bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valproate as prophylaxis for clozapine-induced seizures: survey of practice
Authors: Sparshatt Anna , Whiskey Eromona , Taylor David 
Published: June 2008

Aims and MethodTo evaluate the prescribing of valproate in clozapine-treated individuals who may be at risk of seizure. We collected point-prevalent clinical characteristics and demographics of all in-patients prescribed clozapine in an acute mental health trust. Data were collected from case notes, electronic records and drug charts, and analysed against a set audit standard.ResultsData were collected for 81 in-patients. Of all deemed to be at risk of seizure (n=37) only 24% were prescribed valproate at a therapeutic plasma level.Clinical ImplicationsThe majority of patients prescribed clozapine at risk of seizures were not adequately protected from this risk. Clear guidelines are required.
Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Dendritic Cells and Clinical Outcome in Patients With High-Risk Melanoma Treated With Adjuvant Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Daud Adil I. , Mirza Noweeda , Lenox Brianna , Andrews Stephanie , Urbas Patricia , Gao Gui X. , Lee Ji-Hyun , Sondak Vernon K. , Riker Adam I. , DeConti Ronald C. , Gabrilovich Dmitry 
Published: June 2008

Purpose Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can induce differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) in preclinical models. We hypothesized that GM-CSF–stimulated DC differentiation may result in clinical benefit in patients with high-risk melanoma. Patients and Methods We conducted a prospective trial in patients with high-risk (stage III B/C, IV), resected melanoma, with GM-CSF 125 μg/m2/d administered for 14 days every 28 days. Patients underwent clinical restaging every four cycles, with DC analysis performed at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results Of 42 patients enrolled, 39 were assessable for clinical outcome and DC analysis. Median overall survival was 65 months (95% CI, 43 to 67 months) and recurrence-free survival was 5.6 months (95% CI, 3 to 11 months). GM-CSF treatment caused an increase in mature DCs, first identified after 2 weeks of treatment, normalizing by 4 weeks. Patients with decreased DCs at baseline had significant increases in DC number and function compared with those with “normal” parameters at baseline. No change was observed in the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Early recurrence (< 90 days) correlated with a decreased effect of GM-CSF on host DCs, compared with late or no (evidence of) recurrence. Conclusion GM-CSF treatment was associated with a transient increase in mature DCs, but not MDSCs. Greater increase of DCs was associated with remission or delayed recurrence. The prolonged overall survival observed warrants further exploration.
Relationship of Circulating Tumor Cells to Tumor Response, Progression-Free Survival, and Overall Survival in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Cohen Steven J. , Punt Cornelis J.A. , Iannotti Nicholas , Saidman Bruce H. , Sabbath Kert D. , Gabrail Nashat Y. , Picus Joel , Morse Michael , Mitchell Edith , Miller M. Craig , Doyle Gerald V. , Tissing Henk , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Meropol Neal J. 
Published: June 2008

