bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interannual Variability of Land–Atmosphere Coupling Strength
Authors: Guo Zhichang , Dirmeyer Paul A. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Recent studies in the Global Land–Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE) established a framework to estimate the extent to which anomalies in the land surface state (e.g., soil moisture) can affect rainfall generation and other atmospheric processes. Within this framework, a multiyear GLACE-type experiment is carried out with a coupled land–atmosphere general circulation model to examine the interannual variability of land–atmosphere coupling strength. Soil wetness with intermediate values are in the range at which rainfall generation, near-surface air temperature, and surface turbulent fluxes are most sensitive to soil moisture anomalies, and thus, land–atmosphere coupling strength peaks in this range. As a result, the “hot spots” with strong land–atmosphere coupling strength appear in regions with intermediate climatological soil wetness (e.g., transition zones between dry and wet climates), consistent with previous studies. Land–atmosphere coupling strength experiences significant year-to-year variation because of interannual variability of soil moisture and the local spatiotemporal evolution of hydrologic regime. Coupling strength over areas with dry (wet) climate is enhanced during wet (dry) years since the resultant soil wetness enters into the sensitive range from a relatively insensitive range, and soil moisture can have stronger potential impact on surface turbulent fluxes and convection. On the other hand, land–atmosphere coupling strength over areas with wet (dry) climate is weakened during wet (dry) years since the soil wetness moves further away from the sensitive range. This results in a positive correlation between the land–atmosphere coupling strength and soil moisture anomalies over areas with dry climate and a negative correlation over areas with wet climate.
The effects of cognitive remediation on functional outcomes among people with schizophrenia: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Tan Bhing-Leet , King Robert 
Published: June 2013

Objective: Cognitive remediation is an intervention to overcome cognitive deficits through drills and use of strategies. Previous studies have reported positive effects for cognitive remediation on neurocognition, but researchers’ allegiance effects are not always adequately controlled. Furthermore, its efficacy amongst the Asian population has not been established. Hence, this study aimed to determine if cognitive remediation would have positive effects on neurocognition and functioning within an English-speaking Asian population, when compared against the effects of a credible and balanced control provided by therapists blinded to the study hypothesis. Method: A total of 70 participants with schizophrenia who attended vocational training or day rehabilitation programmes were randomised to receive a 60-hour programme of either cognitive remediation or physical exercise. Neurocognition and functional outcomes were measured at baseline, upon completion of treatment, 6 months after treatment and 1 year after treatment. Results: Participants who received cognitive remediation had significantly greater improvement in all neurocognitive domains. Furthermore, the cognitive remediation group achieved greater attainment of vocational or independent living skills and better functional outcomes at post-intervention and at the end of the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: When compared against a credible intervention such as physical exercise, cognitive remediation was able to show significant positive effects on both neurocognition and functional outcomes among the Asian population of schizophrenia patients.
Fever After Rewarming
Authors: Cocchi Michael N. , Boone Myles D. , Giberson Brandon , Giberson Tyler , Farrell Emily , Salciccioli Justin D. , Talmor Daniel , Williams Donna , Donnino Michael W. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Induction of mild therapeutic hypothermia (TH; temperature 32-34°C) has become standard of care in many hospitals for comatose survivors of cardiac arrest. Pyrexia, or fever, is known to be detrimental in patients with neurologic injuries such as stroke or trauma. The incidence of pyrexia in the postrewarming phase of TH is unknown. We attempted to determine the incidence of fever after TH and hypothesized that those patients who were febrile after rewarming would have worse clinical outcomes than those who maintained normothermia in the postrewarming period. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) over a period of 29 months (December 2007 to April 2010). Inclusion criteria: OHCA, age >18, return of spontaneous circulation, and treatment with TH. Exclusion criteria: traumatic arrest and pregnancy. Data collected included age, sex, neurologic outcome, mortality, and whether the patient developed fever (temperature > 100.4°F, 38°C) within 24 hours after being fully rewarmed to a normal core body temperature after TH. We used simple descriptive statistics and Fisher exact test to report our findings. Results: A total of 149 patients were identified; of these, 82 (55%) underwent TH. The mean age of the TH cohort was 66 years, and 28 (31%) were female. In all, 54 patients survived for >24 hours after rewarming and were included in the analysis. Among the analyzed cohort, 28 (52%) of 54 developed fever within 24 hours after being rewarmed. Outcome measures included in-hospital mortality as well as neurologic outcome as defined by a dichotomized Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score. When comparing neurologic outcomes between the groups, 16 (57%) of 28 in the postrewarming fever group had a poor outcome (CPC score 3-5), while 15 (58%) of 26 in the no-fever group had a favorable outcome ( P = .62). In the fever group, 15 (52%) of 28 died, while in the no-fever group, 14 (54%) of 26 died ( P = .62). Conclusion: Among a cohort of patients who underwent mild TH after OHCA, more than half of these patients developed pyrexia in the first 24 hours after rewarming. Although there were no significant differences in outcomes between febrile and nonfebrile patients identified in this study, these findings should be further evaluated in a larger cohort. Future investigations may be needed to determine whether postrewarming temperature management will improve the outcomes in this population.
Psychometric Properties of the HOME Inventory Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Glad Johan , Kottorp Anders , Jergeby Ulla , Gustafsson Carina , Sonnander Karin 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to explore psychometric properties of two versions of the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Inventory in a Swedish social service sample. Method: Social workers employed at 22 Swedish child protections agencies participated in the data collection. Both classic test theory approaches and Rasch analysis were used. Seventy-five (46 double) protocols of the Early Childhood version and 65 (43 double) protocols of the Middle Childhood version were obtained. Results: The interobserver reliability and Rasch reliability displayed acceptable results. Targeting was satisfying for the middle and more adequate home environments. However, there were mixed results concerning model fit. Conclusion: The scores may be used to identify families with inadequate home environments where children may be at risk.
Cause of a rare acute renal insufficiency: Rupture aortocaval fistula
Authors: Simsek Erdal , Caliskan Aytac , Tutun Ufuk , Sahin Serpil 
Published: June 2013

