bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed and seedling traits have strong impacts on establishment of a perennial bunchgrass in invaded semi‐arid systems
Authors: Leger Elizabeth A. , Atwater Daniel Z. , James Jeremy J. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Many restoration projects use seeds to found new populations, and understanding phenotypic traits associated with seedling establishment in disturbed and invaded communities is important for restoration efforts world‐wide. Focusing on the perennial grass Elymus elymoides, a native species common to sagebrush steppe communities in the Western United States, we asked if seed and seedling traits could predict field establishment.

We collected seeds from 34 populations from the western Great Basin. In greenhouse studies, we measured variation in seed and seedling characteristics of wild populations and one cultivar. We also quantified abiotic conditions at the collection location and asked if these characteristics predicted survival and other fitness metrics at five planting sites. Planting sites were all near‐monocultures of the invasive annual grass Bromus tectorum, and all sites experienced similar, below‐average precipitation during the experiment.

Phenotypic traits were strongly correlated with performance across all sites, with remarkably high predictive power. Seeds from populations with longer roots, larger seeds and earlier emergence were significantly more likely to survive the first growing season (R2 = 0.66, p < 0.0001). In contrast, while some abiotic variables at the collection location (e.g. 30‐year average summer precipitation and fall minimum temperatures) were associated with field performance at some sites, abiotic variables explained less variation in performance than traits (average R2 = 0.22). Despite the low predictive power of abiotic variables, populations that performed best at each field site were from locations with climate variables similar to planting sites.

Synthesis and applications. The best seed sources for restoration of Elymus elymoides in invaded sites were populations with longer roots, larger seeds and earlier emergence. These easily measured traits were strong predictors of survival in disturbed field sites. While the most successful populations were found in areas with similar abiotic conditions as planting sites, there was phenotypic variation even among populations originating from locations with similar conditions. Thus, our results indicate that abiotic conditions are important considerations when selecting seeds, but these conditions may not sufficiently predict which populations will establish. Understanding population differences in seedling functional traits can improve predictions of restoration success.
Placental growth factor blunts uterine artery responses to angiotensin II
Authors: Espinoza J , Betancourt A , Belfort MA , Shamshirsaz AA , Fox KA , Yallampalli C 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveChanges in maternal serum concentration of placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular response to intravascular infusion of Angiotensin II (Ang II) follow a bell‐shaped curve pattern during gestation. This study evaluates the effects of PlGF and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (sFlt‐1) on responses of human uterine arteries (UA) to Ang II.DesignExperimental.SettingBaylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital‐Pavilion for Women.SampleUterine arteries samples (n = 14) were obtained from normotensive women undergoing caesarean hysterectomy at ≥32 weeks.MethodsUterine arteries rings were incubated with (1) Krebs solution; (2) PlGF at 1.45, 14.5, and 500 pg/ml; (3) sFlt‐1 at 2 ng/ml; and (4) a combination of sFlt‐1, and PlGF. Dose‐contraction responses to Ang II were determined in UA rings incubated in the above‐mentioned conditions. Responses were also measured in presence of L‐NAME or inhibitors of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarising factor: apamine and charybdotoxin. The t‐test was used for comparisons.Main outcome measureChanges in vascular reactivity of UA rings.ResultsPlGF blunted (P = 0.03) and sFlt‐1 increased (P <0.01) the UA maximum responses to Ang II. A combination of sFlt‐1 and PlGF blunted UA responses to Ang II (P < 0.05). l‐NAME, apamine, and charybdotoxin reversed the relaxation effects of PlGF on UA responses to Ang II (P < 0.05).ConclusionsPlGF contributes to the blunted vascular response to Angiotensin II during normotensive pregnancies and sFlt‐1 appears to attenuate this effect. PlGF and sFlt‐1 may contribute to the regulation of vascular tone during pregnancy by altering the vascular response to Angiotensin II.FundingBaylor College of Medicine.Tweetable abstractPlacental growth factor and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 modulate the uterine artery response to Angiotensin II in normotensive pregnant women.
