bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Specialty Care Versus Standard Retail Pharmacies for Treatment of Hepatitis C
Authors: Cohen Stanley Martin , Kwasny Mary J , Ahn Joseph 
Published: February 2009

Background: Treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with significant adverse events. Improved adherence increases the probability of achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Despite a lack of supporting literature, the use of specialty care pharmacies has increased in recent years in an attempt to improve HCV treatment outcomes. Objective: To compare specialty care versus standard retail pharmacies in HCV treatment outcomes, utilization of office resources, and the use of supplemental medications. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed at a single academic institution for adults with HCV infection treated between 2001 and 2006. SVR was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included therapy completion rates, HCV treatment dose reductions, additional phone calls and clinic visits, and the use of supplemental medications. Results: One hundred ninety-seven patients were identified (102 standard and 95 specialty care pharmacy). There were no differences in baseline demographics between the groups, except for a higher proportion of African Americans using specialty care pharmacies. Overall SVR was 103/197 (52%). SVR was 57/102 (56%) in the standard pharmacy group and 46/95 (48%) in the specialty care pharmacy group. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to SVR (even after accounting for differences in ethnicity), the use of supplemental medications, additional clinic phone calls and visits required, and the reasons for HCV therapy discontinuation. There was a statistically significantly higher incidence of HCV medication dose reductions in the standard retail pharmacy group (45% vs 28%; p = 0.016). Conclusions: The use of specialty care pharmacies for the treatment of HCV was not associated with higher SVR rates. Patients using specialty care pharmacies had a lower incidence of interferon and/or ribavirin dose reductions, but there was no difference between the groups in therapy completion rates, use of additional office resources, or use of supplemental medications.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Medication Use Among Veterans with Hypertension and Dementia: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Poon Ivy , Lal Lincy S , Ford Marvella E , Braun Ursula K 
Published: February 2009

Background: Hypertension and comorbid dementia are common illnesses affecting older adults disproportionally. Medication adherence is vital in achieving therapeutic outcomes. Use of antihypertensive and dementia medications may vary by race/ethnicity and has not been well explored. Objective: To evaluate the utilization of antihypertensive and dementia drugs and adherence in a national cohort of veterans aged 65 years or older with a diagnosis of both hypertension and dementia across different racial/ethnic groups. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that used 2 national databases of the Veterans Health Administration to estimate medication utilization and adherence rates among whites, African Americans, and Hispanics from 2000 to 2005. A medication possession ratio of 0.8 or greater defined adherence. The association between race/ethnicity and adherence was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 56,561 patients (70.5% white, 15.6% African American, 6.6% Hispanic) aged 65 years or older had diagnoses of dementia and hypertension. African Americans were less likely than whites to receive angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and memantine (p < 0.05). Hispanics were more likely than whites to be prescribed an ACE inhibitor and less likely to be prescribed an ARB, β-blocker, nondihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker (CCB), loop diuretic, β-agonist, or potassium-sparing diuretic (PSD) (p < 0.05). Medication adherence was significantly lower in African Americans than whites in all classes except for ARBs, loop diuretics, and PSDs (p < 0.05). Being Hispanic was associated with significantly lower adherence rates than whites for dihydropyridine CCBs and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (p <0.05). Conclusions: Racial/ethnic differences exist in antihypertensive and dementia medication use in a cohort of older adults with hypertension and dementia. Adherence rates for a number of antihypertensive and dementia drugs are lower for minorities compared with whites. Healthcare providers should make special efforts to improve medication adherence among minorities.
