bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Will consumers accept irradiated food products?
Authors: Nayga Rodolfo M. , Poghosyan Arsen , Nichols John P. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis study examines consumers’ willingness to pay for irradiated beef products. About 58% of the respondents are willing to pay a premium for irradiated beef. An ordered probit with sample selection model was estimated. Standard errors of the marginal effects of the ordered probit model were estimated using the bootstrap method. Our findings suggest that females and those who think that improper handling contributes to food poisoning are more likely to pay a premium of 50 cents per pound for irradiated beef than others. Those who trust the irradiation technology are also more likely to pay a premium of between 5 and 25 cents per pound for irradiated beef. Supply chain implications are discussed.
Consumer use of the internet for health information: a survey of primary care patients
Authors: Dolan Gina , Iredale Rachel , Williams Robert , Ameen Jamal 
Published: February 2004

AbstractAn increasing number of patients use the internet to obtain information about health. Although some information is available about how health professionals use the internet, little is known about how patients utilize this information. Some patients may actively seek information to assume more responsibility for their health. However, others may feel obliged to do so because of failing confidence in health care provision. Health professionals have the potential to assist patients to make sense of health information from the internet; however, they may not necessarily welcome this role. This study aims to evaluate patients’ use of such information in a primary care setting. The sample consisted of adult patients (n = 851) from two general practice populations at different levels of the socio‐economic spectrum in South Wales (UK). Patients were surveyed by questionnaire about the health information they use, including the internet. The majority of patients preferred to use their general practitioner as the main source of health information. The internet was jointly the second preferred source for information about an illness (6%). Just over half (51%) of patients in this study had access to the internet, of which about half use it to access health information. Just under a quarter (24%, n = 55) of health internet users had discussed information accessed from the internet during a subsequent consultation with a health professional. Of these, three‐quarters felt more prepared and able to participate in decision‐making about treatments. This study provides a greater understanding of how patients are making use of health‐related information from the internet. These findings can be used to help prepare health care professionals for dealing appropriately with internet‐informed patients.
Consumer education between ‘consumership’ and citizenship: experiences from studies of young people
Authors: Benn Jette 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe aim of consumer education has been mainly to teach and educate students to act as informed, rational and prudent consumers. This perception of consumption as reasoned behaviour or action is inadequate in the late modern society, where consumerism is first and foremost characterized by globalization, cultural change and the liberation of the individual. The results of a research study involving Danish pupils aged 12–19 years present a picture of consumption connected both to material and non‐material aspects of life. Consumption as such has a significant impact on and meaning for the individual: it becomes a means by which human beings communicate and interact. Consumption is part of children's and young people's education and socialization, and plays a role in the development of identity and self‐image. Institutional consumer enlightenment and the education of students in school stand in contrast to informal consumer  socialization  and  the  education  of  individuals. The aim of formal consumer education may be described as ‘educating for critical consumer awareness and action competence’. However consumer education finds itself in the dilemma between ‘consumership’ and ‘citizenship’. This pilot study is aimed at understanding consumer socialization in order to improve formal consumer education and to reflect on how empowerment becomes part of consumer education.
Influences of question wording on levels of support for genetically modified organisms
Authors: Kolodinsky Jane , DeSisto Thomas Patrick , Narsana Rashmi 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper examines the influences of question wording on consumers’ levels of support for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products. Pairs of questions, offering varied amounts of information on the benefits and risks of GMOs, are posed to consumers in a specific geographic area (Vermont, USA) to ascertain the factors that impact on levels of support for this technology. A multivariate analysis is conducted to examine how knowledge, attitudes, and behavioural intentions affect changes in levels of support. The findings suggest that consumers’ levels of support do vary based on question wording. It is further found that knowledge and behavioural intentions play a consistently significant role in influencing change in support for GMOs. Implications for both consumer advocacy groups and industry groups are discussed.
