bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PRISM vs. CFSR Precipitation Data Effects on Calibration and Validation of SWAT Models
Authors: Radcliffe D.E. , Mukundan R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPrecipitation is one of the most important drivers in watershed models. Our objective was to compare two sources of interpolated precipitation data in terms of their effect on calibration and validation of two Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models. One model was a suburban watershed in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. The precipitation sources were Parameter‐elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) data on a 4‐km grid and climate forecast system reanalysis (CFSR) data on a 38‐km grid. The PRISM data resulted in a better fit to the calibration data (Nash Sutcliffe efficiency [NSE] = 0.64, Kling‐Gupta efficiency [KGE] = 0.74, p‐factor = 0.84, and r‐factor = 0.43) than the CFSR data (NSE = 0.47, KGE = 0.53, p‐factor = 0.67, and r‐factor = 0.39). Validation results were similar. Sensitive parameters were similar in both the PRISM and CFSR models, but fitted values indicated more rapid groundwater flow to the streams with the PRISM data. The same comparison was made in the Big Creek watershed located approximately 1,000 km away, in central Louisiana. Results were similar with a more responsive groundwater system indicating PRISM data may produce better predictions of streamflow because of a more accurate estimate of rainfall within a watershed or because of a denser grid. Our study implies PRISM is providing a better estimate than CFSR of precipitation within a watershed when rain gauge data are not available, resulting in more accurate simulations of streamflows at the watershed outlet. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on SWAT Applications for Emerging Hydrologic and Water Quality Challenges. See the February 2017 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
Obesity, weight change, and chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A longitudinal study in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Hsin‐Fang , Al Mamun Abdullah , Huang Meng‐Chuan , Long Kurt Z. , Huang Ya‐Fang , Shin Shyi‐Jang , Hwang Shang‐Jyh , Hsu Chih‐Cheng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate relationships between the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and obesity and weight changes in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsAt baseline (2003–05), 1187 diabetic patients aged 30–70 years were recruited to the study, with follow‐up surveys completed in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Chronic kidney disease was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2; body mass index (BMI) was categorised as normal (18.5–22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23–27.4 kg/m2), or obese (≥27.5 kg/m2); waist circumference (WC) ≥80 cm for women and ≥90 cm for men was taken to indicate abdominal obesity. Changes in weight and WC were calculated from baseline to each follow‐up survey. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CKD were estimated. To estimate the risk for incident CKD, associations were examined in patients without CKD at baseline (n = 881).ResultsOver 7 years of follow‐up, obesity (RR 1.48; 95% CI 1.08–2.04; P = 0.015) and high WC (RR 1.23; 95% CI 1.00–1.52; P = 0.049) were associated with CKD after adjusting for covariates. Among participants without CKD at baseline, those who gained >10% weight (RR 1.43; 95% CI 1.07–1.90; P = 0.015) and in whom WC increased >15% (RR 1.37; 95% CI 1.01–1.85; P = 0.045) had a higher risk of incident CKD than those who remained stable (±5% changes in weight or WC).ConclusionsDiabetic patients who are obese and those with excessive central fat were more likely to have CKD. Large weight gain (>10%) and increases in WC (>15%) independently predicted incident CKD.
What next after basal insulin? Treatment intensification with lixisenatide in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chan Wing B. , Luk Andrea , Chow Wing S. , Yeung Vincent T.F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Asian patients differs from that in Western patients, with early phase insulin deficiencies, increased postprandial glucose excursions, and increased sensitivity to insulin. Asian patients may also experience higher rates of gastrointestinal adverse events associated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs), such as nausea and vomiting, compared with their Western counterparts. These factors should be taken into consideration when selecting therapy for basal insulin treatment intensification in Asian patients. However, the majority of studies to establish various agents for treatment intensification in T2DM have been conducted in predominantly Western populations, and the levels of evidence available in Chinese or Asian patients are limited. This review discusses the different mechanisms of action of short‐acting, prandial, and long‐acting GLP‐1RAs in addressing hyperglycemia, and describes the rationale and available clinical data for basal insulin in combination with the short‐acting prandial GLP‐1RA lixisenatide, with a focus on treatment of Asian patients with T2DM.
