bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species richness and phylogenetic diversity of native and non‐native species respond differently to area and environmental factors
Authors: Li Daijiang , Monahan William B. , Baiser Benjamin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo test whether native and non‐native species have similar diversity–area relationships (species–area relationships [SARs] and phylogenetic diversity–area relationships [PDARs]) and whether they respond similarly to environmental variables.LocationUnited States.MethodsUsing lists of native and non‐native species as well as environmental variables for >250 US national parks, we compared SARs and PDARs of native and non‐native species to test whether they respond similarly to environmental conditions. We then used multiple regressions involving climate, land cover and anthropogenic variables to further explore underlying predictors of diversity for plants and birds in US national parks.ResultsNative and non‐native species had different slopes for SARs and PDARs, with significantly higher slopes for native species. Corroborating this pattern, multiple regressions showed that native and non‐native diversity of plants and birds responded differently to a greater number of environmental variables than expected by chance. For native species richness, park area and longitude were the most important variables while the number of park visitors, temperature and the percentage of natural area were among the most important ones for non‐native species richness. Interestingly, the most important predictor of native and non‐native plant phylogenetic diversity, temperature, had positive effects on non‐native plants but negative effects on natives.Main conclusionsSARs, PDARs and multiple regressions all suggest that native and non‐native plants and birds responded differently to environmental factors that influence their diversity. The agreement between diversity–area relationships and multiple regressions with environmental variables suggests that SARs and PDARs can be both used as quick proxies of overall responses of species to environmental conditions. However, more importantly, our results suggest that global change will have different effects on native and non‐native species, making it inappropriate to apply the large body of knowledge on native species to understand patterns of community assembly of non‐native species.
Comparing local‐ and regional‐scale estimations of the diversity of stream fish using eDNA metabarcoding and conventional observation methods
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru , Yamamoto Satoshi , Sato Yukuto , Sado Tetsuya , Minamoto Toshifumi , Miya Masaki 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

We present a performance evaluation of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding with MiFish‐U/E primers to investigate local and regional diversities of stream fish species to examine potential effectiveness, limits and future remedies of this technique in large‐scale monitoring. We hypothesised that eDNA inferences are more consistent with fish assemblages observed upstream than downstream due to a directional flow of river water.

River water was sampled at 102 sites in 51 rivers around Lake Biwa in the central part of Honshu Island, Japan, within 10 person‐days, and fish species compositions inferred from eDNA and existing observational data were compared. Observation sites were chosen from the observational data that were within a certain distance (buffer range) of a water‐sampling site along a river trajectory. The hypothesis of the detection bias of eDNA towards upstream assemblage was tested by comparing results with all of the observational data, data from a higher elevation and data from a lower elevation. The Jaccard dissimilarity index was plotted between the observational data and the eDNA estimates against the buffer range; the buffer range with minimum dissimilarity was chosen.

When using existing observational data from within 6 km upstream of the eDNA sampling sites, the eDNA results were the most consistent with the observational data and inferred 86.4% of the species reported (38/44), as well as two additional species. eDNA results also showed patterns consistent with known upstream–downstream turnover of related species and biogeographical assemblage patterns of certain species.

Our 10‐person‐days survey using the metabarcoding technique enabled us to obtain as much regional fish diversity data including the hypothesised pattern of eDNA detection with an upstream bias as the accumulated observational data obtained through greater amounts of time, money and labour. The problems regarding false‐positive/negative detection were suggested in our survey; however, these should be decreased or removed by modifying the sampling methods and experimental procedures in future works. Therefore, we concluded this new tool to enable monitoring that has never been implemented, such as cross‐nation, and even whole‐Earth monitoring with the data at yearly, seasonal or finer temporal scales.
