bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species' intrinsic traits inform their range limitations and vulnerability under environmental change
Authors: Estrada Alba , Meireles Catarina , Morales‐Castilla Ignacio , Poschlod Peter , Vieites David , Araújo Miguel B. , Early Regan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimUnderstanding the factors that govern species' geographical ranges is of utmost importance for predicting potential range shifts triggered by environmental change. Species ranges are partially limited by their tolerances to extrinsic environmental conditions such as climate and habitat. However, they are also determined by the capacity of species to disperse, establish new populations and proliferate, which are in turn dependent on species intrinsic life‐history traits. So far, the contribution of intrinsic factors driving species distributions has been inconclusive, largely because intrinsic and extrinsic factors have not been examined simultaneously in a satisfactory way. We investigate how geographical ranges of plants are determined by both extrinsic environmental factors and species intrinsic life‐history traits.LocationEurope.MethodsWe compiled a database on plant geographical ranges, environmental tolerances and life‐history traits that constitutes the largest dataset analysed to date (1276 species). We used generalized linear modelling to test if range size and range filling (the proportion of climatically suitable area a species occupies) are affected by dispersal distance, habitat breadth and 10 life‐history traits related to establishment and proliferation.ResultsThe species characteristics that were most linked to range limitations of European plant species were dispersal potential, seed bank persistence and habitat breadth (which together explained ≥ 30% of deviance in range filling and range size). Specific leaf area, which has been linked to establishment ability, made a smaller contribution to native range limitations.Main conclusionsOur results can be used to improve estimates of extinction vulnerability under climate change. Species with high dispersal capacity, that can maintain viable seed banks for several years and that can live in an intermediate number of habitats have the fewest non‐climatic limitations on their ranges, and are most likely to shift their geographical ranges under climate change. We suggest that climate‐change risk assessments should not focus exclusively on dispersal capacity.
Mixtures of clovers with plantain and chicory improve lamb production performance compared to a ryegrass–white clover sward in the late spring and early summer period
Authors: Somasiri S. C. , Kenyon P. R. , Kemp P. D. , Morel P. C. H. , Morris S. T. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA research programme was undertaken over two consecutive years with the purpose of studying the effect of herb–clover swards on lamb production performance year‐round. The focus of this study was on two consecutive late spring and early summer periods (2011, 2012). In each year, three sward treatments were compared on grazed paddocks with 40 lambs ha−1: (i) grass–clover mixture (perennial ryegrass [Lolium perenneL.] and white clover [Trifolium repens]); (ii) plantain–clover mixture (plantain [Plantago lanceolata], white clover and red clover [Trifolium pratense]); and (iii) chicory–plantain–clover mixture (plantain, chicory [Cichorium intybusL.] and white and red clovers). Lambs were weighed at 2‐week intervals, and carcass weights and GR tissue depth measurements were obtained at slaughter. In both years, lambs on treatments (ii) and (iii) had greater (P < 0·05) final live weight, liveweight gain, carcass weight, dressing‐out percentage and GR tissue depth measurements, and lower feed conversion ratio compared to lambs on treatment (i). Lamb production was similar in treatments (ii) and (iii) (P > 0·05) in each year. Therefore, during the late spring and early summer period, herb–clover mixture swards were found to be a superior option to perennial ryegrass–white clover for finishing lambs.
