Species ranges are dynamic, and often respond to changes in global climate. Recorded increases of global average temperatures through the twentieth century have already resulted in observed shifts of species ranges within California. Projections of future species distributions under climate change are possible through models that correlate known species occurrences with observed historical climate, then project this correlation onto scenarios of climate change. Previous work in California has focused on modeling changes in the distribution of vegetation and species. This study expands on this work through (1) modeling species at finer spatial scales than previously possible, (2) applying those models in advanced conservation planning tools, and (3) illustrating the intersection of human adaptation and conservation under climate change. Section 1 presents a suite of species distribution models created with climate and water balance data that has been statistically downscaled to finer horizontal resolutions than previous statewide modeling efforts. The models encompass range simulations for over 2,000 native California plant species at scales of 90 meters, 270 meters, 800 meters, 4 kilometers, and 16 kilometers, using three time periods, two global climate models, and two emissions scenarios. Section 2 presents Network Flow Analysis that has been developed as a conservation planning tool to assess landscape connectivity for species to respond to climate change. California is a particularly challenging application for Network Flow Analysis because of its large size and diverse flora. This paper presents methods that have been developed to overcome these challenges and applied as proof-of-concept for use in California. Section 3 presents changing suitability for wine grape cultivation in California using fine-scale (270 meter) climatology. Results from this study show that projected future distributions of climates currently associated with California viticulture may result in cropping changes or other adaptive responses from wine grape growers, with potentially serious implications for land and water conservation.

Objective

To develop American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations for patient-reported Functional Status Assessment Measures (FSAMs) for use in routine clinical practice in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We convened a workgroup to conduct a systematic review of published literature through March 16, 2017 and abstract FSAM properties. Based upon initial search results and clinical input, we focused on the following FSAMs appropriate for routine clinical use: the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and derived measures and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) tool. We used the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) 4-point scoring method to evaluate each FSAM, allowing for overall level of evidence assessment. We identified FSAMs fulfilling a predefined minimum standard and, through a modified Delphi process, selected preferred FSAMs for regular use in most clinic settings.

Results

The search identified 11,835 articles, of which 56 were included in the review. Descriptions of the measures, properties, study quality, level of evidence, and feasibility were abstracted and scored. Following a modified Delphi process, 7 measures fulfilled the minimum standard for regular use in most clinic settings, and 3 measures were recommended: the PROMIS physical function 10-item short form (PROMIS PF10a), the HAQ-II, and the Multidimensional HAQ.

Conclusion

This work establishes ACR recommendations for preferred RA FSAMs for regular use in most clinic settings. These results will inform clinical practice and can support future ACR quality measure development as well as highlight ongoing research needs.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and appraisal of the cross-cultural adaptation and cross-cultural validity of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and its derivatives, and of the more recent Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) functional status assessment measures (FSAMs) in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Four electronic medical databases were searched from inception until April 4, 2018 according to the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) group search strategy. Included studies were evaluated using the COSMIN tool for cross-cultural validity and were scored as excellent, good, fair, or poor.

Results

Of 58 articles identified by our search strategy and 3 by manual search, 39 were included: 29 described the translation, cultural adaptation, or cross-cultural validity of the HAQ disability index, 8 other HAQ derivatives, and 2 PROMIS measures, representing 22 languages. Of the 39 articles reviewed, 3 examined the cross-cultural validity of translated versions. These studies were rated as follows: 2 as excellent, 3 good, 13 fair, and 21 poor. Two studies examining cross-cultural validity noted differential item functioning (DIF) between Dutch and US populations for the HAQ-II and PROMIS measures, and a third study found DIF between Turkish and UK populations on the HAQ, indicating cultural differences in questionnaire response.

Conclusion

This review highlights a paucity of data on the cross-cultural validity of FSAMs and the mostly poor- or fair-quality methods by which they were translated and adapted, which needs to be considered when using these measures for multinational clinical trials and for day-to-day use in clinical practice.