bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying surface‐area changes of volcanic islands driven by Pleistocene sea‐level cycles: biogeographical implications for the Macaronesian archipelagos
Authors: Rijsdijk Kenneth F. , Hengl Tom , Norder Sietze J. , Otto Rüdiger , Emerson Brent C. , Ávila Sérgio P. , López Heriberto , van Loon E. Emiel , Tjørve Even , Fernández‐Palacios José María 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimWe assessed the biogeographical implications of Pleistocene sea‐level fluctuations on the surface area of Macaronesian volcanic oceanic islands. We quantified the effects of sea‐level cycles on surface area over 1000‐year intervals. Using data from the Canarian archipelago, we tested whether changes in island configuration since the late Pleistocene explain species distribution patterns.LocationThirty‐one islands of four Macaronesian archipelagos (the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde).MethodsWe present a model that quantifies the surface‐area change of volcanic islands driven by fluctuations in mean sea level (MSL). We assessed statistically whether Canarian islands that were merged during sea‐level lowstands exhibit a significantly higher percentage of shared (endemic) species than other comparable neighbouring islands that remained isolated, using multimodel comparisons evaluated using the Akaike information criterion (AIC).ResultsEach Macaronesian island exhibited a unique area‐change history. The previously connected islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura share significantly more species of Insecta than the similarly geographically proximate island pair of La Gomera and Tenerife, which have never been connected. Additionally, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura contain the highest percentage of two‐island endemic Plantae species compared with all other neighbouring island pairs within the Canaries. The multimodel comparison showed that past connectedness provides improved explanatory models of shared island endemics.Main conclusionsPleistocene sea‐level changes resulted in abrupt alterations in island surface areas, coastal habitats and geographical isolation, often within two millennia. The merging of currently isolated islands during marine lowstands may explain both shared species richness and patterns of endemism on volcanic islands. Currently, the islands are close to their long‐term minimum surface areas and most isolated configurations, suggesting that insular biota are particularly vulnerable to increasing human impact.
Dynamics of transcriptome evolution in the model eukaryote Neurospora
Authors: Whittle C. A. , Sun Y. , Johannesson H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMounting evidence indicates that changes in the transcriptome contribute significantly to the phenotypic differentiation of closely related species. Nonetheless, further genome‐wide studies, spanning a broad range of organisms, are needed to decipher the factors driving transcriptome evolution. The model Neurospora (Ascomycota) comprises a simple system for empirically studying the evolutionary dynamics of the transcriptome. Here, we studied the evolution of gene expression in Neurospora crassa and Neurospora tetrasperma and show that patterns of transcriptome evolution are connected to genome evolution, tissue type and sexual identity (mating types, mat A and mat a) in these eukaryotes. Based on the comparisons of inter‐ and intraspecies expression divergence, our data reveal that rapid expression divergence is more apt to occur in sexual/female (SF) than vegetative/male (VM) tissues. In addition, interspecies gene expression and protein sequence divergence were strongly correlated for SF, but not VM, tissue. A correlation between transcriptome and protein evolution parallels findings from certain animals, but not yeast, and add support for the theory that expression evolution differs fundamentally among multicellular and unicellular eukaryotes. Finally, we found that sexual identity in these hermaphroditic Neurospora species is connected to interspecies expression divergence in a tissue‐dependent manner: rapid divergence occurred for mat A‐ and mat a‐biased genes from SF and VM tissues, respectively. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that rapid interspecies transcriptome evolution is shifting the mating types of Neurospora towards distinct female and male phenotypes, that is, sexual dimorphism.
Analysing small insect glands with UV‐LDI MS: high‐resolution spatial analysis reveals the chemical composition and use of the osmeterium secretion in Themira superba (Sepsidae: Diptera)
Authors: Araujo D. P. , Tuan M. J. M. , Yew J. Y. , Meier R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractFor many insect species, pheromones are important communication tools, but chemical analysis and experimental study can be technically challenging because they require the detection and handling of complex chemicals in small quantities. One drawback of traditional mass spectrometry methods such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry is that whole‐body extractions from one to several hundred individuals are required, with the consequence that intra‐ and interindividual differences cannot be detected. Here, we used the recently introduced UV‐LDI MS (ultraviolet laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry) to profile the ‘osmeterium’ of the sepsid fly Themira superba that is located on the edge of the hind tibia of males. Based on analyses of individual legs, we established that the gland produced a secretion that consisted of oxygenated hydrocarbons and putative isoprenoids. The secretion was first detected 24 h after eclosion, and its transfer to the wings of females during mating was demonstrated using UV‐LDI MS. We then tested whether the secretion had an anti‐aphrodisiac function, but experimental transfer of the secretion to virgin females did not affect mating success or copulation duration. Throughout the study, UV‐LDI MS proved invaluable, because it allowed tracking the natural and experimental transfer of small quantities of pheromones to specific body parts of small flies.