Allergic reaction in a cohort of haemophilia A patients using plasma‐derived factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate is rare and not necessarily triggered by FVIII
Authors: Montalvão S. A. L. , Tucunduva A. C. , Siqueira L. H. , Sambo A. L. A. , Medina S. S. , Ozelo M. C. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIn contrast to haemophilia B, allergic manifestations are rare complications in haemophilia A (HA) patients treated with factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates. Nevertheless, it can be serious and hamper replacement therapy in these cases. The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency of allergic reaction in a cohort of HA patients treated only with plasma‐derived FVIII (pdFVIII) concentrates, and assess the possible immune mechanisms involved. History of allergic reaction was retrospectively assessed. Patients with allergic manifestations were followed, and had plasma samples collected in different timepoints in relation to the allergic episode. These samples were analysed for the presence of inhibitor and anti‐FVIII immunoglobulins subclasses. Three of 322 HA patients (0.9%) developed allergic reaction after exposure to pdFVIII products during the last 15 years in our centre. The first patient, with severe HA, without inhibitor, had anti‐pdFVIII IgE and IgG4, but no anti‐recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) IgE. The second patient, with severe HA, and high‐responding inhibitor, presented allergic manifestation with both, pdFVIII concentrate and activated prothrombin complex concentrate. Although anti‐pdFVIII and anti‐rFVIII IgG4 were detected, no anti‐FVIII IgE was present. The third patient, with moderate HA without inhibitor, atopic, had no anti‐FVIII immunoglobulin detected, and allergic symptoms disappeared after switching to rFVIII concentrate. This study corroborates the low incidence of allergic reactions in HA patients. In the three cases presented, the anti‐FVIII immunoglobulin profile demonstrated that the allergic manifestation was triggered by other proteins contained in pdFVIII products, and not directed to FVIII.
Lupus anticoagulant acquired hypoprothrombinemia syndrome in childhood: two distinct patterns and review of the literature
Authors: Sarker T. , Roy S. , Hollon W. , Rajpurkar M. 
Published: April 2015

IntroductionLupus anticoagulant associated with acquired prothrombin deficiency also known as ‘lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome’ (LAHS) is an entity that is well described in adults and is usually associated with autoimmune conditions (LAHS‐AI). However, in children, LAHS has unique features that are distinct from the adult type.AimsWe report two paediatric cases of LAHS, describe their distinct patterns and review the paediatric literature on LAHS.MethodsCase studies on two patients with LAHS were reviewed, details on their presentation, work up and management were extracted. A Medline search was conducted on LAHS in children between 1960 and 2014; Articles in languages other than English were excluded.ResultsThe case studies highlight the differences in the two patterns of childhood LAHS. Additionally the review of the literature reveals that there are 15 case reports and 5 case series that report 25 children with LAHS‐AI, 9 case reports and 6 case series report 26 children of LAHS associated with viral infections (LAHS‐VI). At presentation, all patients with LAHS‐AI had positive laboratory tests for autoimmune diseases, most commonly for systemic lupus erythematosus while these tests were negative in LAHS‐VI. All patients with LAHS‐AI had a protracted course and needed prolonged treatment with immune‐suppressive therapy while patients with LAHS‐VI resolved spontaneously or needed short‐term immune‐modulating therapy.ConclusionIn childhood, two distinct patterns of LAHS are observed, either associated with infection or autoimmune disease. Initial diagnostic investigations are critical to differentiating these two patterns as the prognosis and outcome for each is distinct.
Haemophilia A carriers experience reduced health‐related quality of life
Authors: Gilbert L. , Paroskie A. , Gailani D. , Debaun M. R. , Sidonio R. F. 
Published: April 2015

IntroductionHaemophilia A is an X‐linked recessive bleeding disorder that primarily affects males. Emerging data support evidence for increased bleeding in female haemophilia A carriers despite factor VIII activity within the normal range.AimData regarding the effect of increased bleeding on health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) in haemophilia A carriers is sparse. We tested the hypothesis that haemophilia A carriers have reduced HR‐QOL related to bleeding symptoms.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study at Vanderbilt University. Case subjects were obligate or genetically verified haemophilia A carriers age 18–60 years. Control subjects were mothers of children with cancer who receive care at the Vanderbilt paediatric haematology‐oncology clinic. Trained interviewers administered the Rand 36‐Item Health Survey 1.0, a validated questionnaire evaluating eight health concepts that may affect HR‐QOL, to each study participant. Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to compare median scores for the eight health domains between the case and control groups.ResultForty‐two haemophilia A carriers and 36 control subjects were included in analyses. Haemophilia A carriers had significantly lower median scores for the domains of ‘Pain’ (73.75 vs. 90; P = 0.02) and ‘General health’ (75 vs. 85; P = 0.01) compared to control subjects.ConclusionHaemophilia A carriers in our study demonstrated significantly lower median scores on the Rand 36‐item Health Survey 1.0 in the domains of ‘Pain’ and ‘General Health’ compared to women in the control group. Our findings highlight the need for further investigation of the effect of bleeding on HR‐QOL in this population.
