bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roadblocks and Opportunities to the Implementation of Novel Therapies for Acute Kidney Injury: A Narrative Review
Authors: Misra Paraish S. , Silva e Silva Vanessa , Collister David 
Published: October 2019

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex and heterogeneous clinical syndrome with limited effective treatment options. Therefore, a coherent research structure considering AKI pathophysiology, treatment, translation, and implementation is critical to advancing patient care in this area. Purpose of review: In this narrative review, we discuss novel therapies for AKI from their journey from bench to bedside to population and focus on roadblocks and opportunities to their successful implementation. Sources of information: Peer-reviewed articles, opinion pieces from research leaders and research funding agencies, and clinical and research expertise. Methods: This narrative review details the challenges of translation of preclinical studies in AKI and highlights trending research areas and innovative designs in the field. Key developments in preclinical research, clinical trials, and knowledge translation are discussed. Furthermore, this article discusses the current need to involve patients in clinical research and the barriers and opportunities for effective knowledge translation. Key findings: Preclinical studies have largely been unsuccessful in generating novel therapies for AKI, due both to the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease, as well as the limitations of commonly available preclinical models of AKI. The emergence of kidney organoid technology may be an opportunity to reverse this trend. However, the roadblocks encountered at the bench have not precluded researchers from running well-designed and impactful clinical trials, and the field of renal replacement therapy in AKI is highlighted as an area that has been particularly active. Meanwhile, knowledge translation initiatives are bolstered by the presence of large administrative databases to permit ongoing monitoring of clinical practices and outcomes, with research output from such evaluations having the potential to directly impact patient care and inform the generation of meaningful clinical practice guidelines. Limitations: There are limited objective data examining the process of knowledge creation and translation in AKI, and as such the opinions and research areas of the authors are significantly drawn upon in the discussion. Implications: The use of an organized knowledge-to-action framework involving multiple stakeholders, especially patient partners, is critical to translating basic research findings to improvements in patient care in AKI, an area where effective treatment options are lacking.
Achievements in Understanding and Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Willman Cheryl , Barrett A. John , Saunthararajah Yogen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) constitute a challenge for the biologist as well as for the treating physician. In Section I, Dr. Willman reviews the current classifications and disease mechanisms involved in this heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder. A stepwise genetic progression model is proposed in which inherited or acquired genetic lesions promote the acquisition of “secondary” genetic events mainly characterized by gains and losses of specific chromosome regions. The genetic risk to develop MDS is likely multifactorial and dependent on various constellations of risk-producing and -protecting alleles. In Section II Dr. Barrett with Dr. Saunthararajah addresses the immunologic factors that may act as important secondary events in the development of severe pancytopenia. T cells from patients with MDS may suppress autologous erythroid and granulocytic growth in vitro, and T cell suppression by antithymocyte globulin or cyclosporine may significantly improve cytopenia, especially in refractory anemia. Recent studies have also demonstrated an increased vessel density in MDS bone marrow, and a phase II trial of thalidomide showed responses in a subgroup of MDS patients especially in those with low blast counts. In Section III Dr. Hellström-Lindberg presents results of allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT), intensive and low-dose chemotherapy. The results of allogeneic SCT in MDS are slowly improving but are still poor for patients with unfavorable cytogenetics and/or a high score according to the International Prognostic Scoring System. A recently published study of patients between 55-65 years old showed a disease-free survival (DFS) at 3 years of 39%. Consolidation treatment with autologous SCT after intensive chemotherapy may result in long-term DFS in a proportion of patients with high-risk MDS. Low-dose treatment with 5-azacytidine has been shown to significantly prolong the time to leukemic transformation or death in patients with high-risk MSA. Erythropoietin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor may synergistically improve hemoglobin levels, particularly in sideroblastic anemia. Recent therapeutic advances have made it clear that new biological information may lead to new treatment modalities and, in combination with statistically developed predictive models, help select patients for different therapeutic options.
Managing Indolent Lymphomas in Relapse
Authors: Cabanillas Fernando , Horning Sandra , Kaminski Mark , Champlin Richard 
Published: October 2019

The front-line management of stage IV indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has ranged from the watch-and-wait approach to intensive experimental regimens such as high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. With this broad spectrum of regimens to choose from the decision has become a challenging exercise for both patients and oncologists. With the recent introduction of new agents such as rituximab, fludarabine, and combinations based on these, the management of relapsed cases can be similarly confusing. More aggressive approaches such as high-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplant and more recently allogeneic bone marrow transplant have also been used. Recently the technique of “mini-allo transplants” has been introduced. It utilizes a less myelosuppressive conditioning chemotherapy regimen based on fludarabine which is immunosuppressive enough to allow engraftment of the donor marrow. Since it is less myelotoxic it is better tolerated, and this has allowed us to significantly extend the age cut-off for allogeneic transplants. All these advances provide us with a more extensive armamentarium, but at the same time they confront physicians with new challenges in choosing from a large and continuously growing therapeutic menu.