Effects of Chitosan Coatings Incorporated with Garlic Oil on Quality Characteristics of Shrimp
Authors: Aşik Emine , Candoğan Kezban 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe effect of chitosan‐based edible coatings (CC) incorporated with garlic (Allium sativum) oil at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% on shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) meat quality was investigated during refrigerated storage (4C) for 11 days. CC application resulted in lower pH (P < 0.05) as compared with the uncoated control. Reductions in aerobic plate counts (APC) up to 2 log units were promoted by CC. Combined effect of garlic oil (GO) and CC was observed. CC resulted in lower APC with GO (P < 0.05) toward the end of storage. CC reduced total volatile base nitrogen and trimethylamine nitrogen contents in comparison with C (P < 0.05), with no significant effect of GO incorporation (P > 0.05). Antioxidant activity of CC was only apparent during the earlier periods of storage, while GO accelerated lipid oxidation as measured by thiobarbituric acid value. CC application with or without GO generally resulted in higher lightness (L*), and lower redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values. Minimum concentration of GO incorporation (0.5%) into chitosan coating could be useful in extending the shelf life of shrimp meat during refrigerated storage.Practical ApplicationsApplication of edible films and coatings with natural active compounds for enhancing storage stability of food products is a promising active packaging approach. Several biopolymers with the inclusion of antimicrobial and/or antioxidant active agents have been tested in vitro; however, limited studies have been conducted for real food applications of these antimicrobial/antioxidant packaging systems. Chitosan, commercially produced from processing the waste of crustaceans, is an important biopolymer that possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant activity as well as enormous economic value. In the current study, chitosan coatings with the inclusion of garlic oil (GO) were applied to shrimp meat as an alternative natural method to extend shelf life. The obtained results suggest that chitosan coatings with minimum concentration of GO (0.5%) addition could be used as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging system for preservation of shrimp meat in a fresh state during refrigerated storage.
Geographic Variation in Out‐of‐Pocket Expenditures of Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Chen Lena M. , Norton Edward C. , Langa Kenneth M. , Le Sidney , Epstein Arnold M. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo examine whether out‐of‐pocket expenditures (OOPEs) exhibit the same geographic variation as Medicare claims, given wide variation in the costs of U.S. health care, but no information on how that translates into OOPEs or financial burden for older Americans.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingData from the Health and Retirement Study linked to Medicare claims.ParticipantsA nationally representative cohort of 4,657 noninstitutionalized, community‐dwelling, fee‐for‐service elderly Medicare beneficiaries interviewed in 2006 and 2008.MeasurementsThe primary predictor was per capita Medicare spending quintile according to hospital referral region. The primary outcome was a self‐reported, validated measure of annual OOPEs excluding premiums.ResultsMean and median adjusted per capita Medicare payments were $5,916 and $2,635, respectively; mean and median adjusted OOPEs were $1,525 and $779, respectively. Adjusted median Medicare payments were $3,474 in the highest cost quintile and $1,942 in the lowest cost quintile (ratio 1.79, P < .001 for difference). In contrast, adjusted median OOPEs were not higher in the highest than in the lowest Medicare cost quintile ($795 vs $764 for a Q5:Q1 ratio of 1.04, P = .42). The Q5:Q1 ratio was 1.48 for adjusted mean Medicare payments and 1.04 for adjusted mean OOPEs (both P < .001).ConclusionMedicare payments vary widely between high‐ and low‐cost regions, but OOPEs do not.
Are Advance Directives Associated with Better Hospice Care?
Authors: Ache Kevin , Harrold Joan , Harris Pamela , Dougherty Meredith , Casarett David 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo describe individuals with advance directives at the time of hospice enrollment and to determine whether they have patterns of care and outcomes that are different from those of individuals without advance directives.DesignElectronic health record–based retrospective cohort study with propensity score–adjusted analysis.SettingThree hospice programs in the United States.ParticipantsIndividuals admitted to hospice between January 1, 2008, and May 15, 2012 (N = 49,370).MeasurementsTiming of hospice enrollment before death, rates of voluntary withdrawal from hospice, and site of death.ResultsMost participants (35,968, 73%) had advance directives at the time of hospice enrollment. These participants were enrolled in hospice longer (median 29 vs 15 days) and had longer survival times before death (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.66; P < .001). They were less likely to die within the first week after hospice enrollment (24.3% vs 33.2%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.78–0.88; P < .001). Participants with advance directives were less likely to leave hospice voluntarily (2.2% vs 3.4%; aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.74–0.90; P = .003) and more likely to die at home or in a nursing home than in an inpatient unit (15.3% vs 25.8%; aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.77–0.87; P < .001).ConclusionParticipants with advance directives were enrolled in hospice for a longer period of time before death than those without and were more likely to die in the setting of their choice.