Previous malignancy is an independent predictor of follow‐up mortality after percutaneous treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by means of MitraClip
Authors: Öner Alper , Ince Hüseyin , Paranskaya Liliya , Schröder Guido , Sherif Mohammad , Thiele Olga , Neuhausen Alla , Kische Stephan , Ortak Jasmin , D′Ancona Giuseppe 
Published: December 2016

SummaryAimsTo investigate the prognostic burden of previously diagnosed and treated malignancies in candidates for percutaneous mitral valve repair (MVR) with MitraClip.Methods and ResultsA total of 165 patients underwent MVR and 19 (11.5%) had been previously treated for malignancy and considered healed with life expectancy over 1 year at time of percutaneous MVR. There was a significant trend for an increased overall risk profile (euroSCORE II 14.0±11.4 vs 10.0±6.7, P=.01) in patients with a previous diagnosis of neoplasia. Moreover, neoplastic patients had lower device success rates (78.9% vs 97.3%; P=.001), longer hospitalization (12.3±10.6 vs 7.5±4.9 days, P=.001), and higher 30‐day mortality (10.5% vs 2.7%, P=.09). Kaplan‐Meier overall estimated 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐year survival of the overall cohort was 72%, 61%, 48%, and 44%, respectively. Estimated 1‐ and 2‐year survival were 44.4% and 22.2 % in patients with previous neoplasia and 75.3% and 65% in the remaining patients (P<.0001). Median survival was 312 days in the neoplastic group (CI 95%: 182.6‐441.4 days) and 1209 days in the remaining patients (CI 95%: 758.8‐1659.2 days) (P<.0001). At Cox regression, the strongest determinant for mortality was an anamnesis for neoplasia (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4‐4.3, P=.001).ConclusionsPrevious neoplasm is a significant independent predictor of increased mortality after MVR with MitraClip. This association is even stronger than that of other cardiac and overall comorbidities and should be kept into consideration when referring patients for treatment.
Soil inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium wilt of olive in Lebanon
Authors: Habib W. , Choueiri E. , Baroudy F. , Tabet D. , Gerges E. , Saab C. , Nigro F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn the Mediterranean basin, Verticillium Wilt of Olive (VWO) is diffused throughout its range of cultivation, causing severe yield losses and tree mortality. The disease was reported in almost all the Mediterranean and Middle East countries, and in Lebanon it is of increasing significance also on many valuable crops. The disease has already been reported on potato, peach and almond in the Bekaa valley; however, to date no information is available about the incidence of VWO and the inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae microsclerotia in soil of the main agricultural areas of Lebanon. Results from the present investigations demonstrate a high V. dahliae frequency in soils (75.3%), coupled with a mean soil inoculum density of 17.0 MS g−1, clearly indicating a great impact on the production of susceptible hosts in Lebanon, mainly in Bekaa region. Molecular method to assess the microsclerotia inoculum density in soil allowed the detection of a higher frequency of infested soils, as compared with the traditional plating, thus confirming its higher sensitivity. The overall Verticillium wilt prevalence in the inspected olive orchards was 46.2%, and the frequency of V. dahliae‐infected trees was 25.7%. The widespread presence of V. dahliae in all olive growing areas of Lebanon enforces the adoption of measures aimed at reducing the soil inoculum density before any new olive plantation, and the use of strong phytosanitary regulations to improve the certification schemes of propagating material.