In this review of the alternative therapies a panel of three expert hemato-oncologists each discuss their approach to the management of a 49-year-old patient with a relapsed indolent follicular lymphoma. Dr. Horning discusses the traditional alternatives available for this patient such as standard chemotherapy combinations or the watch-and-wait approach in Section I. In Section II, Dr. Kaminski reviews the different therapeutic monoclonal antibody options such as rituximab, Bexxar (Iodine-labeled anti-CD20) and Ytrium-labeled anti-CD20 antibody. Allogeneic transplants are increasingly more popular for the treatment of indolent lymphomas because they can provide an immune-mediated graft-versus-lymphoma effect. In Section III, Dr. Richard Champlin reviews various transplant options including autologous, allogeneic and mini-allogeneic transplants.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Linch David C. , Gosden Roger G. , Tulandi Togas , Tan Seang-Lin , Hancock Stephen L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This review focuses on the different treatment options available for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease, with an emphasis on the importance of the long-term sequelae of these therapies.
In Section I, Dr. Linch reviews the current status of Hodgkin's disease treatment. Survival rates have improved over the last three decades due both to better initial therapies and associated supportive care and to the success of salvage therapy. Unlike most other malignancies, a similar survival endpoint can be achieved by different means, e.g., intensive initial therapy resulting in a low relapse rate or less intensive initial therapy and more reliance on salvage therapy. Overall survival has thus become a difficult end-point for clinical trials of primary therapy, and the value of disease-free survival as an end-point can also be questioned. Quality-of-life issues are to the fore of clinical decision and include the psychological trauma of relapse and fertility status. Patient choice is increasingly important. The high level of success in treating Hodgkin's disease also means that attention must be focused on the very long term results and in this context the occurrence of second malignancies is a major issue.
In Section II, Dr. Gosden with Dr. Tulandi and Dr. Tan review the risks of infertility following radio-therapy and chemotherapy and address the actions that can be taken to overcome this problem, particularly for females and prepubertal boys and girls. Particular attention is paid to the recent developments in ovarian cryopreservation and harvesting immature germ cells.
In Section III, Dr. Hancock gives a comprehensive update of the incidence of secondary acute leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and solid tumors in a large population of patients treated for Hodgkin's disease. The roles of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and combined modality treatment as risk factors contributing to the development of these secondary malignancies are reviewed. The importance of efforts to prevent late-occurring solid tumors such as lung cancer through smoking cessation programs and early detection by screening for cancers of the breast, thyroid and skin are emphasized.
Status of Cytomegalovirus Prevention and Treatment in 2000
Authors: Zaia John A. , Sissons J.G. Patrick , Riddell Stanley , Diamond Don J. , Wills M.R. , Carmichael A.J. , Weekes M.P. , Gandhi M. , La Rosa C. , Villacres M. , Lacey S. , Markel S. , Sun J. 
Published: October 2019

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection continues to be a problem in selected populations following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Although there have been no new antiviral agents for management of this infection in recent years, the methods for using the existing agents have improved with newer assays for detection of virus. In addition, our understanding of immunity to CMV has undergone considerable expansion. This paper will address these new aspects relating to CMV infection in the setting of SCT.In Section I Dr. Zaia reviews the pathogenesis of CMV and the current epidemiology of CMV disease following marrow or blood allo-SCT with emphasis on late-onset disease. The current lab tests available for preemptive management are summarized including the role for conventional shell vial cultures, and a comparison of the CMV antigenemia assay with the new nucleic acid-based assays, including the hybrid capture assay, the NASBA assay, and “real-time” PCR assays. Use of antiviral agents with these tests in the preemptive management of CMV infection is discussed.Ultimately, what is necessary is restoration of adequate CMV immunity, and that requires understanding the basics of the CMV-specific immune response. In Section II, Dr. Sissons traces the evolution of the CTL response from primary infection into memory and reviews recent advances in the understanding of cytotoxic T cell based immunity to CMV, based on the use of T cell clonotypic analysis and markers of T cell memory and activation, with conventional CTL functional assays.In Section III Dr. Riddell presents approaches to correction of the problem of CMV pathogenesis, namely direct restoration of the CMV-specific cellular immune deficiency. Attempts at passive therapies will be reviewed with the focus on current problems and approaches to these problems.In Section IV, Dr. Diamond presents work on the identification of multiple HLA-allele specific cytotoxic T cell epitopes specific for CMV-pp65 and - pp150. Specific epitopes are recognized by CMV-seropositive individuals including healthy donors, SCT recipients, and AIDS patients, indicating their potential usefulness as vaccines. One of these epitopes is recognized by most individuals who express the HLA A*0201 Class I allele. Pre-clinical evaluation in HLA2.1 transgenic mice of vaccine structures utilizing this epitope, and alternative delivery systems are described. Possible methods for vaccination of donor and/or recipient of a SCT as well as their limitations, utilizing synthetic or viral vaccines, are discusseed.