Oncology: Treatment of Multiple Myeloma in the Targeted Therapy Era
Authors: Saad Ayman A , Sharma Manish , Higa Gerald M 
Published: February 2009

Objective: To review the clinical trials that have impacted treatment standards of multiple myeloma (MM). Data Source: A PubMed search (1980–June 2008) restricted to English-language publications was conducted using the key words multiple myeloma, clinical trials, targeted therapy, thalidomide, lenalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone, melphalan, autologous stem-cell transplantation, and tumor biology. Abstracts emanating from the meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology from June 2002 to June 2008 were also reviewed. Data Synthesis: Although hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation has improved the response rate and duration of overall survival, MM remains an incurable disease. However, focused research aimed at the molecular basis of the disease has led to a number of new treatment strategies. Evidence from clinical trials indicates that each of the 3 novel agents, thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib, is remarkably effective as first-line therapy. The data also suggest that clinicians may need to reevaluate the role of stem-cell transplantation in the disease. Conclusions: Thalidomide, lenalidomide, or bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone have replaced traditional chemotherapy such as melphalan, doxorubicin, and vincristine as initial therapy of patients with MM who are eligible for stem-cell transplantation. Furthermore, these novel drugs can be incorporated into regimens used to treat transplant-ineligible patients or those with relapsing disease.
Serum Sickness–Like Reaction Associated with Efalizumab
Authors: Ashraf-Benson Sadia , Wall Geoffrey C , Veach Lisa A 
Published: February 2009

Objective: To report a case of serum sickness–like reaction (SSLR) possibly induced by efalizumab, a recombinant humanized immunoglobulin G1 κ isotype monoclonal antibody approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Case Summary: A 37-year-old woman with plaque psoriasis who had been treated with efalizumab for 2 months developed a fever, erythematous rash, and progressive joint swelling and pain that required hospitalization. An exhaustive workup for infectious and rheumatologic causes of the patient's symptoms was negative. Given the relative temporal relationship between efalizumab therapy and the patient's signs and symptoms, a diagnosis of serum sickness was made. Systemic corticosteroids were initiated, which resulted in rapid resolution of the patient's signs and symptoms. Use of an objective causality assessment suggests that the patient's SSLR was possibly related to efalizumab. Discussion: Like many therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, efalizumab is associated with several adverse events, including allergic reactions. SSLR, a nonimmediate hypersensitivity syndrome, can occur with a variety of drugs including monoclonal antibodies. However, a MEDLINE search (1964–July 2008) identified only one other possible case of SSLR related to efalizumab. Conclusions: Clinicians using efalizumab should be aware of this possible adverse reaction.
Cost-Effectiveness of Trastuzumab as Adjuvant Therapy for Early Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chan Agnes LF , Leung Henry WC , Lu Chin-Li , Lin Shun Jin 
Published: February 2009

Objective: To identify published, original, cost-effectiveness analyses presenting cost/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) ratios for trastuzumab used as an adjuvant treatment for HER2-positive early breast cancer and to evaluate the quality of reporting the favorable cost-effectiveness ratios. Data Sources: The terms trastuzumab adjuvant therapy, cost-effectiveness, quality-adjusted, QALY, and early breast cancer were searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and CancerLit, as well as in Cochrane economic evaluation and reference lists from 1998 to June 2008. Only English-language publications were eligible. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All published studies examining cost-effectiveness outcomes on the basis of modeling or clinical trials were included. Cost-effectiveness analysis that measured health effects in units other than QALY, life year gained, neoadjuvant data, reviews, and comments were excluded. Each study was assessed independently by 2 trained reviewers. Data Synthesis: Thirteen of the 239 articles identified met the inclusion criteria, with 23 cost-effectiveness ratios pertaining to treatment of early breast cancer. These ratios ranged from $5020/QALY to $134,610/QALY. Most studies reported favorable cost-effectiveness values (ie, below $50,000/QALY). About 84.6% were conducted using a Markov model based on data from clinical trials and 15.3% were analyzed by other economic or cost models; 84.6% reported sensitivity analysis, 11 studies (84.6%) clearly described a justification of selecting study design, and only 15.3% noted study limitations. All studies mentioned their perspective; 92.3% did not show the funding source. Methods of reporting costs, effectiveness, and time-horizons for disease states varied significantly. Nine (69.2%) studies used a discount rate of 3%, 3 studies used a discount rate of 5%, and 1 study used 3.5%. The mean quality of the studies was 4.43. Conclusions: Most studies presenting the frequently proposed threshold of QALY suggest that trastuzumab may be cost-effective for treatment of early breast cancer in a 1-year treatment regimen.
