bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum levetiracetam concentrations after transdermal levetiracetam administration, 3 times daily, to healthy cats
Authors: Smith Casey , Barnes Heller Heidi L. , Reif Nicole , Van Hesteren Matthew , Reinhart Jennifer M. 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundRepeated oral administration of antiepileptic drugs can be challenging for cat owners, resulting in reduced compliance, poor seizure control, and reduced quality of life for cats. Levetiracetam (LEV) has several properties that make it an appealing drug for transdermal application.ObjectivesThe aims were to (1) determine if transdermal LEV, in a lipophilic, liposomic cream vehicle, resulted in serum concentrations above 5 μg/mL; (2) identify clinical adverse effects; and (3) evaluate the concentration of LEV in a lipophilic liposomic cream at set intervals.AnimalsSix healthy, client‐owned cats weighing ≤5 kg.MethodsProspective clinical trial. Transdermal LEV was applied to the inner pinna at a dosage of 60 mg/kg (400 mg/mL concentration) at home for 6 days. Day 7, cats were hospitalized for blood sample collection for LEV concentration at times 0 (before dose administration), 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after administration.ResultsMedian (range) timed serum concentrations were 16.6 (8.6‐39.6) μg/mL, 16.1 (6.8‐34.4) μg/mL, 15.4 (10.1‐36.7) μg/mL, 17.4 (9.2‐32.7) μg/mL, 15.1 (8.3‐25.9) μg/mL, and 14.8 (11.9‐28.4) μg/mL, respectively. Adverse events were limited to sedation (1/6 cats) and pinna crusting (1/6 cats). The LEV, in the proposed vehicle, retained concentration above 95% at 400 mg/mL up to 5 weeks.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThrice daily transdermal LEV resulted in median serum concentrations ≥5 μg/mL throughout the sampling period and clinical adverse events were minimal. Transdermal LEV can provide an alternative for cats resistant to administration of other forms of anticonvulsant medication.
Quantifying plant interactions: Independent reference is critical for standardising the importance indices
Authors: Kikvidze Zaal , Brooker Rob W. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractMathematical tools for quantifying plant–plant interactions are continuously improving, for example by attaining desirable statistical properties such as symmetry around zero (positive and negative effects have the same distribution). Standardisation is another such important property, making indices comparable between independent experiments, and can be achieved by standardisation for size. Using simulated data, here we show that an approach to standardisation by size that works well for indices of intensity is not appropriate for those of importance (intensity indices measure the absolute size of interaction effect, whilst importance indices quantify this effect as a proportion of the impact of the environment overall); our analyses also show that importance values can be overestimated in unproductive environments. These issues arise because importance indices use a reference value that is the “maximum growth on the gradient”. This causes problems when comparing the results from studies that examine different sections of an environmental gradient: the maximum growth of plants within these sections is different and so the indices are not easy to compare between different sections of a gradient. Although this may sound like an obvious point, such issues can often be overlooked and a general solution adopted. One such solution is to report raw data from separate studies so that values can be recomputed for combined datasets and thus standardised comparisons. Another solution is to use an off‐gradient reference that is the maximum growth measured under optimal conditions for a model target species (phytometer).
When Do We Eat? The Clock is Ticking
Authors: Gibbs Allen G. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTicks are simultaneously fascinating and disgusting. Anyone who has removed a bloated blood‐filled tick from themselves or a pet understands the “yuck“ factor they arouse. But ticks are also fascinating from a physiological perspective. Ticks are the ultimate sit‐and‐wait predators. Female ixodid ticks (hard ticks) consume a single meal during each life stage (larva, nymph and adult), which means only three lifetime meals over a 1‐ to 3‐year lifespan. Most males do not feed as adults, so they only feed twice. Thus, prolonged starvation is a quintessential aspect of tick life history. Although ticks have been widely studied for their importance as disease vectors, the vast majority of research has focused on tick–host interactions. Ixodid ticks spend the overwhelming majority of their lives off their hosts, but little is known about these periods. A new study begins to fill in some of these knowledge gaps. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Rosendale, Dunlevy, Marshall, and Benoit examine physiological, behavioural and transcriptomic changes occurring during long‐term starvation of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis. Their work provides insights into how ticks are able to go so long between meals and how they prepare for their next meal.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the elderly using the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly study cohort
Authors: Polkinghorne Kevan R , Wolfe Rory , Jachno Kim M , Wetmore James B , Woods Robyn L , McNeil John J , Nelson Mark R , Reid Christopher M , Murray Anne M ,   on behalf of the ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTAimThe prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the elderly is controversial because age‐related decline in kidney function may not truly reflect underlying kidney disease. We estimate the baseline prevalence and predictors of CKD using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPIeGFR) and Berlin Initiative Study 1 (BIS1eGFR) eGFR equations in the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial cohort of healthy older participants.MethodsGFR was estimated using CKD‐EPI and BIS1 equations. CKD was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 with urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 3 mg/mmol. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of CKD prevalence defined by each eGFR equation.ResultsData for analysis were complete for 17,762 participants. Mean age was 75.1 years (SD 5); 56.4% were female, 76.4% had hypertension, 9% had diabetes mellitus. Mean CKD‐EPIeGFR was 73.0 (SD 14.2), compared with mean BIS1eGFR of 62.7 (11.4). Median UACR was 0.8 (IQR 0.5, 1.5) mg/mmol. Prevalence of CKD by CKD‐EPIeGFR was 27% (predominantly due to normoalbuminuric stage 3a CKD), substantially lower than 47.1% by BIS1eGFR; the difference was predominantly driven by reclassification of individuals from G1 and G2 CKD to stage G3a without albuminuria. Increased prevalence of CKD by either equation was related to older age, hypertension, diabetes, or higher body mass index.ConclusionsPrevalence of CKD with CKD‐EPIeGFR was 27%, and doubled using the elderly specific BIS1eGFR, with most participants reclassified from stage 2 to stage 3a. Increased prevalence of CKD was related older age, hypertension, diabetes, or increased body mass index.
Anisohydric behavior linked to persistent hydraulic damage and delayed drought recovery across seven North American tree species
Authors: Kannenberg Steven A. , Novick Kimberly A. , Phillips Richard P. 
Published: January 2019

