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The ways in which the discrepancy between one's own interest in sex and that of one's partner may affect personal sexual satisfaction has rarely been systematically studied, especially among older adults. Previous research among younger adults indicates that a discrepancy in sexual desire can be detrimental in terms of several relationship outcomes, including sexual satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate a conceptual model of sexual satisfaction among coupled older adults which posits that the association between perceived discrepancy in sexual interest and sexual satisfaction is mediated by the frequency of sexual activity and emotional closeness during sex. Data from a probability-based postal survey that included 2695 partnered heterosexual adults aged 60–75 years from four European countries (Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal) were used to test the mediation model. Due to expected gender differences in the two mediators, all analyses were carried out separately for men and women. The findings supported the proposed model, suggesting that as an individual's perception of a discrepancy in sexual interest increases, his or her levels of sexual frequency and perceived closeness during sex decrease—which in turn diminishes sexual satisfaction. The results of this study provide insights into links among sexual interest, sexual frequency, emotional closeness, and sexual satisfaction in older adults, and point to substantial similarities in the sexuality of aging men and women in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orbital forcing does not only exert direct insolation effects, but also alters climate indirectly through feedback mechanisms that modify atmosphere and ocean dynamics and meridional heat and moisture transfers. We investigate the regional effects of these changes by detailed analysis of atmosphere and ocean circulation and heat transports in a coupled atmosphere-ocean-sea ice-biosphere general circulation model (ECHAM5/JSBACH/MPI-OM). We perform long term quasi equilibrium simulations under pre-industrial, mid-Holocene (6000 years before present - yBP), and Eemian (125 000 yBP) orbital boundary conditions. Compared to pre-industrial climate, Eemian and Holocene temperatures show generally warmer conditions at higher and cooler conditions at lower latitudes. Changes in sea-ice cover, ocean heat transports, and atmospheric circulation patterns lead to pronounced regional heterogeneity. Over Europe, the warming is most pronounced over the north-eastern part in accordance with recent reconstructions for the Holocene. We attribute this warming to enhanced ocean circulation in the Nordic Seas and enhanced ocean-atmosphere heat flux over the Barents Shelf in conduction with retreat of sea ice and intensified winter storm tracks over northern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) are sampled and investigated in a forested area in Middle-Europe. The campaigns, consisting in active and passive samplings, were conducted in the Bavarian and Bohemian Forest at four sites chosen for their similar soil and forest stand characteristics. Passive sampling was conducted using both semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and needles of well-exposed dominant spruce trees. Active air sampling was also performed at one site with a low volume air sampler. Correlations were performed to identify relationships and trends of PCDD/F. Lower chlorinated PCDD/F are accumulated in SPMDs, needles collected all compounds among homologues and their PCDD/F pattern is close to that of active sampling. Results of the analysed compounds obtained with the different sampling methods served as a basis for the establishment of advantages and disadvantages of the sampling tools applied and their possible optimisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rotaviruses are well-known causative agents of enteric disorders in humans and other mammals, but little is known about their virulence and pathogenic role in pigeons and other birds. Starting in summer 2017, a series of outbreaks of an acute disease with high mortalities was reported in domestic pigeons in Germany, Belgium and Denmark. The clinical picture was characterized by diarrhoea, vomiting, hepatic necrosis and sudden fatalities. From these severe outbreaks, we discovered several previously unknown group A rotavirus (RVA) lineages of genotype G18P[17]-I4-R4-C4-M4-A4-T4-N4-E19-H4, which were closely related but not identical to an RVA variant identified in cases of fatal hepatic necrosis in Australian pigeon lofts in 2016. Retrospective analysis demonstrated that the predecessors of the highly virulent variants have circulated in Europe since at least 2010. Our data indicate that reassortment and intercontinental spread has led to the emergence of novel RVA variants, which may constitute a major threat to animal welfare and health of domestic pigeon populations worldwide., (© 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Background: We recently published the rare detection of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) (1/105) in prostate cancer (PCA) tissue of patients in Northern Europe by PCR. The controversial discussion about the virus being detected in PCA tissue, blood samples from patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), as well as from a significant number of healthy controls prompted us to deepen our studies about detection of XMRV infection applying different detection methods (PCR, cocultivation and immunohistochemistry [IHC])., Methodology/principal Findings: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 92 PCA and 7 healthy controls were isolated, PHA activated and cocultivated with LNCaP cells for up to 8 weeks. Supernatant of these cells was applied to a reporter cell line, DERSE-iGFP. Furthermore, the PBMCs and cocultivated LNCaP cells were tested for the presence of XMRV by PCR as well as Western Blot analysis. While all PCR amplifications and Western Blot analyses were negative for signs of XMRV infection, DERSE-iGFP cells displayed isolated GFP positive cells in three cases. In all three cases XMRV presence could not be confirmed by PCR technology. In addition, we performed XMRV specific IHC on PCA tissue sections. Whole tissue sections (n = 20), as well as tissue microarrays (TMA) including 50 benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), 50 low grade and 50 high grade PCA sections and TMAs including breast cancer, colon cancer and normal tissues were stained with two XMRV specific antisera. XMRV protein expression was not detected in any cancer sections included. One BPH tissue displayed XMRV specific protein expression in random isolated basal cells., Conclusion: We were unable to conclusively detect XMRV in the blood from PCA patients or from healthy controls and there is no conclusive evidence of XMRV protein expression in PCA, breast cancer and colon cancer tissue sections tested by IHC staining.