bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pentostatin, Cyclophosphamide, and Rituximab Is an Active, Well-Tolerated Regimen for Patients With Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Lamanna Nicole , Kalaycio Matt , Maslak Peter , Jurcic Joseph G. , Heaney Mark , Brentjens Renier , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Horgan Denise , Gencarelli Alison , Panageas Katherine S. , Scheinberg David A. , Weiss Mark A. 
Published: March 2006

Purpose Purine analogs and alkylators are important agents for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Early studies combining fludarabine and chlorambucil were abandoned owing to increased toxicity from overlapping myelosuppression and immunosuppression. Of the purine analogs active in CLL, pentostatin appears to be the least myelosuppressive. We previously reported that pentostatin and cyclophosphamide (PC) is active and well-tolerated in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. Subsequently, we added rituximab, and now report on this three-drug combination. Patients and Methods We treated 46 patients with either previously treated CLL (32 patients) or other low-grade B-cell neoplasms (14 patients). Patients received pentostatin 4 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2, and rituximab 375 mg/m2 (PCR). All drugs were administered on the same day (rituximab omitted from cycle 1), and patients received six cycles at 3-week intervals. Filgrastim, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and acyclovir were administered prophylactically. Results The median age was 62 years (range, 30 to 80 years). The median number of prior regimens was two (range, one to seven). For CLL patients, there were 24 responses (75%), including eight complete responses (25%). In fludarabine-refractory patients, 75% responded. Toxicity was acceptable, with grade 3/4 infections (including fever of unknown origin) in 28%. The regimen was well tolerated, with 72% of patients receiving the planned treatment at full dose. Conclusion PCR is safe and effective in previously treated patients with CLL. In comparison with our prior two-drug regimen, we find that rituximab did not seem to add significantly to the toxicity, but did appear to confer a survival advantage. Based on these results, we are currently studying PCR as initial therapy for patients with CLL.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of RecQ1, RAD54L, and ATM Genes Are Associated With Reduced Survival of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Li Donghui , Frazier Marsha , Evans Douglas B. , Hess Kenneth R. , Crane Christopher H. , Jiao Li , Abbruzzese James L. 
Published: March 2006

Purpose Our goal was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes influence the clinical outcome of pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods We evaluated 13 SNPs of eight DNA damage response and repair genes in 92 patients with potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. All patients were treated with neoadjuvant concurrent gemcitabine and radiotherapy with or without a component of induction gemcitabine/cisplatin at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) from February 1999 to August 2004 and observed through August 2005. Response to the pretreatment was assessed by evaluating time to tumor progression and overall survival. Kaplan-Meier plot, log-rank test, and Cox regression were used to compare survival of patients according to genotype. Results The RecQ1 A159C, RAD54L C157T, XRCC1 R194W, and ATM T77C genotypes had a significant effect on the overall survival with log-rank P values of .001, .004, .001, and .02, respectively. A strong combined effect of the four genotypes was observed. Patients with none of the adverse genotypes had a mean survival time of 62.1 months, and those with one, two, or three or more at-risk alleles had median survival times of 27.5, 14.4, and 9.9 months, respectively (log-rank P < .001). There is a significant interaction between the RecQ1 gene and other genotypes. All four genes except XRCC1 remained as independent predictors of survival in multivariate Cox regression models adjusted for other clinical predictors. Conclusion These observations support the hypothesis that polymorphic variants of DNA repair genes affect clinical prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.
Prospective Study of Survival Outcomes in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mikuls Ted R. , Endo Justin O. , Puumala Susan E. , Aoun Patricia A. , Black Natalie A. , O'Dell James R. , Stoner Julie A. , Boilesen Eugene C. , Bast Martin A. , Bergman Debra A. , Ristow Kay M. , Ooi Melissa , Armitage James O. , Habermann Thomas M. 