Summary

The isohydry‐anisohydry spectrum has become a popular way to characterize plant drought responses and recovery processes. Despite the proven utility of this framework for understanding the interconnected physiological changes plants undergo in response to water stress, new challenges have arisen pertaining to the traits and tradeoffs that underlie this concept.

To test the utility of this framework for understanding hydraulic traits, drought physiology and recovery, we applied a 6 wk experimental soil moisture reduction to seven tree species followed by a 6 wk recovery period. Throughout, we measured hydraulic traits and monitored changes in gas exchange, leaf water potential, and hydraulic conductivity.

Species’ hydraulic traits were not coordinated, as some anisohydric species had surprisingly low resistance to embolism (P50) and negative safety margins. In addition to widespread hydraulic damage, these species also experienced reductions in photosynthesis and stem water potential during water stress, and delayed recovery time.

Given that we observed no benefit of being anisohydric either during or after drought, our results indicate the need to reconsider the traits and tradeoffs that underlie anisohydric behavior, and to consider the environmental, biological and edaphic processes that could allow this strategy to flourish in forests.
Interaction between Brassica yellows virus silencing suppressor P0 and plant SKP1 facilitates stability of P0 in vivo against degradation by proteasome and autophagy pathways
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Sun Qian , Zhao Tianyu , Xiang Haiying , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wu Zhanyu , Zhou Cuiji , Zhang Xin , Wang Ying , Zhang Yongliang , Wang Xianbing , Li Dawei , Yu Jialin , Dinesh‐Kumar Savithramma P. , Han Chenggui 
Published: January 2019

Summary

P0 protein of some polerovirus members can target ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) to suppress RNA silencing. Although P0 harbors an F‐box‐like motif reported to be essential for interaction with S phase kinase‐associated protein 1 (SKP1) and RNA silencing suppression, it is the autophagy pathway that was shown to contribute to AGO1 degradation. Therefore, the role of P0–SKP1 interaction in silencing suppression remains unclear.