The marine algal (seaweed) flora of the Azores: additions and amendments 3
Authors: Tittley Ian , Neto Ana I. , Parente Manuela I. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThirteen species of benthic marine algae are reported as new to the mid Atlantic Azores archipelago, and the status is confirmed for five other species. Some of the new records fall within their overall distributional range. The discovery of seven species (Codium taylorii,Digenea simplex,Gelidiella tinerfensis,Gelidiopsis intricata,Laurencia microcladia,Papenfussiella kuromo,Phyllophora gelidioides) represents a northern extension in their Atlantic distributional range. The archipelago is the western limit ofPapenfussiella kuromoandPhyllophora gelidioidesin the Atlantic Ocean.Ascophyllum nodosum, common as drift, was found for the first time attached to rocks on Graciosa Island andCaulerpa webbianais confirmed as a recent immigrant to the archipelago. Four species are removed from the flora.
First record of Contarinia squamariae (Rhizophyllidaceae, Rhodophyta) from Portugal: description of morphological and reproductive structures
Authors: Berecibar Estibaliz , Wynne Michael J. , Santos Rui 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The red algal species Contarinia squamariae (Rhizophyllidaceae, Gigartinales) is newly reported from the European Atlantic coast off southern and southwestern Portugal. Tetrasporangiate, spermatangial, and female/cystocarpic specimens were found growing closely attached to Peyssonnelia squamaria, and a non-reproductive specimen was found attached to Sphaerococcus coronopifolius.
Gyrosigma orbitum sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta) from a salt marsh in the Bay of Fundy, eastern Canada
Authors: Thaler Mary , Kaczmarska Irena 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
An undescribed species of tube-dwelling sigmoid diatoms, Gyrosigma orbitum sp. nov., was found in the surface sediments of a salt marsh in Peck's Cove, Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada. The specimens belong to the section Strigiles
sensu H. Peragallo and they are characterized by very fine longitudinal striation (34–45 in 10 μm), isomorphic proximal raphe endings and two large oval pits within the central area. While recorded in adjacent tidal mudflats, this species reached its highest abundances in the salt marsh, particularly within the cordgrass Spartina patens where it occurred in association with other epipelic taxa, including Diploneis cf. smithii, Surirella spp., Gyrosigma limosum, Nitzschia epithemioides, N. ligowskii, N. sigma, and a number of small sigmoid Nitzschia species. Gyrosigma orbitum is found mainly at sites with high sediment temperature and water content, but a shallow anoxic layer.
β-Phenylethylamine content in marine algae around Turkish coasts
Authors: Percot Aline , Yalçın Ahmet , Aysel Veysel , Erdugan Hüseyin , Dural Berrin , Güven Kasım Cemal 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
β-Phenylethylamine content was investigated in two green, five brown, and ten red marine algae by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. β-Phenylethylamine was found in six red algae but was not detected in the brown and green algae studied. The highest amount of β-phenylethylamine was determined in Gelidium crinale (30.42 μg g-1). This is the first report of β-phenylethylamine in the algae tested and also the first to quantify β-phenylethylamine in marine algae.
Preheparin serum lipoprotein lipase mass interacts with gender, gene polymorphism and, positively, with smoking
Authors: Onat Altan , Hergenç Gülay , Agırbaşlı Mehmet , Kaya Zekeriya , Can Günay , Ünaltuna Nihan E. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Correlates of preheparin serum lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mass and its associations with the likelihood of metabolic syndrome (MS) and coronary heart disease (CHD) were investigated.: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a population sample (n=352, median age 55). MS was defined according to modified Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.: Age-adjusted geometric mean preheparin LPL concentrations were 58.6±1.04 ng/mL in men and 66.9±1.03 ng/mL in women (p<0.004). A positive interaction with both the:Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:208–15.
