bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biotic interactions influence the projected distribution of a specialist mammal under climate change
Authors: Bateman Brooke L. , VanDerWal Jeremy , Williams Stephen E. , Johnson Christopher N. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimTo measure the effects of including biotic interactions on climate‐based species distribution models (SDMs) used to predict distribution shifts under climate change. We evaluated the performance of distribution models for an endangered marsupial, the northern bettong (Bettongia tropica), comparing models that used only climate variables with models that also took into account biotic interactions.LocationNorth‐east Queensland, Australia.MethodsWe developed separate climate‐based distribution models for the northern bettong, its two main resources and a competitor species. We then constructed models for the northern bettong by including climate suitability estimates for the resources and competitor as additional predictor variables to make climate + resource and climate + resource + competition models. We projected these models onto seven future climate scenarios and compared predictions of northern bettong distribution made by these differently structured models, using a ‘global’ metric, the I similarity statistic, to measure overlap in distribution and a ‘local’ metric to identify where predictions differed significantly.ResultsInclusion of food resource biotic interactions improved model performance. Over moderate climate changes, up to 3.0 °C of warming, the climate‐only model for the northern bettong gave similar predictions of distribution to the more complex models including interactions, with differences only at the margins of predicted distributions. For climate changes beyond 3.0 °C, model predictions diverged significantly. The interactive model predicted less contraction of distribution than the simpler climate‐only model.Main conclusionsDistribution models that account for interactions with other species, in particular direct resources, improve model predictions in the present‐day climate. For larger climate changes, shifts in distribution of interacting species cause predictions of interactive models to diverge from climate‐only models. Incorporating interactions with other species in SDMs may be needed for long‐term prediction of changes in distribution of species under climate change, particularly for specialized species strongly dependent on a small number of biotic interactions.
Electoral coordination in mixed‐member systems: Does the level of democratic experience matter?
Authors: RIERA PEDRO 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA number of institutional and non‐institutional factors hamper electoral coordination and, hence, increase party system fragmentation in the nominal tier of mixed electoral systems. Contrary to expectations, the number of electoral parties is not lower in all old democracies. Nevertheless, the level of democratic experience modifies the effect of other variables like the type of mixed electoral system or the closeness of the races. Econometric tests evaluate this phenomenon in a diverse sample of 15 countries and a total of 57 elections with more than 10,000 observations at the district level.
The Patient‐Centered Medical Home and Patient Experience
Authors: Martsolf Grant R. , Alexander Jeffrey A. , Shi Yunfeng , Casalino Lawrence P. , Rittenhouse Diane R. , Scanlon Dennis P. , Shortell Stephen M. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between practices' reported use of patient‐centered medical home (PCMH) processes and patients' perceptions of their care experience.Data SourcePrimary survey data from 393 physician practices and 1,304 patients receiving care in those practices.Study DesignThis is an observational, cross‐sectional study. Using standard ordinary least‐squares and a sample selection model, we estimated the association between patients' care experience and the use of PCMH processes in the practices where they receive care.Data CollectionWe linked data from a nationally representative survey of individuals with chronic disease and two nationally representative surveys of physician practices.Principal FindingsWe found that practices' use of PCMH processes was not associated with patient experience after controlling for sample selection as well as practice and patient characteristics.ConclusionsIn our study, which was large, but somewhat limited in its measures of the PCMH and of patient experience, we found no association between PCMH processes and patient experience. The continued accumulation of evidence related to the possibilities of the PCMH, how PCMH is measured, and how the impact of PCMH is gauged provides important information for health care decision makers.
RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 6: Post‐cardiac arrest care
Authors: Smarick Sean D. , Haskins Steve C. , Boller Manuel , Fletcher Daniel J. ,   the RECOVER Post‐Cardiac Arrest Care Domain Worksheet Authors
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically examine the evidence for interventions after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) on outcomes from veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation and to determine important knowledge gaps.DesignStandardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality, and development of consensus on conclusions for application of the concepts to clinical post‐cardiac arrest care.SettingAcademia, referral practice, and general practice.ResultsFifteen standardized clinical questions important for post‐cardiac arrest care were asked and research articles relevant to answering these questions were identified through structured, explicit literature database searches. The majority of these articles report research in species other than dogs or cats or consisted of experimental work in canine cardiac arrest models. Outcome metrics reported in these studies widely varied and ranged from quantification of mechanistic endpoints, such as elaboration of reactive oxygen species, to survival, and functional neurologic outcome.ConclusionsDespite the near complete absence of clinical veterinary studies, the process allowed the formulation of statements for several postcardiac arrest treatments that were either supportive, such as mild therapeutic hypothermia or controlled reoxygenation, or neutral, such as for mannitol administration or seizure prophylaxis. Evidence grading allowed transparency in regards to the strength of these recommendations. Moreover, numerous knowledge gaps emerged that will allow generation of a road map for progress in veterinary post‐cardiac arrest care.
