bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More species, but all do the same: contrasting effects of flood disturbance on ground beetle functional and species diversity
Authors: Gerisch Michael , Agostinelli Veronica , Henle Klaus , Dziock Frank 
Published: October 2011

The role of habitat disturbance on biodiversity is central as it promotes changes in ecological systems. That said, still little is known about the functional consequences of such changes. Functional diversity can be used to revealing more mechanistically the disturbance effects on communities by considering the richness and the distribution of traits among the species. Here we analyzed the response of functional and species diversity of ground beetles to flood disturbance to better understand the functioning of alluvial invertebrate communities.Ground beetles were sampled in periodically flooded grasslands along the Elbe River in Germany. We used generalized linear mixed effects models to unveil the relationships between flood disturbance, species and functional diversity, respectively. We measured different components of functional diversity (functional richness, evenness, dispersion, and divergence) and analyzed species diversity by means of rarefied species richness, abundances, evenness and Simpson's diversity.We found contrasting relationships in that most species diversity measures peaked at highest disturbance levels, while most functional diversity measures decreased with increasing disturbance intensities.Inversed relationships between species and functional diversity are rarely observed, as most studies report on positive correlations. We explain increasing species diversity with a higher amount of resources available in highly disturbed sites. Decreasing functional diversity is best explained through the convergence of species traits by flood disturbance and uneven resource exploitation in highly disturbed plots (low functional evenness), suggesting strong impacts from functionally different generalist species in floodchannels. We show that the amount of resources available, and how these resources are exploited, play major roles in the functioning of floodplain ground beetle communities.
Are the barriers to good oral hygiene in nursing homes within the nurses or the patients?
Authors: Willumsen Tril , Karlsen Line , Næss Richard , Bjørntvedt Sissel 
Published: October 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00554.x

Are the barriers to good oral hygiene in nursing homes within the nurses or the patients?Objective:  To explore nursing home patients’ oral hygiene and their nurses’ assessments of barriers to improvement.Background:  In nursing homes, nurses are responsible for patients’ oral hygiene.Materials and methods:  This study assessed the oral hygiene of 358 patients in 11 Norwegian nursing homes. 494 nurses in the same nursing homes participated in a questionnaire study.Results:  More than 40% of patients had unacceptable oral hygiene. ‘More than 10 teeth’ gave OR = 2, 1 (p = 0.013) and ‘resist being helped’ OR = 2.5 (p = 0.018) for unacceptable oral hygiene. Eighty percent of the nurses believed knowledge of oral health was important, and 9.1% often considered taking care of patients’ teeth unpleasant. Half of the nurses reported lack of time to give regular oral care, and 97% experienced resistant behaviour in patients. Resistant behaviour often left oral care undone. Twenty‐one percent of the nurses had considered making legal decisions about use of force or restraints to overcome resistance to teeth cleaning.Conclusion:  Oral hygiene in the nursing homes needed to be improved. Resistant behaviour is a major barrier. To overcome this barrier nurses’ education, organisational strategies to provide more time for oral care, and coping with resistant behaviour in patients are important factors.
Premature Ejaculation and Erectile Dysfunction Prevalence and Attitudes in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: McMahon C.G. , Lee G. , Park J.K. , Adaikan P.G. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of PE in the Asia-Pacific region has not been comprehensively studied.

Aim
The aim of this study is to evaluate PE prevalence in nine Asia-Pacific countries and the impact of PE on sufferers.

Methods
A random sample of heterosexual males aged 18–65 years in a stable sexual relationship currently or in the past 2 years completed a 48-question survey by computer-assisted interviewing, online, or in-person; the survey and recruitment methodologies varied by location. The survey included demographic questions, the five-question Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the five-question Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and the 10-question Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE). Separately, men self-reported having PE (lifelong or acquired) or erectile dysfunction (ED).

Main Outcome Measures
The PEDT was used to diagnose PE or probable PE; the SHIM was used to diagnose ED; and the IPE was used to assess respondent’s attitudes toward PE.

