bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain and buffy coat transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy to the primate Microcebus murinus
Authors: Bons Nöelle , Lehmann Sylvain , Mestre‐Francès Nadine , Dormont Dominique , Brown Paul 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND: More than 100 cases of variant CJD resulting from infections with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have accumulated in the United Kingdom since 1995. Concern about the possibility of secondary transmissions via blood and blood components donated by infected individuals has prompted a variety of international donor deferral policies that will continue until laboratory and epidemiologic evidence provides a consensus about potential risk. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: BSE was passaged through macaque monkeys and then adapted to the prosimian microcebe (Microcebus murinus). Brain homogenate and buffy coat from an affected microcebe were separately inoculated intracerebrally into three healthy microcebes (two animals received brain and one received buffy coat). RESULTS: All three inoculated microcebes became ill after incubation periods of 16 to 18 months. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunocytologic features were similar in each of the recipients. CONCLUSION: Buffy coat from a symptomatic microcebe infected 17 months earlier with BSE contained the infectious agent. This observation represents the first documented transmission of BSE from the blood of an experimentally infected primate, which in view of rodent buffy coat infectivity precedents and the known host range of BSE is neither unexpected nor cause for alarm.
Estimated risk of transfusion‐transmitted viral infections in Spain
Authors: Alvarez Manuel , Oyonarte Salvador , Rodríguez P. M. , Hernández J. M. 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND : Estimates of the risk of transfusion‐transmitted viral infections are essential for monitoring the safety of the blood supply. The aim of the present study was to estimate the residual risk of blood‐borne viral infections in Spain. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS : Incidence rates of seroconversion for HIV, HBV, and HCV were calculated among 673,018 persons who donated blood more than once (repeat donors), from 1997 through 1999 at 22 blood donation centers (for a total of 2,464,964 allogeneic blood donations and 1,052,752 person‐years). RESULTS : Incidence rates per 100,000 person‐years and their 95‐percent CIs were as follows: for HBV, 8.36 (5.24‐12.62); for HIV, 3.23 (2.24‐4.52); and for HCV, 3.70 (2.63‐5.07). After adjusting incidence rates for the estimated duration of the infectious window period for each virus, the residual risk per unit transfused was estimated at 1 in 513,000 for HIV, 1 in 74,000 for HBV, and 1 in 149,000 for HCV. The introduction of new screening test based on NAT would have reduced these risks by 27 to 50 percent for HIV, by 42 percent for HBV, and by 62 to 65 percent for HCV. CONCLUSION : The residual risks of transmission of HIV, HBV, and HCV in Spain are similar to those reported in other countries and should be further reduced in the future.
Binding of activated platelets to WBCs in vivo after transfusion
Authors: Gutensohn Kai , Geidel Katja , Brockmann Marc , Siemensen Margaux , Krueger William , Kroeger Nico , Kuehnl Peter 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND : During preparation and storage of apheresis concentrates, platelets are being activated. One of the alterations that occur during this process is an increased expression of P‐selectin (CD62p) on the cytoplasmic surface of platelets. This neoepitope represents a ligand for the binding of platelets to WBCs. It has been suggested that the activation of platelets is associated with the sequestration of platelets after transfusion. In this in vivo study, the binding of platelets to WBCs was analyzed following transfusion of platelet concentrates (PCs). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS : Double apheresis concentrates were prepared with two different cell separators. One of the split products was stored for 1 to 2 days and the other one for 3 to 5 days. Flow cytometry was applied to analyze the degree of platelet activation in vitro, and also to measure the extent of platelet binding to WBC subclasses in vivo after transfusion into patients. RESULTS : The results of this study show that platelet activation occurs during apheresis and storage of PCs. After transfusion of the PCs, no significant binding of platelets to T or B‐cells could be detected. However, a significant binding of platelets to monocytes and neutrophil granulocytes occurs. While in Baxter PCs stored for 1‐2 days the amount of platelet‐leukocyte aggregates in vivo was higher compared to COBE PCs, no such difference could be detected anymore for the PCs stored for 3‐5 days. CONCLUSION : This study demonstrates that binding of activated platelets occurs to monocytes and neutrophil granulocytes but not to T‐ and B‐cells in the circulation after transfusion. In addition, the interaction of platelets and WBCs is dependent on the degree of P‐selectin expression. Platelets showing a higher degree of activation adhere to WBCs to a higher degree than nonactivated platelets.
