The functional diversity-productivity relationship of woody plants is climatically sensitive.

Plot-scale experiments indicate that functional diversity (FD) plays a pivotal role in sustaining ecosystem functions such as net primary productivity (NPP). However, the relationships between functional diversity and NPP across larger scale under varying climatic conditions are sparsely studied, despite its significance for understanding forest-atmosphere interactions and informing policy development. Hence, we examine the relationships of community-weighted mean (CWM) and functional dispersion (FDis) of woody plant traits on NPP across China and if such relationships are modulated by climatic conditions at the national scale. Using comprehensive datasets of distribution, functional traits, and productivity for 9120 Chinese woody plant species, we evaluated the distribution pattern of community-weighted mean and functional dispersion (including three orthogonal trait indicators: plant size, leaf morphology, and flower duration) and its relationships with NPP. Finally, we tested the effects of climatic conditions on community-weighted mean/functional dispersion-NPP relationships. We first found overall functional diversity-NPP relationships, but also that the magnitude of these relationships was sensitive to climate, with plant size community-weighted mean promoting NPP in warm regions and plant size functional dispersion promoting NPP in wet regions. Second, warm and wet conditions indirectly increased NPP by its positive effects on community-weighted mean or functional dispersion, particularly through mean plant size and leaf morphology. Our study provides comprehensive evidence for the relationships between functional diversity and NPP under varying climates at a large scale. Importantly, our results indicate a broadening significance of multidimensional plant functional traits for woody vegetation NPP in response to rising temperatures and wetter climates. Restoration, reforestation actions and natural capital accounting need to carefully consider not only community-weighted mean and functional dispersion but also their interactions with climate, to predict how functional diversity may promote ecosystem functioning under future climatic conditions.

Resistance of bmr energy sorghum hybrids to sugarcane borer and fall armyworm

Abstract The lower lignin content in plants species with energy potential results in easier cellulose breakdown, making glucose available for ethanol generation. However, higher lignin levels can increase resistance to insect attack. The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of a bmr-6 biomass sorghum (a mutant genotype with a lower concentration of lignin) to important pests of energy sorghum, Diatraea saccharalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. Experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse to evaluate the development of these pests on the biomass sorghum bmr hybrids BR007, BR008, and TX635 and their respective conventional near-isogenic genotypes (without the bmr gene). The lignin content was higher in non-bmr hybrids, but the evaluated insect variables varied between treatments, not being consistent in just one hybrid or because it is bmr or not. The lowest survival of S. frugiperda was observed in the BR008 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr. The S. frugiperda injury scores on plants in the greenhouse were high (>7) in all treatments. For D. saccharalis, there was no difference in larval survival in the laboratory, but in the greenhouse, the BR007 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr, provided greater survival. Due the need to diversify the energy matrix and the fact that greater susceptibility of the bmr hybrids to either pests was not found in this study, these results hold promise for cultivation of these biomass sorghum hybrids for the production of biofuels.

Resumo O menor teor de lignina em espécies de plantas com potencial energético resulta na maior facilidade de quebra da celulose, disponibilizando glicose para geração de etanol. Porém, maiores teores de lignina representa um fator de resistência ao ataque de insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como importantes pragas do sorgo energia, Diatraea saccharalis e Spodoptera frugiperda, se comportam quanto à alimentação e desempenho em sorgo bmr-6, um genótipo mutante com menor concentração de lignina. Foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, avaliando o desenvolvimento destas pragas nos híbridos de sorgo biomassa bmr 007, 008, TX635 e seus respectivos genótipos isogênicos convencionais (sem o gene bmr). O teor de lignina foi maior nos híbridos não bmr, mas nos parâmetros avaliados nos insetos, houve variação entre os tratamentos, não sendo consistente em apenas um híbrido e nem por ser ou não bmr. A menor sobrevivência de S. frugiperda foi verificada no híbrido BR008 tanto bmr quanto não bmr. As notas de injúria por S. frugiperda no sorgo em casa de vegetação foram altas (>7) em todos os tratamentos. Para D. saccharalis, não houve diferença significativa para a sobrevivência larval em laboratório, mas em casa de vegetação o híbrido BR007 tanto bmr quanto não bmr proporcionaram maior sobrevivência. Diante da necessidade de diversificar a matriz energética e o fato de que não foi comprovada neste estudo maior suscetibilidade dos híbridos bmr a ambas as pragas, estes resultados são promissores para o cultivo desses híbridos de sorgo biomassa para produção de biocombustíveis.