Results
Of the 4,997 men who completed the survey, the prevalences of PEDT-diagnosed PE, PEDT-diagnosed probable PE, and self-reported PE were 16%, 15%, and 13%, respectively. Less than half of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE (N = 816) or probable PE (N = 738) self-reported the condition (40% and 19%, respectively), and 6% of men with a PEDT diagnosis of no PE self-reported PE. In contrast, more respondents self-reported ED (8%) than had SHIM-diagnosed moderate or severe ED (5%). IPE responses indicated that 45%, 46%, and 23% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the length of intercourse before ejaculation, their control over ejaculation, and with sexual intercourse, respectively.

Conclusions
In this study, PE was more prevalent than ED in the Asia-Pacific countries surveyed, but only 40% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE self-reported PE.
Characterization of the Vasculature Supplying the Genital Tissues in Female Rats
Authors: Hannan Johanna L. , Cheung Geoffrey L. , Blaser Mark C. , Pang Judith J. , Pang Stephen C. , Webb R. Clinton , Adams Michael A. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The internal pudendal arteries are the key resistance vessels controlling the peripheral circulatory component of sexual responses in both male and females. Previous studies in the male rat demonstrated that this vessel has markedly heightened susceptibility to vascular damage compared with other vessels in the body. Evidence suggests that the female may also be susceptible to vascular pathologies contributing to sexual dysfunction.

Aim
The aim of this study is to characterize the anatomical, morphological, and functional properties of the pudendal artery in female rats.

Methods
The pelvic arteries in young Sprague-Dawley female rats were dissected to generate a composite representation of the vascular gross anatomy. Morphometry was performed on perfusion-fixed pudendal arteries whereas others were mounted in a wire myograph to assess responses to vasoactive drugs. These measures were contrasted with a previous study examining male rats.

Main Outcome Measures
Outcome measures used are gross anatomy, lumen diameter, wall thickness, cross-sectional area, and contractile responses in the internal pudendal artery.

Results
The gross anatomy of the pudendal artery in female rats appears to parallel that found in male rats, acting as the primary feeder vessel of the clitoral, labial, and vaginal tissue. Compared with the male rat, the female pudendal artery has a smaller lumen diameter (169 ± 5.7 vs. 303 ± 13.8 µm), wall thickness (14 ± 0.7 vs. 47 ± 2.2 µm), and cross-sectional area (8 ± 0.4 vs. 52 ± 3.4 × 103 µm2). These structural differences also translate into a decreased contractile capacity of the pudendal arteries from female rats vs. male rats (8.1 ± 2.7 vs. 20 ± 1.4 mN).

Conclusions
Although the gross anatomical features of the vasculature tree supplying the genital tissue in male and female rats appear to have similarities, the tissue-specific properties of the vessel itself have a very different structure-function balance. We hypothesize that this discordance likely reflects the very different sex-specific roles of this vessel in regulating blood flow during arousal.
Combination of Penile Traction, Intralesional Verapamil, and Oral Therapies for Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Abern Michael R. , Larsen Stephen , Levine Laurence A. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is no current consensus as to the most effective nonsurgical therapy for Peyronie’s disease (PD).

Aim
This study aims to assess the benefit of penile traction therapy (PTT) when added to intralesional verapamil injections (IVIs) combined with oral L-arginine 1 g b.i.d. and pentoxifylline 400 mg t.i.d. in men with PD.

Methods
Seventy-four men with PD completed 12 IVIs. Patients electing to add PTT were advised to wear the device for 2–8 hours daily and no longer than 2 hours per session. Subjective responses were measured using patient questionnaires. Stretched penile length (SPL) and erect penile curvature (EPC) using penile duplex ultrasound were measured. Response to therapy was defined as at least a 10-degree reduction in EPC.

Main Outcome Measures
Change in SPL (cm) and change in EPC (degrees).