We conducted global mutagenesis and comparative functional analysis of P0 encoded by Brassica yellows virus (BrYV) (P0Br).

We found that several residues within P0Br are required for local and systemic silencing suppression activities. Remarkably, the F‐box‐like motif mutant of P0Br, which failed to interact with SKP1, is destabilized in vivo. Both the 26S proteasome system and autophagy pathway play a role in destabilization of the mutant protein. Furthermore, silencing of a Nicotiana benthamiana SKP1 ortholog leads to the destabilization of P0Br. Genetic analyses indicated that the P0Br–SKP1 interaction is not directly required for silencing suppression activity of P0Br, but it facilitates stability of P0Br to ensure efficient RNA silencing suppression. Consistent with these findings, efficient systemic infection of BrYV requires P0Br.

Our results reveal a novel strategy used by BrYV for facilitating viral suppressors of RNA silencing stability against degradation by plant cells.
Unfair trade underground revealed by integrating data with Nash bargaining models
Authors: Clark Teresa J. , Friel Colleen A. , Grman Emily , Friesen Maren L. , Shachar‐Hill Yair 
Published: January 2019

Summary

Mutually beneficial resource exchange is fundamental to global biogeochemical cycles and plant and animal nutrition. However, there is inherent potential conflict in mutualisms, as each organism benefits more when the exchange ratio (‘price’) minimizes its own costs and maximizes its benefits. Understanding the bargaining power that each partner has in these interactions is key to our ability to predict the exchange ratio and therefore the functionality of the cell, organism, community and ecosystem.

We tested whether partners have symmetrical (‘fair’) or asymmetrical (‘unfair’) bargaining power in a legume–rhizobia nitrogen‐fixing symbiosis using measurements of carbon and nitrogen dynamics in a mathematical modeling framework derived from economic theory.

A model of symmetric bargaining power was not consistent with our data. Instead, our data indicate that the growth benefit to the plant (Medicago truncatula) has greater weight in determining trade dynamics than the benefit to the bacteria. Quantitative estimates of the relative power of the plant revealed that the plant's influence rises as soil nitrogen availability decreases and trade benefits to both partners increase.

Our finding that M. truncatula legumes have more bargaining power than their rhizobial partner at lower nitrogen availabilities highlights the importance of context‐dependence for the evolution of mutualism with increasing nutrient deposition.
Analytical expressions for the eigenvalues, demographic quantities, and extinction criteria arising from a three‐stage wildlife population matrix
Authors: Hanley Brenda , Dennis Brian 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe used the symbolic solution for the roots of a cubic polynomial to derive expressions for the eigenvalues of a three‐stage population projection matrix. As well, we obtained expressions for eigenvectors, moduli, damping ratios, sensitivities, and elasticities. The equations reveal the existence of “superparameters;” natural groupings of vital rates that drive population dynamics. We show that growth rates can be calculated using (at most) three superparameters in place of as many as nine original vital rates, potentially simplifying data collection. Necessary and sufficient conditions for extinction can be summarized equivalently by three superparameter inequalities. For a common life history (Noon & Biles, 1990, J Wildl Manag, 54, 18–27) four vital rate parameters are reduced to two superparameters. The results are applicable to population viability and recovery analysis and harvest planning.Two recommendations for resource managers

