bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid quantitative assay of ADAMTS13 activity on an automated coagulation analyzer: Clinical applications and comparison with immunoblot method
Authors: Knovich Mary Ann , Lawson Heather L. , Burke Martha H. , McCoy Thomas P. , Owen John 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFacile assays for ADAMTS13, the metalloprotease that is absent or impaired in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, could allow for timely diagnosis and management of this potentially fatal hematologic disorder; unfortunately, available assays employ methodologies that restrict use to only a few reference laboratories, resulting in reporting delays. Measurement of ADAMTS13 on an automated analyzer could allow widespread accessibility by routine clinical laboratories. We adapted a previously published technique to demonstrate that ADAMTS13 activity could be measured on an Instrumentation Laboratory automated coagulation analyzer after plasma digestion of a commercial source of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Results were obtained using a commercially available immunoturbidimetric assay for residual VWF activity. Samples from 114 patients with suspected thrombotic microangiopathy were analyzed by both standard immunoblot and our new semiautomated method with excellent agreement, particularly at the clinically relevant low levels of ADAMTS13 activity. This new method is semiautomated and offers quantitative results within 2 hr; our modifications allow for widespread applicability on instrumentation already in use by routine clinical laboratories. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of infection early after allogeneic stem cell transplantation on the risk of leukemic relapse and graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Kim Sung‐Yong , Lee Dong‐Gun , Kim Myung‐Shin , Kim Hee‐Je , Lee Seok , Min Chang‐Ki 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) can affect the activity of immune cells and increase the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Further, a post‐SCT infection may influence the milieu of the graft‐versus‐leukemia (GVL) effect and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). We performed a retrospective study of patients with acute leukemia who had undergone allogeneic SCT using the same preparative regimens and bone marrow as the stem cell source to determine if early post‐transplant infection was associated with the risk of leukemic relapse and GVHD. The analysis revealed that patients who had a febrile infection (FI) before post‐transplant day 21 (FI group) had a lower actuarial probability of leukemic relapse (P < 0.001) and a higher relapse‐free survival rate (P = 0.012) than those patients who did not have a FI before post‐transplant day 21 (non‐FI group). The experience of early post‐transplant FI (HR = 0.316; 95% CI = 0.174–0.575; P < 0.001), together with the presence of chronic GVHD and high risk cytogenetics, were independent predictive factors for post‐transplant leukemic relapse. The FI group had a trend towards a higher lymphocyte count on post‐transplant day 21 than the non‐FI group (P = 0.063), despite the delayed recovery of the platelet count and a trend towards delayed recovery of the neutrophil count. These findings suggest that a change in the immunologic network by infectious diseases in the early post‐transplant period favors the milieu of the GVL effect. The specific immunologic change during FI, which can potentiate the GVL effect, remains to be determined. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liver Perfusion in Sepsis, Septic Shock, and Multiorgan Failure
Authors: Spapen Herbert 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSepsis causes significant alterations in the hepatic macro‐ and microcirculation. Diverging views exist on global hepatic blood flow during experimental sepsis because of the large variety in animal and sepsis models. Fluid‐resuscitated clinical sepsis is characterized by ongoing liver ischemia due to a defective oxygen extraction despite enhanced perfusion. The effects of vasoactive agents on the hepatosplanchnic circulation are variable, mostly anecdotal, and depend on baseline perfusion, time of drug administration, and use of concomitant medication. Microvascular blood flow disturbances are thought to play a pivotal role in the development of sepsis‐induced multiorgan failure. Redistribution of intrahepatic blood flow in concert with a complex interplay between sinusoidal endothelial cells, liver macrophages, and passing leukocytes lead to a decreased perfusion and blood flow velocity in the liver sinusoids. Activation and dysfunction of the endothelial cell barrier with subsequent invasion of neutrophils and formation of microthrombi further enhance liver tissue ischemia and damage. Substances that regulate (micro)vascular tone, such as nitric oxide, endothelin‐1, and carbon monoxide, are highly active during sepsis. Possible interactions between these mediators are not well understood, and their therapeutic manipulation produces equivocal or disappointing results. Whether