Identification of the Kna/Knb polymorphism and a method for Knops genotyping
Authors: Moulds J.M. , Thomas B.J. , Doumbo O. , Diallo D.A. , Lyke K.E. , Plowe C.V. , Rowe J.A. , Birmingham D.J. 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: DNA mutations resulting in the McCoy and Swain‐Langley polymorphisms have been identified on complement receptor 1 (CR1)—a ligand for rosetting of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected RBCs. The molecular identification of the Kna/Knb polymorphism was sought to develop a genotyping method for use in the study of the Knops blood group and malaria.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: CR1 deletion constructs were used in inhibition studies of anti‐Kna. PCR amplification of Exon 29 was followed by DNA sequencing. A PCR‐RFLP was developed with NdeI, BsmI, and MfeI for the detection of Kna/Knb, McCa/McCb, and Sl1/Sl2, respectively. Knops phenotypes were determined with standard serologic techniques.RESULTS: A total of 310 Malian persons were phenotyped for Kna with 200 (64%) Kn(a+) and 110 (36%) Kn(a–). Many of the Kn(a–) exhibited the Knops‐null phenotype, that is, Helgeson. The Kna/b DNA polymorphism was identified as a V1561M mutation with allele frequencies of Kna (V1561) 0.9 and Knb (M1561) 0.1.CONCLUSION: The high frequency (18%) of Knb in West African persons suggests that it is not solely a Caucasian trait. Furthermore, because of the high incidence of heterozygosity as well as amorphs, accurate Knops typing of donors of African descent is best accomplished by a combination of molecular and serologic techniques.
Alteration of amino acid residues at the L‐chain N‐terminus and in complementarity‐determining region 3 increases affinity of a recombinant F(ab) for the human N blood group antigen
Authors: Song Shuh‐Chyuny , Czerwinski Marcin , Wojczyk Boguslaw S. , Spitalnik Steven L. 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: To examine the fine specificity of glycopeptide‐specific antibodies, this study focused on the human MN blood group system. F(ab) phage display methods were previously used to construct an F(ab) family in which the H‐chain Fd fragment was held constant whereas the L chains were “shuffled.” This yielded two related F(ab), N92 and NNA7, with low and high affinity for N, respectively. Although their L‐chain sequences are very similar, sharing 92 percent amino acid identity, there are intriguing differences at the N‐terminus and in complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) at positions 89, 91, 92, and 96.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Site‐directed mutagenesis, ELISA, and hemagglutination were used to examine the contributions of these variations to antibody affinity.RESULTS: Studies with the N92‐S91G and NNA7‐G91S mutants demonstrated that the Gly at position 91 was critically important for ensuring high affinity. Indeed, the affinity of N92‐S91G was almost as high as N92TM, in which all four CDR3 residues were changed to match NNA7. N‐terminal L‐chain differences were surprisingly important in determining affinity. For example, when the N‐terminus of N92 was changed to match that of NNA7, affinity increased approximately 30‐fold.CONCLUSION: Specific residues at the L‐chain N‐terminus and in CDR3 significantly affected F(ab) affinity for N. Future structural studies of these F(ab), alone and complexed with this glycopeptide antigen, will provide further insights into these phenomena.
Severe deficiency of VWF‐cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) activity defines a distinct population of thrombotic microangiopathy patients
Authors: Raife Thomas , Atkinson Bonnie , Montgomery Robert , Vesely Sara , Friedman Kenneth 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: Severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity is a biologic risk factor for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). It was hypothesized that severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is associated with a distinct TMA subpopulation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: ADAMTS13 activity before treatment was determined retrospectively in 107 adult TMA patients treated with plasma exchange. Patients were not clinically categorized, but divided between severely deficient (n = 50) and nonseverely deficient (n = 57) ADAMTS13 activity. Laboratory and clinical factors before treatment were compared between the groups.RESULTS: Median PLT counts were 44,000 per µL in nonseverely deficient ADAMTS13 patients and 13,000 per µL in severely deficient ADAMTS13 patients (p < 0.001). Median serum creatinine levels were 2.7 mg per dL in nonseverely deficient patients and 1.2 mg per dL in severely deficient patients (p < 0.001). In surviving patients, median plasma exchange procedures were 9 in nonseverely deficient patients and 14.5 in severely deficient patients (p < 0.01). Rates of relapse following remission were 4 of 47 in nonseverely deficient patients and 16 of 46 in severely deficient patients (p < 0.01). Among analyzed factors only mortality rates were not significantly different.CONCLUSION: In a heterogeneous population of TMA patients treated with plasma exchange, ADAMTS13 activity defined two subpopulations with distinct clinical and laboratory features. These results suggest that TMA with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is a distinct pathologic process.