Superparameters can be estimated to determine population growth rates.
Superparameters can be used to conduct rapid assessments of extinction risk.
Statistical Analysis Plan for “An international multicenter study of isoelectric electroencephalography events in infants and young children during anesthesia for surgery”
Authors: Yuan Ian , Olbrecht Vanessa A. , Mensinger Janell L. , Zhang Bingqing , Davidson Andrew J. , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S. , Skowno Justin , Lian QingQuan , Song XingRong , Zhao Pin , Zhang JianMin , Zhang MaZhong , Zuo YunXia , de Graaff Jurgen C. , Vutskits Laszlo , Szmuk Peter , Kurth Charles D. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThis Statistical Analysis Plan details the statistical procedures to be applied for the analysis of data for the multicenter electroencephalography study. It consists of a basic description of the study in broad terms and separate sections that detail the methods of different aspects of the statistical analysis, summarized under the following headings (a) Background; (b) Definitions of protocol violations; (c) Definitions of objectives and other terms; (d) Variables for analyses; (e) Handling of missing data and study bias; (f) Statistical analysis of the primary and secondary study outcomes; (g) Reporting of study results; and (h) References. It serves as a template for researchers interested in writing a Statistical Analysis Plan.
Hume's Dual Criteria for Memory
Authors: Cruz Maité 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn his brief treatment of memory, Hume characterizes memory using two kinds of criteria: ideas' phenomenal character and their correspondence to the past experiences from which they derived. These criteria have seemed so perplexing to interpreters, both individually and jointly, that Hume's account of memory is commonly considered one of the weakest parts of his philosophical system. This paper defends Hume's criteria by showing that they achieve two theoretical aims: a scientific classification of ideas and a definition of ‘memory.’ In particular, I argue that Hume's definition of ‘memory’ is cogent in light of Putnamian considerations about definitions.
Center variation in screening for and management of metabolic syndrome in pediatric liver transplant recipients: A survey of SPLIT centers
Authors: Hilk Kelly , Zerofsky Melissa , Rhee Sue , Rosenthal Philip , Perito Emily R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionPTMS—a clustering of hypertension, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance/diabetes, and obesity—is increasingly recognized as a contributor to long‐term morbidity after transplant. We sought to describe pediatric liver transplant center protocols and provider practices in screening for and managing these conditions.MethodsCross‐sectional survey of pediatric liver transplant providers from centers that participate in Studies of Liver Transplantation (SPLIT).ResultsOf 49 survey respondents from 39 centers, 64% were hepatologists or surgeons, 18% nurses/NPs/PAs, 12% coordinators, and 4% other. All providers felt that pediatric liver transplant recipients should be routinely screened for PTMS components. For each condition, at least 70% felt that the liver transplant team should be primarily responsible for routine screening. For each condition, at least 30% of providers reported that their center had no standardized protocol for screening. For diagnostic evaluation and initial management, >60% of providers reported that their center had no standardized protocol for glucose intolerance/diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obesity. Almost 40% had no standardized workup or initial management protocol for hypertension or chronic kidney disease. Of centers that did have screening or workup protocols, most were based on existing center practice, provider consensus, or informal review of published evidence. Screening tools, treatment steps, and thresholds for referral to another specialist varied widely.ConclusionsTransplant providers intend to screen for and initiate management of PTMS components in these children, but protocols and practices vary substantially. This highlights opportunities for multi‐center collaboration on protocols or interventions to improve screening and management.
Effect of exogenous ammonium gluconate on growth, ion flux and antioxidant enzymes of maize (Zea Mays L.) seedlings under NaCl stress
Authors: Ding F. , Wang R. , Chen B. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Ammonium gluconate (AG) provides both an organic carbon source and a nitrogen source, which can positively improve soil fertility and delay soil degradation.

We investigated the underlying mechanisms of both NH4+‐ and C6H11O7−‐mediated resistance to high salt concentrations in maize (Zea mays L.), and how they relate to antioxidant cellular machinery, root system architecture, root activity and lignin content in roots.