Published: March 2006

Purpose Although preliminary studies suggest that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) complicating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be a clinically distinct entity compared with that occurring in the general population, studies examining the impact of antecedent RA on survival are limited. In this prospective study, we examined the association of RA with survival in patients with NHL. Patients and Methods Using two large lymphoma registries, we identified patients with evidence of RA preceding NHL. Survival in RA patients was compared with that of controls using proportional hazards regression, adjusting for the effects of age, sex, lymphoma diagnosis-to-treatment lag time, calendar year, International Prognostic Index score, and NHL grade. Results The frequency of NHL subtypes was similar in RA patients (n = 65) and controls (n = 1,530). Compared with controls, RA patients with NHL had similar overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.30) but were at lower risk of lymphoma progression or relapse (HR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.68) or death related to lymphoma or its treatment (HR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.98), but were more than twice as likely to die from causes unrelated to lymphoma (HR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.33 to 3.50). Conclusion RA is associated with improved NHL-related outcomes, including a 40% reduced risk of death occurring as a result of lymphoma or its treatment and approximately a 60% lower risk of lymphoma relapse or progression compared with non-RA controls. However, the survival advantage gained in RA from the acquisition of lymphomas with favorable prognoses is negated through an increased mortality from other comorbid conditions.
Ranolazine: A New Approach to Management of Patients with Angina
Authors: Tafreshi Mohammad J , Fisher Edward 
Published: March 2006

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of ranolazine for the treatment of chronic stable angina. Data Sources: MEDLINE was searched (1966–February 2006) using the English-language key terms ranolazine and chronic stable angina. Additional studies were identified from the bibliographies of the reviewed literature. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies evaluating ranolazine, alone or in combination with other agents, were incorporated in this review. Data Synthesis: Ranolazine is a metabolic modulator designed to improve cardiac energy availability and cardiac metabolism. It is believed to be a partial fatty acid oxidation inhibitor. Ranolazine has been shown to improve exercise duration and time to anginal attacks without significantly affecting heart rate or blood pressure. Adverse effects of ranolazine are reported to be dose related. The elimination half-life of ranolazine is estimated to be between 1.4 and 1.9 hours for the immediate-release and 7 hours for sustained-release preparations. Conclusions: Ranolazine has a unique mechanism of action that is different from that of conventional agents. It has been studied as monotherapy or in combination with other commonly prescribed agents. It appears that ranolazine has a promising safety data profile and does not affect hemodynamic parameters. At this point, although ranolazine should not be used in place of conventional therapy, it appears that ranolazine may be considered in the management of symptomatic patients when standard antianginal medications are not tolerated or are ineffective.
Risk of Clozapine-Associated Agranulocytosis and Mandatory White Blood Cell Monitoring
Authors: Schulte Peter FJ 
Published: March 2006

Objective: To provide information for physicians and patients on which to base a decision as to whether to stop mandatory blood testing. Data Sources: Articles on drug-induced blood dyscrasias were identified by searches of MEDLINE (1966—September 2005) and review of their bibliographies. Novartis was asked to provide additional data on clozapine, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, and suicidality. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Data on the chance of clozapine-induced leukopenia and agranulocytosis were combined with data about possible fatality and compared with the risks associated with other medications and with life in general. Data Synthesis: The chance of clozapine-induced leukopenia or agranulocytosis decreases exponentially over time. In the US, the chance in the second 6 months of treatment is 0.70/1000 patient-years and, after the first year, 0.39/1000 patient-years. The case fatality rate of clozapine-induced agranulocytosis is estimated as 4.2–16%, depending on whether a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is used. Nevertheless, treatment with clozapine reduces overall mortality, probably because it reduces suicidality. Conclusions: After at least 6 months' treatment with clozapine, the mortality involved in stopping white blood cell monitoring is about the same as the mortality associated with other medications, such as mianserin or phenylbutazone, and with life in general (traffic or occupational accident). If the patient has been well informed and wishes to stop the monitoring, it is a medically justifiable option to do so and is preferable to stopping treatment with clozapine since this drug reduces overall mortality.