Identification of Babesia microti‐specific immunodominant epitopes and development of a peptide EIA for detection of antibodies in serum
Authors: Houghton Raymond L. , Homer Mary J. , Reynolds Lisa D. , Sleath Paul R. , Lodes Michael J. , Berardi Victor , Leiby David A. , Persing David H. 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND: Babesia microti is a tick‐borne agent that is increasingly implicated in transfusion‐acquired infection, especially in immunocompromised and elderly recipients. To develop a test that can detect antibody responses to B. microti, peptide epitopes identified in two serocomplementary B. microti‐specific antigens were used in a prototype EIA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prototype peptide EIA was used to detect B. microti‐specific antibodies in 15 sera taken before infection and 107 taken after infection from 59 individuals with known tick‐borne infections previously confirmed by other methods. Three additional groups of samples were also tested: a proficiency panel of 18 sera positive for B. microti by IFA, 38 sera from blood donors confirmed positive by IFA, and 30 sera from random blood donors. RESULTS: The combination peptide detected 98 out of 107 sera taken after infection that were IgG blot positive (4 equivocal). This included all 12 samples that were PCR positive and six sera from smear‐negative patients that were confirmed positive by PCR, immunoblot, or IFA. Of the IgG blot‐positive specimens that were equivocal (four specimens) or did not react (nine specimens) by EIA, most had low IFA titers consistent with previous exposure. In a second evaluation, 15 out of 15 Babesia IFA‐positive sera and 3 out of 3 Babesia‐Ehrlichia IFA‐positive sera were positive, whereas sera from 30 random donors were negative. Finally, of 38 IFA‐positive blood‐donor samples, 35 were positive by peptide EIA. The three EIA‐negative sera were Western blot negative. CONCLUSION: Reactivity of the B. microti‐specific peptide EIA shows a high correlation with IFA, PCR, and B. microti immunoblot in confirmed B. microti cases. The peptide EIA may be the most suitable B. microti infection test for adaptation to the blood bank environment if testing for B. microti is required in the future.
RBC T activation and hemolysis in a neonatal intensive care population: implications for transfusion practice
Authors: Boralessa Harischandra , Modi Neena , Cockburn Hazel , Malde Ranjan , Edwards Marilyn , Roberts Irene , Letsky Elizabeth 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND: Reports of transfusion‐associated hemolysis in infants with T‐activated RBCs have led to the suggestion that infants should be screened and provided with low‐titer anti‐T blood components. T‐activated RBCs react with the lectins Arachis hypogea and Glycine soja; variants of T (Th and Tx) and Tk also react with A. hypogea, but not G. soja. Although Tk is not a true variant of T, for the purposes of this study, all RBCs that are reactive with A. hypogea but are not reactive with G. soja are called “T variants.” STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out to examine T and T variant activation and transfusion‐associated hemolysis in a neonatal intensive care population and to determine if antibodies to T and T variant are detectable in donor plasma. A total of 2041 samples from 375 infants were tested for T and T variant activation utilizing a lectin panel. Three hundred donor plasma samples were tested for antibodies to T and T variant. RESULTS: Forty‐eight of 375 infants (12.8%) had T‐ and T‐variant‐activated RBCs. Of these, 13 of 48 (27%) developed at least one episode of sepsis and 9 of 48 (19%) developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) at some point during their inpatient stay. T activation was not always temporally associated with the onset of NEC or sepsis. The remaining 26 of 48 (54%) were healthy infants receiving convalescent care in the neonatal intensive care units and showed no evidence of either NEC or sepsis. Twelve (of 375) additional infants (3.2%) who developed NEC and 100 (27%) who developed sepsis showed no RBC T activation. Twenty‐three of 48 (48%) infants with T‐activated RBCs received standard blood components, but no transfusion‐associated hemolysis occurred. Donor plasma samples contained T but not T variant antibodies. CONCLUSION: T variant activation of RBCs occurs in healthy neonates as well as in infants with NEC and sepsis, but T activation appears rare. Transfusion‐ associated hemolysis was not seen. The provision of specially prepared blood components for infants with NEC is unnecessary.
Early diagnosis and successful treatment of a patient with transfusion‐associated GVHD with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation
Authors: Hutchinson Kendra , Kopko Patricia M. , Muto Kathryn N. , Tuscano Joseph , O'Donnell Robert T. , Holland Paul V. , Richman Carol , Paglieroni Teresa G. , Wun Theodore 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐associated GVHD (TA‐GVHD) is an uncommon complication of blood transfusion. Diagnosis of TA‐GVHD is difficult, and it is usually rapidly fatal. There are few documented sur‐ vivors of TA‐GVHD.CASE REPORT: A 61‐year‐old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was treated with fludarabine followed by combination chemotherapy and high‐dose radioimmunotherapy and peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) rescue. She was transfused with nonirradiated blood components at an outside hospital and presented 10 days later with rash, elevated liver enzymes, and progressive pancytopenia. Skin biopsy was consistent with GVHD, and HLA typing of lymphocytes from the patient demonstrated mixed chimerism. The patient was treated with solumedrol and cyclosporin A, followed by high‐dose cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin and autologous PBPC infusion. She had rapid engraftment, resolution of skin rash, and normalization of liver function abnormalities. She is in good health with normal blood counts and no evidence of CLL 34 months after transplantation.CONCLUSION: TA‐GVHD occurs in the setting of an immunocompromised recipient receiving nonirradiated blood components. A typical presentation includes skin rash, liver function abnormalities, and pancytopenia. Demonstration of mixed chimerism by HLA typing facilitated diagnosis in this patient. High‐dose immunosuppression, facilitated by the availability of autologous PBPCs, resulted in a successful outcome.