Seedlings treated with AG maintained lower Na+ content, higher chlorophyll content, higher CAT and POD activity, compared with those without AG and ammonium carbonate (AC). The total size of the root system, primary root length and number of lateral roots detected on the primary root treated with AG decreased compared with those not treated with AG at the same NaCl concentration. However, average root diameter and root activity when treated with AG were significantly higher than roots without AG at the same NaCl concentration. Furthermore, total size of the root system, primary root length and number of lateral roots detected on primary rootsof seedlings treated with AG were higher than those treated with AC at the same NaCl concentration.

These results suggested that AG may be a good organic fertiliser under salt stress by decreasing Na+ content and increasing chlorophyll content, activity of antioxidant enzymes, root diameter and root activity in maize seedlings.
8200‐year growth history of a Lahontan‐age lacustrine tufa deposit
Authors: Demott Laura M. , Scholz Christopher A. , Junium Christopher K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTufa domes and towers are common around the margins of Winnemucca Dry Lake, Nevada, USA, a desiccated sub‐basin of pluvial Lake Lahontan. A 2·5 m diameter concentrically‐layered tufa mound from the southern end of the playa was sampled along its growth axis to determine timing, rate and geochemical conditions of tufa growth. A radiocarbon‐based age model indicates an 8200‐year tufa depositional record that begins near the end of the Last Glacial Maximum (ca 23 400 cal yr bp) and concludes at the end of the most recent Lahontan highstand (ca 15 200 cal yr bp). Petrography, stable isotopes and major and minor elemental compositions are used to evaluate the rate and timing of tufa growth in the context of the depositional environment. The deposit built radially outward from a central nucleation point, with six decimetre‐scale layers defined by variations in texture. Two distinct tufa types are observed: the inner section is composed of two layers of thinolite pseudomorphs after ikaite, with the innermost layer comprised of very small pseudomorphs (<0·25 cm) and an outer layer composed of larger, ca 3 cm long pseudomorphs, followed by a transitional layer where thinolite pseudomorphs grade into calcite fans. The outer section consists of three distinct layers of thrombolitic micrite with a branching mesofabric. The textural change occurred as lake levels began to rise towards the most recent Lahontan highstand interval and probably was prompted by warming of lake waters caused by increased groundwater flux during highstand lake levels. The Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations suggest a warming trend in the tufa growth environment and may also reflect increasing growth rates of tufa associated with increased fluxes of groundwater. This systematic study of tufa deposition indicates the importance of the hydrology of the lacustrine tufa system for reconstructing palaeoenvironmental records, and particularly the interaction of ground and surface waters.
Human gingiva‐derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate inflammatory bowel disease via IL‐10 signalling‐dependent modulation of immune cells
Authors: Lu Yousheng , Xu Yueran , Zhang Shaopeng , Gao Ji , Gan Xiaojie , Zheng Ju , Lu Ling , Zeng Wenquan , Gu Jian 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCurrent evidence indicates that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused primarily by impaired mucosal immunity, resulting in an imbalance between epithelial barrier function and tissue inflammation. Human gingiva‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) exhibit immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects in a variety of immunity‐ and inflammation‐associated diseases. However, the role of GMSCs in treating IBD has not been elucidated. Our study, therefore, examined the therapeutic effect and mechanism of GMSCs in a murine colitis model of IBD. Our results indicate that the infusion of GMSCs significantly prolonged survival and relieved symptoms. Phenotype analyses showed that the frequencies of NK1.1+ and CD11b+ cells, as well as CD4 T cells in the spleen, were suppressed in GMSC‐treated mice compared with the PBS‐ or fibroblast‐treated control groups. Additionally, GMSC treatment markedly increased the numbers of interleukin (IL)‐10+ regulatory T cells, reduced the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and increased production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines. A mechanistic study revealed that anti‐IL‐10R antibody abolished the protective effect of GMSCs compared with mice treated with anti‐IgG antibody. Thus, our results indicate that GMSCs play a critical role in alleviating colitis by modulating inflammatory immune cells via IL‐10 signalling.