Outcome after total knee arthroplasty in haemophilic patients with stiff knees
Authors: Strauss A. C. , Schmolders J. , Friedrich M. J. , Pflugmacher R. , Müller M.C. , Goldmann G. , Oldenburg J. , Pennekamp P. H. 
Published: April 2015

IntroductionAdvanced haemophilic arthropathy of the knee is associated with progressive joint stiffness. Results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in stiff knees are considered to be inferior compared to those with less restricted preoperative range of motion (ROM). There is only very limited data on the results of primary TKA in haemophilic patients with stiff knees.AimThe purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after TKA performed in haemophilic patients with preoperative ROM of 50° or less.MethodsTwenty one patients (23 knees) undergoing TKA with stiff knees were retrospectively evaluated. Mean follow‐up was 8.3 years (range, 2–25). Clinical assessment included ROM, degree of flexion contracture and complication rate. Functional evaluation and pain status were assessed using the Knee Society's Scoring System (KSS).ResultsRange of motion improved from 26.7° preoperatively to 73.0° postoperatively. Flexion contracture decreased from 21.7° to 8.3°. KSS increased from 22.9 to 72.9 points. Evaluation of pain revealed a decrease from 8.4 points preoperatively to 2.1 points postoperatively. All these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.005). The complication rate was 8.7% including one late periprosthetic infection, and one aseptic implant loosening. Nine patients who required VY‐quadricepsplasty for knee exposure developed a mean postoperative extensor lag of 7°.ConclusionTotal knee arthroplasty in haemophilic patients presenting with stiff knees results in significant improvement of function and reduction in pain. Although the clinical outcome is inferior compared to nonstiff knees reported in the literature, joint replacement surgery can be successfully performed in this particular group of patients.
Thalidomide for treatment of gastrointestinal bleedings due to angiodysplasia: a case report in acquired von Willebrand syndrome and review of the literature
Authors: Engelen E. T. , van Galen K. P. M. , Schutgens R. E. G. 
Published: April 2015

IntroductionAcquired von Willebrand syndrome is a rare bleeding disorder and treatment of the associated gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to angiodysplasia is challenging.AimThe aim of this study was to present a new case on the successful use of thalidomide in a patient with acquired von Willebrand syndrome and recurrent angiodysplasia‐related GI bleedings, and to conduct a literature review on the use of thalidomide in patients with GI angiodysplasia.MethodsA literature review was conducted, searching the electronic databases PubMed, Embase and Cochrane.ResultsWe present a 75‐year‐old woman with IgG MGUS‐associated acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) who suffered from recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) bleedings and epistaxis. Treatment with immunoglobulins, desmopressin, Haemate‐P and blood transfusions failed to achieve long‐term haemostasis. Eventually, after these bleedings relapsed for almost a decade at 1‐ to 3‐month intervals, thalidomide was prescribed. Since then, only one single nose bleed and one single melaena episode had occurred. She currently remains in remission of GI bleeds after 3 years and 3 months follow‐up. The literature review revealed a beneficial effect of thalidomide in reducing GI bleeding due to angiodysplasia, including four case reports on inherited von Willebrand disease.ConclusionIn conclusion, thalidomide can be a reasonable option for the treatment of recurrent GI bleeding due to angiodysplasia in AVWS and we report for the first time that refractory or relapsing GI bleeding in patients with AVWS can successfully be controlled with thalidomide.
