bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in species richness and life‐history traits between grazed and abandoned grasslands in southern Sweden
Authors: Dupré Cecilia , Diekmann Martin 
Published: June 2009

Disturbance has profound effects on plant community composition. This paper deals with the influence of grazing on species richness and proportions of life‐history attributes of grassland vegetation at six spatial scales (0.001‐1000 m2) in two provinces of southern Sweden. The study comprised 33 dry grassland sites, including 22 grazed and 11 abandoned localities, and 28 sites of coastal brackish meadows, divided into five management types (from “heavily grazed” to “abandoned since long time”).In general grazed sites were species‐richer than abandoned sites, especially at small plot sizes. However, there was a steeper increase in species number towards larger plot sizes in the abandoned sites. Heavy grazing in the coastal meadows resulted in a comparatively low number of species, corroborating the intermediate disturbance hypothesis.The analysis of life‐history traits indicated the importance of taxonomic group, canopy structure, height, regenerative strategy and, in particular, life form. Leaf anatomy and seed dispersal seemed to be less important. The responses to grazing as regards species traits differed somewhat between grassland types. Grazed sites generally had high proportions of legumes, therophytes, species with basal position of leaves and with regeneration by means of a persistent seed bank. Abandonment of grazing favoured monocots, geophytes, species with vegetative regeneration and (partly) leafy canopy structure. Some differences between grazed and abandoned sites were confined to either the smallest or largest plot sizes, indicating different responses of matrix and interstitial species. Various positive associations (attribute syndromes) or negative associations between individual traits were identified. There was, for example, a positive link between the attributes “geophytes” and “ability of vegetative regeneration”. The recognition of such links is important to avoid misinterpreting certain attributes as functional adaptations to grazing while they are only positively correlated to other attributes of larger significance.
Environmental variation and moose Alces alces density as determinants of spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in browsing
Authors: Månsson Johan 
Published: June 2009

Understanding temporal variation in habitat selection and browsing intensity by large herbivores is fundamental because of their large impact on the ecosystems. I studied the annual variation in winter browsing pressure on young trees and habitat selection by moose Alces alces over a ten year period. Specifically, the relationships between browsing pressure on Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and two birch species (Betula ssp.) and three explanatory variables – 1) availability of forage, 2) moose density (estimated by pellet group counts) and 3) snow cover was studied. At a larger spatial scale (forest stand level) the relationship between moose habitat selection between three different habitat types (forest <30 yr, forest>30 yr and mire) and two explanatory variables, 1) snow condition and 2) moose density, were studied. Browsing pressure on Scots pine, the dominating food plant, was related to forage availability, moose density and snow condition. No significant relationships between any of the three explanatory variables and browsing pressure on the two birch species were found. Moose selection for certain habitats varied between years and was affected by number of days with >0.10 m of snow.Habitat selection was not significantly related to moose density and the relationship between overall moose density and habitat specific moose densities was proportional within the studied density range. These findings have implications for understanding varying browsing patterns – and will affect both the ability to predict herbivores’ effect on the forest ecosystem. A snow dependent browsing pattern also indicates that one can expect a long term decrease in browsing pressure on the tree and shrub layer as a consequence of the ongoing large‐scale climate change.
Psychometric properties of the Swedish PedsQL, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 generic core scales
Authors: Petersen Solveig , Hägglöf Bruno , Stenlund Hans , Bergström Erik 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim:  To study the psychometric performance of the Swedish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 generic core scales in a general child population in Sweden.Methods:  PedsQL forms were distributed to 2403 schoolchildren and 888 parents in two different school settings. Reliability and validity was studied for self‐reports and proxy reports, full forms and short forms. Confirmatory factor analysis tested the factor structure and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis tested measurement invariance between boys and girls.Results:  Test‐retest reliability was demonstrated for all scales and internal consistency reliability was shown with α value exceeding 0.70 for all scales but one (self‐report short form: social functioning). Child‐parent agreement was low to moderate. The four‐factor structure of the PedsQL and factorial invariance across sex subgroups were confirmed for the self‐report forms and for the proxy short form, while model fit indices suggested improvement of several proxy full‐form scales.Conclusion:  The Swedish PedsQL 4.0 generic core scales are a reliable and valid tool for health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment in Swedish child populations. The proxy full form, however, should be used with caution. The study also support continued use of the PedsQL as a four‐factor model, capable of revealing meaningful HRQoL differences between boys and girls.
Canadian Male Sexual Health Council Survey to Assess Prevalence and Treatment of Premature Ejaculation in Canada
Authors: Brock Gerald B. , Bénard Francois , Casey Richard , Elliott Stacy L. , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Lee Jay C. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This study evaluated the prevalence of complaints of premature ejaculation (PE) among a cross-sectional sample of Canadian males and their partners.

