bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drought and leaf herbivory influence floral volatiles and pollinator attraction
Authors: Burkle Laura A. , Runyon Justin B. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe effects of climate change on species interactions are poorly understood. Investigating the mechanisms by which species interactions may shift under altered environmental conditions will help form a more predictive understanding of such shifts. In particular, components of climate change have the potential to strongly influence floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and, in turn, plant–pollinator interactions. In this study, we experimentally manipulated drought and herbivory for four forb species to determine effects of these treatments and their interactions on (1) visual plant traits traditionally associated with pollinator attraction, (2) floral VOCs, and (3) the visitation rates and community composition of pollinators. For all forbs tested, experimental drought universally reduced flower size and floral display, but there were species‐specific effects of drought on volatile emissions per flower, the composition of compounds produced, and subsequent pollinator visitation rates. Moreover, the community of pollinating visitors was influenced by drought across forb species (i.e. some pollinator species were deterred by drought while others were attracted). Together, these results indicate that VOCs may provide more nuanced information to potential floral visitors and may be relatively more important than visual traits for pollinator attraction, particularly under shifting environmental conditions.
Canopy leaf area of a mature evergreen Eucalyptus woodland does not respond to elevated atmospheric [CO2] but tracks water availability
Authors: Duursma Remko A. , Gimeno Teresa E. , Boer Matthias M. , Crous Kristine Y. , Tjoelker Mark G. , Ellsworth David S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCanopy leaf area, quantified by the leaf area index (L), is a crucial driver of forest productivity, water use and energy balance. Because L responds to environmental drivers, it can represent an important feedback to climate change, but its responses to rising atmospheric [CO2] and water availability of forests have been poorly quantified. We studied canopy leaf area dynamics for 28 months in a native evergreen Eucalyptus woodland exposed to free‐air CO2 enrichment (the EucFACE experiment), in a subtropical climate where water limitation is common. We hypothesized that, because of expected stimulation of productivity and water‐use efficiency, L should increase with elevated [CO2]. We estimated L from diffuse canopy transmittance, and measured monthly leaf litter production. Contrary to expectation, L did not respond to elevated [CO2]. We found that L varied between 1.10 and 2.20 across the study period. The dynamics of L showed a quick increase after heavy rainfall and a steady decrease during periods of low rainfall. Leaf litter production was correlated to changes in L, both during periods of decreasing L (when no leaf growth occurred) and during periods of increasing L (active shedding of old foliage when new leaf growth occurred). Leaf lifespan, estimated from mean L and total annual litter production, was up to 2 months longer under elevated [CO2] (1.18 vs. 1.01 years; P = 0.05). Our main finding that L was not responsive to elevated CO2 is consistent with other forest FACE studies, but contrasts with the positive response of L commonly predicted by many ecosystem models.
Modeling the Drying Kinetics of Green Bell Pepper in a Heat Pump Assisted Fluidized Bed Dryer
Authors: Jafari S.M. , Ghanbari V. , Ganje M. , Dehnad D. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this research, green bell pepper was dried in a pilot plant fluidized bed dryer equipped with a heat pump humidifier using three temperatures of 40, 50 and 60C and two airflow velocities of 2 and 3 m/s in constant air moisture. Three modeling methods including nonlinear regression technique, Fuzzy Logic and Artificial Neural Networks were applied to investigate drying kinetics for the sample. Among the mathematical models, Midilli model with R = 0.9998 and root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.00451 showed the best fit with experimental data. Feed‐Forward‐Back‐Propagation network with Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithm, hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function, training cycle of 1,000 epoch and 2‐5‐1 topology, deserving R = 0.99828 and mean square error (MSE) = 5.5E‐05, was determined as the best neural model. Overall, Neural Networks method was much more precise than two other methods in prediction of drying kinetics and control of drying parameters for green bell pepper.Practical ApplicationsThis article deals with different modeling approaches and their effectiveness and accuracy for predicting changes in the moisture ratio of green bell pepper enduring fluidized bed drying, which is one of the most concerning issues in food factories involved in drying fruits and vegetables. This research indicates that although efficiency of mathematical modeling, Fuzzy Logic controls and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were all acceptable, the modern prediction methods of Fuzzy Logic and especially ANNs were more productive and precise. Besides, this report compares our findings with previous ones carried out with the view of predicting moisture quotients of other food crops during miscellaneous drying procedures.