Detection of Fomitiporia torreyae and Fulviformes umbrinellus by multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (mLAMP) for diagnosis of Japanese pear dwarf
Authors: Fukuta S. , Nagai H. , Suzuki R. , Matsumoto Y. , Kato S. , Saka N. , Horikawa H. , Kato S. , Miyake N. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractJapanese pear dwarf, caused by the fungi Fomitiporia torreyae or Fulviformes umbrinellus, is one of the most important diseases affecting Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta). To diagnose this disease, a multiplex loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (mLAMP) reaction using primer sets designed from the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of F. torreyae and F. umbrinellus was developed. The optimal conditions for simultaneous detection of the two pathogens were investigated. The best results were obtained at a reaction temperature of 65°C and a primer ratio of 1:1.5 (F. torreyae : F. umbrinellus). Fluorescently labelled mLAMP amplicons were precipitated using polyethyleneimine. As a result, multiplex detection was enabled by the fluorescent colour of precipitate under ultraviolet light. The detection limit of mLAMP was 100 fg of genomic DNA, which was 10 times more sensitive than the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The mLAMP assay was applied to Japanese pear trunk samples from Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and the results were compared with those obtained using PCR. As a result, mLAMP was observed to be effective for the specific detection of F. torreyae or F. umbrinellus.
H1‐antihistamines Reduce Progression to Anaphylaxis Among Emergency Department Patients With Allergic Reactions
Authors: Kawano Takahisa , Scheuermeyer Frank X. , Gibo Koichiro , Stenstrom Robert , Rowe Brian , Grafstein Eric , Grunau Brian 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectivesH1‐antihistamines (H1a) can be used to treat emergency department (ED) patients with allergic reactions; however, this is inconsistently done, likely because there is no evidence that this therapy has an impact on serious outcomes. Among ED patients initially presenting with allergic reactions, we investigated whether H1a were associated with lower rates of progression to anaphylaxis.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study conducted at two urban Canadian EDs from April 1, 2007, to March 31, 2012. We included consecutive adult patients with allergic reactions while excluding those presenting with anaphylaxis, according to prespecified criteria. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who subsequently developed anaphylaxis during medical care, either by emergency medical services (EMS) or in the ED. A prespecified subgroup analysis excluded patients who received H1a prior to EMS or ED contact. We compared those who received H1a and those who did not and used multivariable regression and propensity score adjustment techniques to compare outcomes.ResultsOf 2,376 overall patients included, 1,880 (79.1%) were managed with H1a. Of the latter group, 36 of 1,880 (1.9%) developed anaphylaxis, compared to 17 of 496 (3.4%) in the non–H1a‐treated group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17–0.70; number needed to treat [NNT] to benefit = 44.74, 95% CI = 35.36–99.67). In the subgroup analysis of 1,717 patients who did not receive H1a prior to EMS or ED contact, a similar association was observed (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.10–0.50; NNT to benefit 38.20, 95% CI = 32.58–55.24).ConclusionsAmong ED patient with allergic reactions, H1a administration was associated with a lower likelihood of progression to anaphylaxis. These data indicate that early H1a treatment in the ED or prehospital setting may decrease progression to anaphylaxis.
Active and placebo transcranial magnetic stimulation effects on external and internal auditory hallucinations of schizophrenia
Authors: Paillère‐Martinot M.‐L. , Galinowski A. , Plaze M. , Andoh J. , Bartrés‐Faz D. , Bellivier F. , Lefaucheur J.‐P. , Rivière D. , Gallarda T. , Martinot J.‐L. , Artiges E. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left temporo‐parietal region has been proposed as a treatment for resistant auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), but which patients are more likely to benefit from rTMS is still unclear. This study sought to assess the effects of rTMS on AVH, with a focus on hallucination phenomenology.MethodTwenty‐seven patients with schizophrenia and medication‐resistant AVH participated to a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, add‐on rTMS study. The stimulation targeted a language‐perception area individually determined using functional magnetic resonance imaging and a language recognition task. AVH were assessed using the hallucination subscale of the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). The spatial location of AVH was assessed using the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales.ResultsA significant improvement in SAPS hallucination subscale score was observed in both actively treated and placebo‐treated groups with no difference between both modalities. Patients with external AVH were significantly more improved than patients with internal AVH, with both modalities.ConclusionsA marked placebo effect of rTMS was observed in patients with resistant AVH. Patients with prominent external AVH may be more likely to benefit from both active and placebo interventions. Cortical effects related to non‐magnetic stimulation of the auditory cortex are suggested.
