bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Study of Two Chemotherapy Regimens for Treatment of Low-Grade Glioma in Young Children: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Ater Joann L. , Zhou Tianni , Holmes Emiko , Mazewski Claire M. , Booth Timothy N. , Freyer David R. , Lazarus Ken H. , Packer Roger J. , Prados Michael , Sposto Richard , Vezina Gilbert , Wisoff Jeffrey H. , Pollack Ian F. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose Surgery is curative therapy for pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) in areas of the brain amenable to complete resection. However, LGGs located in areas where complete resection is not possible can threaten both function and life. The purpose of this study was to compare two chemotherapy regimens for LGGs in children younger than age 10 years for whom radiotherapy was felt by the practitioner to pose a high risk of neurodevelopmental injury. Patients and Methods Previously untreated children younger than age 10 years with progressive or residual LGGs were eligible. Children were randomly assigned to receive carboplatin and vincristine (CV) or thioguanine, procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (TPCV). Children with neurofibromatosis are reported separately. Results Of 274 randomly assigned patients who met eligibility requirements, 137 received CV and 137 received TPCV. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all eligible patients were 45% ± 3.2% and 86% ± 2.2%, respectively. The 5-year EFS rates were 39% ± 4% for CV and 52% ± 5% for TPCV (stratified log-rank test P = .10; cure model analysis P = .007). On multivariate analysis, factors independently predictive of worse EFS and OS were younger age and tumor size greater than 3 cm2. Tumor location in the thalamus was also associated with poor OS. Conclusion The difference in EFS between the regimens did not reach significance on the basis of the stratified log-rank test. The 5-year EFS was higher for TPCV on the basis of the cure model analysis. Differences in toxicity may influence physician choice of regimens.
Secondary Colorectal Carcinoma After Childhood Cancer
Authors: Nottage Kerri , McFarlane Joshua , Krasin Matthew J. , Li Chenghong , Srivastava Deokumar , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has been described as a subsequent malignant neoplasm (SMN), although little is known about associated risk factors. We aimed to quantify the long-term risk of secondary CRC and identify treatment-related risk factors. Patients and Methods In this nested case-control study, 19 cases of adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum were identified from 13,048 oncology patients treated for childhood cancer at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Group 1 controls (n = 148) were matched for age at primary malignancy and follow-up interval. Group 2 controls (n = 72) were matched on primary diagnosis in addition to group 1 criteria. Exact conditional logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for chemotherapy and radiation exposure. Results Forty-year cumulative incidence of secondary CRC was 1.4%. Standardized incidence ratio was 10.9 (95% CI, 6.6 to 17.0) compared with that in the general US population. Secondary CRC was more likely in an irradiated segment of the colon (group 1 OR, 7.7; P = .001; group 2 OR, 15.4; P = .002). Risk increased by 70% with each 10-Gy increase in radiation dose. Increasing radiation volume increased risk (group 1 OR, 1.5; P < .001; group 2 OR, 1.8; P < .001). Alkylating agent exposure was associated with an 8.8-fold increased risk of secondary CRC (P = .03). Conclusion In matched analyses, radiation and alkylator exposure are associated with secondary CRC. This risk is proportional to dose and volume of radiation. Surveillance should be initiated at a young age among survivors receiving high-risk exposures.
Alterations in Brain Activation During Working Memory Processing Associated With Breast Cancer and Treatment: A Prospective Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: McDonald Brenna C. , Conroy Susan K. , Ahles Tim A. , West John D. , Saykin Andrew J. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose To prospectively examine alterations in working memory (WM) –associated brain activation related to breast cancer and treatment by using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Patients and Methods Patients treated with chemotherapy (CTx+; n = 16) or without chemotherapy (CTx−; n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 15) were scanned during an n-back task at baseline (after surgery but before radiation, chemotherapy, and/or antiestrogen treatment), 1 month after completion of chemotherapy (M1), and 1 year later (Y1), or at yoked intervals for CTx− and controls. SPM5 was used for all image analyses, which included cross-sectional between-group and group-by-time interaction and longitudinal within-group analyses, all using a statistical threshold of 0.001. Results At baseline, patients with cancer showed increased bifrontal and decreased left parietal activation compared with controls. At M1, both cancer groups showed decreased frontal hyperactivation compared with controls, with increased hyperactivation at Y1. These cross-sectional findings were confirmed by group-by-time interaction analyses, which showed frontal activation decreases from baseline to M1 in patients compared with controls. Within-group analyses showed different patterns of longitudinal activation change by treatment group (CTx+ or CTx−), with prominent alterations in the frontal lobes bilaterally. Conclusion Significant frontal lobe hyperactivation to support WM was found in patients with breast cancer. Superimposed on this background, patients showed decreased frontal activation at M1, with partial return to the previously abnormal baseline at Y1. These functional changes correspond to frontal lobe regions where we previously reported structural changes in this cohort and provide prospective, longitudinal data that further elucidate mechanisms underlying cognitive effects related to breast cancer and its treatment.
Outcome of Children With Metastatic Medulloblastoma Treated With Carboplatin During Craniospinal Radiotherapy: A Children's Oncology Group Phase I/II Study
Authors: Jakacki Regina I. , Burger Peter C. , Zhou Tianni , Holmes Emiko J. , Kocak Mehmet , Onar Arzu , Goldwein Joel , Mehta Minesh , Packer Roger J. , Tarbell Nancy , Fitz Charles , Vezina Gilbert , Hilden Joanne , Pollack Ian F. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose We evaluated the feasibility of administering carboplatin as a radiosensitizer during craniospinal radiation therapy (CSRT) to patients with high-risk medulloblastomas (MBs) and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors, and we report the outcome in the subset with metastatic (M+) MB. Patients and Methods After surgery, patients received 36 Gy CSRT with boosts to sites of disease. During radiation, patients received 15 to 30 doses of carboplatin (30-45 mg/m2/dose), along with vincristine (VCR) once per week for 6 weeks. Patients on regimen A received 6 months of maintenance chemotherapy (MC) with cyclophosphamide and VCR. Once the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of carboplatin was determined, cisplatin was added to the MC (regimen B). Results In all, 161 eligible patients (median age, 8.7 years; range, 3.1 to 21.6 years) were enrolled. Myelosuppression was dose limiting and 35 mg/m2/dose × 30 was determined to be the RP2D of carboplatin. Twenty-nine (36%) of 81 patients with M+ MB had diffuse anaplasia. Four patients were taken off study within 11 months of completing radiotherapy for presumed metastatic progression and are long-term survivors following palliative chemotherapy. Excluding these four patients, 5-year overall survival ± SE and progression-free survival ± SE for M+ patients treated at the RP2D on regimen A was 82% ± 9% and 71% ± 11% versus 68% ± 10% and 59% ± 10% on regimen B (P = .36). There was no difference in survival by M stage. Anaplasia was a negative predictor of outcome. Conclusion The use of carboplatin as a radiosensitizer is a promising strategy for patients with M+ MB. Early progression should be confirmed by biopsy.
Randomized Comparison of Intensified Six-Drug Versus Standard Three-Drug Chemotherapy for High-Risk Nonmetastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma and Other Chemotherapy-Sensitive Childhood Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Long-Term Results From the International Society of Pediatric Oncology MMT95 Study
Authors: Oberlin Odile , Rey Annie , Sanchez de Toledo José , Martelli Hélène , Jenney Meriel E.M. , Scopinaro Marcelo , Bergeron Christophe , Merks Johannes H.M. , Bouvet Nathalie , Ellershaw Caroline , Kelsey Anna , Spooner David , Stevens Michael C.G. 
Published: June 2012