IL‐1alpha induces angiogenesis in brain endothelial cells in vitro: implications for brain angiogenesis after acute injury
Authors: Salmeron Kathleen , Aihara Takuma , Redondo‐Castro Elena , Pinteaux Emmanuel , Bix Gregory 
Published: November 2015

AbstractInflammation is a major contributor to neuronal injury and is associated with poor outcome after acute brain injury such as stroke. The pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐1 is a critical regulator of cerebrovascular inflammation after ischemic injury, mainly through action of both of its isoforms, IL‐1α and IL‐1β, at the brain endothelium. In contrast, the differential action of these ligands on endothelial activation and post‐stroke angiogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that IL‐1α is chronically elevated in the brain after experimental stroke suggesting that it is present during post‐stroke angiogenic periods. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IL‐1α is a potent mediator of endothelial activation and inducer of angiogenic markers in endothelial cells in vitro. Using brain endothelial cell lines, we found that IL‐1α was significantly more potent than IL‐1β at inducing endothelial cell activation, as measured by expression of the pro‐angiogenic chemokine CXCL‐1. IL‐1α also induced strong expression of the angiogenic mediator IL‐6 in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, IL‐1α induced significant proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, and promoted formation of tube‐like structures that are established key hallmarks of angiogenesis in vitro. Finally, all of those responses were blocked by the IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA). In conclusion, our data highlights a potential new role for IL‐1 in brain repair mechanisms and identifies IL‐1α as a potential new therapy to promote post‐stroke angiogenesis.
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Inflammation is a major contributor to neuronal injury and is associated with poor outcome after neurotrauma. We demonstrate that cytokine IL‐1α is chronically elevated in the brain after experimental stroke suggesting that it is present chronically post‐stroke. We demonstrate that IL‐1α is a potent mediator of endothelial activation and inducer of angiogenic markers in endothelial cells. Our data highlights a new role for IL‐1 in brain repair mechanisms and identifies IL‐1α as a potential therapy to promote post‐stroke angiogenesis.
SIRT2 inhibition exacerbates neuroinflammation and blood–brain barrier disruption in experimental traumatic brain injury by enhancing NF‐κB p65 acetylation and activation
Authors: Yuan Fang , Xu Zhi‐Ming , Lu Li‐Yan , Nie Hui , Ding Jun , Ying Wei‐Hai , Tian Heng‐Li 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is a member of the sirtuin family of NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylases. In recent years, SIRT2 inhibition has emerged as a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. However, to date, there is no evidence of a specific role for SIRT2 in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated the effects of SIRT2 inhibition on experimental TBI using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury model. Adult male mice underwent CCI or sham surgery. A selective brain‐permeable SIRT2 inhibitor, AK‐7, was administrated 30 min before injury. The volume of the brain edema lesion and the water content of the brain were significantly increased in mice treated with AK‐7 (20 mg/kg), compared with the vehicle group, following TBI (p < 0.05 at 1 day and p < 0.05 at 3 days, respectively). Concomitantly, AK‐7 administration greatly worsened neurobehavioral deficits on days 3 and 7 after CCI. Furthermore, blood–brain barrier disruption and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐9 activity increased following SIRT2 inhibition. AK‐7 treatment increased TBI‐induced microglial activation both in vivo and in vitro, accompanied by a large increase in the expression and release of inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, SIRT2 inhibition increased both K310 acetylation and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65, leading to enhanced NF‐κB activation and up‐regulation of its target genes, including aquaporin 4 (AQP4), MMP‐9, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Together, these data demonstrate that SIRT2 inhibition exacerbates TBI by increasing NF‐κB p65 acetylation and activation. Our findings provide additional evidence of an anti‐inflammatory effect of SIRT2.image
SIRT2 is a member of the sirtuin family of NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylases. Our study suggests that the SIRT2 inhibitor AK‐7 exacerbates traumatic brain injury (TBI) via a potential mechanism involving increased acetylation and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65, resulting in up‐regulation of NF‐κB target genes, including aquaporin 4 (AQP4), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9), and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Our findings provide additional evidence of an anti‐inflammatory effect of SIRT2.
Signaling pathways regulating neuron–glia interaction and their implications in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lian Hong , Zheng Hui 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAstrocytes are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system. They play critical roles in neuronal homeostasis through their physical properties and neuron–glia signaling pathways. Astrocytes become reactive in response to neuronal injury and this process, referred to as reactive astrogliosis, is a common feature accompanying neurodegenerative conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Reactive astrogliosis represents a continuum of pathobiological processes and is associated with morphological, functional, and gene expression changes of varying degrees. There has been a substantial growth of knowledge regarding the signaling pathways regulating glial biology and pathophysiology in recent years. Here, we attempt to provide an unbiased review of some of the well‐known players, namely calcium, proteoglycan, transforming growth factor β, NFκB, and complement, in mediating neuron–glia interaction under physiological conditions as well as in Alzheimer's disease.
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This review discusses the role of astrocytic NFκB and calcium as well as astroglial secreted factors, including proteoglycans, TGFβ, and complement in mediating neuronal function and AD pathogenesis through direct interaction with neurons and through cooperation with microglia.