and how standard resuscitation therapy influences the hepatic microvascular response to sepsis is unknown. Indirect evidence supports the concept that improving the microcirculation may prevent or ameliorate sepsis‐induced organ failure. Anat Rec, 291:714–720, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Artificial Circulation of the Liver: Machine Perfusion as a Preservation Method in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Vekemans Katrien , Liu Qiang , Pirenne Jacques , Monbaliu Diethard 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDue to the sharp increase in liver transplant candidates and the subsequent shortage of suitable donor livers, an extension of the current donor criteria is necessary. Simple cold storage, the current standard in organ preservation has proven to be insufficient to preserve extended criteria donor livers. Therefore a renewed interest grew toward alternative methods for liver preservation, such as hypothermic machine perfusion and normothermic machine perfusion. These “new” preservation methods were primarily assessed in rat models, and only a few clinically relevant large animal models have been described so far. This review will elaborate on these alternative preservation methods. Anat Rec, 291:735–740, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Hepatic Microvascular System in Health and Its Response to Toxicants
Authors: Mccuskey Robert S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis review briefly summarizes what is known about the dynamic morphology of the hepatic microvascular system that includes all vessels in the liver with a diameter less than 300 μm and various morphological sites within these vessels that regulate the distribution of blood flow. The latter include the various segments of the afferent portal venules and hepatic arterioles, the sinusoids, and central and hepatic venules. Sinusoids are unique exchange vessels lined by fenestrated endothelial cells which have important endocytotic functions and phagocytic Kupffer cells which are important for host defense. These are encircled by extraluminal stellate cells that are specialized pericytes containing fat droplets that store vitamin A. The principle sites for regulating blood flow are in the sinusoidal network with stellate and endothelial cells playing a major role in regulating the diameters of sinusoids and the distribution of blood flow in individual sinusoids, lobules, or segments of lobules. The sinusoidal endothelial cells are a sensitive and early target for several toxicants. For example, as early as 30 minutes after the administration of acetaminophen, the endothelial cells become swollen and begin to lose the ability to endocytose ligands. Within 2 hr, gaps through the cytoplasm appear formed by the destruction and/or coalescence of fenestrae which permit red blood cells to penetrate into the space of Disse. Subsequently, the sinusoid may collapse or disintegrate reducing blood flow. Anat Rec, 291:661–671, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patent classifications as indicators of intellectual organization
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet 
Published: May 2008

AbstractUsing the 138,751 patents filed in 2006 under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, co‐classification analysis is pursued on the basis of three‐ and four‐digit codes in the International Patent Classification (IPC, 8th ed.). The co‐classifications among the patents enable us to analyze and visualize the relations among technologies at different levels of aggregation. The hypothesis that classifications might be considered as the organizers of patents into classes, and therefore that co‐classification patterns—more than co‐citation patterns—might be useful for mapping, is not corroborated. The classifications hang weakly together, even at the four‐digit level; at the country level, more specificity can be made visible. However, countries are not the appropriate units of analysis because patent portfolios are largely similar in many advanced countries in terms of the classes attributed. Instead of classes, one may wish to explore the mapping of title words as a better approach to visualize the intellectual organization of patents.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silica@Copper Core–Shell Nanoparticles: Application for Conjugate Addition Reactions
Authors: Sreedhar B. , Radhika P. , Neelima B. , Hebalkar Neha 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSilica@copper (SiO2@Cu) core–shell nanoparticles were synthesized and well characterized by XRD, TEM, AFM, XPS, UV/Vis, TGA–MS, and ICP–AES techniques. The synthesized SiO2@Cu core–shell nanoparticles were employed as catalysts for the conjugate addition of amines to α,β‐unsaturated compounds in water to obtain β‐amino carbonyl compounds in excellent yields in shorter reaction times. Furthermore, the catalyst works well for hetero‐Michael addition reactions of heteroatom nucleophiles such as thiols to α,β‐unsaturated compounds. As the reaction is performed in water, it allows for easy recycling of the catalyst with consistent activity.