Introduction Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be complicated by some conditions and aortocaval fistula is one of them. Aortocaval fistula is an unusual entity. Case Report A male patient was admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain and leg oedema of three days duration. In addition, severe anuria was also noted. We determined a fistula from the right lateral wall of aneurysm to the distal of vena cava inferior. The aortocaval fistula was closed with pledged-reinforced 4/0 polypropylene suture in the aneurysmal wall. At the postoperative 10th day, he was discharged with normal renal function. Discussion After a long-term untreated fistula, right-sided heart failure, acute renal and hepatic insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thrombo-embolism can be seen in these patients. Increased venous pressure should be the reason for decreased arterial flow results in renal insufficiency. Emergency intervention in these patients saves the patient’s life as well as prevents irreversible organ failure.
Data collection in cancer clinical trials: Too much of a good thing?
Authors: O’Leary Erin , Seow Hsien , Julian Jim , Levine Mark , Pond Gregory R 
Published: June 2013

Background Substantial staff time and costs are incurred in the collection of data for cancer clinical trials. Anecdotal experience suggests that much of these data are never used in the analysis or reporting of a trial. Purpose To quantify data items collected in cancer clinical trials and calculate what percentage is used in subsequent published manuscripts. Methods Cancer clinical trials completed by the Ontario Clinical Oncology Group (OCOG) between 2003 and 2012 and the corresponding primary outcome publication were identified. The number of data items collected on each trial’s case report form (CRF) was counted and sorted into 18 categories including eligibility, baseline characteristics, medical history, toxicity, and recurrence. The data items were then counted within the corresponding published manuscripts to determine percent of data used overall and within each section. Results In all, 8 trials, with 9 corresponding publications, were evaluated. The CRF analysis revealed that the total collected items per subject ranged from 186 to 1035 per trial with a median of 599. Across all the publications, a median of 96 data items (18%) were reported in each manuscript, ranging from 11% to 27% per trial. In 8 of the 18 categories, 4% or less of collected data items were used. Limitations The number of trials reviewed is small and were conducted from a single clinical trial coordinating centre. The main outcome of the number of data items used in the published manuscript is a surrogate for trial information considered valuable by investigators. Some data may be deemed important by investigators but not included in manuscripts. Conclusions In this analysis of publications from 8 clinical trials, a small amount of data collected was ultimately used in peer-reviewed journal manuscripts. A large amount of data collected in cancer trials appears to go unused and could be omitted from CRFs, thus simplifying data collection and improving trial efficiency.
The impact of early endoscopic lesions on the clinical course of patients following ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s disease: A 5‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Bamba Takuya , Umegae Satoru , Matsumoto Koichi 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundEarly endoscopic lesions following resection for Crohn’s disease (CD) are often observed. Currently, the relationship between this endoscopic observation and subsequent occurrence of CD lesions or recurrence is not understood well, but should be valuable in the context of predicting CD course. This prospective study was to investigate the impact of early endoscopic lesions on future clinical recurrence rates following ileocolonic resection for CD.MethodsForty patients who had maintained clinical remission, CD activity index (CDAI) <150 with mesalazine during 6 months after ileocolonic resection for CD were included. At 6 months after surgery, ileocolonoscopy was performed, and the endoscopic activity score at the proximal site of the anastomosis was determined according to Rutgeerts. All patients were regularly monitored for 5 years, and clinical recurrence was defined as CDAI ≥ 150. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biological agents were not given unless there was clinical recurrence.ResultsAt 6 months after surgery, the endoscopic scores were i0 or i1 in 27 patients, i2 in seven patients, i3 in four patients, and i4 in two patients. During the following 5 years, the clinical recurrence occurred in three (11%) patients with endoscopic score of i0 or i1, four (57%) patients with i2 score, three (75%) patients with i3 score, and two (100%) patients with i4 score, showing a significant positive correlation (p  = 0.001) between the endoscopic severity of the proximal site of the anastomosis at 6 months after surgery and the clinical recurrence rate during the following 5 years.ConclusionsThe assessment of endoscopic lesions at the proximal site of the anastomosis appeared to be valuable for predicting subsequent clinical recurrence after ileocolonic resection for CD. Further studies in larger cohorts of patients are warranted to strengthen our findings.
Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding HIV among first time attenders of voluntary counseling and testing services in Italy
Authors: Di Giuseppe Gabriella , Sessa Alessandra , Mollo Silvana , Corbisiero Natascia , Angelillo Italo F ,   The Collaborative Working Group
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
This study assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and counseling services and the predictor characteristics of these outcomes among individuals who presented for the first time to Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) public services.