Aim
It sought to quantify measures of behavior and attitudes as they relate to PE. It evaluated the level of patient knowledge, physician engagement, and patient satisfaction with treatment options for PE, a common sexual complaint. It also explored the patient and partner-reported impacts on quality of life and well-being.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measure for the study was the statistical analysis of data on different facets of PE and associated factors from a comprehensive population-based survey conducted in Canada.

Methods
A web-based survey was carried out among adults in Canada (phase 1, N = 3,816) followed by a focused telephone interview in phase 2 for those who met the criteria for PE (phase 2, N = 1,636). Men were classified as having PE based on self-report of low or absent control over ejaculation, irrespective of the duration of the ejaculation time, resulting in distress for them or their sexual partner or both, or reporting that they “climaxed too soon.”

Results
The prevalence of PE in the survey, diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III criteria, ranged from 16% to 24% depending on the definition of PE utilized, and did not vary significantly with age. Ninety percent of those with a determination of PE in this survey had not discussed alternatives to prolong time to ejaculation with a physician, pointing to gaps in patient/physician communication around sexual health.

Conclusions
PE is a prevalent sexual problem that poses special challenges to clinicians and causes considerable burden to Canadian men and their partners. There remains a stigma associated with PE, resulting in the existence of significant barriers to obtaining assistance from physicians for this problem. The majority of those interviewed who sought and received treatment have not been satisfied with the results.
Reversible Erectile Dysfunction in a Patient with Brain Tumor-Related Epilepsy in Therapy with Zonisamide in Add-On
Authors: Maschio Marta , Saveriano Francesco , Dinapoli Loredana , Jandolo Bruno 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Literature data do not report any cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) during treatment with new antiepileptic drugs in patients with brain tumors.

Aim
Concerning zonisamide (ZNS) therapy, data on sexual dysfunction are not available either in patients with epilepsy or in patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy.

Methods
Our case study concerns one patient with partial epilepsy associated with oligoastrocytoma in whom reversible ED developed while taking ZNS. He came to our center already having undergone therapy with phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, phenitoin, and clobazam. Due to the presence of psychomotor slowness and uncontrolled seizures, we substituted phenobarbital with ZNS 200 mg/day.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were seizure frequency and side effects.

Results
During ZNS therapy, we observed beneficial effects on seizure frequency with a notable reduction from 2–3 seizures per day to 2–3 per week. One month after starting therapy with ZNS, the patient complained about ED that disappeared when we suspended the drug.

Conclusions
In the literature on patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy, sexuality is a subject that is often neglected by health-care providers who focus primarily on controlling systemic diseases and maintaining physical comfort. For this reason, the possible impact of antiepileptic therapies on sexuality should be taken into consideration.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Sexual Function in a Male Cohort: The Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms and Health Status Among Men
Authors: Gades Naomi M. , Jacobson Debra J. , McGree Michaela E. , St. Sauver Jennifer L. , Lieber Michael M. , Nehra Ajay , Girman Cynthia J. , Jacobsen Steven J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The presence of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction may indicate physical problems; however, individual perceptions (e.g., sexual satisfaction) may reflect the degree of concern about these changes. Long-term data showing how changes in multiple sexual function domains track together may be useful in understanding the importance of physical declines vs. sexual satisfaction.

Aim
The aim of this study was to describe changes in sexual function among a population-based sample of aging men.

Methods
A population-based cohort study using data from the Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms and Health Status among Men. Sexual function was assessed biennially from 1996 to 2004 using a previously validated questionnaire in a random sample of 2,213 men.

Main Outcome Measures
Changes in erectile function, libido, ejaculatory function, sexual problems, and sexual satisfaction.

Results
Overall, we observed declines in all of the sexual function domains, ranging from an annual decrease of 0.03 point per year for sexual satisfaction to an annual decrease of 0.23 point per year in erectile function. Moderate correlations were observed among all longitudinal changes in sexual function (range in age-adjusted rs = 0.14–0.43); however, significantly smaller correlations between changes in the functional domains and changes in sexual satisfaction and problem assessment were observed among older men (range in age-adjusted rs = 0.03–0.29).

Conclusion
Overall, these results demonstrate that longitudinal changes in five sexual function domains change together over time in our community-based cohort. Erectile function, ejaculatory function, and sexual drive decrease over time with greater rates of decline for older men. However, older men may be less likely to perceive these declines as a problem and be dissatisfied. These data may prove helpful to patients and clinicians in understanding and discussing changes in multiple aspects of sexual function.
Effects of Neuronal and Glial Restricted Precursor Cells Transplantation on Erectile Function After Experimentally Induced Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Temeltas Gokhan , Dagci Taner , Evren Vedat , Lekili Murat 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is common among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Aim
This study aims to investigate the recovery of penile erectile functions of the rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) following transplantation of endogenous neuronal precursors cell (neuronal restricted precursors [NRP]/glial restricted precursors [GRP]) into the injured area of spinal cord.