KRAS mutation is predictive of outcome in patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma
Authors: Mehrad Mitra , Roy Somak , LaFramboise William A , Petrosko Patti , Miller Caitlyn , Incharoen Pimpin , Dacic Sanja 
Published: February 2018

AimsPulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a poorly differentiated non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with aggressive behaviour. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of PSCs.Methods and resultsFifty‐three cases of surgically treated PSCs were selected, 23 of which were subjected to mutation and copy number variation analysis using the 50‐gene Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Panel. The majority of the patients were male (32 of 53, 60.3%) and smokers (51 of 53, 96.2%). Overall, 25 (47.1%) patients died within 2–105 months (mean = 22.7 months, median = 15 months) after diagnosis, and 28 were alive 3–141 months (mean = 38.7 months, median = 21.5 months) after diagnosis. Five‐year overall survival was 12.5%. KRAS codon 12/13 mutation in adenocarcinomas (P = 0.01), age more than 70 years (P = 0.008) and tumour size ≥4.0 cm (P = 0.02) were associated strongly with worse outcome. TP53 (17 of 23, 74.0%) and KRAS codon 12 of 13 mutations (10 of 23, 43.4%) were the most common genetic alterations. Potentially actionable variants were identified including ATM (four of 23, 17.3%), MET, FBXW7 and EGFR (two of 23, 8.7%), AKT1, KIT, PDGFRA, HRAS, JAK3 and SMAD4 (one of 23, 4.3%). MET exon 14 skipping and missense mutations were identified in two (11.1%) cases with adenocarcinoma histology. Copy number analysis showed loss of RB1 (three of 23, 13%) and ATM (two of 23, 8.7%). Copy number gains were seen in EGFR (two of 23, 13.0%) and in one (4.3%) of each PIK3CA, KRAS, MET and STK11.ConclusionsPotentially targetable mutations can be identified in a subset of PSC, although most tumours harbour currently untargetable prognostically adverse TP53 and KRAS mutations.
Factors associated with delayed linkage to care following HIV diagnosis in the WHO European Region
Authors: Croxford S , Burns F , Copas A , Pharris A , Rinder Stengaard A , Delpech V ,   OptTEST by HIV in Europe
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo describe linkage to HIV care following diagnosis in Europe and to identify factors associated with delayed linkage.MethodsWe analysed data of adults (aged ≥ 15 years) diagnosed with HIV from 2010 to 2014 in 31 European countries. Linkage to care was calculated using the time between HIV diagnosis and first CD4 count. Linkage was considered delayed if the CD4 count was taken more than 3 months after diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to determine factors for delayed linkage.ResultsOf the 120 129 adults diagnosed from 2010 to 2014, 4560 were previously diagnosed elsewhere, 808 died within 3 months of diagnosis and 54 731 people were missing CD4 count and/or date information. Among the 60 030 people included, linkage to care within 3 months was 96%. A lower bound (LB) for this was 55%, when those missing CD4 data were assumed not to be linked. Prompt linkage varied significantly by region [Western: 97% (LB: 65%); Central: 90% (LB: 65%); Eastern: 91% (LB: 11%)] and risk group. In multivariable analysis, delayed linkage to care was associated with: acquiring HIV through injecting drug use/heterosexual contact, being diagnosed in Central/Eastern Europe and having a first CD4 count > 200 cells/μL. People of older age at diagnosis and those diagnosed after 2011 were more likely to be linked promptly. Associations differed by region.ConclusionsAmong those with CD4 data available, linkage to care is prompt. However, HIV surveillance must be strengthened and data quality improved, particularly in Eastern Europe. Our findings highlight disparities in care access and significant differences between regions.
Monitoring HIV‐indicator condition guided HIV testing in Estonia
Authors: Rüütel K , Lemsalu L , Lätt S ,   OptTEST by HiE
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess indicator condition (IC) guided HIV testing in Estonia from 2012–2015.MethodsWe used Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF) data. EHIF is the core purchaser of health care services in Estonia, covering health care costs for insured people (94% of the total population). After health care services’ provision, the provider sends an invoice to EHIF, which includes patient information (e.g. age, gender, diagnoses based on ICD‐10) and services provided (e.g. what tests were performed).ResultsAmong the ICs analysed, the highest proportion of patients tested was among those presenting with infectious mononucleosis‐like illness (27–33% of patients) and viral hepatitis (28–32%), the lowest proportion of patients tested was among those presenting with herpes zoster (4–5%) and pneumonia (4–8%). Women were tested somewhat less than men, especially in cases of sexually transmitted infections (9–13% and 18–21%, respectively).ConclusionsOur data shows that IC‐guided HIV testing rates are low in Estonia. Therefore, it is critical to follow Estonian HIV testing guidelines, which recommend IC‐guided testing. In general, health insurance data can be used to monitor IC‐guided HIV testing.
The HepHIV 2017 Conference in Malta: joining forces for the earlier diagnosis of HIV and viral hepatitis
Authors: Raben D , Hoekstra M , Sperle I , Amato Gauci AJ , Gauci C , West B , Sullivan A , Lazarus JV , Platteau T , Rockstroh JK ,   the HepHIV Conference Organising Committee and the HIV in Europe Steering Committee
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesThe objective of the article is to provide an overview of the results of the HepHIV 2017 Conference organized by the HIV in Europe initiative under the Maltese EU Presidency in January 2017.MethodsA thourough review of all conference presentations (oral and poster presentations) was performed to retrieve the key outcomes of the conference.ResultsThe key result from the conference was a call to action summarising key priorities in HIV and viral hepatitis testing and linkage to care. This included improving monitoring of viral hepatitis and HIV, mixing testing strategies and ensuring policy support. The important contribution and outcomes of EU funded projects OptTEST and EuroHIVEdat was highlighted.ConclusionAn integrated approach to earlier testing and linkage to care across diseases is needed in Europe and the HepHIV conferences create an important forum to reach this aim.
