bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wash‐out of DMSO does not improve the speed of engraftment of cord blood transplantation: follow‐up of 46 adult patients with units shipped from a single cord blood bank
Authors: Nagamura‐Inoue Tokiko , Shioya Mika , Sugo Michiko , Cui Yan , Takahashi Atsuko , Tomita Satomi , Zheng Yizhou , Takada Kei , Kodo Hideki , Asano Shigetaka , Takahashi Tsuneo A. 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  Prolonged periods of marrow hypoplasia have been a problem in cord blood transplantation. DMSO is thought to produce osmotic shock to the progenitors when the thawed cells are infused into the patients. To solve this problem, a 2× dilution method originally developed in the New York Blood Center showed earlier myeloid engraftment,1 although follow‐up clinical studies have not performed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  To clarify the influence of the removal of DMSO by this method on the speed of engraftment in unrelated cord blood transplantation, 46 adult patients with cord blood units processed by the Tokyo Cord Blood Bank from September 1998 to March 31, 2002 were studied. Twenty‐four patients received 2.6 ± 0.71 × 107 nucleated cells per kg without washing (nonwashed group), while 22 patients were received 2.7 ± 0.52 × 107 nucleated cells per kg after 2× dilution washing (washed group).RESULTS:  The cumulative incidence of engraftment was not significantly different between the two groups. Median neutrophil recovery (≥5 × 109/L) in the nonwashed and washed groups was 26 and 25 days, respectively, and the median platelet recovery (≥20 × 109/L) in patients with myeloid engraftment was 44 and 40 days, respectively (NS). On the other hand, the doses of CFCs and CD34+ cells showed the influence on myeloid and platelet recovery.CONCLUSION:  A 2× dilution after thawing cord blood did not result in the improvement of myeloid engraftment speed.
Detection of bacteria in WBC‐reduced PLT concentrates using percent oxygen as a marker for bacteria growth
Authors: Ortolano Girolamo A. , Freundlich Lawrence F. , Holme Stein , Russell Rosalind L. , Cortus Mary Anne , Wilkins Karen , Nomura Hiromi , Chong Chiyong , Carmen Raleigh , Capetandes Anthony , Wenz Barry 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  The risk of receiving a PLT concentrate (PC) contaminated with bacteria may be 1000‐fold greater than that of pathogenic viral transmission, yet surveillance for this risk is not generally practiced. A novel bacteria detection system (BDS) that overcomes the limitations of current systems is described. The BDS monitors percent oxygen (%O2) in air above aliquots of PCs that have been filtered to remove the confounding effect of respiring PLTs and residual WBCs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  One‐day‐old WBC‐reduced whole‐blood‐derived PCs (WBPCs) were inoculated with bacteria at 100 to 500 CFU per mL. After 30 minutes, 2‐ to 3‐mL aliquots were processed through a PLT‐reducing filter into a sample pouch containing sodium polyanethol sulfonate and entrained air. After incubation at 35°C for at least 24 hours, the %O2 was measured within the pouch. Noninoculated WBC‐reduced WBPCs (n = 155), confirmed free of bacteria by routine culture, were tested in a like manner. Results from the latter group of WBC‐reduced WBPCs were used to distinguish contaminated from noncontaminated units.RESULTS:  After a 24‐hour incubation at 35°C, 195 (96.5%) of the 202 sample pouches obtained from inoculated units were detected by the BDS. After an additional 6 hours at room temperature, those that remained and were tested were found positive. None of the noninoculated controls produced a positive reading.CONCLUSION:  The BDS is easy to use and provides good levels of sensitivity and specificity.
