bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herkogamy and mate diversity in the wild daffodilNarcissus longispathus: beyond the selfing–outcrossing paradigm in the evolution of mixed mating
Authors: Medrano M. , Requerey R. , Karron J. D. , Herrera C. M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSpatial separation of male and female reproductive structures (herkogamy) is a widespread floral trait that has traditionally been viewed as an adaptation that reduces the likelihood of self‐pollination. Here we propose that increased herkogamy may also influence another important aspect of plant mating: the diversity of pollen donors siring seeds within fruits. We test this hypothesis inNarcissus longispathus, a wild daffodil species with extensive variation in anther–stigma separation. To study the morphological basis of variation in herkogamy, floral measurements were undertaken in 16 populations ofN. longispathus. We then quantified multilocus outcrossing rates and the correlation of outcrossed paternity in three of these populations sampled over several years. Mating system estimates were calculated for each population and year, and also separately for groups of plants that differed markedly in herkogamy within each population and year. InN.  longispathusherkogamy was much more variable than other floral traits, and was more closely related to style length than to anther position. Averaged across populations and years, plants with high herkogamy had similar outcrossing rates (0.683) to plants with intermediate (0.648) or low herkogamy (0.590). However, a significant linear trend was found for correlation of outcrossed paternity, which increased monotonically from high herkogamy (0.221), through intermediate herkogamy (0.303) to low herkogamy (0.463) plants. The diversity of pollen donors siring seeds of high herkogamyNarcissusflowers was thus consistently greater than the diversity of pollen donors siring seeds of low herkogamy flowers. Results of this study contribute to the emerging consensus that floral traits can simultaneously influence several aspects of plant mating system in complex ways, thus extending the traditional focus centred exclusively on patterns and relative importance of self‐ and cross‐fertilisation.
Spread of herbicide‐resistant weedy rice (red rice, Oryza sativa L.) after 5 years of Clearfield rice cultivation in Italy
Authors: Busconi M. , Rossi D. , Lorenzoni C. , Baldi G. , Fogher C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe weedy relative of cultivated rice, red rice, can invade and severely infest rice fields, as reported by rice farmers throughout the world. Because of its close genetic relationship to commercial rice, red rice has proven difficult to control. Clearfield (Cl) varieties, which are resistant to the inhibiting herbicides in the chemical group AHAS (acetohydroxyacid synthase), provide a highly efficient opportunity to control red rice infestations. In order to reduce the risk of herbicide resistance spreading from cultivated rice to red rice, stewardship guidelines are regularly released. In Italy, the cultivation of Cl cultivars started in 2006. In 2010, surveillance of the possible escape of herbicide resistance was carried out; 168 red rice plants were sampled in 16 fields from six locations containing Cl and traditional cultivars. A first subsample of 119 plants was analysed after herbicide treatment and the resistance was found in 62 plants. Of these 119 plants, 78 plants were randomly selected and analysed at the level of the AHAS gene to search for the Cl mutation determining the resistant genotype: the Cl mutation was present in all the resistant plants. Nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers revealed a high correlation between genetic similarity and herbicide resistance. The results clearly show that Cl herbicide‐resistant red rice plants are present in the field, having genetic relationships with the Cl variety. Finding plants homozygous for the mutation suggests that the crossing event occurred relatively recently and that these plants are in the F2 or later generations. These observations raise the possibility that Cl red rice is already within the cultivated rice seed supply.
Incentive Value learning in Domestic Hens
Authors: Forkman Björn , Coerse Nancy C. A. , Haskell Marie J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe present experiment investigated whether domestic hens (Gallus domesticus) assign different incentive values to novel food depending on their deprivation state when they encounter this novel food. Firstly, hens were trained to search under wood shavings in a food dish to find a small amount of a novel food. Half of the hens were then presented with the novel food while food deprived, and the other half were presented to it while sated. In the test, all hens were food deprived, and given access to the food dish used in the first stage, filled with shavings but without food. Hens that had experienced the food while deprived spent more time on food‐related behaviours in and at the dish than did hens that had not (pecking at dish, Median 63 vs. 37, p < 0.05). These results indicate that the first group had assigned a higher value to the novel food. The results show for the first time that incentive value learning occurs in domestic hens. This implies that care must be taken when designing choice tests to take into account the animal’s motivational state when it previously encountered the resources being studied.
Treatment via videoconferencing: A pilot study of delivery by clinical psychology trainees
Authors: Dunstan Debra A. , Tooth Susan M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjective:  This pilot study explored the outcomes of clinical psychology trainees delivering treatments via videoconferencing.Design:  A noncurrent, multiple baseline across subjects and settings.Setting:  University outpatient psychology clinic.Participants:  Six clients (two men and four women) with an anxiety or depressive disorder were randomly assigned to received six sessions of individual therapy (either via videoconferencing or face to face) from a male or female clinical psychology trainee.Main outcome measures:  Participants provided daily ratings (0–10) of subjective distress/well‐being via text messaging, and at pre‐, post‐, and 1 month follow‐up of treatment, completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and the Outcome Questionnaire‐45. Along with the trainees, participants also provided feedback on the therapy experience.Results:  The subjective well‐being of all participants improved, and all videoconferencing participants showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction in symptomology and gains in general life functioning. Feedback comments were positive.Conclusions:  This study suggests that there is value in clinical psychology trainees gaining experience in the delivery of treatments via videoconferencing. Further study is needed to demonstrate the potential for university clinics to deliver mental health services, via this modality, to rural and remote areas.
Is personality the missing link in understanding recruitment and retention of rural general practitioners?
Authors: Jones Michael P. , Humphreys John S. , Nicholson Tahnee 
Published: March 2012