Evidence that Hy– RBCs express weak Joa antigen
Authors: Scofield Terry L. , Miller John P. , Storry Jill R. , Rios Maria , Reid Marion E. 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: RBCs of the Hy– phenotype have, in the past, been typed as Gy(a+w), Hy–, Jo(a–), and RBCs with the Jo(a–) phenotype type Gy(a+), Hy+w, and Jo(a–). Anti‐Hy and anti‐Joa are difficult to identify mainly because appropriate reagent RBCs are poorly characterized. Historically, anti‐Joa has not reacted with RBCs with either phenotype. This report describes a case of an anti‐Joa that shows Hy– RBCs express some Joa antigen, albeit weakly.CASE REPORT: Anti‐Joa was identified in a serum sample of a 71‐year‐old woman. The antibody reacted 1+ to 2+ by the IAT with all untreated and ficin‐treated panel RBCs and did not react with Gy(a–) RBCs and Jo(a–) RBCs. Unexpectedly, the serum sample reacted weakly with six of eight RBC samples with the Hy– phenotype. The anti‐Joa was adsorbed onto and eluted from Hy– RBCs, indicating the presence of weak Joa antigen. The patient's RBCs typed Gy(a+), Hy+, Jo(a–). DNA studies using PCR‐RFLP analysis showed the patient to be homozygous for the JO allele, which is consistent with the serologically determined Jo(a–) status.CONCLUSION: The DNA and serologic evidence of this case show that Hy– RBCs may express low levels of Joa antigen, which contradicts previously published data concerning the Joa type of Hy– RBCs.
Clinically practical blood volume assessment with fluorescein‐labeled HES
Authors: Massey E.J. , De Souza Pamela , Findlay George , Smithies Mark , Shah Sanjoy , Spark Paul , Newcombe R.G. , Phillips Ceri , Wardrop C.A.J. , Robinson G.T. 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: Standard techniques for measuring blood volume (BV) entail administering radioactivity and human albumin. This is laborious, expensive, and impractical in acute settings. An alternative method suitable for widespread routine application was assessed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy‐nine ambulant outpatients and 18 intensive care unit (ICU) patients were prospectively recruited. Measurements of RBC volume (RCV) and plasma volume (PV) were performed with radiochromium‐labeled RBCs (51Cr), radioiodinated albumin (125I), and fluorescein‐labeled HES (FITC‐HES). Small molecules overestimate PV because of vascular endothelial dysfunction (ED) and increased capillary permeability; a reference value for PV was therefore derived with the RCV and Hct.RESULTS: Mean PV with 125I dilution was 230 mL (SD, 185 mL) greater than that with FITC‐HES in outpatients. This difference was more exaggerated, 345 mL (SD, 371 mL), in ICU patients likely to have ED. Both the PV measured with FITC‐HES and the 125I dilution correlated closely with the PV derived with RCV and Hct (r = 0.950 and 0.925, respectively) in the ICU patients.CONCLUSION: FITC‐HES estimates PV more accurately than 125I. FITC‐HES should replace radioactive tracers for assessing BV. Comparing the estimates of PV with molecules of differing molecular weights may have clinical utility as an indicator of ED.