Methods
A sample of 244 subjects in the geographic area of Naples (Italy) received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes relating to HIV infection, and practices relating to access to VCT service.

Results
Only 25% correctly identified the main modes of transmission and the main preventative measures of HIV and this knowledge was significantly higher in who had had more than one sexual partner and have not always used a condom during the intercourse in the last year, in those who have received information about HIV/AIDS through physician, and in those who have received middle school or lower educational level. The perceived risk of contracting HIV/AIDS was significantly higher in respondents of lower age, in those who perceived a better personal health status, and in those unmarried. Only 20.9% reported that they had received the HIV test and males and those who visited a physician or participated in preventive activities about HIV/AIDS were significantly more likely to have had an HIV test.

Conclusions
This study supports the need to disseminate information and interventions to this population.
Comparison of Xpert MTB/RIF with ProbeTec ET DTB and COBAS TaqMan MTB for direct detection of M. tuberculosis complex in respiratory specimens
Authors: Antonenka Uladzimir , Hofmann-Thiel Sabine , Turaev Laziz , Esenalieva Ainura , Abdulloeva Mokhonim , Sahalchyk Evgeni , Alnour Tarig , Hoffmann Harald 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Nucleic acid amplification assays allow for the rapid and accurate detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) directly in clinical specimens thereby facilitating diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). With the fully automated Xpert MTB/RIF system (Cepheid) an innovative solution of TB diagnostics has been launched. We performed a direct head-to-head comparison of Xpert MTB/RIF with two widely used commercial assays, ProbeTec ET DTB (DTB) (Becton-Dickinson) and COBAS TaqMan MTB (CTM-MTB) (Roche).

Methods
121 pre-characterized respiratory specimens (68 culture-positive for MTB complex, 24 culture-positive for non-tuberculous mycobacteria and 29 culture-negative) taken from our frozen specimen bank were tested for the presence of MTB complex by the three assays.

Results
Among culture-positive samples (n = 68), overall sensitivity for detection of MTB complex was 74.6%, 73.8%, and 79.1% for Xpert MTB/RIF, CTM-MTB, and DTB, respectively. Within the subgroup of smear-negative TB samples (n = 51) sensitivity was 68% for Xpert MTB/RIF and CTM-MTB and 72% for DTB. Among smear-positive TB samples (n = 17), all (100%) were detected by DTB and 94.1% and 93.3% by Xpert MTB/RIF and CTM-MTB, respectively. Specificity was best for CTM-MTB (100%) and lowest for Xpert MTB/RIF (96.2%) due to misidentification of two NTM samples as MTB complex. CTM-MTB yielded the highest rate of invalid results (4.1%) (0.8% by Xpert MTB/RIF and DTB, respectively).