Purpose MMT95 was the fourth of a series of International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) collaborations for children with high-risk nonmetastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The principal objective was to explore survival advantage for an intensified chemotherapy strategy in a randomized trial. Patients and Methods From July 1995 to June 2003, 457 previously untreated patients with incompletely resected embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), undifferentiated sarcoma, and soft tissue primitive neuroectodermal tumor at all sites except paratesticular, vagina, and uterus, or with alveolar RMS were randomly assigned to receive either ifosfamide, vincristine, and dactinomycin (IVA) or a six-drug combination (IVA plus carboplatin, epirubicin, and etoposide) both delivered over 27 weeks. Cumulative doses were as follows: ifosfamide 54 g/m2 (both arms), epirubicin 450 mg/m2, etoposide 1,350 mg/m2 (six-drug regimen). Poor responders after three courses of IVA were to be switched to the other arm. Delivery of radiotherapy was determined according to site and/or response to chemotherapy with or without surgery. Results Overall survival (OS) for all patients was 81% (95% CI, 77% to 84%) at 3 years. No significant difference in outcome in either OS or event-free survival was noted between the two arms (3-year OS: 82% [95% CI, 76% to 86%] for IVA and 80% [95% CI, 74% to 85%] for the six-drug arm). Toxicity was significantly greater (infection, myelosuppression, and mucositis) in the six-drug arm. Overall burden of local therapy was consistent with data from previous SIOP studies and showed no difference between the two chemotherapy regimens. Conclusion Intensification of chemotherapy for nonmetastatic RMS and other chemotherapy-sensitive STS provides no survival advantage or reduction in the intensity of local therapy and adds toxicity.
Effect of Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Survival of Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer Diagnosed After Age 75 Years
Authors: Sanoff Hanna K. , Carpenter William R. , Stürmer Til , Goldberg Richard M. , Martin Christopher F. , Fine Jason P. , McCleary Nadine Jackson , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Niland Joyce , Kahn Katherine L. , Schymura Maria J. , Schrag Deborah 
Published: June 2012