Pandemic Influenza Plans in Residential Care Facilities
Authors: Lum Hillary D. , Mody Lona , Levy Cari R. , Ginde Adit A. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo identify characteristics of residential care facilities (RCFs) associated with having a pandemic influenza plan.DesignNationally representative, cross‐sectional survey.SettingRCFs in the United States.ParticipantsParticipating facilities in the 2010 National Survey of RCFs (N = 2,294), representing 31,030 assisted living facilities and personal care homes.MeasurementsFacility‐level characteristics associated with a pandemic influenza plan, including general organization descriptors, staffing, resident services, and immunization practices.ResultsForty‐five percent (95% confidence interval (CI) = 43–47%) had a pandemic plan, 14% (95% CI = 13–16%) had a plan in preparation, and 41% (95% CI = 38–43%) had no plan. In the multivariable model, organization characteristics, staffing, and immunization practices were independently associated with the presence of a pandemic preparedness plan. Organization characteristics were larger size (extra large, OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.96–5.46; large, OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.81–3.75; medium, OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.21–2.27 vs small), not‐for‐profit status (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.31–2.09 vs for profit), and chain affiliation (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.31–2.09 vs nonaffiliated). Staffing characteristics included number of registered nurse hours (<15 minutes, OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.07–1.74 vs no hours), any licensed practical nurse hours (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.08–1.99 vs no hours), and at least 75 hours of required training for aides (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.05–1.71 vs <75 hours). RCFs with high staff influenza vaccination rates (81–100%, OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.27–3.53 vs 0% vaccinated) were also more likely to have a pandemic plan.ConclusionA majority of RCFs lacked a pandemic influenza plan. These facilities were smaller, for‐profit, non‐chain‐affiliated RCFs and had lower staff vaccination rates. These characteristics may help target facilities that need to develop plans to handle a pandemic, or other disasters.
Health‐related quality of life and psychological well‐being in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Pinto Julian Dong Oh , He Hong‐Gu , Chan Sally Wai Chi , Toh Poh Choo , Esuvaranathan Kesavan , Wang Wenru 
Published: May 2014

Aims and objectivesTo examine the health‐related quality of life and psychological well‐being of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and identify the predictive factors of health‐related quality of life.BackgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia is highly prevalent in ageing men and causes bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms, which has a negative impact on their health‐related quality of life. The current practice of managing benign prostatic hyperplasia focuses on relieving physical symptoms. However, the impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia on the patients' health‐related quality of life and psychological well‐being remains understudied, especially in the Asian population.DesignA descriptive correlational survey study.MethodsA convenience sample of 97 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia was recruited at an outpatient urology clinic of a tertiary hospital in Singapore. The health‐related quality of life, lower urinary tract symptoms and psychological well‐being of the participants were assessed using the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey, International Prostate Symptom Score and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively.ResultsThe health‐related quality of life scores were low with physical and mental health component scores of 47·0 and 48·9, respectively, as assessed by the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey. There was a high prevalence of anxiety (10·3%) and depression (21·6%). Correlation analysis revealed significantly negative relationships between lower urinary tract symptoms, anxiety, depression and physical and mental health dimensions of the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey. Multiple linear regression analysis further identified that postvoid residual urine and lower urinary tract symptoms were predictive factors of the physical health dimension, whereas anxiety and depression were predictive factors of the mental health dimension of the 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey.ConclusionsThe health‐related quality of life of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia was poor, and their psychological well‐being was severely affected. Postvoid residual urine, lower urinary tract symptoms, anxiety and depression were identified to be significant predictive factors of the health‐related quality of life of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Relevance to clinical practiceFindings from this study provide useful evidence‐based information for healthcare professionals in the development and implementation of effective and culturally sensitive interventions to improve the health‐related quality of life and psychological well‐being of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Influence of feeding and UVB exposition on the absorption mechanisms of calcium in the gastrointestinal tract of veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus)
Authors: Haxhiu D. , Hoby S. , Wenker C. , Boos A. , Kowalewski M. P. , Lewis F. , Liesegang A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of feeding and UVB exposition on the occurrence and distribution patterns of vitamin D receptors (VDR) and calbindin D28k (Cb‐D28k) in the gastrointestinal tract of veiled chameleons. Thus, 56 veiled chameleon hatchlings were divided into six treatment groups: UV (with UVB exposure); No (no supplements, no UVB exposure); CaAUV (with calcium (Ca), vitamin A supplementation, UVB exposure); CaA (with Ca, vitamin A supplementation); CaADUV (with Ca, vitamin A, vitamin D supplementation, UVB exposure); and CaAD (with Ca, vitamin A, vitamin D supplementation). Animals were reared under the suspected conditions for 6 months on locust‐based diets. Tissue samples of stomach, duodenum, ileum and colon were taken, and semi‐quantitative immunohistochemical methods (IHC) were performed to detect Cb‐D28k and VDR. VDR immunoreactions were higher in the luminal epithelium of the duodenum than in that of the ileum. VDR immunoreactions in the luminal epithelium were higher at the base of the villi of the duodenum as compared to the tip. Cb‐D28k immunoreactions were mainly observed in the luminal epithelium of the duodenum. The two groups treated with all dietary supplements (CaADUV, CaAD) exhibited a higher Cb‐D28k immunoreaction as those with no supplements and UVB exposure only. No immunoreaction for both proteins could be detected in the stomach. This study suggests that the duodenum plays an important role in the active transcellular absorption of Ca in veiled chameleons as shown by the immunohistochemical detection of VDR and Cb‐D28k. Expression of Cb‐D28k, in particular, appears to be regulated by dietary supplementation of vitamin D and vitamin A. VDRs, however, tended to be upregulated when animals were not supplemented with Ca, vitamin D and vitamin A. This may be due to the decreased Ca concentrations which caused vitamin D activation in the skin without any supplementation, but UVB exposure.