Methods
Twenty-two rats were experimented in three groups. Group 1 (N = 6): Sham; Group 2 (N = 10): SCI + NRP/GRP transplanted in day 9 after operation; Group 3 (N = 6): SCI + culture medium transplanted in day 9 after operation.
Analysis of penile reflexes and cavernosal nerve stimulation studies were performed in day 28 after transplantation for each group. All rats in three groups were then sacrificed and the injured regions of spinal cords underwent histological investigation.

Main Outcome Measures
These results show improvements to some extent in locomotor and erectile functions although these improvements are far from full functional recovery.

Results
Cavernosal nerve stimulation resulted in significantly higher intracavernosal pressure in Group 3 (SCI) although there was no difference between Group 1 (sham) and Group 2 (SCI + NRP/GRP). Number of clusters was similar between groups. Number of erections was higher in Group 3 (SCI) than Groups 1 and 2, and number of cups was higher in Group 2 (SCI + NRP/GRP) than the other two groups. Number of flips was similar in Groups 1 and 2 but lower in Group 3. Number of long flips was highest in Group 1 and lowest in Group 3. The differences between groups were significant.

Conclusion
This study emphasized the healing potential of NRP/GRP transplantation following experimental SCI. However, further experimental and clinical studies are required to advance this treatment modality.
Effect of Long-Term Testosterone Administration on the Endometrium of Female-to-Male (FtM) Transsexuals
Authors: Perrone Anna Myriam , Cerpolini Silvia , Maria Salfi Nunzio Cosimo , Ceccarelli Claudio , De Giorgi Lucilla Badiali , Formelli Guido , Casadio Paolo , Ghi Tullio , Pelusi Giuseppe , Pelusi Carla , Meriggiola Maria Cristina 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Long term safety of testosterone (T) administration in women is still unknown. In particular few and discordant data exists on the effects of T on the endometrium.

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term T treatment on endometrium histology and proliferation in female to male transsexual subjects (FtM). We compared these endometria with those of young women in the proliferative phase (PM) of the cycle and with those of post menopausal women (M).

Method
Endometrial samples from 27 FtM treated with T (intramuscular injection of 100 mg Testoviron Depot /10 days for at least one year), 30 M undergoing vaginal hysterectomy, and 13 PM undergoing hysteroscopy for infertility problems were collected. Endometrial proliferation was evaluated on the basis of histopathology and expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67. Both M and PM women had not received any hormonal treatment for at least one year.

Main Outcome Measure
Circulating total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E), progesterone (P), insulin and glucose levels were measured in FtM and PM subjects.

Results
FtM had received T for 33.6 ± 21.3 months (mean ± SD). In FtM subjects, histological analysis found inactive endometrium similar to the atrophic menopausal endometrium. The expression of Ki-67 in the glands, stroma and glands and stroma together was significantly (p &lt; 0.0005) lower in FtM than in PM women and was similar in the FtM and M groups. Small polyps were detected in 5 of the 27 FtM subjects.