NorLeu3‐A(1–7) stimulation of diabetic foot ulcer healing: Results of a randomized, parallel‐group, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Balingit Peter P. , Armstrong David G. , Reyzelman Alexander M. , Bolton Laura , Verco Shelagh J. , Rodgers Kathleen E. , Nigh Katherine A. , diZerega Gere S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Phase 2 clinical trial explored NorLeu3‐A(1–7) (DSC127) safety and healing efficacy in diabetic foot ulcers. Patients with chronic, noninfected, neuropathic, or neuroischemic plantar Wagner Grade 1 or 2 foot ulcers (n = 172) were screened for nonhealing. Subjects were randomized to receive 4 weeks’ once‐daily topical treatment with 0.03% DSC127 (n = 26), 0.01% DSC127 (n = 27), or Placebo (n = 24), followed by 20 weeks’ standard of care. DSC127 was assessed for safety (including laboratory values and adverse events), primary efficacy (% ulcers completely epithelialized at Week 12), and durability of effect. Baseline, demography, and safety parameters were compared between intent‐to‐treat groups and were comparable. Dose‐response curves for DSC127 effect on % area reduction from baseline at Week 12 (40% placebo; 67% 0.01% DSC127; 80% 0.03% DSC127) and 24 (23% placebo; 53% 0.01% DSC127; 95% 0.03% DSC127) followed a log‐linear pattern for both intent‐to‐treat and per‐protocol populations. Covariate analysis compared reduction in ulcer area, depth, and volume from baseline; reductions in the 0.03% DSC127 group were greater at Weeks 12 and 24. Placebo‐treated ulcers healed in a median 22 weeks vs. 8.5 weeks for 0.03%DSC127 (p = 0.04). This study provides preliminary evidence that DSC127 is safe and effective in accelerating the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
Dealing with heterogeneous populations in randomized wound trials: Challenges and potential solutions
Authors: Vollenweider Daniela , Ebneter Ingrid , Mayer Dieter , Hafner Jürg , Steurer Johann , Puhan Milo A. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractChronic wounds have a great variety of etiologies and manifestations that influence wound healing. Such heterogeneity potentially threatens the validity and clinical usefulness of trials if not considered appropriately. In 82 randomized wound trials retrieved from 10 Cochrane reviews, we assessed if and how authors considered wound and other prognostically important characteristics in the conduct and analysis of wound trials. We assessed whether these characteristics were discussed, reflected in the eligibility criteria, used for prestratification or for adjustments to ensure comparability of treatment groups, and whether subgroup analyses were conducted to identify heterogeneity of treatment effects. Nine percent of all trials explicitly discussed characteristics that influence wound healing in the introduction and 43% in the Discussion section. Ninety percent of trials had at least one prognostically important characteristic as eligibility criterion. Only 11% of trials used prestratification, and 6% adjusted the results for imbalances between treatment groups. Twenty‐seven percent performed subgroup analyses with prognostically important characteristics defining subgroups. Chronic wound trials use simple randomization, but rarely adapt the study design and analysis to take the heterogeneity of patients into consideration. Collaborative multicenter trials would overcome many of the limitations and provide statistical power to detect important treatment effects both overall and in subgroups.
Metamorphism and kinematics of the early deformation in the Variscan suture of SW Iberia
Authors: PONCE C. , SIMANCAS J. F. , AZOR A. , MARTÍNEZ POYATOS D. J. , BOOTH‐REA G. , EXPÓSITO I. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe early (Devonian) collisional stage in SW Iberia has been investigated through the analysis of deformation in the Cubito‐Moura schists, the main lithology of an Allochthonous Complex putatively rooted in the suture between the Ossa‐Morena and South Portuguese zones. The first deformation in these schists (D1) is recorded as a S1‐L1 mylonitic fabric well preserved in early quartz veins. Subsequent D2 deformation caused the main folds and the main (S2) foliation. After restoration, the stretching lineation (L1) trends at a small angle with the Ossa‐Morena/South Portuguese suture. This trend, together with the top‐to‐the‐east kinematics determined from quartz microfabric is indicative of an oblique left‐lateral collisional scenario in SW Iberia. Chlorite–white K‐mica–quartz ± chloritoid multi‐equilibrium calculations yield P–T conditions in the range 0.9–1.2 GPa and 300–400 °C, during the first collisional stage. P–T conditions during D2 were 0.3–0.8 GPa and 400–450 °C, thus indicating an important stage of exhumation of the Allochthonous Complex during these two collisional events, after subduction of the Ossa‐Morena Zone margin under the South Portuguese Zone continental crust. In the general context of the Variscan orogen, dominated by dextral collision, the left‐lateral convergence in SW Iberia can be explained in terms of the Avalonian salient represented by the South Portuguese Zone, which would impinge between Iberia and Morocco.