Conclusions
The direct comparison of Xpert MTB/RIF with CTM-MTB and DTB yielded similar overall performance data. Whereas DTB was slightly superior to Xpert MTB/RIF in terms of sensitivity, at least in the sample collection tested here, CTM-MTB performed best in terms of specificity.
Pharmacogenetic predictors of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy severity and response to antiemetic therapy: a pilot study
Authors: Lehmann Amalia S , Renbarger Jamie L , McCormick Catherine L , Topletz Ariel R , Rouse Carrie , Haas David M 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a common condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between response to antiemetics in the treatment of NVP and genetic polymorphisms in the serotonin receptor subunit genes HTR3A and HTR3B.

Methods
Pregnant women ≥18 years of age with NVP starting antiemetic therapy with promethazine, prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, or ondansetron at ≤ 16 weeks gestational age were eligible. The study recruited 29 women with complete data and sampling who returned for their one week follow-up and were genotyped for HTR3A and HTR3B polymorphisms. Severity of NVP was captured (using Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) and Quality of Life (QOL) tools) upon enrollment and after one week of antiemetic therapy. These measures were correlated with pharmacogenetic variability.

Results
Subjects with genotype associated with high serotonin affinity of the 5-HT3B receptor (rs1176744, CC) required more antiemetic medications (p < 0.001) than other subjects. Those with genotypes associated with increased expression of the 5-HT3A receptor subunit (rs1062613, CT or TT) had worse final PUQE scores (p = 0.01) than other subjects while rs3782025 variants carriers had significantly better initial (p = 0.02) and final (p = 0.02) PUQE scores than other subjects.

Conclusions

HTR3B and HTR3A gene variants may contribute to variability in response to antiemetic therapy for NVP.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among urban community residents in China
Authors: Wang Guang-Rong , Li Li , Pan Yi-Hui , Tian Guo-Dong , Lin Wan-Long , Li Zhe , Chen Zheng-Yi , Gong You-Long , Kikano George E , Stange Kurt C , Ni Ke-Liang , Berger Nathan A 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Metabolic risk factors and abnormalities such as obesity and hypertension are rapidly rising among the Chinese population following China’s tremendous economic growth and widespread westernization of lifestyle in recent decades. Limited information is available about the current burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in China.

Methods
We analyzed data on metabolic risk factors among 22,457 adults aged ≥ 32 years participating in the “Zhabei Health 2020” survey (2009–2010), a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of community residents in Zhabei District. We defined MetS using Chinese-specific cut-off points for central obesity according to consensus criteria recently endorsed by several international and national organizations in defining MetS in different populations worldwide. We used a multiple logistic regression model to assess the associations of potential risk factors with MetS.

Results
The unadjusted prevalence of the MetS was 35.1% for men and 32.5% for women according to the consensus criteria for Chinese. The prevalence increased progressively from 12.1% among participants aged 32–45 years to 45.4% among those aged ≥ 75 years. Age, smoking, family history of diabetes, and education are significantly associated with risk of MetS.

Conclusions
The MetS is highly prevalent and has reached epidemic proportion in Chinese urban adult community residents.
The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance
Authors: Joy Jordan M , Lowery Ryan P , Wilson Jacob M , Purpura Martin , De Souza Eduardo O , Wilson Stephanie MC , Kalman Douglas S , Dudeck Joshua E , Jäger Ralf 
Published: June 2013

Background
Consumption of moderate amounts of animal-derived protein has been shown to differently influence skeletal muscle hypertrophy during resistance training when compared with nitrogenous and isoenergetic amounts of plant-based protein administered in small to moderate doses. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine if the post-exercise consumption of rice protein isolate could increase recovery and elicit adequate changes in body composition compared to equally dosed whey protein isolate if given in large, isocaloric doses.

Methods

24 college-aged, resistance trained males were recruited for this study. Subjects were randomly and equally divided into two groups, either consuming 48 g of rice or whey protein isolate (isocaloric and isonitrogenous) on training days. Subjects trained 3 days per week for 8 weeks as a part of a daily undulating periodized resistance-training program. The rice and whey protein supplements were consumed immediately following exercise. Ratings of perceived recovery, soreness, and readiness to train were recorded prior to and following the first training session. Ultrasonography determined muscle thickness, dual emission x-ray absorptiometry determined body composition, and bench press and leg press for upper and lower body strength were recorded during weeks 0, 4, and 8. An ANOVA model was used to measure group, time, and group by time interactions. If any main effects were observed, a Tukey post-hoc was employed to locate where differences occurred.

Results

No detectable differences were present in psychometric scores of perceived recovery, soreness, or readiness to train (p > 0.05). Significant time effects were observed in which lean body mass, muscle mass, strength and power all increased and fat mass decreased; however, no condition by time interactions were observed (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Both whey and rice protein isolate administration post resistance exercise improved indices of body composition and exercise performance; however, there were no differences between the two groups.