bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of intra‐seasonal variability on vegetation data
Authors: Vymazalová Marie , Axmanová Irena , Tichý Lubomír 
Published: April 2012

AbstractQuestionsIt is generally acknowledged that the date of sampling partly determines the floristic composition and layer covers of vegetation plots. However, the effect of vegetation seasonality on the results of vegetation analyses is still insufficiently explored. Here, we investigated two data sets to examine how intra‐seasonal variability of vegetation influences the pattern of: (1) species composition; (2) species richness, number of unrecorded species, plant life‐form spectra; and (3) quantitative changes in cover of individual species and layers.LocationDeciduous forests and dry grasslands in SE Czech Republic.MethodsWe established 40 forest and 46 dry grassland permanent plots, each sampled in three periods (spring, summer and autumn). We compared species composition and β‐diversity patterns in multi‐dimensional space between different periods of the growing season using permutational multivariate analyses (PERMANOVA, PERMDISP). We used ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey post‐hoc tests to assess differences in species richness, proportions of unrecorded species, changes in layer cover and plant life‐form spectra.ResultsIn the Forest data set, spring plots significantly differed in their species composition from summer and autumn plots, while we found significant differences between different periods of the growing season in the Dry grasslands data set. We confirmed, that the forest species richness was highest in summer plots, while the α‐diversity in spring and summer dry grassland plots were comparable and notably declined in autumn. Although most plant life forms were best recorded in summer, both forest geophytes and dry grassland therophytes were best recorded in spring.ConclusionsWe suggest that before analysing vegetation plot data, large databases should be carefully stratified according to date of sampling. Based on our results from temperate broad‐leaved forests and dry grasslands, we recommend excluding plots sampled before June, as they might be a potential source of misinterpretation of species composition analyses (with the exception of studies focused on vernal species). The use of autumn plots does not have any strong effect on the results, except in α‐diversity analyses in forest plots, while dry grassland plots are significantly different from the rest of the growing season.
Distribution and richness of aquatic plants across Europe and Mediterranean countries: patterns, environmental driving factors and comparison with total plant richness
Authors: Chappuis Eglantine , Ballesteros Enric , Gacia Esperança 
Published: April 2012

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the geographic patterns of γ‐diversity of aquatic plants and what are the main driving factors? Are richness trends for aquatic plants similar to total plant richness? Is the Mediterranean area a hot spot for aquatic plants?LocationEurope and the Mediterranean Basin.MaterialWe listed vascular aquatic plant presence or absence for 44 countries. We also compiled total plant species richness and geographic and environmental variables for each country.MethodsWe first analysed country ordination based on their aquatic flora constrained by environmental variables (dbRDA), and selected the environmental variables best explaining species patterns (BEST analysis). Total species richness patterns were studied using maps and latitudinal gradients. We used generalized additive models (GAM) to detect the main environmental factors driving species richness, both for aquatic plants and total plants.ResultsThe BEST analysis identified a single variable that best explains aquatic plant species distribution: evapotranspiration. However, richness of aquatic plants vs latitude varies and no clear trend was observed. No relation was found between total plant and aquatic plant richness. Aquatic and total plant richness peak between 40° and 50°N, and values were intermediate at low latitudes. GAM related aquatic plant richness with water resources and rainfall, while total plant richness is mainly driven by evapotranspiration and temperature. Hydrophytes were relatively more abundant at higher latitudes than helophytes and the ratio correlated with evapotranspiration.ConclusionSouthern and western Europe hold the highest aquatic plant diversity, although no clear latitudinal species richness patterns were found. Aquatic plant richness is mainly driven by water‐related variables. Total plant richness exhibits a latitudinal pattern influenced by the Sahara desert, which depresses richness at low latitudes. Best predictors of total plant richness patterns are water–energy variables.
Oral Contraceptive Containing Chlormadinone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol Reduces Plasma Concentrations of Matrix Metalloproteinase‐2 in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Gomes Valéria A. , Vieira Carolina S. , Jacob‐Ferreira Anna L. , Belo Vanessa A. , Soares Gustavo M. , França Janaína B. , Ferriani Rui A. , Tanus‐Santos Jose E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBiochemical markers of cardiovascular disease, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), are altered in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with many of these alterations thought to be due to excess androgen concentrations. Despite oral contraceptives (OCs) being the first‐line pharmacological treatment in women with PCOS and the importance of MMPs in many physiological conditions and pathological states, including cardiovascular diseases, no study has yet evaluated whether OCs alter plasma concentrations of MMPs. We therefore assessed whether treatment with an OC containing the anti‐androgenic progestogen alters MMP profiles in women with PCOS. We analysed 20 women with PCOS who wanted hormonal contraception (OC‐PCOS group), 20 ovulatory women who required hormonal contraception (OC‐control group) and 20 ovulatory women who wanted non‐hormonal contraception (non‐OC‐control group). OC consisted of cyclic use of 2 mg chlormadinone acetate/30 μg ethinylestradiol for 6 months. Plasma concentrations of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 were measured by gelatin zymography or enzyme‐linked immunoassays. OC treatment for 6 months significantly reduced plasma MMP‐2 concentrations in the OC‐control and OC‐PCOS groups and TIMP‐2 and TIMP‐1 concentrations levels in the OC‐control group (all p < 0.05), but had no effects on MMP‐9 concentrations or on MMP‐2/TIMP‐2 and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratios in any group (all p > 0.05). These findings indicated that long‐term treatment with an OC containing chlormadinone acetate plus ethinylestradiol reduced plasma MMP‐2 concentrations in both healthy and PCOS women. As the latter have imbalances in circulating matrix MMPs, treatment of these women with an OC may be beneficial.
Position Paper: Management of Men Complaining of a Small Penis Despite an Actually Normal Size
Authors: Ghanem Hussein , Glina Sidney , Assalian Pierre , Buvat Jacques 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
With the worldwide increase in penile augmentation procedures and claims of devices designed to elongate the penis, it becomes crucial to study the scientific basis of such procedures or devices, as well as the management of a complaint of a small penis in men with a normal penile size.