Purpose As treatment options expand for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), a blood marker with a prognostic and predictive role could guide treatment. We tested the hypothesis that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could predict clinical outcome in patients with mCRC. Patients and Methods In a prospective multicenter study, CTCs were enumerated in the peripheral blood of 430 patients with mCRC at baseline and after starting first-, second-, or third-line therapy. CTCs were measured using an immunomagnetic separation technique. Results Patients were stratified into unfavorable and favorable prognostic groups based on CTC levels of three or more or less than three CTCs/7.5 mL, respectively. Patients with unfavorable compared with favorable baseline CTCs had shorter median progression-free survival (PFS; 4.5 v 7.9 months; P = .0002) and overall survival (OS; 9.4 v 18.5 months; P < .0001). Differences persisted at 1 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 12, and 13 to 20 weeks after therapy. Conversion of baseline unfavorable CTCs to favorable at 3 to 5 weeks was associated with significantly longer PFS and OS compared with patients with unfavorable CTCs at both time points (PFS, 6.2 v 1.6 months; P = .02; OS, 11.0 v 3.7 months; P = .0002). Among nonprogressing patients, favorable compared with unfavorable CTCs within 1 month of imaging was associated with longer survival (18.8 v 7.1 months; P < .0001). Baseline and follow-up CTC levels remained strong predictors of PFS and OS after adjustment for clinically significant factors. Conclusion The number of CTCs before and during treatment is an independent predictor of PFS and OS in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. CTCs provide prognostic information in addition to that of imaging studies.
Prediagnostic Plasma Folate and the Risk of Death in Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wolpin Brian M. , Wei Esther K. , Ng Kimmie , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Chan Jennifer A. , Selhub Jacob , Giovannucci Edward L. , Fuchs Charles S. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeAlthough previous studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between folate intake and colorectal cancer risk, a recent trial suggests that supplemental folic acid may accelerate tumorigenesis among patients with a history of colorectal adenoma. Therefore, high priority has been given to research investigating the influence of folate on cancer progression in patients with colorectal cancer.Patients and MethodsTo investigate whether prediagnostic levels of plasma folate are associated with colorectal cancer–specific and overall mortality, we performed a prospective, nested observational study within two large US cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. We measured folate levels among 301 participants who developed colorectal cancer 2 or more years after their plasma was collected and compared participants using Cox proportional hazards models by quintile of plasma folate.ResultsHigher levels of plasma folate were not associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer–specific or overall mortality. Compared with participants in the lowest quintile of plasma folate, those in the highest quintile experienced a multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio for colorectal cancer–specific mortality of 0.42 (95% CI, 0.20 0.88) and overall mortality of 0.46 (95% CI, 0.24 0.88). When the analysis was limited to participants whose plasma was collected within 5 years of cancer diagnosis, no detrimental effect of high plasma folate was noted. In subgroup analyses, no subgroup demonstrated worse survival among participants with higher plasma folate levels.ConclusionIn two large prospective cohorts, higher prediagnostic levels of plasma folate were not associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer–specific or overall mortality.
Metal Ion-coupled Electron-transfer Reduction of Dioxygen
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Metal ion-coupled and proton-coupled electron-transfer reactions of dioxygen is described for one-electron, two-electron, and four-electron reduction of dioxygen by one-electron reductants such as ferrocene derivatives as well as by two-electron reductants such as NADH analogs. The catalytic mechanism of the four-electron reduction of dioxygen with cofacial dicobalt porphyrins has been clarified based on the detailed kinetic study and the detection of the intermediate.
Formation of ε-Fe2O3 Nanocrystals through Segregation in Mesoporous Silica Particles
Authors: Mori Kazumi , Oaki Yuya , Suda Masayuki , Einaga Yasuaki , Imai Hiroaki 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Nanosized ε-Fe2O3 crystals with a diameter below 20 nm were successfully prepared at 600 °C in a mesoporous silica matrix. The formation of the metastable iron oxide occurred through nanoscale segregation in an immiscible SiO2–Fe2O3 system having a mesoporous structure. The nanocrystals incorporated into ca. 50 nm-size particles of the mesoporous silica exhibited a coercive field up to 8 kOe.
Prominent Inhibitory Effect of 2-Hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin on Solution-mediated Polymorphic Transition of Chlorpropamide
Authors: Ishiguro Takako , Hirayama Fumitoshi , Iohara Daisuke , Uekama Kaneto 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The effects of cyclodextrins on crystallization of chlorpropamide from aqueous solutions were investigated. Parent α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins and 2-hydroxypropyl-α-, and -β-cyclodextrins and glucose did not change the crystallization of the drug, providing the stable Form A crystal. On the other hand, 2-hydroxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin inhibited the solution-mediated polymorphic transition of the drug, providing the metastable Form II at higher cyclodextrin concentrations and Form III at lower cyclodextrin concentrations. The results suggested that 2-hydoxybutyl-β-cyclodextrin is useful for preparing metastable crystals during crystallization according to the Ostwald rule.
Pulsed-laser Irradiation to Suspended Carbon Particles in Aqueous Silver Nitrate Solution
Authors: Miura Yoshiko , Yui Kazuko , Uchida Hiroshi , Itatani Kiyoshi , Koda Seiichiro 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
When carbon suspended in water was irradiated repetitively by pulsed laser at 532 nm, the carbon particles were gradually consumed, being accompanied with morphology change. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed formation of seemingly entangled long fibrils and/or thin shells from the particles. In the copresence of silver ions, characteristic plasmon absorption peak appeared and formation of nanosized silver particles was evidenced by TEM. Under the typical fluence of 125 mJ·cm−2·pulse−1, the quantum yield of silver reduction was 10−3.
A Traceless Solid-phase Synthesis of 1,4-Diazepan-2-ones
Authors: Saruta Kunio , Ogiku Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A novel synthesis of 1,4-diazepan-2-ones using a traceless solid-phase approach is described, in which many kinds of 1,4-diazepan-2-one have been efficiently obtained in high purity. The strategy is based on intramolecular alkylation of tertiary amines, followed by elimination of the desired tertiary amines from the generated quarternary ammonium salts.
Site- and Stereoselectivity in the Photochemical Oxetane Formation Reaction (Paternò–Büchi Reaction) of Tetrahydrobenzofuranols with Benzophenone: Hydroxy-directed Diastereoselectivity?
Authors: Yabuno Youhei , Hiraga Yoshikazu , Abe Manabu 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The Paternò–Büchi reactions of tetrahydrobenzofuranols with benzophenone were investigated to reveal site- and stereoselectivity in oxetane formation reactions. Both selectivities were found to be largely dependent on the reaction temperature. The trans selectivity increased with a decrease in temperature, and the more-substituted oxetanes were selectively formed at high temperature.
Surface-sulfonated Diamond Powder for Solid Acid
Authors: Kondo Takeshi , Kameshima Takashi , Kawai Takeshi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The surface of diamond powder (DP) was sulfonated via a covalent modification method using 1,3-propanesultone, for the fabrication of a new class of solid acid material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy studies confirmed successful introduction of sulfo groups on the DP surface. The optimal condition for the preparation of sulfonated DP (S-DP) was investigated in terms of acid amount on the surface. The S-DP exhibited solid Brønsted acid properties in pure water and catalytic activity toward the formation of ethyl acetate.
Why determine only the total prostate-specific antigen, if the free-to-total ratio contains the information?
Authors: Eekers Daniëlle Berty Petra , Laschet Andrea , de Groot Monique , Roelofs Erik , Kester Arnold , Delaere Karl , Lambin Philippe , van Gils Francis , Nap Marius , ten Kate Joop 
Published: June 2008