Purpose Few patients 75 years of age and older participate in clinical trials, thus whether adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer (CC) benefits this group is unknown. Methods A total of 5,489 patients ≥ 75 years of age with resected stage III CC, diagnosed between 2004 and 2007, were selected from four data sets containing demographic, stage, treatment, and survival information. These data sets included SEER-Medicare, a linkage between the New York State Cancer Registry (NYSCR) and its Medicare programs, and prospective cohort studies Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium (CanCORS) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Data sets were analyzed in parallel using covariate adjusted and propensity score (PS) matched proportional hazards models to evaluate the effect of treatment on survival. PS trimming was used to mitigate the effects of selection bias. Results Use of adjuvant therapy declined with age and comorbidity. Chemotherapy receipt was associated with a survival benefit of comparable magnitude to clinical trials results (SEER-Medicare PS-matched mortality, hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.68). The incremental benefit of oxaliplatin over non–oxaliplatin-containing regimens was also of similar magnitude to clinical trial results (SEER-Medicare, HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.04; NYSCR-Medicare, HR, 0.82, 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.33) in two of three examined data sources. However, statistical significance was inconsistent. The beneficial effect of chemotherapy and oxaliplatin did not seem solely attributable to confounding. Conclusion The noninvestigational experience suggests patients with stage III CC ≥ 75 years of age may anticipate a survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Oxaliplatin offers no more than a small incremental benefit. Use of adjuvant chemotherapy after the age of 75 years merits consideration in discussions that weigh individual risks and preferences.
Smart Pump Custom Concentrations without Hard “Low Concentration” Alert: A Set-up for Serious Errors; Do Not Infuse Cosmegen in Sterile Water; Safety Culture Needs Work; Good News on Heparin Labeling
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L. 
Published: June 2012

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Evaluation of Vancomycin Dosing and Monitoring in Adult Medicine Patients
Authors: Devabhakthuni Sandeep , Gonzales Jeffrey P. , Tata Asha L. , Lee Shirley , Shah Priya , Offurum Ada Ibe , Gulati Mangla 
Published: June 2012