Results
Thirty-five patients in group I vs. 39 patients in the PTT group II completed the protocol. Fifty-four percent of men in group II responded to therapy vs. 46% in group I (P = 0.75). Responders in group II had a mean EPC improvement of 26.9 degrees vs. 20.9 degrees in group I (P = 0.22). Mean PTT use was 3.3 hours per day, and men with &gt;3 hours per day use gained 0.6 cm in SPL vs. 0.07 cm using less than or equal to 3 hours per day (P = 0.09), while men in group I lost 0.74 cm of SPL on average. Multivariate analysis revealed that duration of PTT use significantly predicts length gain (0.38 cm gain for every additional hour per day of PTT use, P = 0.007).

Conclusions
There was a trend toward measured curvature improvement and a significant gain in SPL in men using the combination therapy protocol. Length improvement is related to duration of use of the traction device.
Spinal Cord Injury Induced Arrest in Estrous Cycle of Rats is Ameliorated by S-nitrosoglutathione: Novel Therapeutic Agent to Treat Amenorrhea
Authors: Shunmugavel Anandakumar , Khan Mushfiquddin , Chou Peter C.-te , Singh Inderjit 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Amenorrhea following spinal cord injury (SCI) has been well documented. There has been little research on the underlying molecular mechanisms and therapeutics.

Aim
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of GSNO in ameliorating SCI-induced amenorrhea through affecting the expression of CX43, NFkB, and ERβ protein.

Methods
SCI was induced in female SD rats at the T9-T10 level. Estrous stage was determined by vaginal smear. GSNO (50 µg/kg body weight) was gavage fed daily. Animals were sacrificed on day 7 and 14 post SCI. Ovaries were fixed for histological and biochemical studies. Expression levels of ERβ, CX-43, and NFkB were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence.

Main Outcome Measures
GSNO hastens resumption of the estrous cycle following SCI-induced transient arrest.

Results
Resumption of estrous cycle was hastened by GSNO. Atretic and degenerating follicles seen in the ovary of SCI rats on day 14 post-SCI were decreased in GSNO treated animals. The increased CX43 expression observed with SCI ovary was decreased by GSNO. ERβ expression decreased significantly on day 7 and 14 post-SCI and was restored with GSNO treatment. Following SCI, NFkB expression was increased in the ovarian follicles and the expression was reduced with GSNO administration. The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated uridine triphosphate (UTP) nick end labeling positive follicular and luteal cells was increased after SCI. GSNO-treated animals had significantly fewer apoptotic cells in the ovary.

Conclusion
SCI-induced amenorrhea is accompanied by an increase in CX43 expression and a decrease in ERβ expression. SCI animals treated with GSNO resumed the estrous cycle significantly earlier. These results indicate a potential therapeutic value for GSNO in treating amenorrhea among SCI patients.
Specificity of Anhedonic Depression and Anxious Arousal with Sexual Problems Among Sexually Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Kalmbach David A. , Ciesla Jeffrey A. , Janata Jeffrey W. , Kingsberg Sheryl A. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Past research has suggested that depression and anxiety are similarly associated with sexual problems. However, methodological limitations may have hindered the ability of prior studies to detect potential specificity between depression and anxiety with distinct sexual problems. Specifically, previous studies have frequently used measures that confound depression and anxiety, focused exclusively on populations with medical complications, and failed to account for the iatrogenic effects of antidepressants.

Aim
Clark and Watson’s tripartite model was used to differentiate anxious and depressive symptoms and examine their associations with indices of sexual functioning. Specifically, we examined how general distress, anxious arousal, and anhedonia are differentially related to sexual desire, arousal, erection and lubrication difficulties, orgasm achievement, pain, satisfaction, avoidance, pleasure, concerns, and sexual self-image.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 1,258 young men and women completed the Female Sexual Function Index, Male Sexual Function Index (adapted for the current investigation), Profile of Female Sexual Function, and Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire.

Results
Zero-order correlations revealed some specificity between the three affective constructs, as they were associated with sexual problems. However, multiple regression analyses revealed clearer patterns, showing that anhedonic depression was more uniquely related to most sexual problems among women, whereas the relations of anxiety and depression with male sexual problems were more mixed.