DAF‐16 stabilizes the aging transcriptome and is activated in mid‐aged Caenorhabditis elegans to cope with internal stress
Authors: Li Shang‐Tong , Zhao Han‐Qing , Zhang Pan , Liang Chung‐Yi , Zhang Yan‐Ping , Hsu Ao‐Lin , Dong Meng‐Qiu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe roles and regulatory mechanisms of transcriptome changes during aging are unclear. It has been proposed that the transcriptome suffers decay during aging owing to age‐associated down‐regulation of transcription factors. In this study, we characterized the role of a transcription factor DAF‐16, which is a highly conserved lifespan regulator, in the normal aging process of Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that DAF‐16 translocates into the nucleus in aged wild‐type worms and activates the expression of hundreds of genes in response to age‐associated cellular stress. Most of the age‐dependent DAF‐16 targets are different from the canonical DAF‐16 targets downstream of insulin signaling. This and other evidence suggest that activation of DAF‐16 during aging is distinct from activation of DAF‐16 due to reduced signaling from DAF‐2. Further analysis showed that it is due in part to a loss of proteostasis during aging. We also found that without daf‐16, dramatic gene expression changes occur as early as on adult day 2, indicating that DAF‐16 acts to stabilize the transcriptome during normal aging. Our results thus reveal that normal aging is not simply a process in which the gene expression program descends into chaos due to loss of regulatory activities; rather, there is active transcriptional regulation during aging.
KIN‐4/MAST kinase promotes PTEN‐mediated longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans via binding through a PDZ domain
Authors: An Seon Woo A. , Choi Eun‐Seok , Hwang Wooseon , Son Heehwa G. , Yang Jae‐Seong , Seo Keunhee , Nam Hyun‐Jun , Nguyen Nhung T. H. , Kim Eun Ji E. , Suh Bo Kyoung , Kim Youngran , Nakano Shunji , Ryu Youngjae , Man Ha Chang , Mori Ikue , Park Sang Ki , Yoo Joo‐Yeon , Kim Sanguk , Lee Seung‐Jae V. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPDZ domain‐containing proteins (PDZ proteins) act as scaffolds for protein–protein interactions and are crucial for a variety of signal transduction processes. However, the role of PDZ proteins in organismal lifespan and aging remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that KIN‐4, a PDZ domain‐containing microtubule‐associated serine‐threonine (MAST) protein kinase, is a key longevity factor acting through binding PTEN phosphatase in Caenorhabditis elegans. Through a targeted genetic screen for PDZ proteins, we find that kin‐4 is required for the long lifespan of daf‐2/insulin/IGF‐1 receptor mutants. We then show that neurons are crucial tissues for the longevity‐promoting role of kin‐4. We find that the PDZ domain of KIN‐4 binds PTEN, a key factor for the longevity of daf‐2 mutants. Moreover, the interaction between KIN‐4 and PTEN is essential for the extended lifespan of daf‐2 mutants. As many aspects of lifespan regulation in C. elegans are evolutionarily conserved, MAST family kinases may regulate aging and/or age‐related diseases in mammals through their interaction with PTEN.