Emerging Therapies: Spectrum of Applications of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Authors: Waldmann Thomas A. , Levy Ronald , Coller Barry S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article focuses on the recent dramatic advances in the applications of monoclonal antibody therapy to hematopoietic and neoplastic disease. The increase in the understanding of the role of growth factors and their receptors in the pathogenesis of malignancy and other undesirable hematological events taken in conjunction with the ability to produce humanized chimeric monoclonal antibodies to these targets is providing a new perspective for the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma and breast cancer, autoimmune disease and for prevention of ischemic complications. Dr. Waldmann describes approaches targeting the Her2/neu and the II-2/IL-15 receptor systems. The Her2/neu receptor is overexpressed in select breast, ovarian, gastric and pancreatic neoplasms. The use of trastuzumab (Herceptin) in the treatment of patients with breast cancer whose tumors overexpress this receptor are reviewed. The IL-2 receptor (Tac) is expressed on select malignant cells (adult T cell leukemia, hairy cell leukemia) and activated T cells involved in autoimmune disease and organ rejection. Humanized anti-Tac alone (daclizumab, Zenapax) or armed with toxins or radionuclides have been used successfully in the treatment of leukemia. Dr. Levy updates the experience with rituximab targeting CD20 on B cell lymphomas and reviews the antibodies to CD3, CD22, CD33, CD52, HLA-DR β chain and HLA-D currently in or proposed for clinical trials, including radiolabelled antibodies. In the last section, Dr. Coller reviews the therapeutic results achieved with abciximab (ReoPro), an antagonist of platelet receptor GPIIbIIIa for the prevention of restenosis in percutaneous coronary interventions and the treatment of unstable angina. The mechanism of action, pharmacology and safety and efficacy of abciximab are reviewed.
Making a diagnosis of VWD
Authors: Branchford Brian R. , Di Paola Jorge 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A clear understanding of the molecular basis of VWD can guide the choice and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests. This review briefly describes the lifecycle and molecular interactions of VWF and how they lead to the current clinical classification. It also includes a brief discussion of the differential diagnosis and general workup of mucocutaneous bleeding, a review of the various VWD subtypes, and pertinent laboratory assays for each, including genetic tests. Finally, common testing pitfalls and diagnostic dilemmas are covered, including the challenge created by the overlap of borderline low VWF levels and mild bleeding.
Childhood immune thrombocytopenia: role of rituximab, recombinant thrombopoietin, and other new therapeutics
Authors: Journeycake Janna M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractChildhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is often considered a benign hematologic disorder. However, 30% of affected children will have a prolonged course and 5%-10% will develop chronic severe refractory disease. Until recently, the only proven therapeutic option for chronic severe ITP was splenectomy, but newer alternatives are now being studied. However, because immunosuppressive agents such as rituximab are not approved for use in ITP and the thrombopoietin receptor agonists are not yet approved in children, the decision to use alternatives to splenectomy needs to be considered carefully. This review describes the factors that should affect decisions to treat ITP at diagnosis and compares the options for the occasional child in whom ITP does not resolve within the first year.
Dos and don'ts in diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Rand Jacob H. , Wolgast Lucia R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired autoimmune thrombotic tendency that is identified by the presence of abnormal antiphospholipid laboratory tests in patients who have a history of vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy complications including recurrent spontaneous miscarriages and a group of other complications due to placental insufficiency. Diagnostic testing for APS is often problematic because of many misconceptions regarding these empirically derived assays. This chapter is intended to provide hematology-oncology consultants with practical information about the uses and limitations of assays used to diagnose APS.