Discussion
This study of young subjects not identified to have affective or sexual disorders suggests that specificity exists between depression and anxiety as they relate to sexual functioning, and that this specificity varies between genders. Such findings highlight the importance of considering the unique influences of anxiety and depression in the conceptualization and treatment of sexual dysfunction.
The Impact of Cyclone Fanele on a Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar
Authors: Lewis Rebecca J. , Bannar‐Martin Katherine H. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTCyclones, which change tree communities and alter forest structure, are thought to have had a significant selective pressure on the flora and fauna of Madagascar. Very little information, however, is available on the actual impact of cyclones on Malagasy ecosystems. On 21 January 2009, Cyclone Fanele made landfall on the western coast of Madagascar with sustained winds of 185 km/h. We examined the immediate effects of the cyclone on tropical dry forest structure in the Kirindy Mitea National Park. In July and August 2009, we measured the height, diameter at breast height (dbh), and damage for 1361 trees in nine 25 × 25 m plots. We found that: (1) over 95 percent of trees experienced some sort of damage, including 8.8 percent mortality; (2) understory and emergent trees experienced significantly higher mortality than canopy trees; and (3) stem density was reduced 9.2±4.5 percent and biomass was reduced 13.4±8.1 percent after the cyclone. Dbh was the best predictor of trunk damage and mortality. This extensive alteration of forest structure will have a substantial short‐ and long‐term impact on the biotic communities of western Madagascar.
Rapid microsatellite marker development for African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis, Meliaceae) using next‐generation sequencing and assessment of its intra‐specific genetic diversity
Authors: KARAN M. , EVANS D. S. , REILLY D. , SCHULTE K. , WRIGHT C. , INNES D. , HOLTON T. A. , NIKLES D. G. , DICKINSON G. R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractKhaya senegalensis (African mahogany or dry‐zone mahogany) is a high‐value hardwood timber species with great potential for forest plantations in northern Australia. The species is distributed across the sub‐Saharan belt from Senegal to Sudan and Uganda. Because of heavy exploitation and constraints on natural regeneration and sustainable planting, it is now classified as a vulnerable species. Here, we describe the development of microsatellite markers for K. senegalensis using next‐generation sequencing to assess its intra‐specific diversity across its natural range, which is a key for successful breeding programs and effective conservation management of the species. Next‐generation sequencing yielded 93 943 sequences with an average read length of 234 bp. The assembled sequences contained 1030 simple sequence repeats, with primers designed for 522 microsatellite loci. Twenty‐one microsatellite loci were tested with 11 showing reliable amplification and polymorphism in K. senegalensis. The 11 novel microsatellites, together with one previously published, were used to assess 73 accessions belonging to the Australian K. senegalensis domestication program, sampled from across the natural range of the species. STRUCTURE analysis shows two major clusters, one comprising mainly accessions from west Africa (Senegal to Benin) and the second based in the far eastern limits of the range in Sudan and Uganda. Higher levels of genetic diversity were found in material from western Africa. This suggests that new seed collections from this region may yield more diverse genotypes than those originating from Sudan and Uganda in eastern Africa.
Structural Traces of Secondary Faults (Fractures) along the Main Faults and Their Reliability as Kinematic Indicators
Authors: ZHANG Jin , LI Jinyi , MA Zongjin , REN Wenjun 
Published: October 2011