Aim
The aim of this work is to study the scientific basis of opting to penile augmentation procedures and to develop guidelines based on the best available evidence for the management of men complaining of a small penis despite an actually normal size.

Methods
We reviewed the literature and evaluated the evidence about what the normal penile size is, what patients complaining of a small penis usually suffer from, benefits vs. complications of surgery, penile stretching or traction devices, and outcome with patient education and counseling. Repeated presentation and detailed discussions within the Standard Committee of the International Society for Sexual Medicine were performed.

Main Outcome Measure
Recommendations are based on the evaluation of evidence-based medical literature, widespread standards committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

Results
We propose a practical approach for evaluating and counseling patients complaining of a small-sized penis.

Conclusions
Based on the current status of science, penile lengthening procedure surgery is still considered experimental and should only be limited to special circumstances within research or university institutions with supervising ethics committees.
Creating a Sustainable Market for Biofuels: Some Governance Issues  La création d’un marché durable des biocarburants : quelques questions de gouvernance  Einen nachhaltigen Markt für Biokraftstoffe schaffen: Einige Fragen zur Governance
Authors: Zezza Annalisa 
Published: April 2012

summaryCreating a Sustainable Market for Biofuels: Some Governance IssuesAmbitious targets set in the European Union and in the United States are shaping the evolution of the biofuels sector with regard to production, use and trade and creating concerns over sustainability issues. Setting standards and establishing certification schemes represent an attempt to ensure that biofuel production is perceived in a sustainable manner with regard to its environmental and socio‐economic impacts. Initiatives on biofuel sustainability have been put in place by national governments, international organisations, companies and non‐governmental organisations. The EU Directive on sustainable biofuels represents one of the first cases of application of a public standard for biofuel production. The emergence of different approaches to biofuel certification might create trade tensions that could be avoided through international harmonisation or bilateral mutual recognition agreements. Certification schemes might also be claimed to impose additional costs that would be difficult for developing countries and small producers to bear. Increasing biofuel trade requires a large effort in terms of negotiations on criteria and agreed methodologies on sustainability. A large interdisciplinary analytical effort is still needed in order to understand and measure the relationship between energy markets, agricultural markets and the environment as well as the interactions between policies.
Stroke Complicating Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Incidence, Risk Factors and Outcome
Authors: Leker Ronen R. , Eichel Roni , Verber Ami , Cohen Jose. E. , Lotan Chaim , Danenberg Haim D. 
Published: April 2012

Background Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a novel therapeutic option for patients at high risk for surgical heart valve replacement that carries a risk for periprocedural stroke. Patients and methods Consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the self-expandable Medtronic-Corevalve Revalving system were included in a single-centre prospective database. Strokes complicating transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the first five-days following the procedure were documented, and the differences between patients with and without stroke were studied. Results Seventy-two patients (32 men, mean age 80·5 ± 6·2) underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation from September 2008 to April 2011. Of these, eight (11%) had focal neurological deficits in the periprocedural period (three transient ischaemic attacks, five strokes of which three were minor, one moderate, and one major). Patients with stroke/ transient ischaemic attacks did not differ from those without cerebral ischaemia in baseline criteria or procedural variables. Six of the events were believed to be embolic resulting from dislodgement of calcific material from the aortic valve, and one transient ischaemic attack was secondary to hypoperfusion during severe bradycardia. One patient with basilar occlusion died, but the remaining six patients survived and all had a modified Rankin score ≤2 at 90 days. None of the patients had a recurrent stroke during follow-up. Discussion Periprocedural cerebral ischaemia following transcatheter aortic valve implantation is not uncommon, but most patients have good outcomes. There was no particular pre-transcatheter aortic valve implantation or procedural risk factor profile that increased the risk for periprocedural stroke. Further studies are warranted to examine whether patients that are at higher risk for developing stroke after transcatheter aortic valve implantation can be identified.
Diagnostic performance of P wave duration in the identification of left atrial enlargement in dogs
Authors: Savarino P. , Borgarelli M. , Tarducci A. , Crosara S. , Bello N. M. , Margiocco M. L. 
Published: April 2012