Association Between Alcohol Screening Scores and Mortality in Black, Hispanic, and White Male Veterans
Authors: Williams Emily C. , Bradley Katharine A. , Gupta Shalini , Harris Alex H. S. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundScores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT‐C) questionnaire are associated with mortality, but whether or how associations vary across race/ethnicity is unknown.MethodsSelf‐reported black (n = 13,068), Hispanic (n = 9,466), and white (n = 182,688) male Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatients completed the AUDIT‐C via mailed survey. Logistic regression models evaluated whether race/ethnicity modified the association between AUDIT‐C scores (0, 1 to 4, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12) and mortality after 24 months, adjusting for demographics, smoking, and comorbidity.ResultsAdjusted mortality rates were 0.036, 0.033, and 0.054, for black, Hispanic, and white patients with AUDIT‐C scores of 1 to 4, respectively. Race/ethnicity modified the association between AUDIT‐C scores and mortality (p = 0.0022). Hispanic and white patients with scores of 0, 5 to 8, and 9 to 12 had significantly increased risk of death compared to those with scores of 1 to 4; Hispanic ORs: 1.93, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.49; 1.57, 1.07 to 2.30; 1.82, 1.04 to 3.17, respectively; white ORs: 1.34, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.40; 1.12, 1.03 to 1.21; 1.81, 1.59 to 2.07, respectively. Black patients with scores of 0 and 5 to 8 had increased risk relative to scores of 1 to 4 (ORs 1.28, 1.06 to 1.56 and 1.50, 1.13 to 1.99), but there was no significant increased risk for scores of 9 to 12 (ORs 1.27, 0.77 to 2.09). Post hoc exploratory analyses suggested an interaction between smoking and AUDIT‐C scores might account for some of the observed differences across race/ethnicity.ConclusionsAmong male VA outpatients, associations between alcohol screening scores and mortality varied significantly depending on race/ethnicity. Findings could be integrated into systems with automated risk calculators to provide demographically tailored feedback regarding medical consequences of drinking.
Who Is Supporting Homeless Youth? Predictors of Support in Personal Networks
Authors: de la Haye Kayla , Green Harold D. , Kennedy David P. , Zhou Annie , Golinelli Daniela , Wenzel Suzanne L. , Tucker Joan S. 
Published: June 2012

Homeless youth lack the traditional support networks of their housed peers, which increases their risk for poor health outcomes. Using a multilevel dyadic analytic approach, this study identified characteristics of social contacts, relationships, and social networks associated with the provision of tangible and emotional support to homeless youth (N = 419, M age = 20.09, SD = 2.80). Support providers were likely to be family members, sex partners, or non–street‐based contacts. The provision of support was also associated with contacts' employment and homelessness status, frequency of contact, shared risk behaviors, and the number of network members that were homeless and employed. The results provide insights into how homeless youth could be assisted to develop more supportive social networks.
Immunoglobulin G dimers and immune complexes are dispensable for the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous immune globulin in murine immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tremblay Tony , Paré Isabelle , Bazin Renée 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the therapeutic effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Noteworthy, a major role has been attributed to immunoglobulin (Ig)G dimers present in IVIG. It has also been suggested that immune complexes formed between IVIG and the patient's proteins after infusion could contribute to the therapeutic effect of IVIG in several autoimmune disorders. We recently observed that in‐house preparations of polyclonal human IgG derived from small pools of plasma and devoid of IgG dimers were as efficient as IVIG in a mouse model of thrombocytopenia. In this work, we revisited the role of IgG dimers in the therapeutic effects of IVIG in ITP.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used the passive mouse model of ITP to determine the therapeutic efficacy of human IgG preparations devoid of IgG dimers and of dimer‐enriched and ‐depleted commercial IVIG. Immune complex formation between IVIG and mouse plasma proteins was evaluated using a combination of chromatography and immunoprecipitation procedures.RESULTS: All preparations tested showed the same efficacy to alleviate ITP, regardless of their dimer contents. Significant amounts of immune complexes formed between IVIG and mouse plasma proteins were detected. However, the amount of immune complexes detected using the in‐house preparation of human polyclonal IgG and mouse plasma was significantly lower, although the in‐house preparation exhibited the same therapeutic efficacy as commercial IVIG.CONCLUSION: IgG dimers and immune complexes are dispensable to prevent thrombocytopenia in a mouse model of the disease.