An Update of the International Society of Sexual Medicine's Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Premature Ejaculation (PE)
Authors: Althof Stanley E. , McMahon Chris G. , Waldinger Marcel D. , Serefoglu Ege Can , Shindel Alan W. , Ganesan Adaikan P. , Becher Edgardo , Dean John , Giuliano Francois , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. , Giraldi Annamaria , Glina Sidney , Incrocci Luca , Jannini Emmanuele , McCabe Marita , Parish Sharon , Rowland David , Taylor Segraves R. , Sharlip Ira , Torres Luiz Otavio 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Introduction
In 2009, the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) convened a select panel of experts to develop an evidence-based set of guidelines for patients suffering from lifelong premature ejaculation (PE). That document reviewed definitions, etiology, impact on the patient and partner, assessment, and pharmacological, psychological, and combined treatments. It concluded by recognizing the continually evolving nature of clinical research and recommended a subsequent guideline review and revision every fourth year. Consistent with that recommendation, the ISSM organized a second multidisciplinary panel of experts in April 2013, which met for 2 days in Bangalore, India. This manuscript updates the previous guidelines and reports on the recommendations of the panel of experts.

Aim
The aim of this study was to develop clearly worded, practical, evidenced-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of PE for family practice clinicians as well as sexual medicine experts.

Method
A comprehensive literature review was performed.

Results
This article contains the report of the second ISSM PE Guidelines Committee. It offers a new unified definition of PE and updates the previous treatment recommendations. Brief assessment procedures are delineated, and validated diagnostic and treatment questionnaires are reviewed. Finally, the best practices treatment recommendations are presented to guide clinicians, both familiar and unfamiliar with PE, in facilitating treatment of their patients.

Conclusion
Development of guidelines is an evolutionary process that continually reviews data and incorporates the best new research. We expect that ongoing research will lead to a more complete understanding of the pathophysiology as well as new efficacious and safe treatments for this sexual dysfunction. We again recommend that these guidelines be reevaluated and updated by the ISSM in 4 years.
Sexuality and Psychopathological Aspects in Premenopausal Women with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Alvisi Stefania , Baldassarre Maurizio , Lambertini Martina , Martelli Valentina , Berra Marta , Moscatiello Simona , Marchesini Giulio , Venturoli Stefano , Meriggiola Maria Cristina 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that have been suggested to impact female sexual function.AimsThis study aims to assess the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in premenopausal women with MetS compared with healthy controls (HC). Psychopathological aspects and the relationship to FSD were also evaluated in both groups.MethodsTwo hundred four premenopausal women, of whom 98 had diagnosis of MetS, were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ). Routine laboratory tests and anthropometric measurements were routinely performed.Main Outcome MeasuresFSFI and FSDS questionnaires, prevalence of FSD, and MHQ scores.ResultsIn the MetS group compared with the HC group, we found: a lower global FSFI score (P = 0.005), higher prevalence of pathological scores compared with HC group, and lower scores in the desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm domains. An inverse correlation between the FSFI score and the number of risk factors for MetS was detected. MetS women reported significantly higher total scores in the somatization and depression domains when compared with the HC group. The logistic regression showed that high triglycerides (odds ratio [OR] 3.097; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.272–7.542; P = 0.026) and somatization (OR 7.068; CI 95% 2.291–21.812; P = 0.001) are independently associated with FSD in premenopausal women.ConclusionsOur results indicate a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in MetS women. A number of risk factors for MetS are positively associated with FSD and higher triglycerides seem to be the strongest predictors of sexual dysfunction. Psychopathological dimensions such as somatization are strongly associated with sexual dysfunction.