AbstractContext:  Little is known about the role of personality and related constructs in general practitioners' (GPs) choices of geographic location of medical practice. There is however some theory suggesting a role for personality in career decision making and some limited empirical evidence that this applies in medical career decisions.Purpose:  The aim of this study is to gain insight into whether personality plays a role in GPs' decisions to work in rural areas and the length of time that they intend to remain as a rural practitioner.Method:  Samples of rural (n = 372) and urban (n = 100) GPs from New South Wales (Australia) completed the Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness – Five Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) and Adjective Checklist personality instruments and answered questions about demographics and rural upbringing.Findings:  Rural GPs scored, on average, more highly than urban GPs with respect to conscientiousness and agreeableness but lower on openness, which can also be taken to mean a more ‘down‐to‐earth’ personality. Personality together with age, gender, experience as a GP, time in current location and rural childhood yield an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 in discriminating rural from urban GPs. Among rural GPs openness (P = 0.007) was positively correlated with intended longevity as a rural doctor as was nurturing (P = 0.06).Conclusions:  Personality appears to play some role both in discriminating rural from urban GPs and in how long existing rural GPs intend to remain as rural GPs. Consideration of personality might assist in selection of individuals who will better fit the professional and social environment of rural life.
Captopril attenuates hypertension and renal injury induced by the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor sorafenib
Authors: Nagasawa Tasuku , Hye Khan Md Abdul , Imig John D 
Published: March 2012

Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFi) are known to cause hypertension and renal injury that severely limits their use as an anticancer therapy. We hypothesized that the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor captopril not only prevents hypertension, but also decreases renal injury caused by the VEGFi sorafenib.
Rats were administered sorafenib (20 mg/kg per day) alone or in combination with captopril (40 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Sorafenib administration increased blood pressure, which plateaued by day 10.
Concurrent treatment with captopril for 4 weeks resulted in a 30 mmHg decrease in blood pressure compared with sorafenib alone (155 ± 5 vs 182 ± 6 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, concurrent captopril treatment reduced albuminuria by 50% compared with sorafenib alone (20 ± 8 vs 42 ± 9 mg/day, respectively; P < 0.05) and reduced nephrinuria by eightfold (280 ± 96 vs 2305 ± 665 μg/day, respectively; P < 0.05). Glomerular injury, thrombotic microangiopathy and tubular cast formation were also decreased in captopril‐treated rats administered sorafenib. Renal autoregulatory efficiency was determined by evaluating the afferent arteriolar constrictor response to ATP. Sorafenib administration attenuated the vasoconstriction to ATP, whereas concurrent captopril treatment improved ATP reactivity.
In conclusion, captopril attenuated hypertension and renal injury and improved renal autoregulatory capacity in rats administered sorafenib. These findings indicate that captopril treatment, in addition to alleviating the detrimental side‐effect of hypertension, decreases the renal injury associated with anticancer VEGFi therapies such as sorafenib.
Symptom patterns, duration and responses in newly diagnosed patients with heart failure
Authors: Gallagher Robyn , Sullivan Anne , Hales Susan , Gillies Geraldine , Burke Rhonda , Tofler Geoffrey 
Published: March 2012

Gallagher R, Sullivan A, Hales S, Gillies G, Burke R, Tofler G. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 133–139Symptom patterns, duration and responses in newly diagnosed patients with heart failureThis study investigated the symptom patterns and duration and associated predictors occurring prior to first heart failure (HF) admission. Data from the Managing Cardiac Function (MACARF) program from January to December 2007 were reviewed in relation to preadmission symptoms and contacts with health professionals. Patients (n = 242) were aged 78.7 years (SD 12 years), male (54%) and married (45%). Patients experienced up to seven symptoms (Mean 2.7, SD 1.4) for a median of 4.47 days (range 1–7) before admission, most commonly increased dyspnoea on exertion (88%), and for the shortest duration chest discomfort. Less than half (48%) contacted a health professional before hospitalization, most often a general practitioner (37%). The duration patients experienced before presenting to hospital was increased if they presented during business hours (beta = 2.68) or the evening (beta = 1.88) (and therefore less from midnight to 8:30 am), or with a change in symptom (beta = 1.4), whereas duration was reduced by chest discomfort (beta = −2.01) and older age (beta = −0.07). There is a significant time window during which patients and health professionals may detect and act on worsening HF symptoms. Newly diagnosed patients with HF need support to recognize and respond to these symptoms to avoid hospital admission.
Health related quality of life and the support needs of carers of cardiac surgical patients: An exploratory study
Authors: Robinson Rosemary , Barnett Tony 
Published: March 2012