Iron neurochemistry in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease: targets for therapeutics
Authors: Belaidi Abdel A. , Bush Ashley I. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBrain iron homeostasis is increasingly recognized as a potential target for the development of drug therapies for aging‐related disorders. Dysregulation of iron metabolism associated with cellular damage and oxidative stress is reported as a common event in several neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer′s, Parkinson′s, and Huntington′s diseases. Indeed, many proteins initially characterized in those diseases such as amyloid‐β protein, α‐synuclein, and huntingtin have been linked to iron neurochemistry. Iron plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological functions in the brain through its participation in many cellular functions such as mitochondrial respiration, myelin synthesis, and neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism. However, excess iron is a potent source of oxidative damage through radical formation and because of the lack of a body‐wide export system, a tight regulation of its uptake, transport and storage is crucial in fulfilling cellular functions while keeping its level below the toxicity threshold. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on iron homeostasis in the brain and explore how alterations in brain iron metabolism affect neuronal function with emphasis on iron dysregulation in Alzheimer′s and Parkinson′s diseases. Finally, we discuss recent findings implicating iron as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
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Iron plays a fundamental role in maintaining the high metabolic and energetic requirements of the brain. However, iron has to be maintained in a delicate balance as both iron overload and iron deficiency are detrimental to the brain and can trigger neurodegeneration. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on brain iron homeostasis and its involvement in major aging‐related neurodegenerative diseases.This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
Respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Desgranges François‐Pierrick , Desebbe Olivier , Pereira de Souza Neto Edmundo , Raphael Darren , Chassard Dominique 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundDynamic indices of preload have been shown to better predict fluid responsiveness than static variables in mechanically ventilated adults. In children, dynamic predictors of fluid responsiveness have not yet been extensively studied.AimTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity (ΔVPeak) for the prediction of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated children.MethodPubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were screened for studies relevant to the use of ΔVPeak to predict fluid responsiveness in children receiving mechanical ventilation. Clinical trials published as full‐text articles in indexed journals without language restriction were included. We calculated the pooled values of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and positive and negative likelihood ratio using a random‐effects model.ResultsIn total, six studies (163 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Data are reported as point estimate with 95% confidence interval. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and DOR of ΔVPeak to predict fluid responsiveness for the overall population were 92.0% (84.1–96.7), 85.5% (75.6–92.5), 4.89 (2.92–8.18), 0.13 (0.07–0.25), and 50.44 (17.70–143.74), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.94. Cutoff values for ΔVPeak to predict fluid responsiveness varied across studies, ranging from 7% to 20%.ConclusionOur results confirm that the ΔVPeak is an accurate predictor of fluid responsiveness in children under mechanical ventilation. However, the question of the optimal cutoff value of ΔVPeak to predict fluid responsiveness remains uncertain, as there are important variations between original publications, and needs to be resolved in further studies. The potential impact of intraoperative cardiac output optimization using goal‐directed fluid therapy based on ΔVPeak on the perioperative outcome in the pediatric population should be subsequently evaluated.
Clinical utility of rapid pathogen identification using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in ventilated patients with pneumonia: A pilot study
Authors: Mok Jeong Ha , Eom Jung Seop , Jo Eun Jung , Kim Mi Hyun , Lee Kwangha , Kim Ki Uk , Park Hye‐Kyung , Yi Jongyoun , Lee Min Ki 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveWe evaluated the clinical utility of rapid identification of microorganisms in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) in terms of the clinical outcomes of ventilated patients with pneumonia.MethodsPatients for whom microorganisms were identified via MALDI‐TOF MS (from March 2013 to February 2014; post‐intervention group) were compared with patients for whom microorganisms were identified using conventional methods (from March 2012 to February 2013; pre‐intervention group). All pneumonia types (community‐acquired, hospital‐acquired, healthcare‐associated and ventilator‐associated pneumonia) were included in the analysis.ResultsIn total, 77 patients (50 men, mean age 67.2 ± 12.5 years) were included (40 patients in the pre‐intervention group and 37 in the post‐intervention group). The time from BAL fluid collection to microorganism identification and the availability of antimicrobial susceptibility results was shorter in the post‐ compared with the pre‐intervention group (51.9 ± 11.3 vs 67.3 ± 17.4 h, P < 0.001). Also, the time from BAL fluid collection to adjustment of antibiotic therapy was shorter in the post‐intervention group (56.5 ± 10.9 vs 73.2 ± 18.5 h, P < 0.001). Microorganism identification via MALDI‐TOF MS was independently associated with a shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay after BAL fluid was drawn (hazard ratio = 2.324, P = 0.007).ConclusionRapid identification of microorganisms in BAL fluid via MALDI‐TOF MS was associated with adjustment of antibiotic therapy and a shorter ICU stay after BAL fluid was collected from ventilated patients with pneumonia.