Methodology for monitoring cytomegalovirus infection after renal transplantation
Authors: Xue Wujun , Liu Hua , Yan Hang , Tian Puxun , Ding Xiaoming , Pan Xiaoming , Feng Xinshun , Xiang Heli , Hou Jun , He Xiaoli 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of different detection methods for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after renal transplantation and also to establish a system to monitor therapy for CMV infection.: We retrospectively studied 1516 renal transplant recipients from June 1994 to December 2006. All patients were screened for CMV-DNA. A total of 1402 patients had received CMV-IgG/IgM detection since June 1996 and 660 had received CMV antigen detection since June 2000.: A total of 664 (43.8%) recipients developed CMV infection. The sensitivity, specificity and Youden index of the three methods, respectively, were 18.84%, 100% and 0.1884 for ELISA, 91.86%, 82.98% and 0.7484 for PCR, and 88.06%, 96.95% and 0.8501 for the CMV-pp65 antigenemia test. The sensitivity and specificity of the two combined detection methods (CMV-DNA and CMV-pp65) for post-operation CMV infection were 93.49% and 99.06%; the two detection methods had significant dependability (p<0.05) in diagnosis of CMV infection and in evaluation of therapeutic effect of antiviral drugs.: Only ELISA can be used as a screening index in order to distinguish whether the donors or recipients are infected with CMV or not. CMV-pp65 antigenemia can help guide clinical therapy for CMV infection. CMV-pp65 and CMV-PCR combined together provide a more effective method to monitor CMV infection and predict its outcome.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:177–81.
Polymorphisms and plasma soluble levels of E-selectin in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Wu Shimin , Zhou Xin , Yang Huafen , Yin Jidong , Cai Chunlin , Zheng Fang 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may lead to a distinct clinical outcome which is partially related to host genetic variability. Our aim was to investigate the relationships between the polymorphisms of the E-selectin gene and disease progression in a HBV-infected Chinese Han population, and also to determine the plasma soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) levels in this population.: Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of 367 HBV carriers and 281 healthy controls. Two polymorphisms (: The frequency of the C allele (AC or CC) of the: This is the first report describing the association between E-selectin polymorphisms and HBV-related chronic liver diseases. Our data suggest that theClin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:159–64.
Comparison of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and creatinine concentration in 24-h and spot urine samples in women
Authors: Ilich Jasminka Z. , Blanuša Maja , Orlić Željka Crnčević , Orct Tatjana , Kostial Krista 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The 24-h urine sample is considered as the most reliable material for testing many but not necessarily all constituents in urine. However, its collection is tedious for both patients and research participants. The aim of this study was to compare concentrations of essential elements calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) in 24-h and spot urine samples.: Urine samples were collected from 143 generally healthy women, aged 30–79 years. Fasting spot urine was collected immediately after the end of the 24-h collection, therefore being of the same content as the first morning urine which ended the 24-h collection. Elements were analyzed by flame atomic absorption/emission spectrometry and expressed as mg/g and/or mmol/mol of creatinine (Cr). Spearman rank order correlations between 24-h and spot urine were carried out for each element. Ratios of elements in 24-h to spot urine samples were calculated to estimate the element-proportion of spot in the 24-h sample.: All coefficients of correlation between 24-h and spot urine of measured elements and Cr were significant (p<0.05): Zn (0.637), Mg (0.623), Ca (0.603), Na (0.452), K (0.396), and Cr (0.217). Ratios of 24-h to spot urine samples for each element (except K) were similar and close to 2, indicating uniform proportion of elements from spot urine sample in the 24-h sample. In addition, a high correlation between various pairs of elements was obtained in both 24-h and spot urine; the highest being between Na/Ca (0.435) and (0.578), respectively. This is in accordance with theoretical presumptions and previous findings regarding those relationships.: Although replacing burdensome 24-h urine collection with spot urine sampling might not provide the solution in all cases, our results show that for the elements analyzed, spot urine could be a reliable alternative.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:216–21.