Multicenter comparison of serologic assays and estimation of human herpesvirus 8 seroprevalence among US blood donors
Authors: Pellett P.E. , Wright D.J. , Engels E.A. , Ablashi D.V. , Dollard S.C. , Forghani B. , Glynn S.A. , Goedert J.J. , Jenkins F.J. , Lee T.‐H. , Neipel F. , Todd D.S. , Whitby D. , Nemo G.J. , Busch M.P. 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  As part of assessing the possibility of transfusion transmission of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8 or Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus), HHV‐8 seroprevalence was estimated among US blood donors, the performance of HHV‐8 serologic tests was compared, and the presence of HHV‐8 DNA was tested for in donated blood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Replicate panels of 1040 plasma specimens prepared from 1000 US blood donors (collected in 1994 and 1995) and 21 Kaposi's sarcoma patients were tested for antibodies to HHV‐8 in six laboratories. HHV‐8 PCR was performed on blood samples from 138 donors, including all 33 who tested seropositive in at least two laboratories and 22 who tested positive in at least one.RESULTS:  The estimated HHV‐8 seroprevalence among US blood donors was 3.5 percent (95% CI, 1.2%‐9.8%) by a conditional dependence latent‐class model, 3.0 percent (95% CI, 2.0%‐4.6%) by a conditional independence latent‐class model, and 3.3 percent (95% CI, 2.3%‐4.6%) by use of a consensus‐derived gold standard (specimens positive in two or more laboratories); the conditional dependence model best fit the data. In this model, laboratory specificities ranged from 96.6 to 100 percent. Sensitivities ranged widely, but with overlapping 95 percent CIs. HHV‐8 DNA was detected in blood from none of 138 donors evaluated.CONCLUSIONS:  Medical and behavioral screening does not eliminate HHV‐8‐seropositive persons from the US blood donor pool, but no viral DNA was found in donor blood. Further studies of much larger numbers of seropositive individuals will be required to more completely assess the rate of viremia and possibility of HHV‐8 transfusion transmission. Current data do not indicate a need to screen US blood donors for HHV‐8.
Comparison of two apheresis systems for the collection of CD14+ cells intended to be used in dendritic cell culture
Authors: Strasser Erwin F. , Berger Thomas G. , Weisbach Volker , Zimmermann Robert , Ringwald Jürgen , Schuler‐Thurner Beatrice , Zingsem Jürgen , Eckstein Reinhold 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  Monocytes collected by leukapheresis are increasingly used for dendritic cell (DC) culture in cell factories suitable for DC vaccination in cancer.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Using modified MNC programs on two apheresis systems (Cobe Spectra and Fresenius AS.TEC204), leukapheresis components collected from 84 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma and from 31 healthy male donors were investigated. MNCs, monocytes, RBCs, and platelets (PLTs) in donors and components were analyzed by cell counters, WBC differential counts, and flow cytometry.RESULTS:  In 5‐L collections, Astec showed better results regarding monocyte collection rates (11.0 vs. 7.4 × 106/min, p = 0.04) and efficiencies (collection efficiency, 51.9 vs. 31.9%; p < 0.001). Both devices resulted in monocyte yields at an average of 1 × 109 (donors) and 2.5 × 109 (patients), whereas Astec components contained high residual RBCs. Compared to components with low residual PLTs, high PLT concentration resulted in higher monocyte loss (48 vs. 20%, p < 0.0001) before DC culture.CONCLUSION:  The Astec is more efficient in 5‐L MNC collections compared to the Spectra. Components with high residual PLTs result in high MNC loss by purification procedures. Thus, optimizing MNC programs is essential to obtain components with high MNC yields and low residual cells as prerequisite for high DC yields.
Admission to Nursing Homes in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Li‐Fan , Tinker Anthea 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe population of Taiwan is facing a radical ageing process. A proportion of the growing number of people aged 65 and over is expected to need nursing home care. This research concerns the family context of decision‐making in the process of admission to a nursing home in Taiwan. Employing survey data from interviews with elderly people in nursing homes (235 interviews) and their carers/key families (265 interviews), the factors affecting their views about admission were explored. Bivariate analysis and a logistic regression model were also used to examine perceptions of alternatives to nursing home care among family members with elderly relatives in nursing homes. Most elderly people in Taiwan are cared for in their own homes by their families but, in some circumstances, entry to a nursing home seemed inevitable. This research found that the decisions were taken mainly within a family context. The adult children of the elderly people, carers/key families’ preferences and the availability of carers influenced the decision. Apart from the important need factors of elders, families’ views about alternatives to nursing homes were significantly influenced by their preferences. This study has important implications for long‐term care in Taiwan. It is hoped that this will be needs‐led, both by elderly people and their families.