Abstract:Secondary/minor structures occurring along the main fault surfaces are important indicators for judging the kinematic characteristics of faults. However, many factors can lead to the formation of these structures, which results in the difficulty for rapid judgment and application in the fields. A series of secondary faults/fractures developed due to the movement of main faults are the most important and widespread phenomena in the scope of brittle deformation. The morphology of the main fault surfaces is various, and former researchers mainly discussed the structures on the main even fault surfaces. However, the fluctuation of fault surfaces is the intrinsic character of the faults, and the intersection between the main fault and secondary faults/fractures can produce a series of kinematic indicators on the main fault surfaces. Based on previous studies and our observations, i.e. the structural traces of the P, R, R′, T and X shears/faults along the main faults, some indicators which are rarely reported previously, are described in the paper. Furthermore, their reliabilities are also discussed, and more practical and reliable criteria are brought forward. We suggest that the simple application of congruous and incongruous steps without knowing their exact origins should be abandoned in the fields, and several types of indicators along one fault surface should be checked with each other as much as possible. Meanwhile, the origins of some other arcuate indicators on the fault surfaces are also discussed, and new models are brought forward.
How do soil emissions of N2O, CH4 and CO2 from perennial bioenergy crops differ from arable annual crops?
Authors: Drewer Julia , Finch Jon W. , Lloyd Colin R. , Baggs Elizabeth M. , Skiba Ute 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIt is important to demonstrate that replacing fossil fuel with bioenergy crops can reduce the national greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. We compared field emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and soil respiration rates from the C4 grass Miscanthus × giganteus and willow (salix) with emissions from annual arable crops grown for food production. The study was carried out in NE England on adjacent fields of willow, Miscanthus, wheat (Triticum aetivum) and oilseed rape (Brassica napus). N2O, CH4 fluxes and soil respiration rates were measured monthly using static chambers from June 2008 to November 2010. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon dioxide (CO2) was measured by eddy covariance on Miscanthus from May 2008 and on willow from October 2009 until November 2010. The N2O fluxes were significantly smaller from the bioenergy crops than that of the annual crops. Average fluxes were 8 and 32 μg m−2 h−1 N2O‐N from wheat and oilseed rape, and 4 and 0.2 μg m−2 h−1 N2O‐N from Miscanthus and willow, respectively. Soil CH4 fluxes were negligible for all crops and soil respiration rates were similar for all crops. NEE of CO2 was larger for Miscanthus (−770 g C m−2 h−1) than willow (−602 g C m−2 h−1) in the growing season of 2010. N2O emissions from Miscanthus and willow were lower than for the wheat and oilseed rape which is most likely a result of regular fertilizer application and tillage in the annual arable cropping systems. Application of 15N‐labelled fertilizer to Miscanthus and oil seed rape resulted in a fertilizer‐induced increase in N2O emission in both crops. Denitrification rates (N2O + N2) were similar for soil under Miscanthus and oilseed rape. Thus, perennial bioenergy crops only emit less GHGs than annual crops when they receive no or very low rates of N fertilizer.
Grey eosinophils in sighthounds: frequency in 3 breeds and comparison of eosinophil counts determined manually and with 2 hematology analyzers
Authors: Giori Luca , Gironi Sara , Scarpa Paola , Anselmi Angelo , Gualtieri Massimo , Paltrinieri Saverio 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundGrey eosinophils (GE) reported to occur inGreyhounds, and occasionally in other breeds, have clear granules, probably due to abnormal staining properties.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to investigate the frequency ofGEinGreyhounds and 2 other sighthound breeds, and to assess the capacity of theADVIA120 andSysmexXT‐2000iVhematology analyzers to correctly identifyGE.MethodsBlood samples from 20Greyhounds, 29ItalianGreyhounds, and 24Whippets were analyzed using theADVIAandSysmex hematology analyzers, and blood smears stained withMay‐GrünwaldGiemsa were evaluated microscopically. The frequency of samples withGEdetected on smears was recorded for each breed. Manual and automated eosinophil counts were compared using aWilcoxon signed‐rank test. Agreement between methods was assessed usingPassing–Bablok andBland–Altman plots.ResultsGEwere detected in all 3 breeds: 9/20Greyhounds (45.0%), 10/29ItalianGreyhounds (34.5%), and 5/24Whippets (62.5%) with no significant differences in the frequency ofGEamong the breeds. In samples containingGE, both analyzers underestimated the percentage of eosinophils and occasionally eosinophils were not detected at all. When a novel “GEgate” was used, the percentage of eosinophils reported by theSysmex was similar to that obtained by manual counting.ConclusionsGEare found in the blood of sighthounds other thanGreyhounds. Hematology analyzers may underestimate the percentage ofGE, probably due to their abnormal physical or chemical features. Underestimation is slight and usually clinically insignificant, but occasionally eosinophils are completely misclassified. Using theSysmex analyzer, aGEgate can be designed to normalize the eosinophil count.