The home hemodialysis hub: Physical infrastructure and integrated governance structure
Authors: Marshall Mark R. , Young Bessie A. , Fox Sally J. , Cleland Calli J. , Walker Robert J. , Masakane Ikuto , Herold Aaron M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAn effective home hemodialysis program critically depends on adequate hub facilities and support functions and on transparent and accountable organizational processes. The likelihood of optimal service delivery and patient care will be enhanced by fit‐for‐purpose facilities and implementation of a well‐considered governance structure. In this article, we describe the required accommodation and infrastructure for a home hemodialysis program and a generic organizational structure that will support both patient‐facing clinical activities and business processes.
Prescriptions for home hemodialysis
Authors: Lockridge Robert , Cornelis Tom , Van Eps Carolyn 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPrescribing a regimen that provides “optimal dialysis” to patients who wish to dialyze at home is of major importance, yet there is substantial variation in how home hemodialysis (HD) is prescribed. Geographic location, patient health status and clinical goals, and patient lifestyle and preferences all influence the selection of a prescription for a particular patient—there is no single prescription that provides optimal therapy for all patients, and careful weighing of potential benefit and burden is required for long‐term success. This article describes how home HD prescribing patterns have changed over time and provides examples of commonly used home HD prescriptions. In addition, associated clinical outcomes and adequacy parameters as well as criteria for identifying which patients may benefit most from these diverse prescriptions are also presented.
Supply chain coordination with an option contract under vendor‐managed inventory
Authors: Cai Jianhu , Hu Xiaoqing , Han Yi , Cheng Haifang , Huang Weilai 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an option contract for a two‐echelon supply chain operating under vendor‐managed inventory (VMI). We find that the supply chain coordination and Pareto improvement can be achieved synchronously. As a comparison, a subsidy contract is introduced to coordinate the supply chain. The paper further considers the influence of a replenishment tactic on the performance of the supply chain. After introducing a replenishment tactic, the supply chain can replenish the products to satisfy unmet demand during the selling season. We further use an option contract to coordinate the supply chain, and a Pareto improvement can be gained. All our findings are numerically illustrated.
Multistage portfolio optimization with stocks and options
Authors: Davari‐Ardakani Hamed , Aminnayeri Majid , Seifi Abbas 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe develop a multistage portfolio optimization model that utilizes options for mitigating market risk in a dynamic setting. Due to the key role of scenarios in the quality of investment decisions, a new scenario generation method is proposed that characterizes the dynamic behavior of asset returns. This methodology takes the dependence structure of different asset returns into account, and also considers serial correlations of each of the asset returns. Moreover, it preserves marginal distributions of asset returns. Also, it precludes arbitrage opportunities. To investigate the role of options, we implement the scenario generation method on a set of stocks selected from the New York Stock Exchange. Results show the high performance of the proposed scenario generation method. Afterwards, the generated set of scenarios is used as the uncertainty set for the multistage portfolio optimization model. Static and dynamic assessments are used for measuring the performance of options in mitigating market risks and generating additional returns. Finally, backtesting simulations are used for assessing different trading strategies of options.
Negative pressure wound therapy for seroma prevention and surgical incision treatment in spinal fracture care
Authors: Nordmeyer Matthias , Pauser Johannes , Biber Roland , Jantsch Jonathan , Lehrl Siegfried , Kopschina Carsten , Rapke Christian , Bail Hermann J , Forst Raimund , Brem Matthias H 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo evaluate the clinical use and economic aspects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) after dorsal stabilisation of spinal fractures. This study is a prospective randomised evaluation of NPWT in patients with large surgical wounds after surgical stabilisation of spinal fractures by internal fixation. Patients were randomised to either standard wound dressing treatment (group A) or NPWT (group B). The wound area was examined by ultrasound to measure seroma volumes in both groups on the 5th and 10th day after surgery. Furthermore, data on economic aspects such as nursing time for wound care and material used for wound dressing were evaluated. A total of 20 patients (10 in each group) were enrolled. Throughout the whole study, mean seroma volume was significantly higher in group A than that in group B (day 5: 1·9 ml versus 0 ml; P = 0·0007; day 10: 1·6 ml versus 0·5 ml; P <0·024). Furthermore, patients of group A required more wound care time (group A: 31 ± 10 minutes; group B 13·8 ± 6 minutes; P = 0·0005) and more number of compresses (total number; group A 35 ± 15; group B 11 ± 3; P = 0·0376). NPWT reduced the development of postoperative seroma, reduced nursing time and reduced material required for wound care.