Resistance of bmr energy sorghum hybrids to sugarcane borer and fall armyworm / Resistência de híbridos de sorgo energia bmr à broca-da-cana-de-açúcar e lagarta-do-cartucho

Abstract The lower lignin content in plants species with energy potential results in easier cellulose breakdown, making glucose available for ethanol generation. However, higher lignin levels can increase resistance to insect attack. The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of a bmr-6 biomass sorghum (a mutant genotype with a lower concentration of lignin) to important pests of energy sorghum, Diatraea saccharalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. Experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse to evaluate the development of these pests on the biomass sorghum bmr hybrids BR007, BR008, and TX635 and their respective conventional near-isogenic genotypes (without the bmr gene). The lignin content was higher in non-bmr hybrids, but the evaluated insect variables varied between treatments, not being consistent in just one hybrid or because it is bmr or not. The lowest survival of S. frugiperda was observed in the BR008 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr. The S. frugiperda injury scores on plants in the greenhouse were high (>7) in all treatments. For D. saccharalis, there was no difference in larval survival in the laboratory, but in the greenhouse, the BR007 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr, provided greater survival. Due the need to diversify the energy matrix and the fact that greater susceptibility of the bmr hybrids to either pests was not found in this study, these results hold promise for cultivation of these biomass sorghum hybrids for the production of biofuels.

Resumo O menor teor de lignina em espécies de plantas com potencial energético resulta na maior facilidade de quebra da celulose, disponibilizando glicose para geração de etanol. Porém, maiores teores de lignina representa um fator de resistência ao ataque de insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como importantes pragas do sorgo energia, Diatraea saccharalis e Spodoptera frugiperda, se comportam quanto à alimentação e desempenho em sorgo bmr-6, um genótipo mutante com menor concentração de lignina. Foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, avaliando o desenvolvimento destas pragas nos híbridos de sorgo biomassa bmr 007, 008, TX635 e seus respectivos genótipos isogênicos convencionais (sem o gene bmr). O teor de lignina foi maior nos híbridos não bmr, mas nos parâmetros avaliados nos insetos, houve variação entre os tratamentos, não sendo consistente em apenas um híbrido e nem por ser ou não bmr. A menor sobrevivência de S. frugiperda foi verificada no híbrido BR008 tanto bmr quanto não bmr. As notas de injúria por S. frugiperda no sorgo em casa de vegetação foram altas (>7) em todos os tratamentos. Para D. saccharalis, não houve diferença significativa para a sobrevivência larval em laboratório, mas em casa de vegetação o híbrido BR007 tanto bmr quanto não bmr proporcionaram maior sobrevivência. Diante da necessidade de diversificar a matriz energética e o fato de que não foi comprovada neste estudo maior suscetibilidade dos híbridos bmr a ambas as pragas, estes resultados são promissores para o cultivo desses híbridos de sorgo biomassa para produção de biocombustíveis.

Functional trait space and redundancy of plant communities decrease toward cold temperature at high altitudes in Southwest China.