Mechanism of the Reaction of Radicals with Peroxides and Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Herscu‐Kluska Ronit , Masarwa Alexandra , Saphier Magal , Cohen Haim , Meyerstein Dan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe reactions of methyl and methylperoxyl radicals derived from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with hydrogen peroxide, peroxymonocarbonate (HCO4−), and persulfate were studied. The major reaction observed for the hydroperoxides was the abstraction of the hydrogen atom by the radicals. The radicals interact with a lone pair of electrons on the peroxide to produce methanol and formaldehyde. Furthermore, the results indicate that in RO2H and RO2R′, electron‐withdrawing groups cause a considerable increase in the reactivity of the peroxides towards the radicals and not only towards nucleophiles. The HO2./O2.− and CO3.− radicals react with DMSO to produce methyl radicals. Thus, the formation of the .CH3 radicals in the presence of DMSO is not proof of the formation of the .OH radicals in the system. These reactions must be considered when radical processes, such as in biological and catalytic systems, are studied. Especially, the plausible role of HCO4− ions in biological systems as a source of oxidative stress cannot be overlooked.
Phase 2 trial of talactoferrin in previously treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Jonasch Eric , Stadler Walter M. , Bukowski Ronald M. , Hayes Teresa G. , Varadhachary Atul , Malik Rajesh , Figlin Robert A. , Srinivas Sandy 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.Talactoferrin (TLF), a recombinant form of human lactoferrin (hLF), is an immunomodulatory iron‐binding glycoprotein first identified in breast milk. Its immunomodulatory functions include activation of natural killer (NK) and lymphokine‐activated killer cells and enhancement of polymorphonuclear cells and macrophage cytotoxicity. Studies in animal models have shown promising anticancer activity, and clinical antitumor activity has been observed in nonsmall cell lung cancer and other tumor types. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the activity and safety of TLF in patients with refractory metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).METHODS.Forty‐four adult patients with progressive advanced or metastatic RCC who had failed prior systemic therapy received oral talactoferrin at a dose of 1.5 g twice daily on a 12‐week‐on 2‐week‐off schedule. Patients were evaluated for progression‐free survival at 14 weeks, overall response rate, and progression‐free and overall survival.RESULTS.TLF was well tolerated. No significant hematologic, hepatic, or renal toxicities were reported. The study met its predefined target with a 14‐week progression‐free survival rate of 59%. The response rate was 4.5%. The mMedian progression‐free survival was 6.4 months and the median overall survival was 21.1 months.CONCLUSIONS.TLF is a well‐tolerated new agent that has demonstrated preliminary signs of clinical activity. Given the lack of toxicity, the lack of rapid disease progression in this cohort, and the preclinical data on immune activation, a randomized study assessing its effects on disease progression in patients with metastatic RCC is rational. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
High prevalence of triple‐negative tumors in an urban cancer center
Authors: Lund Mary Jo B. , Butler Ebonee N. , Bumpers Harvey L. , Okoli Joel , Rizzo Monica , Hatchett Nadjo , Green Victoria L. , Brawley Otis W. , Oprea‐Ilies Gabriela M. , Gabram Sheryl G. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.A disparate proportion of breast cancer deaths occur among young women, those of African‐American (AA) ancestry, and particularly young AA women. Estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER‐2) are key clinically informative biomarkers. The triple‐negative (ER‐/PR‐/HER‐2‐) tumor subgroup is intrinsically resistant to treatment and portends a poor prognosis. Age, race, and socioeconomic status have been associated with triple‐negative tumors (TNT). In the current study, the authors investigated breast cancer subgroups among patients in an urban cancer center serving a multiracial, low socioeconomic population.METHODS.This case series analyzed female invasive breast cancers diagnosed and/or treated between 2003 and 2004 in the AVON Comprehensive Breast Center