Inhibition of xenogeneic GVHD by PEN110 treatment of donor human PBMNCs
Authors: Fast Loren D. , Semple John W. , DiLeone Gilbert , Kim Michael , Freedman John , Chapman John , Purmal Andrei 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: Development and characterization of methods for preventing transfusion‐associated GVHD have utilized in vitro studies with human WBCs and in vivo studies in animal models. The limitation of these assays is that the in vivo GVHD response of treated human WBCs has not been tested directly.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PBMNCs isolated from nonleukoreduced RBC units exposed to gamma irradiation, treated with PEN110 or PBS, were tested for their ability to induce xenogeneic GVHD when injected into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice.RESULTS: These studies showed that the SCID mice injected with PBS‐treated PBMNCs developed serum levels of human immunoglobulin that were followed by weight loss and display of ruffled fur characteristic of xenogeneic GVHD in these mice. In contrast, SCID mice injected with PEN110‐treated or gamma‐irradiated PBMNCs did not exhibit any of these responses.CONCLUSIONS: In these studies PEN110 treatment and gamma irradiation were equally effective at preventing in vivo GVHD responses when the treated cells were injected into SCID recipients. These results are consistent with previous results obtained when these two treatment methods were compared with in vitro studies with PBMNCs and in vivo studies in mouse models.
Improved method for fluorescence cytometric immunohematology testing
Authors: Roback John D. , Barclay Sheilagh , Hillyer Christopher D. 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: A method for accurate immunohematology testing by fluorescence cytometry (FC) was previously described. Nevertheless, the use of vacuum filtration to wash RBCs and a standard‐flow cytometer for data acquisition hindered efforts to incorporate this method into an automated platform.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A modified procedure was developed that used low‐speed centrifugation of 96‐well filter plates for RBC staining. Small‐footprint benchtop capillary cytometers (PCA and PCA‐96, Guava Technologies, Inc.) were used for data acquisition. Authentic clinical samples from hospitalized patients were tested for ABO group and the presence of D antigen (n = 749) as well as for the presence of RBC alloantibodies (n = 428). Challenging samples with mixed‐field reactions and weak antibodies were included. Results were compared to those obtained by column agglutination technology (CAT), and discrepancies were resolved by standard tube methods. Detailed investigations of FC sensitivity and reproducibility were also performed.RESULTS: The modified FC method with the PCA determined the correct ABO group and D type for 98.7 percent of 520 samples, compared to 98.8 percent for CAT (p > 0.05). No‐type‐determined (NTD) rates were 1.2 percent for both methods. In testing for unexpected alloantibodies, FC determined the correct result for 98.6 percent of 215 samples, compared to 96.3 percent for CAT (p > 0.05). When samples were automatically acquired in the 96‐well plate format with the PCA‐96, 98.7 percent of 229 samples had correct ABO group and D type determined by FC, compared to 97.4 percent for CAT (p > 0.05). NTD rates were 0.9 and 2.6 percent, respectively. Antibody screens were accurate for 99.1 percent of 213 samples with the PCA‐96, compared to 99.5 percent for CAT (p > 0.05). Further investigations demonstrated that FC with the PCA‐96 was better than CAT at detecting weak anti‐A (p < 0.0001) and alloantibodies.CONCLUSIONS: An improved method for FC immunohematology testing has been described. This assay was comparable in accuracy to standard CAT techniques, but had better sensitivity for detecting weak antibodies and was superior in detecting mixed‐field reactions (p < 0.005). The FC method demonstrated excellent reproducibility. The compatibility of this assay with the PCA‐96 capillary cytometer with plate‐handling capabilities should simplify development of a completely automated platform.