Pharmacokinetics of a novel, approved, 1.4‐mg intranasal naloxone formulation for reversal of opioid overdose—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Skulberg Arne Kristian , Åsberg Anders , Khiabani Hasse Zare , Røstad Hilde , Tylleskar Ida , Dale Ola 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground and aimsIntranasal (i.n.) naloxone is an established treatment for opioid overdose. Anyone likely to witness an overdose should have access to the antidote. We aimed to determine whether an i.n. formulation delivering 1.4 mg naloxone hydrochloride would achieve systemic exposure comparable to that of 0.8 mg intramuscular (i.m.) naloxone.DesignOpen, randomized four‐way cross‐over trial.SettingClinical Trials Units in St Olav's Hospital, Trondheim and Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.ParticipantsTwenty‐two healthy human volunteers, 10 women, median age = 25.8 years.Intervention and comparatorOne and two doses of i.n. 1.4 mg naloxone compared with i.m. 0.8 mg and intravenous (i.v.) 0.4 mg naloxone.MeasurementsQuantification of plasma naloxone was performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic non‐compartment analyses were used for the main analyses. A non‐parametric pharmacokinetic population model was developed for Monte Carlo simulations of different dosing scenarios.FindingsArea under the curve from administration to last measured concentration (AUC0‐last) for i.n. 1.4 mg and i.m. 0.8 mg were 2.62 ± 0.94 and 3.09 ± 0.64 h × ng/ml, respectively (P = 0.33). Maximum concentration (Cmax) was 2.36 ± 0.68 ng/ml for i.n. 1.4 mg and 3.73 ± 3.34 for i.m. 0.8 mg (P = 0.72). Two i.n. doses showed dose linearity and achieved a Cmax of 4.18 ± 1.53 ng/ml. Tmax was reached after 20.2 ± 9.4 minutes for i.n. 1.4 mg and 13.6 ± 15.4 minutes for i.m. 0.8 mg (P = 0.098). The absolute bioavailability for i.n. 1.4 mg was 0.49 (±0.24), while the relative i.n./i.m. bioavailability was 0.52 (±0.25).ConclusionIntranasal 1.4 mg naloxone provides adequate systemic concentrations to treat opioid overdose compared with intramuscular 0.8 mg, without statistical difference on maximum plasma concentration, time to maximum plasma concentration or area under the curve. Simulations support its appropriateness both as peer administered antidote and for titration of treatment by professionals.
Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of debris and smear layer generated by two instruments used in reciprocating motion WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®
Authors: Feghali Maya , Jabbour Edgard , Koyess Edmond , Sabbagh Joseph 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim was to evaluate debris and smear layer at 1, 3 and 5 mm from the foramen of single‐file systems WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®. Thirty single‐rooted teeth were prepared using one of the following NiTi instruments WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®. Root canals were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The presence of debris and smear layer at the apical third of root canals was evaluated. Data were analysed by Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. WaveOne Gold® produced significantly less debris and smear layer compared to Reciproc Blue®. However, the mean amount of debris was significantly different within distances for WaveOne Gold®, while no difference were observed for Reciproc Blue. The mean amount of smear layer was not significantly different within distances with WaveOne Gold® and Reciproc Blue®. Both systems showed debris and smear layer in the apical third; nevertheless, WaveOne Gold® showed better results.
First gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) known to feed on plant family Atherospermataceae: a new species of Asphondylia damaging the endangered Australian tree Daphnandra johnsonii
Authors: Kolesik Peter , Butterworth Nathan , Lemmon Jedda , Gibson Tracey , Wallman James F 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA new gall midge, here named Asphondylia daphnandrae Kolesik sp. nov., is described and a segment of its cytochrome oxidase unit I mitochondrial gene is sequenced. Asphondylia daphnandrae is significant as the first gall midge known to feed on a plant from the family Atherospermataceae (Laurales). The host plant tree Daphnandra johnsonii is endemic to the Illawarra region, New South Wales, Australia, and is currently threatened with extinction. Larvae of the new species of gall midge were found feeding inside deformed fruits, impeding the sexual reproduction of this endangered plant species.
Challenges of fertility preservation in non‐oncological diseases
Authors: Condorelli Margherita , Demeestere Isabelle 
Published: February 2019

AbstractClinicians should provide fertility counseling to all patients receiving gonadotoxic treatment. International scientific societies have mainly focused on oncological patients, and fewer efforts have been made to apply these recommendations to women diagnosed with benign disease (eg benign hematological diseases, autoimmune diseases, and gynecological or genetic disorders). However, these indications account for 8%‐13% of the demand for fertility preservation. The risk of premature ovarian failure due to treatment, or to the disease itself, can be considered fairly high for many young women. Counseling and adequate management of these women require particular attention due to the severe health conditions that are associated with some of these diseases. In this review, we address specific issues related to providing adequate fertility counseling and management for women who have been diagnosed with the major non‐oncological indications, based on the literature and on our clinical experience.