Purpose To assess the clinical impact of a vancomycin dosing protocol and monitoring tool on initial dose, dosing interval, and trough concentrations in adult medicine patients. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of adult medicine patients who received at least one dose of vancomycin and were admitted during the pre-implementation period, February 1 to April 2009, or during the post-implementation period, June 1 to October 31, 2009. All outcomes for patients in the pre-implementation group were compared to those in the post-implementation group. The primary outcomes were frequency of appropriate initial vancomycin dose and dosing interval. The secondary outcomes included frequency of appropriate initial vancomycin trough concentrations, mean number of levels drawn per patient, and mean duration of therapy. Results A total of 450 patients were identified, with 225 patients in each study group. Patients with an appropriate initial vancomycin dose significantly increased in the post-implementation group (56% vs 40%; P < .001). The number of patients with an appropriate original dosing interval (67% vs 63%; P = 0.32), appropriate initial trough concentration (44% vs 45%; P = 0.89), mean number of levels drawn (1.9 vs 2.1; P = 0.56), and duration of therapy (4.9 vs 5.0; P = 0.77) was similar between the 2 groups. Conclusions The implementation of a vancomycin empiric dosing protocol and monitoring tool had a significant impact on the initial dose. Further education regarding vancomycin dosing and monitoring is warranted to improve initial dosing interval, initial trough concentration, number of levels drawn, and duration of therapy.
Intractable Epistaxis with Febuxostat
Authors: Ray Shaunta' M. , Hall Monte D. , Stevens Amy Barger 
Published: June 2012

Objective To report a case of serious, intractable epistaxis warranting an emergency department (ED) visit and hospital admission for transfusion following initiation of febuxostat. Case Summary An 86-year-old female presented to the ED after onset of intractable epistaxis for the previous 24 hours. Medications included aspirin, clopidogrel, metoprolol tartrate, valsartan, rosuvastatin, levothyroxine, esomeprazole, and febuxostat. She was treated with prednisone in the ED for a gout flare 3 weeks prior to the current visit, then was started on febuxostat at her follow-up primary care visit. Ten days after starting febuxostat therapy, she had onset of epistaxis. Initial treatment did not provide hemostasis and hemoglobin, and hematocrit values decreased. She was admitted and transfused. Aspirin, clopidogrel, and febuxostat were held during hospitalization. Bleeding subsided following bedside cautery. On hospital day 3, she restarted aspirin and clopidogrel and was discharged with no recurrence of bleeding. Discussion Epistaxis is relatively common and can be caused by multiple etiologies. Patient did not have prior episodes of epistaxis and had been on all medications for more than a year, except for febuxostat. This patient was also taking aspirin and clopidogrel; however, she had been taking these agents concomitantly for at least 4 years with no prior report of bleeding. Epistaxis occurred 10 days after the first dose of febuxostat with no other reported changes. Conclusions Epistaxis due to febuxostat use cannot be ruled out. Clinicians may consider alternate gout therapy in patients at high risk or taking medications that increase their risk for bleeding.
Whole-Blood Thrombin Generation Monitored with a Calibrated Automated Thrombogram-Based Assay
Authors: Ninivaggi Marisa , Apitz-Castro Rafael , Dargaud Yesim , de Laat Bas , Hemker H Coenraad , Lindhout Theo 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) assay in plasma is a versatile tool to investigate patients with hypo- or hypercoagulable phenotypes. The objective was to make this method applicable for whole blood measurements.

METHODS
Thin-layer technology and the use of a rhodamine 110–based thrombin substrate appear to be essential for a reliable thrombin generation (TG) assay in whole blood. Using this knowledge we developed a whole blood CAT-based assay.