Stability after thawing of RBCs frozen with the high‐ and low‐glycerol method
Authors: Lelkens Charles C.M. , Noorman Femke , Koning Jack G. , Lange Rosa Truijens‐de , Stekkinger Perry S. , Bakker Joa C. , Lagerberg Johan W.M. , Brand Anneke , Verhoeven Arthur J. 
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND : RBCs can be frozen with either the high‐glycerol method (HGM) or the low‐glycerol method (LGM). To date, the use of frozen RBCs is hampered by a 24‐hour outdating period after thawing. A closed washing system (ACP 215) may solve this problem. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS : We compared the effects of high‐ (40%) and low‐glycerol (19%) concentration, with and without freezing (at –80°C for HGM, –196°C for LGM) on the in vitro quality of RBCs after deglycerolization with the closed washing system and during storage at 4°C in SAGM after thawing. RESULTS : Glycerol treatment by itself induced hemolysis during processing, which was more pronounced in HGM cells. The freeze‐thaw‐wash process decreased the stability of RBCs, particularly in LGM cells during storage after thawing. In contrast to LGM cells, in HGM cells no additional effect of freeze or thaw on stability of washed cells was seen during the first week of storage after thawing. Changes in osmotic resistance and cellular metabolism could not explain the observed differences in RBC stability. CONCLUSION : The closed washing system is able to process both high‐ and low‐glycerol‐treated RBCs. Stability after washing during cold storage in SAGM, as measured by hemolysis, is better for HGM cells as compared to LGM cells.
Blood‐donor perceptions of health history screening with a computer‐assisted self‐administered interview
Authors: Sanchez Ana M. , Schreiber George B. , Glynn Simone A. , Bethel James , Kessler Debra , Chang David , Zuck Thomas F. ,   Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND : Computer‐assisted self‐interviewing (CASI) has been shown to promote disclosures of sensitive information. Using CASI to screen blood‐donor candidates might encourage reports of deferrable risks without discouraging eligible donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS : In 1998, an anonymous mail survey was sent to donors from eight blood centers. The relationship of donor demographics, donation history, and infectious risks (HIV test‐seeking behavior, unreported deferrable risk, or reactive donor‐screening test result) on attitudes toward CASI were assessed. RESULTS : Of 92,581 blood donors surveyed, 52,650 (57%) responded; of these, 4713 (7%) had an infectious risk. Among donors with risks, 29 percent felt they would be encouraged to reveal personal data, and 7 percent reported they would be discouraged from donating by CASI. Young, minority, female, and first‐time donors were the most likely to report that CASI would encourage personal disclosures. Among donors without risks, 5 percent felt CASI would discourage them from donating. CONCLUSIONS : Although most donors felt their donation practices would not be influenced, CASI might reduce the proportion of donors with infectious risks by fostering personal disclosures and self‐deferrals. The potential for CASI to improve donor screening and increase appropriate self‐deferrals should be balanced against the possible loss of reluctant safe donors.
Explaining “Auschwitz” after the End of History: The Case of Italy
Authors: Bosworth R. J. B. 
Published: March 2003

Everywhere the 1990s have been characterized by an odd mixture of ideological triumphalism—Fukuyama's “end of history” being only the crassest example—and of ideological uncertainty—can there be, should there be, a “third way”? For all its pretensions to universality, the “New World Order” has never lost a fragility in appearance. Students of historiography can scarcely be surprised to learn that an uneasiness over the present and future has in turn frequently entailed uncertainty about the past and particularly about those parts of the past which had seemed most able to give clear and significant “lessons.”One evident example is the history of what in my Explaining Auschwitz and Hiroshima (1993) I called the “long” Second World War, that is, that crisis in confidence in the relationship between political and economic liberalism and the nation‐state which, by the end of 1938, had left only Britain, France, the Low Countries, and Scandinavia as in any sense preserving those “liberal” freedoms which had spread across Europe since 1789. In this article, I briefly review the most recent difficulties World War II combatant societies have had in locating a usable past in the history of those times. However, my major focus is on the specific case of Italy, very much a border state in the Cold War system, and today the political home of an “Olive Tree” and a “Liberty Pole” whose historical antecedents and whose philosophical base for the future are less than limpid. 1990s Italian historians thus give very mixed messages about the Fascist past; these are the messages I describe and decode.