Investigating the nasal cycle using unilateral peak nasal inspiratory flow and acoustic rhinometry minimal cross‐sectional area measurements
Authors: Tan Martin Fan Min , Whitcroft Katherine Lisa , Mehta Nishchay , Schilder Anne , Leung Terence S. , Andrews Peter J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo plot the nasal cycle using unilateral peak nasal inspiratory flow (UPNIF) and unilateral minimal cross‐sectional area (UMCA) readings demonstrating a linear relationship in normal nasal function. Additionally, to determine how this changes in abnormal nasal function.DesignA cross‐sectional study measuring UPNIF and UMCA in controls demonstrating normal nasal function and in patients with nasal obstruction.SettingRoyal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital, London.ParticipantsA total of 39 participants, 26 controls and 13 patients, were recruited. Controls exhibited normal nasal function with SNOT‐22 <5. Patients nasal obstruction symptoms secondary to inflammation or structural abnormality with SNOT‐22 >9.Main Outcome Measures and ResultsAirflow rates and resistance values were derived from UPNIF and UMCA measurements respectively based on Poiseuille's laws. Ratios between right and left UPNIF and UMCA values were taken to adjust for confounding factors. The relationship of 1/Resistance Ratio and Airflow Rate Ratio demonstrated a linear of direct proportionality of strong correlation and statistical significance (correlation coefficient = 0.76, P « 0.01). This suggests that data points from controls with a normal nasal cycle lie closely along the regressed line, whilst those lying significantly away were shown to belong to patients with nasal dysfunction. Olfactory dysfunction appears to be a sensitive discriminator in predicting this.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the directly proportional relationship of 1/Resistance Ratio and Airflow Rate Ratio in normal nasal function. Furthermore, nasal pathology can be predicted if data points lie significantly outside these normal limits. Further studies are needed to validate exact normal and abnormal thresholds.
Long‐term follow‐up of a multicentre cohort study on laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated diverticulitis
Authors: Sneiders D. , Lambrichts D. P. V. , Swank H. A. , Blanken‐Peeters C. F. J. M. , Nienhuijs S. W. , Govaert M. J. P. M. , Gerhards M. F. , Hoofwijk A. G. M. , Bosker R. J. I. , van der Bilt J. D. W. , Heijnen B. H. M. , ten Cate Hoedemaker H. O. , Kleinrensink G. J. , Lange J. F. , Bemelman W. A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimLaparoscopic peritoneal lavage has increasingly been investigated as a promising alternative to sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis. Most studies only reported outcomes up to 12 months. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate long‐term outcomes of patients treated with laparoscopic lavage.MethodsBetween 2008 and 2010, 38 patients treated with laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis in 10 Dutch teaching hospitals were included. Long‐term follow‐up data on patient outcomes, e.g. diverticulitis recurrence, reoperations and readmissions, were collected retrospectively. The characteristics of patients with recurrent diverticulitis or complications requiring surgery or leading to death, categorized as ‘overall complicated outcome’, were compared with patients who developed no complications or complications not requiring surgery.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 46 months (interquartile range 7–77), during which 17 episodes of recurrent diverticulitis (seven complicated) in 12 patients (32%) occurred. Twelve patients (32%) required additional surgery with a total of 29 procedures. Fifteen patients (39%) had a total of 50 readmissions. Of initially successfully treated patients (n = 31), 12 (31%) had recurrent diverticulitis or other complications. At 90 days, 32 (84%) patients were alive without undergoing a sigmoidectomy. However, seven (22%) of these patients eventually had a sigmoidectomy after 90 days. Diverticulitis‐related events occurred up to 6 years after the index procedure.ConclusionLong‐term diverticulitis recurrence, re‐intervention and readmission rates after laparoscopic lavage were high. A complicated outcome was also seen in patients who had initially been treated successfully with laparoscopic lavage with relevant events occurring up to 6 years after initial surgery.