Robinson R, Barnett T. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 205–209Health related quality of life and the support needs of carers of cardiac surgical patients: An exploratory studyIn this descriptive, repeated‐measures study, we assessed changes in Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of cardiac surgical patients' caregivers over time and their need for support. Ninety‐six primary carers of cardiac patients who had received elective surgery at one tertiary referral hospital were recruited. The majority were female spouses of patients who had undergone bypass and/or cardiac valve surgery. Participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire that included the SF‐36v2 quality of life health survey and asked about their need for support 6 weeks and 6 months following patient discharge. Carers reported a significant improvement in five out of eight HRQL dimensions (Physical functioning, Physical role, Vitality, Social functioning, Role‐emotional) over the study period (P < 0.05). Those who completed the survey at 6 weeks but not 6 months reported higher scores across all dimensions. Carers' need for support need was higher at 6 weeks than 6 months.
Prebiopsy magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R , Thulkar Sanjay , Kumar Rajeev 
Published: March 2012

Introduction:  Existing screening investigations for the diagnosis of early prostate cancer lack specificity, resulting in a high negative biopsy rate. There is increasing interest in the use of various magnetic resonance methods for improving the yield of transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsies of the prostate in men suspected to have prostate cancer. We review the existing status of such investigations.Methods:  A literature search was carried out using the Pubmed database to identify articles related to magnetic resonance methods for diagnosing prostate cancer. References from these articles were also extracted and reviewed.Results:  Recent studies have focused on prebiopsy magnetic resonance investigations using conventional magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging, magnetization transfer imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the prostate. This marks a shift from the earlier strategy of carrying out postbiopsy magnetic resonance investigations. Prebiopsy magnetic resonance investigations has been useful in identifying patients who are more likely to have a biopsy positive for malignancy.Conclusions:  Prebiopsy magnetic resonance investigations has a potential role in increasing specificity of screening for early prostate cancer. It has a role in the targeting of biopsy sites, avoiding unnecessary biopsies and predicting the outcome of biopsies.
Evaluation of N‐acetilglucosaminidase and myeloperoxidase activity in patients with endometriosis‐related infertility undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Lamaita Rívia Mara , Pontes Anaglória , Belo Andrezza V. , Caetano João Pedro , Andrade Sílvia P. , Cândido Eduardo B. , Carneiro Márcia Mendonça , Silva‐Filho Agnaldo L. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  Inflammation is as an important factor in ovulation with the active participation of leucocytes and their inflammatory mediators. The present study was performed to compare the activity of the inflammatory enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) in patients with endometriosis‐related infertility and in normally ovulating women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Material and Methods:  This prospective study included infertile women undergoing ICSI treatment. These women were divided into two groups: endometriosis anovulation (n = 18) and normally ovulating (n = 20). NAG and MPO activity was evaluated colorimetrically in serum and in follicular fluids obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval.Results:  There was a significant correlation between the serum and follicular fluid activities of NAG and MPO (τ = 0.256, P = 0.025; and τ = −0.234, P = 0.041; respectively). Both serum and follicular fluid NAG activities were higher in patients with endometriosis compared to the control group (P < 0.001). MPO follicular fluid activity was lower in patients with endometriosis compared to normally ovulating women (P = 0.016).Conclusion:  Infertile patients with endometriosis show a distinct pattern of serum and follicular fluid macrophage/neutrophil activation compared to normally ovulating women undergoing ICSI, which may reflect the role of immune and inflammatory alterations in endometriosis‐related infertility.
Opposing effects of organic and conventional fertilizers on the performance of a generalist and a specialist aphid species
Authors: Stafford David B. , Tariq Muhammad , Wright Denis J. , Rossiter John T. , Kazana Eleana , Leather Simon R. , Ali Muhammad , Staley Joanna T. 
Published: March 2012