at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, and augmented by the hospital registry and pathology reports. Statistical analyses utilized frequency distributions and logistic regression.RESULTS.Of 190 breast cancers; 167 (88%) were diagnosed among AA and 23 (12%) were diagnosed among non‐AA women. The median age at diagnosis in the 2 groups was 58 years and 57 years, respectively. TNT prevalence was found to differ by race (29.3% among AA women and 13.0% among non‐AA women; P = .010). Differences persisted after adjustment for age and stage (odds ratio [OR] of 3.1; 95%confidence interval [95% CI], 0.8–11.6). The majority of recurrences (40.0%) occurred among women with TNT, who were also most likely to experience a fatal event (OR of 3.7; 95%CI, 1.1–13.0).CONCLUSIONS.Despite a similarity in their age at diagnosis, AA women in our urban cancer center presented with a higher prevalence of TNT and TNT was found to predict the poorest outcomes. Institutional interactive breast conferences and intervention/navigation programs could help to dispel breast cancer disparities and improve outcomes. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel in the treatment of children and young adults with refractory bone sarcoma
Authors: Navid Fariba , Willert Jennifer Reikes , McCarville M. Beth , Furman Wayne , Watkins Amy , Roberts William , Daw Najat C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.The combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel has demonstrated promise in sarcomas diagnosed in adults. In the current study, the toxicity and efficacy of this combination were evaluated in pediatric sarcomas.METHODS.A retrospective case review of 22 patients with recurrent or refractory bone or soft‐tissue sarcomas who received gemcitabine (at a dose of 675 mg/m2 intravenously on Days 1 and 8) and docetaxel (at a dose of 75–100 mg/m2 intravenously on Day 8) was undertaken.RESULTS.The patients (ages 8–23 years) received a total of 109 courses of chemotherapy (median, 4 courses; range, 1–13 courses). Seventeen patients had osteosarcoma, 2 patients had Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT), 1 patient had a malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), 1 patient had a chondrosarcoma, and 1 patient had an undifferentiated sarcoma. Of the 14 patients evaluable for response, the patient with an MFH achieved a complete response (CR), 3 patients with osteosarcoma achieved a partial response (PR), and 2 patients (1 with ESFT and 1 with osteosarcoma) had stable disease (SD). The overall objective response (CR + PR) rate was 29%. Median duration of response (CR + PR + SD) was 4.8 months (range, 1.6‐13 months). The toxicity was manageable and consisted primarily of thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.CONCLUSIONS.In the current study, gemcitabine in combination with docetaxel was found to be well tolerated and demonstrated antitumor activity in children and adolescents with recurrent or refractory osteosarcoma and MFH. Further evaluation of this drug combination is warranted in these patients. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Beyond breaking bad news
Authors: Whitney Simon N. , McCullough Laurence B. , Frugé Ernest , McGuire Amy L. , Volk Robert J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.Hope is important to patients, yet physicians are sometimes unsure how to promote hope in the face of life‐threatening illness.ANALYSIS.Hope in medicine is of two kinds: specific (hope for specific outcomes) and generalized (a nonspecific sense of hopefulness). At the time of diagnosis of a life‐ending condition, the specific goal of a long life is dashed, and there may be no medically plausible specific outcome that the patient feels is worth wishing for. Yet the physician may nonetheless maintain an open‐ended hopefulness that is compatible with the physician's obligation to be truthful; this hopefulness can help sustain patient and family through the turbulent period of adaptation to the unwelcome reality of major illness. As this adaptation evolves, the physician can help patients and families adapt to suffering and loss of control by selecting and achieving specific goals such as improvement of the patient's environment in hospital or hospice, pain control, and relief of sleeplessness. Thus hope for specific (but far more modest) future events can again become a positive part of the patient s emotional landscape. The authors do not propose that physicians remain upbeat no matter the circumstance, for they must respect the constraints of reality and the patients' mortality. However, physicians can provide both cognitive and affective support as patients learn how to adapt. Hope and hopefulness are both important in this process.SUMMARY.Hope is always important to patients. Physicians can and should promote hopefulness without endorsing unrealistic hope. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Impact of computed tomography screening for lung cancer on participants in a randomized controlled trial (NELSON trial)