Discordance Between Availability of Pharmacogenetics Studies and Pharmacogenetics-Based Prescribing Information for the Top 200 Drugs
Authors: Zineh Issam , Pebanco Glenn D , Aquilante Christina L , Gerhard Tobias , Beitelshees Amber L , Beasley Bach Nhi , Hartzema Abraham G 
Published: March 2006

Background: Despite growing numbers of pharmacogenetics studies, little pharmacogenetics-based prescribing information is available to practitioners. It is possible that the lack of prescribing data for commonly used drugs is due to a paucity of evidence-based pharmacogenetics literature for these agents. Objective: To investigate the relationship between pharmacogenetics prescribing data in drug package inserts (Pls) and pharmacogenetics research literature for agents represented in the top 200 prescribed drugs for 2003. Methods: A PubMed search (to August 7, 2004) was performed to identify pharmacogenetics studies relevant to the top 200 drugs. These data were compared with Pls for drugs in the top 200 list that contained pharmacogenetics prescribing information. Results: Pharmacogenetics data in the literature were available for 71.3% of the top 200 drugs. The gene involved coded for a drug-metabolizing enzyme in 34.5% of the literature sampled. The remaining 65.5% of the pharmacogenetics studies contained information largely related to genetic variability in target proteins and drug transporters. Three drugs with Pls containing pharmacogenetics prescribing information deemed to be useful to guide therapy were in the top 200 list (celecoxib, fluoxetine, pantoprazole). There was no consensus on the strength of association between genetic variability and drug response for these agents. Conclusions: The lack of specific pharmacogenetics-based prescribing information in Pls for commonly used drugs does not seem to be related to a paucity of pharmacogenetics data in the research literature. Rather, other factors including, but not limited to, the uncertain clinical relevance of genetic associations may make practical prescribing recommendations difficult.
Update on Prevention of Meningococcal Disease: Focus on Tetravalent Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Mehlhorn Allana J , Balcer Holly E , Sucher Brandon J 
Published: March 2006

Objective: To review the immunogenicity, efficacy, safety, and new recommendations for routine use of the tetravalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1966–June 2005) was conducted using the key words Neisseria meningitidis and meningococcal vaccines for clinical trials limited to human research published in the English language. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Randomized, controlled, multicenter trials were reviewed and included to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MCV4. Additional open-label trials on the use of MCV4 in children less than 24 months of age are included since these studies may be used to support the approval of the vaccine for use in children. Literature on epidemiology and pathology of meningococcal meningitis and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations were also reviewed. Data Synthesis: MCV4 is approved for active immunization of adolescents and adults between the ages of 11 and 55 years for the prevention of disease caused by N. meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135. MCV4 has been shown to have comparable immunogenicity and a similar adverse reaction profile to the tetravalent meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4). It is expected that MCV4 will provide a longer duration of protection from meningococcal disease than MPSV4. Conclusions: Based on published immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety data, as well as the recent recommendations by the ACIP for its routine use, MCV4 is the preferred meningococcal vaccine for persons between 11 and 55 years of age and should be included on pharmacy formularies.