Social Inequality under a New Social Contract: Long‐term Care in Japan
Authors: Izuhara Misa 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe 1990s saw the beginning of new developments in the social policy agenda of Japan. A combination of further cuts in social expenditure and increases in financial resources through various means has become inevitable in response to the increasing cost burden of an ageing society, the prolonged recession and changes in the Japanese family. In this context, “kaigo hoken” (long‐term care insurance) was introduced in 2000 to increase revenue and fill the gap vacated by the family. The scheme introduced a different concept to the public: that long‐term care was no longer “expected’’ from the family or “allocated” by the state, but has become part of a “social contract” based upon a system of mandatory contributions, uniform entitlements and consumer choice. This paper first explores the role of the new scheme in creating social inequalities among individuals (and families). A panel survey is used to highlight different patterns of care provision and the varying degree of financial pressure among different income groups. Second, based on qualitative research, the paper examines how the new scheme has transformed the relationship between older people and their families who have played a central role in this arena. The scheme has consequently divided “traditional” families and their liberal counterparts, as a result of care work being “commodified”. It is apparent that this scheme has not only responded to fill the existing care gap but may also help accelerate the changes that have been taking place for the last two decades.
New Economy and New Social Policy in East and Southeast Asian Compact, Mature Economies: The Case of Hong Kong
Authors: Chow Nelson Wing‐sun 
Published: December 2004

Abstract In the 1970s, as the now compact, mature economies in East and Southeast Asia were industrializing, their governments had claimed that they saw no need for the kind of welfare programmes developed in Western “welfare states”. Notwithstanding this claim, a study of social welfare development in these economies in the last three decades, particularly when Hong Kong is taken as an example, shows that they have gone for universal social welfare, largely as a result of the growing prosperity and the rising expectations of the people. This trend has, however, been reversed since the start of the Asian financial crisis in the latter part of 1997, with the resultant slowing down of the economy, rising unemployment and surging fiscal deficits. Governments of the compact, mature economies in East and Southeast Asia found that they must rethink their social commitments and in order to return to balanced budgets, the former selective approach is now adopted by concentrating social welfare resources on the most needy people. While it is not in dispute that there is a close and positive relationship between industrialization and social welfare, the case of the compact, mature economies in East and Southeast Asia shows that as they are more vulnerable to world economic vicissitudes, the relationship may not be as steady as it has been in the Western industrial states.
Intuition in Using Nominal Variables for Prediction
Authors: Suich Ron , Turek Richard 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe notion of independence between two nominal variables is typically introduced through the use of chi‐square analysis of contingency tables, while the topic of prediction of one nominal variable from a second nominal variable using optimal prediction to the mode is often omitted. Through the use of a questionnaire, this article indicates that there is considerable confusion among students on the difference between the concepts of independence and prediction, and remedies are suggested.
A Hierarchical Model for Space–Time Surveillance Data on Meningococcal Disease Incidence
Authors: Knorr-Held Leonhard , Richardson Sylvia 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe describe a model-based approach to analyse space–time surveillance data on meningococcal disease. Such data typically comprise a number of time series of disease counts, each representing a specific geographical area. We propose a hierarchical formulation, where latent parameters capture temporal, seasonal and spatial trends in disease incidence. We then add—for each area—a hidden Markov model to describe potential additional (autoregressive) effects of the number of cases at the previous time point. Different specifications for the functional form of this autoregressive term are compared which involve the number of cases in the same or in neighbouring areas. The two states of the Markov chain can be interpreted as representing an ‘endemic’ and a ‘hyperendemic’ state. The methodology is applied to a data set of monthly counts of the incidence of meningococcal disease in the 94 départements of France from 1985 to 1997. Inference is carried out by using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation techniques in a fully Bayesian framework. We emphasize that a central feature of our model is the possibility of calculating—for each region and each time point—the posterior probability of being in a hyperendemic state, adjusted for global spatial and temporal trends, which we believe is of particular public health interest.