Authors: van den Bergh Karien A. M. , Essink‐Bot Marie‐Louise , Bunge Eveline M. , Scholten Ernst Th. , Prokop Mathias , van Iersel Carola A. , van Klaveren Rob J. , de Koning Harry J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.Computed tomography (CT) screening is an important new tool for the early detection of lung cancer. In the current study, the authors assessed the discomfort associated with CT scanning and the subsequent wait for results and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) over time.METHODS.A total of 351 participants in the Dutch‐Belgian randomized controlled trial for lung cancer screening in high‐risk subjects (the NELSON trial) who had an appointment for a baseline CT scan were asked to complete questionnaires regarding their experienced discomfort and HRQoL before, 1 day after, and approximately 6 months after the CT scan. HRQoL was measured as generic HRQoL (12‐item Short Form [SF‐12] and EuroQol questionnaire [EQ‐5D]), generic anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI‐6]), and lung cancer‐specific distress (Impact of Event Scale [IES]). Approximately 76.9% of the participants completed all 3 questionnaires.RESULTS.Approximately 87% to 99% of participants reported experiencing no discomfort related to the CT scan. The median SF‐12, EQ‐5D, STAI‐6, and IES scores did not appear to change relevantly over time. Approximately 46.0% and 51.3%, respectively, of the participants reported discomfort in connection with having to wait for the results of the CT scan and dreading those results. These patients had relevantly higher STAI‐6 and IES scores (P < .01) (unfavorable) at all 3 assessments.CONCLUSIONS.The current evaluation of the potential adverse effects of CT screening for lung cancer on HRQoL demonstrated no negative effects. However, waiting for the CT scan results was reported to be discomforting by approximately half of the participants. Minimizing the waiting time for the test results is therefore recommended. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
High‐sensitive determination of human α‐thrombin by its 29‐mer aptamer in affinity probe capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Li Yilin , Guo Lei , Zhang Fucheng , Zhang Zhaoyang , Tang Jijun , Xie Jianwei 
Published: May 2008

AbstractACE technique provides an effective tool for the separation and identification of disease‐related biomarkers in clinical analysis. In recent years, a couple of synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, known as aptamers, rival the specificity and affinity for targets to antibodies and are employed as one kind of powerful affinity probe in ACE. In this work, based on high affinity between antithrombin aptamer and thrombin (their dissociation constant is 0.5 nM), a carboxyfluorescein‐labeled 29‐nucleotide (nt) aptamer (F29‐mer) was used and an aptamer‐based affinity probe CE (aptamer‐based APCE) method was successfully established for high‐sensitive detection and quantitative analysis of thrombin. Experimental conditions including incubation temperature and time, buffer composition, and concentration of cations were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized condition, the linear range was from 0 to 400 nM and the LOD was 2 nM (74 ng/mL, S/N = 3), i.e., 40 amol, both in running buffer and in 5% v/v human serum. This LOD is the lowest one than those achieved by the previous APCE methods but based on a 15‐mer aptamer. This approach offers a promising method for the rapid, selective, and sensitive detection of thrombin in practical utility. Further binding experiments using one carboxyfluorescein‐labeled aptamer and the other nonlabeled aptamer or vice versa were carried out to deduce the formation of ternary complex when these two aptamers coexisted in the free solution with thrombin.