Effect of high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin and estradiol on the severity of hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Tan Peng Chiong , Tan Nugroho C. , Omar Siti Z. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estradiol levels are higher in women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) than in unaffected pregnant controls. We postulated that higher levels of these hormones may be associated with clinically more severe HG. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal hCG and estradiol levels on the severity of HG.: A prospective study was performed on 167 first trimester women hospitalized for HG. Venous blood was taken for hCG and estradiol levels. Scattergrams were plotted for hCG or estradiol levels vs. gestational age. A curve of best fit was drawn. Women were categorized into two groups according to their position above or below the curve. Prolonged hospital stay (≥4 days) was used as a marker for HG severity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to control for differences in characteristics, laboratory results on admission, and treatment received.: After adjustment, high hCG level adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.9, p=0.04) and hyponatremia AOR (2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.6, p=0.02) were independently associated with prolonged hospital stay. With bivariate analysis, high estradiol level was not associated with prolonged stay.: High hCG but not estradiol is associated with more severe HG.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:165–71.
Performance of free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (free β-hCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) analysis between Delfia Xpress and AutoDelfia systems in The Netherlands
Authors: Linskens Ingeborg H. , Levitus Marieke , Frans Anneke , Schielen Peter C.J.I. , van Vugt John M.G. , Blankenstein Marinus A. , Dijstelbloem Hilde M. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The VU University Medical Center (VUmc) was the first hospital in the Netherlands to introduce the Delfia Xpress for the analysis of free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in the first trimester screening program for Down syndrome. Since then, others have implemented this system. In this study, we tested the equality of measurements for free β-hCG and PAPP-A between Delfia Xpress systems and one AutoDelfia system.: A total of 40 serum samples were aliquoted and stored at –20°C. Samples were analyzed by six Delfia Xpress systems and one AutoDelfia system over a time period of 2 years.: The relationships between free β-hCG and PAPP-A were excellent for the different Delfia Xpress systems (r>0.99, p<0.0001). For PAPP-A, the agreement between the main system at VUmc and five other systems was linear with slopes between 0.99 and 1.06. Similarly, agreement for free β-hCG was linear with slopes between 0.99 and 1.09. Likewise, agreement for PAPP-A and free β-hCG was excellent for the AutoDelfia vs. the main Delfia Xpress at the VUmc (r>0.99, p<0.0001). For both PAPP-A and free β-hCG, the relationships were linear with slopes of 1.08 and 1.07.: We demonstrate an excellent agreement for the analysis of PAPP-A and free β-hCG between Delfia Xpress systems and one AutoDelfia system.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:222–6.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with coronary artery disease in an Indian population
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Garg Gaurav , Sundaramoorthy Elayanambi , Prasad P. Veerendra , Karthikeyan Ganesan , Ramakrishnan Lakshmy , Ghosh Saurabh , Sengupta Shantanu 
Published: February 2009

Abstract: The incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in developing countries, such as India. It is often advocated that a vegetarian lifestyle could reduce the burden of CAD. However, in spite of a majority of Indians being vegetarians, the incidence of CAD is highest in this population. This may be due to deficiency of vitamin B12, a micronutrient, sourced only from animal products.: Herein, we assessed the effect of vitamin B12 with respect to CAD in 816 individuals (368 CAD patients and 448 controls) recruited from a tertiary care center in New Delhi, India.: We found that vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in CAD patients than in controls (p<0.0001). Also, vegetarians were found to have significantly lower vitamin B12 concentrations (p=0.0001) and higher incidence of CAD (p=0.01). Interestingly, elevated homocysteine levels, a hallmark of vitamin B12 deficiency, was not associated with CAD. In contrast, cysteine levels were significantly higher in CAD patients than in controls (p=0.004).: We believe that, when vitamin B12 is deficient, homocysteine is rapidly metabolized via the transsulfuration pathway leading to increased cysteine levels.Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:334–8.