Targeting and transforming major depression
Authors: Parker G. , Paterson A. , McCraw S. , Hadzi‐Pavlovic D. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo detail limitations to the construct of ‘major depression’, argue for repositioning it as a proxy for ‘clinical depression’ and then operationalize it and its principal constituent depressive subtypes, while preserving the DSM criteria‐based format.MethodWe summarize limitations to major depression being viewed as a diagnostic entity. Data from 391 clinically depressed patients were analysed to identify high‐prevalence non‐specific depressive symptoms to define ‘clinical depression’ as well as the features showing specificity to a melancholic depressive subtype.ResultsWe identified a set of high‐prevalence and generalized symptoms for defining clinical depression and with many being current criteria for major depression. We also developed a refined set of melancholic features and with their underlying distributions generating two classes that correlated strongly with clinical diagnoses of a melancholic or non‐melancholic depression, thus validating its capacity to so differentiate. We append criteria sets for diagnosing clinical depression and its principal diagnostic subtypes (psychotic, melancholic and non‐melancholic).ConclusionThis heuristic study reframes and modifies major depression's criteria set to define a domain of clinical depression with additional criteria and then allowing the delineation of three diagnostic subtypes. If this paradigm shift is accepted and further refined, greater precision in diagnosis, treatment and research would be anticipated.
Alcohol use disorder and divorce: evidence for a genetic correlation in a population‐based Swedish sample
Authors: Salvatore Jessica E. , Larsson Lönn Sara , Sundquist Jan , Lichtenstein Paul , Sundquist Kristina , Kendler Kenneth S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimsWe tested the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and divorce; estimated the genetic and environmental influences on divorce; estimated how much genetic and environmental influences accounted for covariance between AUD and divorce; and estimated latent genetic and environmental correlations between AUD and divorce. We tested sex differences in these effects.DesignWe identified twin and sibling pairs with AUD and divorce information in Swedish national registers. We described the association between AUD and divorce using tetrachorics and used twin and sibling models to estimate genetic and environmental influences on divorce, on the covariance between AUD and divorce and the latent genetic and environmental correlations between AUD and divorce.SettingSweden.ParticipantsA total of 670 836 individuals (53% male) born 1940–1965.MeasurementsLife‐time measures of AUD and divorce.FindingsAUD and divorce were related strongly (males: rtet = +0.44, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.45; females rtet = +0.37, 95% CI = 0.36, 0.38). Genetic factors accounted for a modest proportion of the variance in divorce (males: 21.3%, 95% CI = 7.6, 28.5; females: 31.0%, 95% CI = 18.8, 37.1). Genetic factors accounted for most of the covariance between AUD and divorce (males: 52.0%, 95% CI = 48.8, 67.9; females: 53.74%, 95% CI = 17.6, 54.5), followed by non‐shared environmental factors (males: 45.0%, 95% CI = 37.5, 54.9; females: 41.6%, 95% CI = 40.3, 60.2). Shared environmental factors accounted for a negligible proportion of the covariance (males: 3.0%, 95% CI = −3.0, 13.5; females: 4.75%, 95% CI = 0.0, 6.6). The AUD–divorce genetic correlations were high (males: rA = +0.76, 95% CI = 0.53, 0.90; females +0.52, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.67). The non‐shared environmental correlations were modest (males: rE = +0.32, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.40; females: +0.27, 95% CI = 0.27, 0.36).ConclusionsDivorce and alcohol use disorder are correlated strongly in the Swedish population, and the heritability of divorce is consistent with previous studies. Covariation between AUD and divorce results from overlapping genetic and non‐shared environmental factors. Latent genetic and non‐shared environmental correlations for alcohol use disorder and divorce are high and moderate.