Objectives: To determine sensitivity and specificity of P wave duration in the identification of left atrial enlargement in dogs.Methods: Electrocardiograms from normal dogs and dogs with various cardiovascular diseases were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were the availability of an electrocardiogram showing a stable isoelectric line, easily recognizable P waves and good quality two‐dimensional echocardiographic estimate of left atrial dimensions using the left atrial to aortic root ratio.Using a metal caliper system, P wave duration was measured to the nearest 10 milliseconds for six consecutive heart beats; data were then averaged for each dog. The accuracy of P wave duration in predicting left atrial enlargement was determined using a receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results: One hundred and fifty‐six dogs were included in the study. Average P wave durations of 20, 30, 40 and 50 milliseconds yielded sensitivities of 100, 85, 68 and 40% and specificities of 0, 16, 64 and 93%, respectively, for the diagnosis of Left Atrial Enlargement by echocardiography. The estimated area under curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0·70 (95% confidence interval: 0·60 to 0·80).Clinical Significance: The diagnostic performance of P wave duration for identification of left atrial enlargement in dogs presents considerable limitations.
Markers of vulnerability to obsessive–compulsive disorder in an ultra‐high risk sample of patients who developed psychosis
Authors: Fontenelle Leonardo F. , Lin Ashleigh , Pantelis Christos , Wood Stephen J. , Nelson Barnaby , Yung Alison R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAims: The study aims to identify markers of vulnerability to obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in an ultra‐high risk sample of patients who developed psychosis.Methods: Three hundred and eleven patients at ultra‐high risk for psychosis were examined at baseline and after a mean of 7.4 years follow‐up. Patients who developed psychosis with OCD (PSY + OCD; n = 13) and psychosis without OCD (PSY − OCD; n = 45) were compared in terms of socio‐demographic and clinical features.Results: PSY + OCD patients displayed greater severity of depression before and after conversion to PSY + OCD, and increased rates of depressive disorders before exhibiting PSY + OCD. However, they only displayed greater severity of anxiety and increased rates of non‐OCD anxiety disorders after psychosis. Further, PSY + OCD patients were more likely to report a positive family history for anxiety disorders than PSY − OCD.Conclusion: Although depression and a family history of anxiety disorder may act as vulnerability markers for OCD in psychosis, the resulting anxiety may be a correlate or a consequence of PSY + OCD.
Establishing and operating an early intervention service for psychosis in a defined catchment area of northwestern Greece within the context of the local mental health network
Authors: Mantas Christos , Mavreas Venetsanos 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAim: The study aims to present briefly the development of an early intervention service (EIS) for psychosis in a rural catchment area of north‐western Greece within the context of the local mental health network, its structure and procedures, and the results of its operation 2 years after its establishment.Method: Established in December 2007, our EIS is the first service in Greece for patients with a first‐episode psychosis. The context and the local mental health network are described, and the EIS operation, including clinical, educational, community and research activities, is outlined. Assessment measures are presented to evaluate the EIS progress 2 years after its establishment.Results: Between December 2007 and December 2009, EIS received 45 referrals, retaining 38 patients in its caseload. The mean duration of untreated psychosis was 26.6 ± 41.0 months (median = 12 months). Thirty‐seven patients (82.2%) were hospitalized after their first referral, 14 under a compulsory order (31.1%). The duration of hospitalization ranged from 2 to 69 days, with a median of 13 days. Mean (±SD) duration of the follow‐up was 14.8 ± 8.5 months, indicating adequate adherence to EIS, with particularly low relapse rates (20%).Conclusions: Our EIS seems to be successfully established within the local mental health network. Our collaboration with the local mobile mental health unit enabled our communication with rural primary healthcare centers. The collaboration of patients' family and the participation of the mobile mental health unit to the continuity of care contributed greatly to the brief duration of hospitalization and the high adherence to follow‐up rates.
A PSYCHOANALYTIC PERSPECTIVE ON ETHICS, SELF‐DECEPTION AND THE CORRUPT PHYSICIAN
Authors: Gabbard Glen O. , Hobday Gabrielle S. 
Published: April 2012