Higher serum levels of systemic inflammatory markers are linked to greater inspiratory muscle dysfunction in COPD
Authors: Formiga Magno F. , Vital Isabel , Urdaneta Gisel , Masters Brett , Herrera Julio , Campos Michael A. , Cahalin Lawrence P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an inflammatory response that becomes more pronounced in acute exacerbations. Considerable attention has recently focused on the value of several inflammatory mediators in predicting worsening of COPD‐related symptoms. Whereas respiratory muscle dysfunction is also widely present in this population, little is known about how systemic inflammation relates to inspiratory muscle dysfunction in COPD.MethodsFifty‐three males with mild‐to‐very severe airflow obstruction underwent blood sampling for 23 inflammatory markers, including acute‐phase proteins, cytokines and adipokines. Inspiratory muscle performance was assessed via the test of incremental respiratory endurance, providing measures of maximal (MIP) and sustained maximal (SMIP) inspiratory pressures.ResultsThe mean ± SD MIP and SMIP were 75.32 ± 19.62 cmH2O and 406.15 ± 124.55 PTU. MIP negatively correlated with CRP, SAA and cystatin C (r‐values from −0.333 to −0.378, P < 0.02), while SMIP was inversely related to SAA and cystatin C (r = −0.534 and r = −0.396, P = 0.00). Significant differences in CRP, SAA, cystatin C and PARC were also found between subjects with and without inspiratory muscle weakness. No additional significant relationships were observed between either MIP or SMIP and other inflammatory markers in the study.ConclusionsMIP and SMIP are markedly reduced with greater degrees of inflammation in COPD as expressed by higher levels of CRP, SAA and cystatin C. Future research is needed to further examine the above findings and determine the impact of systemic inflammation along with its underlying mechanisms on inspiratory muscle function in COPD.
Diversity patterns of native and exotic fish species suggest homogenization processes, but partly fail to highlight extinction threats
Authors: Gavioli Anna , Milardi Marco , Castaldelli Giuseppe , Fano Elisa Anna , Soininen Janne 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimExotic species are a major threat to biodiversity and have modified native communities worldwide. Invasion processes have been extensively studied, but studies on species richness and beta diversity patterns of exotic and native species are rare. We investigate such patterns among exotic and native fish communities in upland and lowland rivers to explore their relationship with environmental drivers.LocationNorthern Italy.MethodsExotic and native fish beta diversity patterns were investigated separately in lowland and upland sites using Local Contribution to Beta Diversity (LCBD) and Species Contribution to Beta Diversity (SCBD) analyses. To examine the main environmental variables affecting the LCBD, a Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) method was used. Community dispersion among and within stream orders was investigated with the PERMDISP test.ResultsIn lowland sites, exotic species richness was higher than native species richness, especially in large rivers and drainage canals. An opposite trend was found in upland sites, where native species richness was higher than exotic species richness, especially in large rivers. No clear LCBD patterns were found along stream orders in the lowland, whereas higher stream orders in the upland showed the highest LCBD. Its patterns in upland and lowland sites were related to a number of factors, such as total suspended solids and total phosphorus. Community dispersion among stream orders did not show a relationship with environmental heterogeneity. SCBD values were positively correlated with species occupancy in the study area, and native species showed higher SCBD values than exotic species only in the uplands.Main conclusionsLarge rivers in the uplands are important in maintaining native fish diversity and should be protected against invasive fish. In contrast, most lowland rivers have suffered from biological homogenization. Some rare native species can show low contribution to beta diversity, but still need conservation actions due to their risk of local extinction.
Self‐generated variability in object images predicts vocabulary growth
Authors: Slone Lauren K. , Smith Linda B. , Yu Chen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObject names are a major component of early vocabularies and learning object names depends on being able to visually recognize objects in the world. However, the fundamental visual challenge of the moment‐to‐moment variations in object appearances that learners must resolve has received little attention in word learning research. Here we provide the first evidence that image‐level object variability matters and may be the link that connects infant object manipulation to vocabulary development. Using head‐mounted eye tracking, the present study objectively measured individual differences in the moment‐to‐moment variability of visual instances of the same object, from infants’ first‐person views. Infants who generated more variable visual object images through manual object manipulation at 15 months of age experienced greater vocabulary growth over the next six months. Elucidating infants’ everyday visual experiences with objects may constitute a crucial missing link in our understanding of the developmental trajectory of object name learning.