection and viral clearance had been followed prospectively in all 11 children. Viral clearance was documented by immunofluorescence and PCR studies of nasopharyngeal aspirates or nasal/throat swabs. Eight of the 11 children had upper respiratory symptoms with the remaining 3 patients progressing to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). All except one had protracted viral symptoms but eventually recovered without the need for specific anti-viral treatment or intensive support. However, the chemotherapy regimen or scheduled BMT had been significantly interrupted. One patient developed progressively severe pneumonia which was further complicated by adenovirus reactivation causing bone marrow failure and severe sepsis resulting in death of this patient. The viral clearance of RSV was delayed in all patients with median of 20 days (range 9–81 days). One patient had recurrence of RSV detected by PCR 35 days after intial documentation of clearance, after a BMT procedure. The delayed viral clearance correlated with protracted viral symptoms. In conclusion, RSV clearance is delayed in immunocompromized hosts causing protracted viral symptoms, progression to LRTI and interruption to chemotherapy treatment. The delay in viral clearance appears proportional to the degree of immunosuppression of the individual.
Development of a Preference Questionnaire to Compare User Preference for Hemophilia Factor Reconstitution Devices.
Authors: Lloyd Andrew , Mannix Sally , Brewster Jessica , Rentz Anne M. , Butler Regina , Larson Peter J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Introduction: Hemophilia treatment includes reconstitution of lyophilized FVIII concentrates with diluent followed by intravenous injection. Several reconstitution methods are commonly employed during infusion of concentrates. The Bio-Set® (Biodome, Issoire France) is a new needleless device for reconstituting a factor VIII concentrate, Kogenate® FS (Bayer Healthcare, Elkhart IN).
Objective: To develop and evaluate a new preference questionnaire designed to capture nurse, patient, and caregiver preferences for reconstituting factor using the Bio-Set® device, the conventional method for reconstitution and the other available method, the Baxject (Baxter Healthcare, Westlake Village CA).
Methods: A 27-item preference questionnaire was developed based on a previous preference questionnaire. Four hemophilia nurses participated in content validation before pilot-testing the questionnaire. Psychometric properties were tested in a sample of 161 participants (35 hemophilia A patients who infuse themselves, 67 caregivers, 59 infusion nurses). The entire study followed an IRB approved protocol. Method names were blinded to prevent brand recognition by participants. Participants were familiarized with each method by viewing a video, watching an interviewer demonstrate each method, and practicing with each method. After performing a timed round with each method, participants completed the preference questionnaire for each method. After performing the third method, participants ranked methods on 9 attributes.
Results: Item distributions indicated acceptable response spread for most items. Following item analyses and principle components factor analysis (PCA), 2 items were eliminated. The PCA resulted in two factors, worry/safety and ease/confidence. Internal consistency reliability was good for total and subscale scores, ranging from 0.92 to 0.93. Concurrent and discriminant validity was not supported.
Conclusions: This study provides information on the psychometric properties of a new preference questionnaire that will be useful in determining inclination for and differences between patient, caregiver, and nurse preferences for reconstitution devices available for hemophilia factor concentrates.
Dosing Patterns of Erythropoietic Agents and Their Association with Provider Visits in Patients with Cancer and Anemia.
Authors: Bolge Susan C. , Fastenau John M. , Howell Jamie B. , Piech Catherine T. , Donohue Jane A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Understanding current dosing patterns of epoetin alfa (EPO) and darbepoetin alfa (DARB) in clinical practice and their association with provider visits is important to optimize patient management and assess the total costs of anemia care.
Objective: To assess dosing patterns of erythropoietic agents and the frequencies of provider visits in patients with cancer and anemia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of adults with solid tumor cancers and anemia is on going. 500 planned participants are being recruited through 50 oncologists’ offices across the U.S. Information is collected via a self-administered questionnaire that is divided into two parts. The first, completed by the provider, captures clinical information; the second, completed by patients, records their knowledge, experience and preferences regarding anemia and its treatments, including resource use, quality of life and productivity. This preliminary analysis focuses on the provider-reported dosing section (most recent dosing of the erythropoietic agent) and patient-reported resource utilization section (past month recall of visits to providers).
Results: 276 provider/patient-matched questionnaires have been received. Of these, there were 78 EPO, 172 DARB, 21 Untreated and 5 patients who had received both agents within the past month. 96% of patients were receiving chemotherapy concurrently. The majority of EPO patients were dosed weekly (QW) followed by every 2 week dosing (Q2W) while most DARB patients were dosed Q2W weeks followed by QW dosing (EPO: QW 90%, Q2W 10%; DARB: QW 26%, Q2W 63%, Other 10%). Mean weekly doses for each agent were: EPO 37,574 Units/week; DARB 140 mcg/week; corresponding to an EPO:DARB dose ratio of 267:1. All patients reported a mean of 7.6 visits to providers in the past month, with similar results among the three patient groups (EPO: 8.8, DARB: 7.2, Untreated: 5.9; p=0.316). Most patients described the number of visits during the past month as “typical” (64% overall, range of 60–66% among patient groups; p=0.801). Among patients receiving an erythropoietic agent, the mean number of past monthly visits did not differ by frequency of administration (QW: 8.7, Q2W: 7.4, Other: 4.9; p=0.064).
Conclusion: Based on provider and patient-reported data, dosing patterns showed most EPO patients are dosed QW while most DARB patients are dosed Q2W. The EPO:DARB dose ratio was found to be 267:1 which is consistent with other observational studies using claims data and chart reviews (Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol.2004;23:552 (6144)). Patients with cancer and anemia report similar numbers of visits to their providers each month regardless of their anemia treatment (EPO, DARB or Untreated) or erythropoietic dosing schedule (QW, Q2W, or Other).