Catholics and the Christian Right: A View from Four States
Authors: Bendyna Mary , Green John C. , Rozell Mark J. , Wilcox Clyde 
Published: March 2003

Christian Right Organizations in the 1990s have tried to avoid the pitfalls for the religious particularism that undermined the earlier efforts of such groups as Moral Majority to build long lasting political coalitions. For many Christian Right leaders, conservative Catholics appear to be a particularly appealing group to reach for membership recruitment and political coalition‐building. Yet such leading groups as the Christian Coalition have largely experienced disappointment with such efforts.This essay presents data that offer reasons why conservative Catholics might be willing to form political coalitions with activists of the Christian Right but remain reluctant to join Christian Right organizations. The findings are based on a large survey of Republican party state convention delegates in four states. The data show that Catholic delegates hold very conservative issue positions in line with Christian Right organizations, and have positive feelings toward Christian Right leaders and organizations. Yet Catholic delegates hold somewhat distinctive positions among Republicans on certain issues, and therefore remain reluctant to join the Christian Coalition and other such groups.
The Financial and Operating Performance of Newly Privatized Firms: Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Boubakri Narjess , Cosset Jean‐Claude 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the change in the financial and operating performance of 79 companies from 21 developing countries that experienced full or partial privatization during the period from 1980 to 1992. We use accounting performance measures adjusted for market effects in addition to unadjusted accounting performance measures. Both unadjusted and market‐adjusted results show significant increases in profitability, operating efficiency, capital investment spending, output, employment level, and dividends. We also find a decline in leverage following privatization but this change is significant only for unadjusted leverage ratios. Our results are generally robust when we partition our data into various subsamples.
Executive Compensation, Strategic Competition, and Relative Performance Evaluation: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Aggarwal Rajesh K. , Samwick Andrew A. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWe examine compensation contracts for managers in imperfectly competitive product markets. We show that strategic interactions among firms can explain the lack of relative performance‐based incentives in which compensation decreases with rival firm performance. The need to soften product market competition generates an optimal compensation contract that places a positive weight on both own and rival performance. Firms in more competitive industries place greater weight on rival firm performance relative to own firm performance. We find empirical evidence of a positive sensitivity of compensation to rival firm performance that is increasing in the degree of competition in the industry.
A Unified Theory of Underreaction, Momentum Trading, and Overreaction in Asset Markets
Authors: Hong Harrison , Stein Jeremy C. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWe model a market populated by two groups of boundedly rational agents: “newswatchers” and “momentum traders.” Each newswatcher observes some private information, but fails to extract other newswatchers' information from prices. If information diffuses gradually across the population, prices underreact in the short run. The underreaction means that the momentum traders can profit by trend‐chasing. However, if they can only implement simple (i.e., univariate) strategies, their attempts at arbitrage must inevitably lead to overreaction at long horizons. In addition to providing a unified account of under‐ and overreactions, the model generates several other distinctive implications.
Massively Confused Investors Making Conspicuously Ignorant Choices (MCI–MCIC)
Authors: Rashes Michael S. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the comovement of stocks with similar ticker symbols. For one such pair of firms, there is a significant correlation between returns, volume, and volatility at short frequencies. Deviations from “fundamental value” tend to be reversed within several days, although there is some evidence that the return comovement persists for longer horizons. Arbitrageurs appear to be limited in their ability to eliminate these deviations from fundamentals. This anomaly allows the observation of noise traders and their effect on stock prices independent of changes in information and expectations.
Overreaction and Insider Trading: Evidence from Growth and Value Portfolios
Authors: Rozeff Michael S. , Zaman Mir A. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTInsider transactions are not random across growth and value stocks. We find that insider buying climbs as stocks change from growth to value categories. Insider buying also is greater after low stock returns, and lower after high stock returns. These findings are consistent with a version of overreaction which says that prices of value stocks tend to lie below fundamental values, and prices of growth stocks tend to lie above fundamental values.
The Impact of Options Trading on the Market Quality of the Underlying Security: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Kumar Raman , Sarin Atulya , Shastri Kuldeep 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTWe find that option listings are associated with a decrease in the variance of the pricing error, a decrease in the adverse selection component of the spread, and an increase in the relative weight placed by the specialist on public information in revising prices for the underlying stocks. We also find that there is a decrease in the spread and increases in quoted depth, trading volume, trading frequency, and transaction size after option listings. Overall, our results suggest that option listings improve the market quality of the underlying stocks.