Associations of apolipoprotein E exon 4 and lipoprotein lipase S447X polymorphisms with acute ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction
Authors: Baum Larry , Keung Ng Ho , Wong Ka Sing , Tomlinson Brian , Rainer Timothy Hudson , Chen Xiangyan , Cheung Wing Sze , Tang Jinling , San Tam Wilson Wai , Goggins William , Wai Tong Cindy See , Yin Chan Daniel Kam , Thomas G. Neil , Chook Ping , Sang Woo Kam 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Evaluation of a new Sebia kit for analysis of hemoglobin fractions and variants on the Capillarys® system
Authors: Louahabi Amal , Philippe Marianne , Lali Salah , Wallemacq Pierre , Maisin Diane 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe evaluated the analytical performances of the new Sebia kit for quantification of hemoglobin fractions (HbA, HbF and HbA
Recommendation for measuring and reporting chloride by ISEs in undiluted serum, plasma or blood: International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC): IFCC Scientific Division, Committee on Point of Care Testing and Working Group on Selective Electrodes
Authors: Rayana Mohammed C. Ben , Burnett Robert W. , Covington Arthur K. , D'Orazio Paul , Fogh-Andersen Niels , Jacobs Ellis , Kataky Ritu , Külpmann Wolf R. , Kuwa Katsuhiko , Larsson Lasse , Lewenstam Andrzej , Maas Anton H.J. , Mager Gerhard , Naskalski Jerzy W. , Okorodudu Anthony O. , Ritter Christoph , St John Andrew 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe proposed recommendation for measuring and reporting chloride in undiluted plasma or blood by ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) will provide results that are identical to chloride concentrations measured by coulometry for standardized normal plasma or blood samples. It is applicable to all current ISEs dedicated to chloride measurement in undiluted samples that meet the requirements. However, in samples with reduced water concentration, results by coulometry are lower than by ion-selective electrode due to volume displacement. The quantity measured by this standardized ISE procedure is called the ionized chloride concentration. It may be clinically more relevant than the chloride concentration as determined by coulometry, photometry or by ISE after dilution of the sample.
The influence of lignin chemistry and ultrastructure on the pulping efficiency of clonal aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)
Authors: Stewart Jaclyn J. , Kadla John F. , Mansfield Shawn D. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The variation in wood chemistry among aspen clones of similar age, harvested from a common site in northern British Columbia, Canada, was evaluated. The aspen clones were evaluated for ease of chemical pulping and differed by as much as 4.5% in pulp yield at a common H-factor. The results demonstrate both the need for understanding the resource and the substantial opportunities that exists in natural population of trees for selecting superior clones for reforestation and afforestation. The syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, as determined by nitrobenzene oxidation, was directly correlated with the ease of pulping, whereas thioacidolysis results were not as predictive. These results were supported by quantitative NMR analysis, which demonstrated differences in the amount of β-O-4/Ar groups and the degree of condensation. Furthermore, it was shown that, in addition to total lignin content, which differed by as much as 5%, structural differences in the lignin may influence pulping efficacy. Among the other parameters evaluated, the distribution of molecular mass and methoxyl content is relevant for pulping. More specifically, among the fractions isolated in this study [milled wood lignin (MWL), MWELsol, and MWELinsol], the insoluble fraction was the most indicative of the pulping efficiency.
Elucidating carboxylic acid profiles for extended oxygen delignification of high-kappa softwood kraft pulps
Authors: Zhang Dongcheng , Pu Yunqiao , Chai Xing-Sheng , Naithani Ved , Jameel Hasan , Ragauskas Arthur J. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Two laboratory high-lignin-content softwood (SW) kraft pulps with kappa values of 48.0 and 49.5, prepared by cooking at high and low active alkali (AA), were used for the study of fiber charge development during two-stage oxygen delignification with inter-stage washing (OwO). It was established that the first oxygen delignification (O) stage increased total fiber charge by 2–4%, and further O-delignification via a second O-stage led to a 3–18% decrease in total fiber charge. Carboxylic acid content in pulp holocelluloses decreased by 12–26% with respect to a 35–70% kappa number reduction due to an O and OwO stage of delignification for high and low AA cooked SW kraft pulps. After an OwO-stage delignification, the residual lignin was found to exhibit a 50–100% increase in carboxylic acid content. 13C NMR spectral data for the residual lignin samples indicated that the unconjugated/conjugated acid ratio was approximately (3–4):1. Generally, the carboxylic acid content in low AA cooked softwood kraft pulp and the corresponding oxygen-delignified pulps was systematically higher (13–23%) than that in high AA cooked SW kraft pulp and the corresponding oxygen-delignified pulps. The experimental results also demonstrated that maximum acid-group content in total fiber occurred after 45–50% oxygen delignification of the SW kraft pulps studied.