Working Group Recommendations: Measuring Outcomes of Care in Geriatric Evaluation and Management Units
Authors: Hedrick Susan C. , Barrand Nancy , Deyo Richard , Haber Paul , James Kenneth , Metier Jeffrey , Mor Vincent , Scanlon William , Weissert William , Williams Mark 
Published: April 2015

Issues related to measuring outcomes of care in geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) units were identified by the outcomes working group of the GEM evaluation conference. GEM units have as a major goal the improvement or maintenance of both physical and psychosocial function. Suggested outcome measures for physical health included survival, restricted activity days, general health perceptions, comprehensive physical function, and miscellaneous specific types of functioning. In the area of psycho‐social function, the working group suggested measuring cognitive function, affect/life satisfaction, social function, and satisfaction with care. The patient's caregiver (eg, spouse or child) is often an important target of GEM care, and the group suggested measuring caregiver burden, life satisfaction, and assessment of patient behavior problems.While the primary goal of GEM units is to improve health status, their effects on the utilization and cost of health care are important to decisions about wide‐spread implementation and funding. The group therefore suggested a comprehensive assessment of these outcomes. Among the large array of recommended outcomes, the most important were thought to be mortality, function, and cost.
Research Strategies for Geriatric Evaluation and Management: Conference Summary and Recommendations
Authors: Kramer Andrew , Deyo Richard , Applegate William , Meehan Shirley 
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we present the consensus statement from a national conference on research priorities and methodologies for studying geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) programs. These conclusions, discussion points, and recommendations resulted from discussions of plenary papers, working group deliberations, and a final session in which findings were synthesized by the conference co‐chairmen and presented to conference participants for final review.Major conclusions included: (1) The importance of linking geriatric evaluation with care management in future studies; (2) The need for multi‐center trials of inpatient units to establish efficacy; (3) The importance of studying criteria for targeting GEM care on patients who are most likely to benefit; (4) The need for further developmental studies of outpatient GEM clinics; (5) The importance of assessing a range of outcomes including mortality, patient function, satisfaction, caregiver burden, and cost; and (6) The need to define more carefully the nature of the intervention that is being studied to aid in comparing and extrapolating findings.The following research priorities for GEMS were formulated based on the conference: (1) Within the VA health care system, a multi‐site randomized trial of inpatient GEM units should be initiated; (2) Multi‐site studies of inpatient GEM units and consultation teams linked to outpatient care should be initiated in non‐VA settings; (3) Studies should identify the components of GEM that are most critical to outcome; (4) Studies should explore efficacy of GEM in settings that have not been well studied to date such as nursing homes; and (5) Studies are needed to test screening methods and targeting criteria for GEM in all settings.
The Relationship Between Problem‐Solving Ability and Self‐Harm Amongst People with Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Rees Joanna , Langdon Peter E. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between depression, hopelessness, problem‐solving ability and self‐harming behaviours amongst people with mild intellectual disabilities (IDs).MethodsThirty‐six people with mild IDs (77.9% women, Mage = 31.77, SD = 10.73, MIQ = 62.65, SD = 5.74) who had a history of self‐harm were recruited. Participants were asked to complete measures of depression, hopelessness and problem‐solving ability.ResultsCutting was most frequently observed, and depression was prevalent amongst the sample. There was a significant positive relationship between depression and hopelessness, while there was no significant relationship between self‐harm and depression or hopelessness. Problem‐solving ability explained 15% of the variance in self‐harm scores.ConclusionsProblem‐solving ability appears to be associated with self‐harming behaviours in people with mild IDs.