Sustainable and conventional farming systems use fertilizers that differ in the availability of nitrogen, which may affect plant quality to alter the abundance and performance of potential pest species.
We grew brassica plants in several types of fertilizer, including those commonly used in conventional and sustainable farming systems, and an unfertilized control. The effects of fertilizer type on the performance of two aphid species and foliar glucosinolate content were investigated.
Both aphid species performed poorly (with reduced fecundity) on the unfertilized treatment compared with those feeding on fertilized host plants.
Brevicoryne brassicae, the brassica specialist, performed best on Brassica oleracea plants fertilized with an organic animal manure, with a 72% increase in fecundity and an 18% increase in intrinsic rate of increase compared with plants fertilized with ammonium nitrate.
By contrast, the generalist Myzus persicae had an intrinsic rate of increase that was reduced by 15% on plants growing in the animal manure compared with those growing in ammonium nitrate.
These results may explain earlier findings on the effects of fertilizer type on aphid populations in the field, and are discussed in the context of pest species' responses to sustainable and conventional agricultural systems.
Assessing couples' preferences for postoperative sexual rehabilitation before radical prostatectomy
Authors: Davison B. Joyce , Matthew Andrew , Elliott Stacy , Breckon Erin , Griffin Shannon 
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Therapy (patient's preference)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy (RP) continues to cause men significant levels of distress, but few report being satisfied with the erectile aids that are prescribed. Most couples who do seek treatment report difficulty in maintaining sexual activity and intimate relationships. Although inclusion of partners in sexual rehabilitation programmes may be beneficial, partners are usually not included as part of current treatment protocols.Preoperative assessment of a couple's readiness to engage in a sexual rehabilitation programme is needed given that only 41% of patients scheduled for a radical prostatectomy during the study period agreed to be in the study. Results show that although patients have mild erectile function, their partners' overall levels of sexual function suggest a need for further medical evaluation. Patients want their partners to be included in the sexual rehabilitation process but few institutions currently offer couple‐based rehabilitation programmes. Although intimacy levels of couples are high preoperatively, there is a need to prospectively determine how these levels are impacted by changes in sexual function postoperatively.OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the readiness of couples to engage in a sexual rehabilitation programme (SRP) before radical prostatectomy (RP) and to identify barriers to participation in an SRP after RP.
To identify couples' current levels of sexual function and intimacy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and their partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to measure sexual function.
Couples completed the Miller Social Intimacy Scale (MSIS) to measure intimacy in relationships.
All participants were seen by a sexual health clinician after completing the measures to discuss barriers to participation in an SRP, and to receive an education session.
RESULTS
Study participants comprised 143 patients and 104 partners.
Patients <60 years old had significantly higher sexual function (P < 0.002) compared with those patients aged 60 years and older.
Partners' sexual function scores were suggestive of need for further medical evaluation.
Partners' participation was cited by patients as important to them enrolling in an SRP.
Couples' intimacy levels were strongly correlated (P < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that less than 50% of patients are interested in receiving information about the impact of RP on sexual function before surgery.
Female sexual function should be assessed as part of any SRP because they may require medical treatment if they are to support rehabilitation efforts for their spouses.
Baseline assessment of a couple's sexual function and willingness to participate in an SRP should be performed preoperatively.
Gender difference in academic performance of nursing students in a Malaysian university college
Authors: Wan Chik W.Z. , Salamonson Y. , Everett B. , Ramjan L.M. , Attwood N. , Weaver R. , Saad Z. , Davidson P.M. 
Published: March 2012

WAN CHIK W.Z., SALAMONSON Y., EVERETT B., RAMJAN L.M., ATTWOOD N., WEAVER R., SAAD Z. & DAVIDSON P.M. (2012) Gender difference in academic performance of nursing students in a Malaysian university college. International Nursing Review59, 387–393Purpose:  To examine differences in academic performance between male and female nursing students, and to identify whether professional identity and language usage were explanatory factors of academic performance.Background:  Although the numbers of men entering the nursing profession are increasing, societal stereotypes and the lack of male role models in nursing may have a negative impact on motivation, and hence, academic performance.Methods:  A total of 147 students who were enrolled in an undergraduate nursing programme in Peninsula Malaysia were surveyed in January 2011. In addition to demographic and academic data, three instruments were administered to measure language acculturation and professional identity.Findings:  The mean age of participants was 20.0 (SD: 1.5) years with 81% being female. Almost all students spoke the Malay language at home. Although there were no differences between male and female nursing students in relation to professional identity (P = 0.496), male nursing students reported a lower mean English language usage score (9.9 vs. 10.9, P = 0.011) and a higher mean Malay language usage score (20.4 vs. 18.8, P = 0.017). Males were also found to have lower academic performance than female students, as measured by grade point average (GPA) (2.7 vs. 3.2, P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed gender was the only significant predictor of academic performance (β = −0.44, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Males represent less than 10% of the nursing workforce in developed countries, with some developing countries experiencing even lower participation rates. Promoting academic support of male nursing students may assist in increasing the number of male registered nurses in the nursing workforce.