Coagulation assays and anticoagulant monitoring
Authors: Funk Dorothy M. (Adcock) 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAnticoagulant therapy, including conventional agents and a variety of new oral, fast-acting drugs, is prescribed for millions of patients annually. Each anticoagulant varies in its effect on routine and specialty coagulation assays and each drug may require distinct laboratory assay(s) to measure drug concentration or activity. This review provides an overview of the assorted assays that can measure anticoagulant drug concentration or activity and includes key assay interferences. The effect of these conventional and new anticoagulant agents on specialty coagulation assays used to evaluate for bleeding or clotting disorders, and whether this impact is physiological or factitious, is included. Also provided is a short review of superwarfarin poisoning and features distinguishing this from warfarin overdose. Knowledge of clinically significant pearls and pitfalls pertinent to coagulation assays in relation to anticoagulant therapy are important to optimize patient care.
Thrombocytopenia, bleeding, and use of platelet transfusions in sick neonates
Authors: Stanworth Simon J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSurvival rates for infants born prematurely have improved significantly, in part due to better supportive care such as RBC transfusion. The role of platelet transfusions in neonates is more controversial. Neonatal thrombocytopenia is common in premature infants. The primary causal factors are intrauterine growth restriction/maternal hypertension, in which the infant presents with thrombocytopenia soon after birth, and sepsis/necrotizing enterocolitis, which are the common morbidities associated with thrombocytopenia in neonates > 72 hours of age. There is no evidence of a relationship between platelet count and occurrence of major hemorrhage, and cardiorespiratory problems are considered the main etiological factors in the development of intraventricular and periventricular hemorrhage in the neonatal period. Platelet transfusions are used commonly as prophylaxis in premature neonates with thrombocytopenia. However, there is widespread variation in the pretransfusion thresholds for platelet count and evidence of marked disparities in platelet transfusion practice between hospitals and countries. Platelet transfusions are biological agents and as such are associated with risks. Unlike other patient groups, specifically patients with hematological malignancies, there have been no recent clinical trials undertaken comparing different thresholds for platelet transfusion in premature neonates. Therefore, there is no evidence base with which to inform safe and effective practice for prophylactic platelet transfusions. There is a need for randomized controlled trials to define the optimal use of platelet transfusions in premature neonates, who at present are transfused heavily with platelets.
Is there a role for warfarin anymore?
Authors: Jacobson Alan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractReduction of atrial fibrillation–associated stroke risk has become the leading indication for warfarin use. Optimal management of warfarin can only be achieved with a relatively complex infrastructure. Alternative anticoagulant agents have been developed, and 3 have demonstrated effectiveness, safety, and adherence that are comparable or superior to warfarin in the clinical trial setting. None of the novel agents requires routine laboratory testing to demonstrate effective anticoagulation. Whereas these new agents present potential advantages, such as fixed dosing and dramatically reduced intracranial hemorrhaging, they are also subject to caveats that ought to be considered in the context of an “ideal” anticoagulant. If used casually, they have the potential to worsen rather than improve health care outcomes. There is little question that the management burden of the novel agents will be less than with warfarin. However, with a hemorrhagic risk that was similar to warfarin in these trials, there will likely remain a significant need for both baseline education and some level of focused interval follow-up to assess for bleeding risk and adherence considerations. These novel agents offer a definite advance in the available management options for thromboembolic disease, but until we understand the requirements for safe and effective use in the routine clinical setting, we will not be able to establish the extent to which they should replace warfarin.
Differential diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: Merlini Giampaolo , Palladini Giovanni 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is an asymptomatic plasma cell disorder occurring in 4.2% of adults > 50 years of age, which can progress into symptomatic diseases either through proliferation of the plasma cell clone, giving rise to multiple myeloma and other lymphoplasmacellular neoplasms, or through organ damage caused by the monoclonal protein, as seen in light-chain amyloidosis and related conditions. Differential diagnosis of asymptomatic and symptomatic monoclonal gammopathies is the determinant for starting therapy. The criteria for determining end-organ damage should include markers of organ injury caused by the monoclonal protein. Patient assessment and optimal follow-up are now performed using risk stratification models that should also take into account the risk of developing AL amyloidosis. Patients with low-risk MGUS (approximately 40% of all MGUS patients) need limited assessment and very infrequent follow-up. The ongoing development of novel molecular biomarkers and advanced imaging techniques will improve the identification of high-risk patients who may benefit from early therapeutic intervention through innovative clinical trials.