Factors associated with HCV test uptake in heroin users entering substitution treatment in Greece
Authors: Anagnostou O , Fotiou A , Kanavou E , Antaraki A , Terzidou M , Richardson C , Kafetzopoulos E ,   The Drug Related Infectious Diseases (DRID) Medical Doctors Group of OKANA
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesPeople who inject drugs (PWID) represent the main risk group for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in most middle and high‐income countries. Testing PWID is considered as an important prevention measure. Identification of PWID characteristics associated with HCV testing may contribute to strategies targeting the containment of the HCV and HIV epidemics in Greece.MethodsAnonymous behavioural data from 2747 heroin users were collected upon entry in 38 opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinics in Greece during the period 2013–2015. HCV test uptake was the dependent variable while covariates included sociodemographic and addiction‐related variables, mostly derived from the EMCDDA treatment demand indicator protocol.ResultsAmong 2299 cases with complete data on HCV testing, 83.5% reported any HCV testing uptake, with 61.2% reporting a recent test (< 12 months). In the multivariate analyses, any previous HCV testing uptake was associated with age ≥ 25 years, past drug treatment attempt, injecting or sniffing the primary substance, injection history ≥ 5 years, and syringe sharing earlier than the past 12 months. Past HCV test uptake was higher among those reporting full‐time employment and 2–4 years injecting histories, and lower among residents of Athens. Recent testing was positively associated with female gender and polysubstance use.ConclusionAny previous HCV testing uptake is high among PWID entering OST in Greece and is associated with older age, longer injecting histories and past drug‐related treatment attempts. Efforts to prevent and mitigate the ongoing HCV test epidemic among PWID in Greece should combine treatment with scaling up of screening, targeting especially those younger than 25 years and at the beginning of their hazardous use.
Key findings on legal and regulatory barriers toHIVtesting and access to care across Europe
Authors: Power L , Hows J , Jakobsen SF ,   OptTEST by HIV in Europe
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this work within OptTESTby HiE has been to demonstrate the role of legal and regulatory barriers in hindering access toHIVtesting, treatment and care across Europe and to produce tools to help dismantle them.MethodsAn online survey to assess country‐specific data on legal and regulatory barriers distributed widely across theWHOEurope region. Literature reviews conducted in January‐October 2015 in English, in November 2015 in Russian, and updated in April 2017. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 25 key actors within theHIVfield to feed into case studies and tip sheets on how to dismantle legal and regulatory barriers.ResultsMore than 160 individuals and organisations from 49 countries across theWHOEuropean region provided responses which were analysed and cross checked with other data sources and a searchable database produced (legalbarriers.peoplewithhiveurope.org). The conducted literature reviews yielded 88 papers and reports which identify legal and regulatory barriers to key populations’ access toHVtesting and care. Based on the interviews with key actors, ranging fromPLHIVactivists to government officials, on lessons‐learned, a series of tip sheets and ten case studies were written‐up intended to inform and inspire theHIVcommunity to address and overcome existing barriers (opttest.eu/Tools).ConclusionWhile some of the barriers identified may require major changes to wider health systems, or long term legal reform, many are open to a simple change in regulations or custom and practice. We have the tools. Why can't we finish the job?
Knowledge, actual and potential use of HIV self‐sampling testing kits among MSM recruited in eight European countries.
Authors: Hoyos J , Maté T , Indave BI , Agustí C , Chanos S , Pichon F , Kuske M , Cigan B , Fuertes R , Ooms L , Stefanescu R , Cabeza de Vaca C , Arranz B , de la Fuente L , Belza MJ 
Published: February 2018

AimTo describe the knowledge as well as current and potential use of self‐sampling kits among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to analyse their preferred biological sample and result communication method.MethodsWe analyse data of MSM of HIV negative or unknown serostatus from an online survey conducted in eight countries (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain) between April and December 2016. It was advertised mainly in gay dating websites. We conduct a descriptive analysis of the main characteristics of the participants, and present data on indicators of knowledge, use and potential use of HIV self‐sampling as well as their preferences regarding blood or saliva sample and face or non‐face‐to‐face result communication by country of residence.ResultsA total of 8.226 participants of HIV negative or unknown serostatus were included in the analysis. Overall, 25.5% of participants knew about self‐sampling (range: 18.8–47.2%) and 1.1% had used it in the past (range: 0.3–8.9%). Potential use was high, with 66.6% of all participants reporting that they would have already used it if available in the past (range: 62.1–82.1%). Most (78.6%) reported that they would prefer using a blood‐based kit, and receiving the result of the test through a non‐face‐to‐face‐method (70.8%), even in the case of receiving a reactive result.ConclusionThe high potential use reported by MSM recruited in eight different European countries suggests that self‐sampling kits are a highly acceptable testing methodology that could contribute to the promotion of HIV testing in this population.