Effect of holding buffy coats 4 or 18 hours before preparing pooled filtered PLT concentrates in plasma
Authors: Pérez‐Pujol Sílvia , Lozano Miguel , Perea Dolores , Mazzara Roberto , Ordinas Antonio , Escolar Ginés 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: Filtered PLT concentrates (PCs) were prepared in plasma pooling three (for children) or six buffy coats (BCs; for adults) after holding them a maximum of 4 hours (blood bags collected in the afternoon) or 18 hours (blood bags collected in the morning).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: With flow cytometry, PCs prepared after holding BCs 4 or 18 hours were compared. BCs removed from whole‐blood donations in quadruple bag packs (“top‐top”) were held 4 or 18 hours before pooling them with a sterile connecting device. After the BCs were centrifuged, the supernatant was transferred through a BC filter (Autostop, Pall Medical) to a CLX bag. Samples for analysis were collected from the whole‐blood bag, BCs, and PCs immediately after preparation and after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days of storage on a flat‐bed agitator at 22 ± 2°C. The main PLT membrane glycoproteins (GPs, IIb‐IIIa, IV, and Ibα), some of their ligands (fibrinogen, fibronectin, and VWF), activation‐dependent antigens (CD62P and CD63), and procoagulant activity markers (annexin V and bound coagulation FV‐Va) have been studied.RESULTS: In the 12 PCs (six pools of 3 units each group) studied, a minor increase in activation markers during preparation was observed. During the storage, a significant increase in the expression of GPIIb‐IIIa, CD62P, CD63, annexin V, and FVa was measured. After 5 days of storage, only the percentage of PLTs with bound fibrinogen was significantly greater in PCs prepared after holding BCs for 4 hours.CONCLUSION: In PCs prepared after holding BCs 4 or 18 hours before pooling and filtering, only a minor significant difference in the percentage of PLTs with bound fibrinogen was found after 5 days of storage. This difference is probably of little, if any, transfusional significance.
New insulation technology provides next‐generation containers for “iceless” and lightweight transport of RBCs at 1 to 10°C in extreme temperatures for over 78 hours
Authors: Rentas Francisco J. , Macdonald Victor W. , Houchens Delories M. , Hmel Peter J. , Reid Thomas J. 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: There is a universal need, in both civilian and military settings, for a lightweight container capable of maintaining RBCs at 1 to 10°C in remote areas, during extended transit times, and under austere environments. The use of ice in insulated containers or small commercial coolers for these purposes often results in loss of RBCs due to failure to maintain temperatures within the requisite range. A lightweight and thermally efficient container capable of carrying 4 to 6 units of RBCs at 1 to 10°C for over 72 hours under extreme conditions would help resolve current problems in RBC transportation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Six different prototype containers incorporating phase‐change materials (PCMs) in their designs were evaluated for their ability to maintain RBCs between 1 and 10°C while exposed to external temperatures of −24°C and 40°C. In separate experiments, a container was opened and a RBC unit removed.RESULTS: One container weighing 10 pounds with four units of RBCs was capable of maintaining the temperature of the units between 1 and 10°C for over 78 hours, 96 hours, and 120 hours at 40°C, −24°C, and 23°C, respectively. Opening the container decreased these times by 2 to 3 hours.CONCLUSIONS: An energy‐efficient and lightweight container that maintains RBCs at 1 to 10°C under austere environments for over 78 hours is now available. This container, known as the Golden Hour container (GHC), will facilitate transport of RBCs. The GHC will have additional applications (transport and/or storage of vaccines, other biologics, organs, reagents, etc).
The cost‐effectiveness of screening blood donors for malaria by PCR
Authors: Shehata Nadine , Kohli Michele , Detsky Allan 
Published: February 2004

BACKGROUND: The cost‐effectiveness of four blood donor screening strategies for malaria was estimated to determine whether transmission by transfusion can be reduced.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A decision analysis model was developed to compare 1) not screening allogeneic blood donors for malaria (Strategy 1); 2) using the standard questionnaire (Strategy 2); 3) using the standard questionnaire followed by testing blood donors with risk factors for malaria with PCR (Strategy 3); and 4) screening all blood donors using PCR (Strategy 4). The expected costs and the number of cases of malaria for each strategy were compared and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were calculated as the cost per case of malaria averted. All costs are in Canadian dollars.RESULTS: Strategies 2 and 3 had the same effectiveness but different costs, with Strategy 3 being less costly. Compared to Strategy 1, the incremental cost effectiveness ratio was $6463 per case of malaria averted for Strategy 3. Strategy 4 resulted in less transmission of malaria (0.4/million donors), but the cost compared to Strategy 3 was $3,972,624 per case of malaria averted.CONCLUSION: The addition of PCR to the standard screening questionnaire is economically attractive compared to the current standard screening questionnaire.