Assessment of Athens's Metro Passenger Behaviour Via a Multiranked Probit Model
Authors: Linardakis Michalis , Dellaportas Petros 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWe deal with real data from a stated preference experiment which was designed to explain and predict passengers’ behaviour towards three main means of transportation in the city of Athens. The resulting model formulations give rise to the so-called multiranked probit model which emerges from a series of ranking responses in a set of hypothetical scenarios, i.e. we enhance the multinomial probit model with the embodiment of a utility threshold parameter which deals realistically with ranking responses, intransitivity of indifference between alternatives or ties. Moreover, we ensure identifiable parameters for the covariance matrix of the underlying utility vectors, we include a hierarchical step that models the unit-specific utility thresholds as exchangeably distributed and, finally, we permit the use of heavy-tailed distributions for the stochastic error term. Our proposed methodology is Bayesian and the implementation tool adopted is Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling. The posterior output consists of practical information such as travel characteristics (e.g. walking times and waiting times), expressed either in drachmas per hour or in minutes of in-vehicle time, and 95% credible intervals of the probability of choosing a particular mode of transportation. These are key factors in determining whether a policy has positive or negative net benefits.
Reconstructing the Incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Hong Kong by Using Data From HIV Positive Tests and Diagnoses of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Chau P. H. , Yip Paul S. F. , Cui Jisheng S. 
Published: December 2004

Summary
The human immunodeficiency virus–acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV–AIDS) epidemic in Hong Kong has been under surveillance in the form of voluntary reporting since 1984. However, there has been little discussion or research on the reconstruction of the HIV incidence curve. This paper is the first to use a modified back-projection method to estimate the incidence of HIV in Hong Kong on the basis of the number of positive HIV tests only. The model proposed has several advantages over the original back-projection method based on AIDS data only. First, not all HIV-infected individuals will develop AIDS by the time of analysis, but some of them may undertake an HIV test; therefore, the HIV data set contains more information than the AIDS data set. Second, the HIV diagnosis curve usually has a smoother pattern than the AIDS diagnosis curve, as it is not affected by redefinition of AIDS. Third, the time to positive HIV diagnosis is unlikely to be affected by treatment effects, as it is unlikely that an individual receives medication before the diagnosis of HIV. Fourth, the induction period from HIV infection to the first HIV positive test is usually shorter than the incubation period which is from HIV infection to diagnosis of AIDS. With a shorter induction period, more information becomes available for estimating the HIV incidence curve. Finally, this method requires the number of positive HIV diagnoses only, which is readily available from HIV–AIDS surveillance systems in many countries. It is estimated that, in Hong Kong, the cumulative number of HIV infections during the period 1979–2000 is about 2600, whereas an estimate based only on AIDS data seems to give an underestimate.
Modelling Accelerated Life Test Data by Using a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Sinha Debajyoti , Patra Kauhsik , Dey Dipak K. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBecause of the high reliability of many modern products, accelerated life tests are becoming widely used to obtain timely information about their time-to-failure distributions. We propose a general class of accelerated life testing models which are motivated by the actual failure process of units from a limited failure population with a positive probability of not failing during the technological lifetime. We demonstrate a Bayesian approach to this problem, using a new class of models with non-monotone hazard rates, the hazard model with potential scope for use far beyond accelerated life testing. Our methods are illustrated with the modelling and analysis of a data set on lifetimes of printed circuit boards under humidity accelerated life testing.