A bead‐based assay in the work‐up of suspected platelet alloimmunization
Authors: Cooper Nina , Bein Gregor , Heidinger Kathrin , Santoso Sentot , Sachs Ulrich J. 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUNDAlloantibodies against human platelet antigens (HPAs) are of clinical significance in immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia such as fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), posttransfusion purpura, and platelet (PLT) transfusion refractoriness. The gold standard for the detection of these antibodies is the monoclonal antibody immobilization of PLT antigens (MAIPA) assay. Both requirement of typed donor PLT panels and technical expertise often restrict its use to reference laboratories.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAn easy‐to‐use, bead‐based assay (BBA) has been introduced recently. In this study, we compared MAIPA and BBA test results for 126 serum samples from women who gave birth to a child with FNAIT including rare HPA specificities (n = 111) and from patients with PLT transfusion refractoriness (n = 15).RESULTSFor sera with defined allospecificities, the number of BBA false‐negatives was 12 of 126, or 9.5%, and the number of BBA false‐positives (i.e., detection of additional specificities) was two of 126, or 1.6%. BBA had major problems in detecting antibodies against HPA‐3a (3/15 undetected = 20% failure rate) and HPA‐3b (5/6 undetected = 83.3% failure rate), but performed well in detecting typical FNAIT‐ or PLT transfusion refractoriness–associated antibodies including HPA‐1a (35/35 = 100%), HPA‐1b (15/15 = 100%), HPA‐5b (22/24 = 91.6%), and glycoprotein IV (6/6 = 100%).CONCLUSIONBBA might be a useful and time‐saving tool in the initial laboratory work‐up of suspected PLT alloimmunization when an appropriate algorithm ensures follow‐up investigation of BBA‐negative sera.
Methodologic quality assessment of red blood cell transfusion guidelines and the evidence base of more restrictive transfusion thresholds
Authors: Van Remoortel Hans , De Buck Emmy , Dieltjens Tessa , Pauwels Nele S. , Compernolle Veerle , Vandekerckhove Philippe 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUNDRecent literature suggests that more restrictive red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices are equivalent or better than more liberal transfusion practices. The methodologic quality of guidelines recommending more restrictive transfusion thresholds and their underlying scientific evidence is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the quality of the development process of RBC transfusion guidelines and to investigate the underlying evidence of guidelines recommending a more restrictive hemoglobin (Hb) threshold.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSVia systematic literature screening of relevant databases (NGC, GIN, Medline, and Embase), RBC transfusion guidelines recommending a more restrictive Hb level (<6, <7, or <8 g/dL) were included. Four assessors independently evaluated the methodologic quality by scoring the rigor of development domain (AGREE II checklist). The level of evidence served as a reference for the quality of the underlying evidence.RESULTSThe methodologic quality of 13 RBC transfusion guidelines was variable (18%‐72%) but highest for those developed by Advancing Transfusion and Cellular Therapies Worldwide (72%), the Task Force of Advanced Bleeding Care in Trauma (70%), and the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement (61%). A Hb level of less than 7 g/dL (intensive care unit patients) or less than 8 g/dL (postoperative patients) were the only thresholds based on high‐quality evidence. Only four of 32 recommendations had a high‐quality evidence base.CONCLUSIONMethodologic quality should be guaranteed in future RBC transfusion guideline development to ensure that the best available evidence is captured when recommending restrictive transfusion strategies. More high‐quality trials are needed to provide a stronger scientific basis for RBC transfusion guidelines that recommend more restrictive transfusion thresholds.
Blood donation mobile applications: are donors ready?
Authors: Yuan Shan , Chang Shelley , Uyeno Kasie , Almquist Gay , Wang Shirong 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUNDThe rapid rise of mobile communication technologies has the potential to dramatically change and improve blood donor recruitment and retention efforts.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSE‐mail invitations were sent to blood donors in a large metropolitan area to participate in a Web‐based survey designed to gauge their readiness and interest level for a blood donation mobile application (“app”).RESULTSA total of 982 ethnically diverse respondents of various age groups and prior donation experiences were surveyed. Among the respondents, 87.3% had ready access to smart phones. E‐mail was chosen by 62.1% as the currently preferred method when contacted by the blood center, followed by texting (10.1%). App features desired by most respondents were the abilities to request appointments 24/7 (76.8%) and to receive appointment confirmations quickly (81.3%). Many were concerned about receiving too many alerts or messages (64.1%) or insufficient protection for personal information (53.5%). Overall, 67.7% of respondents indicated that they were likely to use a blood donation mobile app. Likelihood was not significantly different by sex or ethnicity, and the impact of education level was limited. Donors who currently made donation appointments via telephone or a website were equally likely to use such an app. However, donors older than 45 years were less likely than younger donors (p = 0.001), and donors with more than five lifetime donations were more likely than less frequent donors to use such an app (p = 0.02).CONCLUSIONIn a metropolitan area, donors are very receptive to using a mobile app to manage their donations.