Background Total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) is the best available test for the detection of prostate cancer but it lacks specificity. The free-to-total ratio (F/T ratio) is used to increase specificity in the range of tPSA of 4–10 µg/L. Materials and methods Four hundred and seven biopsy results and quantitative tPSA and F/T ratio data were combined. Using the histological determination, normal/hyperplasia versus malignant as a gold standard, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves as well as the areas under the curve (AUC) for tPSA and F/T ratio were determined. The differences between the two AUCs were considered for various tPSA ranges and specificities of F/T ratio and tPSA were calculated. Results In the total group, there was a gain of specificity of 11% (from 23% to 34%) when the sensitivity was 92% (using a cut-off >0.28 for the F/T ratio and a cut-off >4 µg/L for tPSA). When considering the group of patients for which the F/T ratio is currently used (4–10 µg/L), the gain of specificity was 27% (from 2% to 29%). This implicates that the number of unnecessary biopsies taken will be reduced by 27%. Moreover, the AUC of the F/T ratio was significantly higher at an even broader range of tPSA, i.e. up to 40 µg/L. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the F/T ratio has better diagnostic performance than tPSA, not only in the grey zone of tPSA, but also outside the grey zone, i.e. up to 40 µg/L.
Isolation, identification and quantification of differentially expressed proteins from cancerous and normal breast tissues
Authors: Othman Mohd Izani , Majid M I A , Singh Manjit , Man Che Nin , Lay-Harn Gam 
Published: June 2008

BackgroundInfiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDCA) is the most common type of breast cancer accounting for 85% of all invasive breast cancers.MethodsForty tissue specimens comprising 20 pairs of normal and cancerous tissues were analysed. The tissues were homogenized and proteins were extracted using phosphate buffer. The protein extracts from each pair of cancerous and normal tissue were separated using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the same gel. The protein profiles of both the tissues were compared, and the differentially expressed proteins that were detected at >70% in one or both of the tissue types were selected for protein identification analysis. Target proteins were excised and digested in situ with trypsin prior to liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis. A protein that was present in both tissue types was further quantified using extracted ions chromatogram.ResultsThe proteins were grouped as down-regulated, up-regulated and unique proteins. Twenty-two proteins were identified and eight of the proteins were found unique to cancer. These proteins belong to various molecular classes, i.e. structural protein, hypothetical protein, cytoskeletal protein, enzyme, calcium binding protein and extracellular matrix protein. One extracellular matrix protein, namely collagen α-1(I) chain precursor was found unique to cancer. By virtue of its location on the cell surface and its function in cancer growth, this protein may be a biomarker candidate for breast cancer.ConclusionsThe proteins identified in this study were present in at least 70% of the tissues tested; therefore they should have significant roles in the development of IDCA.
Is suboptimal phlebotomy technique impacting on potassium results for primary care?
Authors: Bailey Ian R , Thurlow Vanessa R 
Published: June 2008

Background Pre-analytical problems causing pseudohyperkalaemia have been highlighted previously. These include transit time and temperature effects when sample collection points are geographically widely spread. Similarly, inappropriate phlebotomy technique (in particular, requesting patients to fist clench to facilitate venesection) is a documented cause of pseudohyperkalaemia, but its incidence may be impossible to establish. This study illustrates how primary care population serum potassium data altered when local phlebotomy clinics optimized their technique. Methods The effect of improving phlebotomy was studied by plotting average monthly primary care population serum potassium data and average percentage of samples with hyperkalaemia (5.2 mmol/L or higher) against mean monthly temperature before and after changes in phlebotomy practice. Only samples from primary care were included between 2002 and 2005 inclusive. Results Primary care population serum potassium was inversely related to ambient temperature. Following the change in phlebotomy practice, the annual percentage of results above reference range (5.2 mmol/L or higher) was reduced from 9% to 6% and the number of results breaching the upper telephoning threshold (5.8 mmol/L or higher) fell from 0.9% to 0.5%. Conclusions Ensuring that phlebotomists were trained to avoid facilitating venesection by requesting patients to hand grip (fist clench), was associated with lower mean serum potassium results for the primary care patient population and a reduced incidence of hyperkalaemia. It is likely that the contribution of patient fist clenching during phlebotomy to pseudohyperkalaemia has been underestimated.
Identification of phosphotyrosyl proteins in vitreous humours of patients with vitreoretinal diseases by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/Western blotting/matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Mukai Noriko , Nakanishi Toyofumi , Shimizu Akira , Takubo Takayuki , Ikeda Tsunehiko 
Published: June 2008

