We investigated how this comparison was affected if we changed the number of grids per region containing a monitor. To inform simulations, estimates (e.g. of
pollutant means) were obtained from observed monitor data for 2003-2006 for national network sites across the UK and corresponding model data that were generated by the EMEP-WRF CTM. Average within-site correlations between observed monitor and model data were 0.73 and 0.76 for rural and urban daily maximum 8-hour ozone respectively, check details and 0.67 and 0.61 for rural and urban loge(daily 1-hour maximum NO2).
Results: When regional averages were based on 5 or 10 monitors per region, health effect estimates exhibited little bias. However, with only 1 monitor per region, the regression coefficient in our time-series analysis was attenuated by an estimated 6% for urban background ozone, 13% for rural ozone, 29% for
urban background loge(NO2) and 38% for rural log(e)(NO2). For grid-specific model data the corresponding figures were 19%, 22%, 54% and 44% respectively, i.e. similar for rural loge(NO2) but more marked for urban loge(NO2).
Conclusion: Even if correlations between model and monitor data appear reasonably strong, additive classical measurement error in model data may lead to appreciable selleck chemicals llc bias in health effect estimates. As process-based air pollution models become more widely used in epidemiological time-series analysis, assessments of error impact that include statistical simulation may be useful.”
“Purpose of review
To review the present knowledge about the use of rituximab (RTX) in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis AZD6244 manufacturer (Wegener’s; GPA),
microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss; EGPA), also collectively referred to as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
Recent findings
More than 20 case series and cohort studies involving more than 200 patients focusing on RTX use for patients with refractory GPA and MPA have been reported. Two randomized controlled trials have shown that RTX is not inferior to cyclophosphamide (CYC) for induction of remission in severe GPA and MPA. The RAVE trial has further shown that RTX is superior to CYC for patients with severe disease relapses. In addition, reports are emerging on the use of RTX for remission maintenance in chronically relapsing patients. There are also preliminary reports on the beneficial use of RTX in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss).
Summary
RTX is the first proven alternative to CYC for remission induction in severe GPA and MPA. RTX is the preferred agent for patients presenting with severe disease flares, and its use had become the de facto standard of care for patients with chronically relapsing refractory GPA. Its use in EGPA requires further investigation.