Conclusions
In conclusion our data suggest that exogenous T administration does not stimulate endometrial proliferation in FtM transsexuals and indeed may have atrophic effects.
Brazilian Cerrado Folivore and Florivore Caterpillars: How Different are They?
Authors: Morais Helena C. , Hay John Du Vall , Diniz Ivone R. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTBecause of the large differences between flower buds and leaves as food resources we predict that florivore caterpillars compared with folivores would present: (1) higher degree of dietary specificity; (2) higher abundance; and (3) lower species richness. Based on emerged adults from caterpillars collected on leaves and inflorescences our results showed that the florivore fauna was strongly dominated by a few species with higher abundance and dietary specificity than the folivore fauna.
Oil Body Biogenesis during Brassica napus Embryogenesis
Authors: He Yu‐Qing , Wu Yan 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Although the oil body is known to be an important membrane enclosed compartment for oil storage in seeds, we have little understanding about its biogenesis during embryogenesis. In the present study we investigated the oil body emergence and variations in Brassica napus cv. Topas. The results demonstrate that the oil bodies could be detected already at the heart stage, at the same time as the embryos began to turn green, and the starch grains accumulated in the chloroplast stroma. In comparison, we have studied the development of oil bodies between Arabidopsis thaliana wild type (Col) and the low‐seed‐oil mutant wrinkled1–3. We observed that the oil body development in the embryos of Col is similar to that of B. napus cv. Topas, and that the size of the oil bodies was obviously smaller in the embryos of wrinkled1–3. Our results suggest that the oil body biogenesis might be coupled with the embryo chloroplast.
EVALUATION OF BIOGENIC AMINES FORMATION BY PROTEOLYTIC ENTEROCOCCI STRAINS ISOLATED FROM RAW DROMEDARY MILKS FROM SOUTHERN ALGERIA
Authors: HASSAÏNE OMAR , ZADI‐KARAM HALIMA , KARAM NOUR‐EDDINE 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT Twenty‐three strains of lactic acid enterococci isolated from dromedary raw milks in Southern Algeria were investigated for their proteolytic activity and ability to produce biogenic amines by decarboxylating amino acids: histidine, tyrosine and ornithine. All strains tested displayed proteolytic activities, but none of them were able to produce detectable biogenic amines in the usual adequate laboratory media, namely, Joosten and Northolt medium and Leuschner medium. Polymerase chain reaction experiments indicate a positive correlation between the absence of the hdc and odc genes and the lack of histamine and putrescine production for all tested strains. By contrast, all strains appeared to possess tdc gene, but no correlation was found with a negative expression of tyrosine decarboxylase.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIn foods, biogenic amines are mainly generated by decarboxylation of the corresponding amino acids through substrate‐specific enzymes of the microorganisms present in this environment, particularly histidine, tyrosine, lysine, ornithine and arginine, and the capability of enterococci and some other lactic acid bacteria to produce biogenic amines has been described. For this purpose, several qualitative and quantitative methods to determine biogenic amines production by these microorganisms have been developed. There is great interest to identify and to characterize the bacteria strains intended for an industrial use and to verify if they are potentially able to produce biogenic amines in order to prevent it's synthesis and limit the poisoning risk.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA SWINGLE LEAVE EXTRACT TO REDUCE FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND SPOILING BACTERIA
Authors: RAHMAN ATIQUR , KIM EUN LYANG , KANG SUN CHUL 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT The antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of methanolic extracts of Ailanthus altissima Swingle leaves were evaluated. Antibacterial activity was tested in vitro by agar disk diffusion method against 11 (six gram‐positive and five gram‐negative) foodborne bacteria. The methanol extract and its different polar subfractions inhibited significantly the growth of all six gram‐positive bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19116, ATCC 19118 and ATCC 19166), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916) and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and two gram‐negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 2004 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. The zones of inhibition of methanol extract and its derived different polar subfractions against the tested bacteria were found in the 12.1–23.2 mm range and the minimum inhibitory concentration values were recorded between 62.5 and 500 µg/mL. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl assay. The free radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction was superior to all other fractions (IC50 = 16.45 µg/mL) and was higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (IC50 = 18.27 µg/mL). Furthermore, the amount of total phenolic compounds was determined and its content in EtOAc fraction (12.25%) was the highest compared with other extract or fractions.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe natural products derived from Ailanthus altissima Swingle may contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents with potential applications in food industries as natural preservatives or flavoring agents to control foodborne pathogens. They can be used as growth inhibitors of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as some important foodborne pathogens and spoiling bacteria. The main reason for their suitability is their natural origin, which consumers find comforting and is beneficial for the environment, and the very low risk that pathogens will develop resistance to the mixture of components that make up the extracts with their apparent diversity of antibacterial mechanisms. These beneficial characteristics could increase food safety and shelf life.
Practical Modeling Approaches for Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Celia Michael A. , Nordbotten Jan M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe relentless increase of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions and the associated concerns about climate change have motivated new ideas about carbon‐constrained energy production. One technological approach to control carbon dioxide emissions is carbon capture and storage, or CCS. The underlying idea of CCS is to capture the carbon before it emitted to the atmosphere and store it somewhere other than the atmosphere. Currently, the most attractive option for large‐scale storage is in deep geological formations, including deep saline aquifers. Many physical and chemical processes can affect the fate of the injected CO2, with the overall mathematical description of the complete system becoming very complex. Our approach to the problem has been to reduce complexity as much as possible, so that we can focus on the few truly important questions about the injected CO2, most of which involve leakage out of the injection formation. Toward this end, we have established a set of simplifying assumptions that allow us to derive simplified models, which can be solved numerically or, for the most simplified cases, analytically. These simplified models allow calculation of solutions to large‐scale injection and leakage problems in ways that traditional multicomponent multiphase simulators cannot. Such simplified models provide important tools for system analysis, screening calculations, and overall risk‐assessment calculations. We believe this is a practical and important approach to model geological storage of carbon dioxide. It also serves as an example of how complex systems can be simplified while retaining the essential physics of the problem.