Evidence for the formation of lignin-hexenuronic acid-xylan complexes during modified kraft pulping processes
Authors: Jiang Zhi-Hua , Bouchard Jean , Berry Richard 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The finding that hexenuronic acid (HexA) groups can be selectively removed from kraft pulps by acid hydrolysis has provided an opportunity to reduce bleaching chemicals. However, there is evidence that the acid hydrolysis is not uniform. In this report, we evaluate the kinetics of acid hydrolysis of HexA in a xylan sample enriched with HexA, a conventional kraft pulp, and three modified kraft pulps: anthraquinone pulp (Kraft-AQ), polysulfide pulp (PS), and polysulfide-anthraquinone pulp (PS-AQ). We found that HexA present in the xylan and conventional kraft pulp behaved similarly toward the acid hydrolysis throughout. On the other hand, HexA present in the Kraft-AQ, PS-AQ and PS pulps was heterogeneous toward acid hydrolysis and the reaction can be separated into two pseudo-first-order kinetic phases, each of which has a different rate constant. The kinetic data provide evidence for the formation of lignin-HexA-xylan complexes during modified kraft pulping processes.
Critical comparison of methods for surface coverage by extractives and lignin in pulps by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
Authors: Fardim Pedro , Hultén Anette Heijnesson , Boisvert Jean-Phillippe , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Ernstsson Marie , Campbell Joseph M. , Lejeune Agnes , Holmbom Bjarne , Laine Janne , Gray Derek 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Different methods for estimation of the surface coverage by extractives and lignin were critically compared. For data collection, four state-of-the-art X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instruments located in four different laboratories were used. Hand sheets of one mechanical and two chemical pulp samples were prepared in one laboratory and distributed among the other participants. The XPS results based on O/C ratios and curve fitting of the C 1s peak had very good intra- and interlaboratory variation for extracted and non-extracted pulp samples. The estimations of surface coverage by extractives and lignin also had acceptable intra- and interlaboratory variation. However, significant differences were observed between the results for the various methods. Estimation of surface coverage by extractives based on O/C ratios was much higher than that based on the C1 component analysis in the case of mechanical and unbleached chemical pulp. The surface coverage by lignin of mechanical pulp was reproducibly detected based on O/C ratios, C1 component analysis and by labelling with mercury acetate. The same data were, however, rather scattered if they were collected with these three methods for bleached and unbleached chemical pulp. In spite of the differences, similar trends regarding the pulp type could be observed. We interpret the results as indicating that the surface coverage for both extractives and lignin should not be considered as absolute “true” values, but rather as relative values, which are reliable only for comparison of samples for the same instrument. Even for relative comparisons, we recommend the selection of a strict experimental set-up for spectral acquisition and data treatment when applying any of the instruments and calculation models currently available.
Improvement of formaldehyde-scavenging ability of condensed tannins by ammonia treatment
Authors: Hashida Koh , Ohara Seiji , Makino Rei 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Condensed tannins have formaldehyde gas-scavenging ability. Tannins consisting of phloroglucinol-type A-rings, such as prodelphinidin and procyanidin, had higher formaldehyde-scavenging ability than those consisting of resorcinol-type A-rings, such as prorobietinidin and profisetinidin. This ability was markedly improved by ammonia treatment. The increase in formaldehyde-scavenging ability was especially notable in the case of condensed tannins with a high ratio of pyrogallol-type B-rings, such as prorobietinidin and prodelphinidin. To clarify the factors affecting improvement of the formaldehyde-scavenging ability by ammonia treatment, the reaction behavior of condensed tannins during ammonia treatment was studied. Analyses using 13C-NMR and on-line methylation pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed that on treatment of condensed tannins with ammonia, amino-substitution at C-4′ of the pyrogallol-type B-ring occurred to form a 4′-amino-3′,5′-dihydroxybenzene-type B-ring. It can be assumed that the introduction of a 4′-amino-3′,5′-dihydroxybenzene-type B-ring into the tannin molecule results in improved formaldehyde-scavenging ability.