COMPETITIVENESS AND STRESS
Authors: Zhong Songfa , Shalev Idan , Koh David , Ebstein Richard P. , Chew Soo Hong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between competitiveness and stress. In Experiment 1, we observe a higher response of cortisol—the primary stress hormone—to the computation task coupled with tournament than to the computation task with piece rate. Moreover, more competitive subjects exhibit higher stress responses than their less competitive counterparts in the computation tasks under both tournament and piece rate. In Experiment 2, we find that exogenously induced stress does not significantly affect competitiveness. Overall, our findings reveal an important trade‐off between tournament and piece rate in terms of stress response with implications on the design of incentive contracts.
ENDOGENOUS ROLE ASSIGNMENT AND TEAM PERFORMANCE
Authors: Cooper David J. , Sutter Matthias 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe study how the mechanism used for assigning roles within teams affects team performance. Subjects play the takeover game in buyer–seller teams. Understanding optimal play is demanding for buyers and trivial for sellers, so teams should perform better if the buyer is the abler teammate. When teammates are allowed to jointly choose their roles, abler teammates tend to become buyers, but this is more than offset by disruptions to the learning process. We examine two potential sources for the latter effect and find that endogenous role assignment has a negative psychological and emotional effect on buyers.
Participatory action as a research method with public health nurses
Authors: Cusack Cheryl , Cohen Benita , Mignone Javier , Chartier Mariette J. , Lutfiyya Zana 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimThis article explores and describes participatory action research (PAR) as a preferred method in addressing nursing practice issues. This is the first study that used PAR with public health nurses (PHNs) in Canada to develop a professional practice model.BackgroundParticipatory action research is a sub‐category of action research that incorporates feminist and critical theory with foundations in the field of social psychology. For nurses, critical analysis of long‐established beliefs and practices through PAR contributes to emancipatory knowledge regarding the impact of traditional hierarchies on their practice.DesignThis study used participatory action, a non‐traditional but systematic research method, which assisted participants to develop a solution to a long‐standing organizational issue.MethodThe stages of generating concerns, participatory action, acting on concerns, reflection and evaluation were implemented from 2012 ‐ 2013 in an urban Canadian city, to develop a professional practice model for PHNs.FindingsFour sub‐themes specific to PAR are discussed. These are “participatory action research engaged PHNs in development of a professional practice model;” “the participatory action research cycles of “Look, Think, Act” expanded participants’ views;” “participatory action research increased awareness of organizational barriers;” and “participatory action research promoted individual empowerment and system transformation.”ConclusionsThis study resulted in individual and system change that may not have been possible without the use of PAR. The focus was engagement of participants and recognition of their lived experience, which facilitated PHNs’ empowerment, leadership and consciousness‐raising.
From equity to power: Critical Success Factors for Twinning between midwives, a Delphi study
Authors: Cadée Franka , Nieuwenhuijze Marianne J. , Lagro‐Janssen Antoine L. M. , de Vries Raymond 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsTo gain consensus for Critical Success Factors associated with Twinning in Midwifery.BackgroundInternational publications identify midwifery as important for improving maternity care worldwide. Midwifery is a team effort where midwives play a key role. Yet their power to take on this role is often lacking. Twinning has garnered potential to develop power in professionals, however, its success varies because implementation is not always optimal. Critical Success Factors have demonstrated positive results in the managerial context and can be helpful to build effective Twinning relationships.DesignWe approached 56 midwife Twinning experts from 19 countries to participate in three Delphi rounds between 2016 ‐ 2017.MethodsIn round 1, experts gave input through an open ended questionnaire and this was analysed to formulate Critical Success Factors statements that were scored on a 1–7 Likert scale aiming to gain consensus in rounds 2 and 3. These statements were operationalized for practical use such as a check list in planning, monitoring and evaluation in the field.FindingsThirty‐three experts from 14 countries took part in all three Delphi rounds, producing 58 initial statements. This resulted in 25 Critical Success Factors covering issues of management, communication, commitment and values, most focus on equity.ConclusionThe Critical Success Factors formulated represent the necessary ingredients for successful Twinning by providing a practical implementation framework and promote further research into the effect of Twinning. Findings show that making equity explicit in Twinning may contribute towards the power of midwives to take on their identified key role.