Approach to hypersensitivity reactions from intravenous iron preparations
Authors: Morales Mateluna C. A. , Scherer Hofmeier K. , Bircher A. J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to intravenous iron preparations (IVIPs) are well known. With newer preparations, HSRs have become rarer; however, severe reactions may still occur. We retrospectively reviewed records of patients evaluated for HSRs to IVIPs, to determine the safety of controlled re‐administration (CRA). Allergological work‐up included a detailed history, skin prick tests (SPTs) with IVIP, and basophil activation tests (BATs) in some patients. CRA with an IVIP was carried out if indicated. Thirty‐one patients with mild to severe reactions were evaluated. SPTs and BATs were negative in all patients tested. Eighteen CRAs in 15 patients were performed. Twelve patients tolerated the procedure, including three with a previous grade IV HSR. Two developed urticaria and one developed urticaria and dyspnea. The pathophysiology of HSRs to IVIPs remains currently unclear. SPTs and BATs provided no additional information. However, in appropriate situations, CRA under surveillance can be safely performed in most patients.
Anticoagulation in patients at high risk of stroke without documented atrial fibrillation. Time for a paradigm shift?
Authors: Bayés de Luna Antoni , Baranchuk Adrian , Martínez‐Sellés Manuel , Platonov Pyotr G. 
Published: December 2016

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently considered a risk factor for stroke. Depending on the severity of clinical factors (risk scores) a recommendation for full anticoagulation is made. Although AF is most certainly a risk factor for ischemic stroke, it is not necessarily the direct cause of it. The causality of association between AF and ischemic stroke is questioned by the reported lack of temporal relation between stroke events and AF paroxysms (or atrial high‐rate episodes detected by devices). In different studies, only 2% of patients had subclinical AF > 6 minutes in duration at the time of stroke or systemic embolism. Is it time to consider AF only one more factor of endothelial disarray rather than the main contributor to stroke? In this “opinion paper” we propose to consider not only clinical variables predicting AF/stroke but also electrocardiographic markers of atrial fibrosis, as we postulate this as a strong indicator of risk of AF/stroke. We ask if it is time to change the paradigm and to consider, in some special situations, to protect patients (preventing stroke) who have no evidence of AF.
Postnatal systemic inflammation and neuro‐ophthalmologic dysfunctions in extremely low gestational age children
Authors: Holm Mari , Austeng Dordi , Fichorova Raina N. , Allred Elizabeth N. , Kuban Karl C. , O'Shea T. Michael , Dammann Olaf , Leviton Alan ,   the ELGAN Study Investigators
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimCompared to infants born at term, children born very preterm are at increased risk of visual dysfunctions and neonatal systemic inflammation. Here, we explore whether these two propensities are related.MethodsAs part of the ELGAN study, the concentrations of 16 mediators of inflammation were measured in blood obtained on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 1062 children born before the 28th week of gestation. Presence of visual field deficit, strabismus and/or impaired visual fixation was recorded at age two. The concentrations of each protein were divided into quartiles within gestational week categories. We calculated odds ratios with 99% confidence intervals for having each disorder comparing children with concentration in the top quartile of each protein to children whose concentration was in the lower quartiles on the corresponding day. Analyses were adjusted for gestational age and birth weight Z‐score.ResultsOnly one of 80 assessments (16 proteins on five different days) was significant for visual field deficit, and one for impaired fixation. No association was found between strabismus and any inflammatory mediator.ConclusionNone of the three neuro‐ophthalmologic dysfunctions assessed at two years appears to be associated with systemic inflammation measured the first four postnatal weeks.
The Impact of the FMA Guidelines on Non‐GAAP Earnings Disclosures
Authors: Rainsbury Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn 2012 the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA) introduced guidelines for the disclosure of non‐GAAP financial information. This study investigates the effect of those guidelines on New Zealand listed companies. The findings show that, despite not being mandatory, these guidelines are modifying corporate disclosure behaviour. Companies have improved the way in which they disclose non‐GAAP earnings information and there has been a reduction in the emphasis given to non‐GAAP earnings compared with the emphasis given to audited statutory profit. However, the study also highlights areas for improvement, including the depth of explanation of non‐GAAP earnings calculations and adjustments, and concern about multiple adjusted earnings figures to explain performance.