RESULTS
We demonstrated that the whole blood CAT-based assay is a sensitive and rapid screening test to assess function of the hemostatic system under more nearly physiological conditions than the TG assay in plasma. Under conditions of low tissue factor concentration (0.5 pmol/L) and 50% diluted blood, the intraassay CV of the thrombogram parameters, endogenous thrombin potential and thrombin peak height, were 6.7% and 6.5%, respectively. The respective interassay CVs were 12% and 11%. The mean interindividual variation (SD) of 40 healthy volunteers was 633 (146) nmol · min/L for the endogenous thrombin potential and 128 (23) nmol/L for the thrombin peak. Surprisingly, erythrocytes contributed more than platelets to the procoagulant blood cell membranes necessary for optimal TG. Statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001) and potentially clinically significant correlations were observed between circulating factor-VIII concentrations in blood of hemophilia A patients and endogenous thrombin potential (r = 0.62) and thrombin peak height (r = 0.58).

CONCLUSIONS
We have developed a reliable method to measure TG in whole blood. The assay can be performed with a drop of blood and may provide a useful measurement of TG under more physiological conditions than plasma.
The Significance of Island of Demons and Kriss: The Bali Sub-genre of the South-Seas Films, Their Primitivist Discourse and Tropicalist Fantasy
Authors: Green Geff 
Published: June 2012

This paper explores the articulation of Dutch East Indies colonial ideology through the two "Bali Films' strongly influenced by Walter Spies and wider colonial and primitivist discourses provided by contemporary reviews of the films. I discuss the reception of the films in the
arena of visual-linguistic exchange, interpretation and contestation in the "contact zone. " In doing so, I examine the relationship between documentary, ethnography, and fictional narrative and analyze examples of ethnocentricity in terms of reference when viewing and evaluating
visual material. This is done through an analysis of the discourse in reviews of the films and includes the subjects of landscape as an arena of visual linguistic contestation, the spurious interpretation of Otherness as "authenticity, " and the discourse of colonial possession and
desire, which in turn, I equate with the development of sexual tourism in Bali.
In analyzing the films themselves, I examine some early characteristics of the film documentary genre, relationships between colonial novels, tourist paintings, and "ethnographic" narrative film in
the colonial context of the Dutch East Indies. This includes discussion of displacement of native exploitation onto the ethnic Chinese. More specifically, I scrutinize audience, identification, and interrelationships between colonial narrative forms.
From my exploration of the film texts
in relation to their reception in the form of the reviews, I highlight the concrete manifestation of primitivist views allowing the construction of Orientalist fantasy by filmmakers and viewers. This is based on misapprehended notions of authenticity amounting to the creation and perpetuation
of a varied range of views about the films, all of which coalesce around a condescending apology of colonialism and over-simplified misunderstanding of Other cultures.
Stability of osteopontin in plasma and serum
Authors: Lanteri Patrizia , Lombardi Giovanni , Colombini Alessandra , Grasso Dalila , Banfi Giuseppe 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background: Osteopontin is a glycoprotein widely expressed in many tissues and in different physiological conditions. Osteopontin concentrations are usually measured through immunological methods; however, little is known about the pre-analytical management of the sample. We evaluated the effects of different times and temperatures storage conditions on serum and plasma concentrations of osteopontin.

Methods: Serum and plasma aliquots were frozen at –80°C, following storage at 4°C or room temperature for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h. Osteopontin concentrations were determined by enzymoimmunometric assay. Serum samples obtained from tubes with or without gel separator were compared to verify the effect of gel. Western blotting analysis was performed to characterize the antibody.

Results: Osteopontin concentrations were stable over time in all conditions in both serum and plasma. Plasma showed 3.8–4.8-fold higher concentrations than serum. Comparable levels were found between serum tubes with or without gel separator and always lower than those in plasma, demonstrating no effect of gel in serum tubes. Western blotting analysis showed various osteopontin bands, indicating that the antibody recognizes the entire panel of different osteopontin forms.

Conclusions: We demonstrated the stability across 48 h of osteopontin in serum and plasma at either room temperature or 4°C, when the evaluation is carried out by an immune-based method. The minimal variations observed over time were always lower than the calculated intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation. Plasma specimens should be preferred when osteopontin concentration are assayed by immunological methods.