abstractIn this paper the authors use a psychoanalytic perspective to understand observations about the modes of self‐deception that operate in physicians who have been dishonest or have engaged in other transgressions of ethics guidelines. They emphasize that it is inaccurate to categorize physicians as simply honest or dishonest, ethical or unethical. Physicians who have been ethical practitioners may rationalize sexual relations with patients, stealing from professional treasuries, lying, or other transgressions while convincing themselves that they have acted in an honourable manner. The authors share their experience of evaluating these phenomena in over 300 physicians who were referred to a specialized treatment centre by licensing boards, hospitals, physician health organizations or ethics committees. They note the high prevalence of defensive compartmentalization, temporal splitting and projective disavowal as means of tolerating behaviours they would generally regard as unethical. They also examine the implications of these modes of self‐deception for psychotherapy.
A Side‐by‐Side Comparison of Pervious Concrete and Porous Asphalt1
Authors: Welker Andrea L. , Barbis James D. , Jeffers Patrick A. 
Published: April 2012

Welker, Andrea L., James D. Barbis, and Patrick A. Jeffers, 2012. A Side‐by‐Side Comparison of Pervious Concrete and Porous Asphalt. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 809‐819. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00654.xAbstract:  This article compares the performance of two permeable pavements, pervious concrete and porous asphalt, that were installed side‐by‐side in fall 2007. Because the pavements are located directly adjacent to one another, they experience the same vehicle loads, precipitation, and pollution loads. These permeable pavements are part of an infiltration stormwater control measure (SCM). This article focuses on the comparison of water quality parameters, maintenance and durability, and user perception. Eleven different water quality parameters were analyzed at this site for 19 different storm events over a one year period: pH, conductivity, total suspended solids, chlorides, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total dissolved copper, total dissolved lead, total dissolved cadmium, total dissolved chromium, and total dissolved zinc. Results from the two pavement types were compared using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. The only parameter that was found to be statistically different between the two pavements was pH. Periodic inspection of the two pavement types indicated that after two years of use both pavements were wearing well. However, there was some evidence of clogging of both pavements and some evidence of surface wear. A survey of users of the lot indicated that the perception of these permeable pavements was favorable.
Infective endocarditis of presumed dental origin and the new NICE guidelines: a case report
Authors: de Gea Rico A. , Williams J.V. , Ranjadayalan K. , Revington P.J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction:  Antimicrobial prophylaxis against infective endocarditis (IE) in patients undergoing interventional procedures is no longer recommended. We present a case of IE following dental treatment for which NICE guidelines were followed.Case report:  A 59‐year‐old gentleman presented with a 1 week history of general malaise, nausea, loss of appetite and lethargy after minimal exertion. Known mitral valve prolapse was reported, and an initial differential diagnosis included subacute bacterial endocarditis. An echocardiogram and Streptococcus mitis growth in the blood cultures supported the likely diagnosis. He was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department where his previous dental history revealed dental treatment 1 month before admission. In line with the current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, the patient did not receive antibiotics preoperatively.Discussion:  Dental professionals should be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of IE. It is important to remain informed about such a pathological entity and be aware of its diagnosis and management. Patients with certain cardiac conditions who are at increased risk of developing IE still remain at risk, despite the recent change in the NICE guidelines. The promotion of preventive dentistry and medicine is crucial to reduce the overall risk of IE.
Survival after diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and potential impact of treatment in a hepatitis B or C infected cohort
Authors: Thein Hla‐Hla , Walter Scott R. , Gidding Heather F. , Amin Janaki , Law Matthew G. , George Jacob , Dore Gregory J. 
Published: April 2012

Aim:  Little is known about the patterns of care and the impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment on health outcomes at a population level. We conducted a population‐based cohort study to examine HCC survival trends among people diagnosed with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, to determine predictors of receiving potentially curative therapy for HCC, and to examine the impact of HCC treatment on survival in New South Wales, Australia.Methods:  The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate survival, logistic regression to determine predictors of potentially curative therapy and Cox proportional hazards models to determine the impact of HCC treatment on survival. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) were calculated.Results:  During the period 1993–2007, 1081 cases of HCC were diagnosed. Median survival increased from 10.4 months during 1993–1997 to 18.4 months during 1998–2002, with no further improvement thereafter. Younger age at diagnosis (<65 years), being Asian‐born and having multiple comorbid conditions increased the odds of receiving curative therapy. The effect of HCC treatment on the risk of mortality was similar between the HBV‐ and HCV‐related HCC groups. Tumor‐specific therapies had adjusted hazard ratios ranging 0.06–0.25 and palliative/supportive therapy alone had adjusted hazard ratios ranging 0.76–1.08. The average YPLL per person was 23.3.Conclusion:  The burden of viral hepatitis‐related HCC is substantial. Despite treatment advances in recent years, there has been no significant improvement in HCC survival. Efforts to improve HCC screening and early diagnosis are required to deliver curative treatment which clearly has a survival advantage.