How afraid are you of having blood drawn from your arm? A simple fear question predicts vasovagal reactions without causing them among high school donors
Authors: France Christopher R. , France Janis L. , Himawan Lina K. , Stephens Kate Yunuba , Frame‐Brown Terri A. , Venable Geri A. , Menitove Jay E. 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated in a group of mostly experienced blood donors that fear of blood draws was a significant predictor of vasovagal reactions. Importantly, being asked about one's fear immediately before donation did not increase reaction rates. This study further evaluates the relationship between fear and reactions among high school blood donors, who are known to be at a relatively greater risk for vasovagal reactions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Immediately after completing the blood donor health screening, 17‐ and 18‐year‐old high school students were asked about their fear of having blood drawn. Based on a random selection, the fear question was administered in approximately half of the schools, resulting in a final sample of 1715 donors who did and 1692 donors who did not answer the fear question.RESULTS: Fear was a significant predictor of donor reactions and remained a significant independent predictor (along with estimated blood volume and donor sex) in a logistic regression analysis. There was no difference in the proportion of reactions observed between those who did and did not answer the predonation fear question.CONCLUSION: Consistent with previous evidence in older and more experienced blood donors, these findings indicate that assessing fear of blood draws may help to identify those who are most likely to experience vasovagal reactions among young donors without increasing the frequency of such reactions.
The influence of bleeding on trigger changes for platelet transfusion in patients with chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Rioux‐Massé Benjamin , Laroche Vincent , Bowman Robert J. , Lindgren Bruce R. , Cohn Claudia S. , Pulkrabek Shelley M. , McCullough Jeffrey 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: For patients with thrombocytopenia without bleeding risk factors, a platelet transfusion trigger of 10 × 109/L is recommended. No studies have evaluated the clinicians' decision‐making process leading to trigger changes.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We report on the evaluation of trigger changes and the relation with bleeding. Eighty patients previously enrolled in the SPRINT trial represent the patient population for the current analysis.RESULTS: Seventy‐four patients had a starting trigger of 10 × 109/L. Only a minority of patients treated with chemotherapy alone (3/12, 25%) and autologous transplant (6/15, 40%) had a change in their trigger in contrast to the majority of allogeneic transplant (37/47, 79%; p = 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively, when compared to allogeneic transplant group). Bleeding was the main reason reported by clinicians for a trigger change, but the occurrence of significant bleeding (Grade 2‐4) was similar in patients with or without a trigger change (51 and 54%, p = 1.00). Clinicians were influenced by the bleeding system: Grade 1 mucocutaneous bleeding leading to a trigger change was overrepresented (71% of cases), as was Grade 2 genitourinary bleeding not leading to a trigger change (57% of cases).CONCLUSION: A universal trigger of 10 × 109/L may not be maintained in a diverse population of patients with their respective bleeding risk factors. Because the trigger is changed often, it may not be as effective as previously believed.
Compound heterozygosity of HLA‐DRB3*01:01 and HLA‐DRB4*01:01 as a potential predictor of fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Loewenthal Ron , Rosenberg Nurit , Kalt Rivka , Dardik Rima , Landau Meytal , Yahalom Vered , Avishai Ofelia , Frenkel Orit , Gazit Ephraim , Steinberg David M. , Lipitz Shlomo , Salomon Ophira 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Fetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a life‐threatening bleeding disorder in the fetus or neonate caused by maternal alloantibodies directed against fetal platelet (PLT) antigens inherited from the father. The immune‐dominant antigen leading to severe FNAIT is the human PLT antigen (HPA)‐1, whose polymorphism constitutes an epitope for human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), usually DRB3*0101 leading to an immune response.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this study our aims were to find whether other allele variants of the β subunit of the HLA‐DR family specifically focused on the HLA residues that bind Position 33 of the HPA‐1 integrin contribute to FNAIT development and affect response to treatment and whether coexistence of both anti‐HPA‐1a and anti‐HLA Class I specific against the father's antigens leads to a more severe thrombocytopenia in the newborn. We examine the genotype of 23 mothers to newborns with FNAIT compared to a control group.RESULTS: Our results suggested that, when HPA‐1 incompatibility with the husband is found, the presence of two HLA alleles (DRB3*01:01 and DRB4*01:01) in the mother increases the risk and severity of FNAIT and reduces the success of a preventive immunoglobulin G treatment. We provide a structural model for the molecular basis of the rational effects of the different HLA alleles. In addition, we found that the presence of both anti‐HPA‐1 and anti‐HLAs did not aggravate FNAIT in comparison to mothers harboring only anti‐HPA‐1.CONCLUSION: Overall, we suggest that a specific genotyping of the mother in relation to HLA‐DRB as well as HPA‐1 can serve as an antenatal diagnostic tool, particularly in siblings of women who gave birth to neonates with FNAIT.