Molecular bases of the antigens of the Lutheran blood group system
Authors: Crew Vanja Karamatic , Green Carole , Daniels Geoff 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND: Lutheran is a complex blood group system consisting of 18 identified antigens. There are four pairs of allelic antigens, whereas others are independently expressed antigens of a high frequency. Lutheran antigens are carried by the Lutheran glycoproteins, which are a product of a single gene LU.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Genomic DNA from 21 individuals of 12 Lutheran phenotypes was used for PCR amplification of selected LU exons that were directly sequenced and compared to control DNA of a common Lutheran phenotype.RESULTS: Lutheran phenotypes were mostly caused by single‐nucleotide polymorphisms within LU, resulting in single amino acid changes. The following mutations were observed: in LU:−4, G524A, Arg175Gln; in LU:−5, G326A, Arg109His; in LU:−6,9, C824T, Ser275Phe; in LU:−8,14, T611A, Met204Lys; in LU:−13, three point mutations (C1340T, Ser447Leu, C1671T silent mutation for Ser557 and A1742T, Gln581Leu); in LU:−16, C679T, Arg227Cys; in LU:−17, G340A, Glu114Lys; and in LU:−20, C905T, Thr302Met. Two LU:−12 samples had differing results: one individual had a deletion 99GCGCTT, Arg34 and Leu35, whereas the second LU:−12 sample had a point mutation G419A, Arg140Gln.CONCLUSION: The results revealed the genetic background of 11 Lutheran antigens and suggested their placement on the Lutheran glycoprotein.
Leukoreduction in the setting of open heart surgery: a prospective cohort‐controlled study
Authors: Fung Mark K. , Rao Nalini , Rice Janet , Ridenour Marilyn , Mook William , Triulzi Darrell J. 
Published: December 2004

BACKGROUND:  Proven clinical benefits of leukoreduced blood components include reduced febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, alloimmunization against HLA antigens, and CMV transmission. Immunomodulatory effects of leukoreduction have also been postulated to play a significant role in the clinical outcome of open heart surgery.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A prospective case control study was implemented in which all patients admitted over a 1‐year period for open heart surgery at a single hospital were given leukoreduced blood products. Clinical outcomes were prospectively measured and compared to a historical cohort of patients from the previous year when leukoreduced blood products were not routinely used.RESULTS:  A significant improvement in the mean postoperative length of stay was seen in the study group (N = 645) versus control group (N = 501; 10.1 vs. 9.5 days; p = 0.005). No significant changes were seen in the rate of mediastinitis, operative mortality, or stay in the intensive care unit. There was no difference in the postoperative length of stay among study patients who did not receive transfusion (N = 308) versus control patients who did not receive transfusion (N = 296; 6.2 vs. 6.4 days; p = 0.104).CONCLUSIONS:  The use of leukoreduced blood was associated with a decrease in the postoperative length of stay in the setting of open heart surgery. The mechanisms through which these changes in clinical outcomes are generated remain unknown.
Early formation of K‐feldspar in shallow‐marine sediments at near‐surface temperatures (southern Israel): evidence from K‐Ar dating
Authors: Sandler Amir , Harlavan Yehudit , Steinitz Gideon 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAuthigenic K‐feldspar was investigated in two Albian to Turonian sections in Israel using K‐Ar and Ar‐Ar dating, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and chemical analysis. Both sections comprise a similar succession of shallow‐marine limestones, dolomites and marls, with some sandstone and shale beds of continental origin. The HCl‐insoluble residue fraction of the studied samples consists of clays, quartz, feldspars, goethite and trace amounts of heavy minerals. Most of the insoluble residues have a relatively high K‐feldspar content that has an adularia habit and is concentrated in the 4–7 µm size fraction. The authigenic origin of the K‐feldspar in the fine silt fraction is indicated by its high content relative to quartz, the uniform and idiomorphic shape of the crystals and its limited size range. Of the fine silt (4–7 or 4–10 µm) separates, 40% have ages that are similar to stratigraphic ages within the analytical and biostratigraphic errors. Ar‐Ar dating of a fine silt fraction with 94% K‐feldspar (4–10 µm, sample GYP 7) yields a plateau age identical to the total gas age and similar to the stratigraphic age. These results indicate that the K‐Ar age is not a mixture between detrital and late diagenetic K‐feldspar ages, but is rather an age of formation within a few million years after deposition. It is suggested that the early formation of the K‐feldspar was associated with dolomitization and was induced by residual brines as part of a reflux process.