Background It is important to explain target proteins for the understanding of the pathogenesis of vitreoretinal diseases. In a previous study, we identified more than 100 proteins including seven angiogenic-modulated factors in vitreous humours (VHs). Although there have been many reports of expressed protein profiles in VHs, only a few of these are modified proteins, such as those undergoing phosphorylation and oxidation. Methods We applied Western blotting (WB), selective staining of phosphoproteins and mass spectrometry to detect and identify phosphoproteins in VHs of patients with vitreoretinal diseases. After the removal of albumin and immunoglobulins A/G in VHs, the proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reacted with anti-PY-20 monoclonal antibody on transfer membranes, and treated proteins were visualized with Phos-tag™ and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). Results WB analysis detected four positive bands, 20, 30, 35 and 55 kDa, in VHs of patients with vitreoretinal diseases. One of them, 55 kDa, was frequently detected in VHs of patients with macular hole (MH) and retinal detachment (RD), but the band was not found in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). α-1 antitrypsin (α-1 AT) was identified in excised gel pieces of this band. Conclusions We identified five phosphorylated proteins such as α-1 AT in VHs of patients with vitreoretinal diseases by MALDI-TOFMS and WB analysis. Phosphotyrosyl α-1 AT was neither detected in PDR patients nor in any plasma. Phosphotyrosyl α-1 AT may be a new biomarker of MH and RD.
The determination of the 99th centile level for troponin assays in an Australian reference population
Authors: Tate Jillian R , Ferguson Wendy , Bais Renze , Kostner Karam , Marwick Thomas , Carter Andrew 
Published: June 2008

Background Current guidelines for the diagnosis and risk assessment of patients presenting with myocardial infarction recommend a single decision cut-off point for cardiac troponin (cTn) based on the 99th centile of a reference population. The 99th centile level for eight troponin assays was determined in an apparently cardio-healthy Australian reference population. Methods Nine laboratories measured troponin in serum and plasma collected from 111 reference individuals. An imprecision profile was determined using up to 10 serum samples analysed on 10 separate days. Method comparison using 100 routinely tested plasma samples was performed to estimate method concordance. Results Generally 99th centile values determined in this study were lower than, or the same as manufacturers' levels, except for cTnI by Architect (0.020 vs. 0.012 μg/L), and imprecision at the 99th centile was 20% coefficient of variation (CV) or higher. Troponin concentrations at 10% CV were greater than those quoted in the manufacturer's package insert except by AxSYM, 0.06 vs. 0.16 μg/L cTnI, and by E-170, 0.02 vs. 0.03 μg/L cTnT. In the method comparison 74, 70, 65, 75, 58, 66, 58 and 77 samples measured by Access, Architect, AxSYM, Centaur, Dimension RxL, E-170, i-STAT and Vitros ECi assays, respectively, had troponin concentrations above the study 99th centile. Conclusions Depending on the selected reference population for troponin, there is likely to be variability in the 99th centile as shown in this study. Some differences in sample concordance at the 99th centile cut-off were observed between cTn methods and may result in different clinical classification.
Two-year stability of NT-proBNP in frozen samples using the Roche Elecsys system
Authors: Cauliez B , Guignery J , Marinier S , Mariau I , Lavoinne A 
Published: June 2008

Background The in vitro stability of N-terminal (NT)-proBNP (brain natriuretic peptide) at room temperature and at 4°C is excellent and has been well studied. However, less is known concerning its stability after a long-term frozen storage. This notion could be of major interest in the context of clinical evaluations. Methods NT-proBNP was measured on 97 heparinized samples before and after a two-year frozen storage (−20°C) using the Roche Elecsys system. Results There is a slight but significant decrease of NT-proBNP concentration after frozen storage. However, this decrease is <10% for more than 90% of the samples and the maximum decrease is 16%. Moreover, values on frozen samples are well correlated with values on fresh samples ( r = 0.99) using the following equation: NT-proBNPstored sample = 0.93 NT-proBNPfresh sample + 81. A similar equation was found in lower concentrations (NT-proBNP ≤ 2000 ng/L). Conclusions These data show that NT-proBNP can be stored for at least two years at −20°C before measurement without a substantial loss of immunoreactivity.