Plant communities in mountainous areas shift gradually as climatic conditions change with altitude. How trait structure in multivariate space adapts to these varying climates in natural forest stands is unclear. Studying the multivariate functional trait structure and redundancy of tree communities along altitude gradients is crucial to understanding how temperature change affects natural forest stands. In this study, the leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous content from 1,590 trees were collected and used to construct the functional trait space of 12 plant communities at altitudes ranging from 800 m to 3,800 m across three mountains. Hypervolume overlap was calculated to quantify species trait redundancy per community. First, hypervolumes of species exclusion and full species set were calculated, respectively. Second, the overlap between these two volumes was calculated to obtain hypervolume overlap. Results showed that the functional trait space significantly increased with mean annual temperature toward lower altitudes within and across three mountains, whereas species trait redundancy had different patterns between mountains. Thus, warming can widen functional trait space and alter the redundancy in plant communities. The inconsistent patterns of redundancy between mountains suggest that warming exerts varying influences on different ecosystems. Identification of climate-vulnerable ecosystems is important in the face of global warming.

Tree species and genetic diversity increase productivity via functional diversity and trophic feedbacks.

Addressing global biodiversity loss requires an expanded focus on multiple dimensions of biodiversity. While most studies have focused on the consequences of plant interspecific diversity, our mechanistic understanding of how genetic diversity within plant species affects plant productivity remains limited. Here, we use a tree species × genetic diversity experiment to disentangle the effects of species diversity and genetic diversity on tree productivity, and how they are related to tree functional diversity and trophic feedbacks. We found that tree species diversity increased tree productivity via increased tree functional diversity, reduced soil fungal diversity, and marginally reduced herbivory. The effects of tree genetic diversity on productivity via functional diversity and soil fungal diversity were negative in monocultures but positive in the mixture of the four tree species tested. Given the complexity of interactions between species and genetic diversity, tree functional diversity and trophic feedbacks on productivity, we suggest that both tree species and genetic diversity should be considered in afforestation.

Biodiversity, the richness of species in a given ecosystem, is essential for maintaining ecological functions. This is supported by many long-term biodiversity experiments where researchers manipulated the numbers of tree species they planted in a forest and then evaluated both its productivity (how much biological material the forest produced in a given timeframe) and the health of its trees. This work contributed to our understanding of forest ecology and paved the way for better reforestation approaches. The most important observation was that diverse forests, which contain several tree species, are more productive and healthier than monocultures where a single tree species dominates. However, it remained unclear what the role of genetic diversity within individual tree species is in determining productivity and health of forests. Tang, Zhang et al. set out to improve on previous studies on tree genetic diversity and community productivity by looking at two possible mechanisms that might affect the productivity of a forest ecosystem using publicly available data. First, they looked at the diversity of traits found within a tree population, which determines what resources in the ecosystem the trees can exploit; for example, trees with varied specific leaf areas (that is the ratio between a leaf's area and its dry mass) have more access to different intensities of sunlight for photosynthesis, allowing the whole forest to gain more biomass. Second, they considered interactions with other organisms such as herbivore animals and soil fungi that affect tree growth by either consuming their leaves or competing for the same resources. Tang, Zhang et al. used a mathematical model to interpret a complex dataset that includes multiple parameters for each of four types of forest: a forest with a single tree species seeded from a single parent tree (which will have low species and genetic diversity), a forest with a single tree species seeded from several parent trees (low species diversity and high genetic diversity, due to the diversity of parents), a forest with four tree species each seeded from a single parent tree (high species diversity and low genetic diversity), and a forest with four tree species each seeded from several parent trees (high species and genetic diversity). Using their model, Tang, Zhang et al. determined that species diversity promotes productivity because the increased diversity of traits allows trees to exploit more of the surrounding resources. Genetic diversity, on the other hand, did not seem to have a direct effect on overall productivity. However, greater genetic diversity did coincide with an increase in the diversity of traits in forests with a single tree species, which led to a decrease in damage to tree leaves by herbivores. This suggests that high genetic diversity in species-rich forests is likely also beneficial as herbivores are less able to damage tree foliage. As expected, in single-species forests with both low and high genetic diversity, higher soil fungi diversity was associated with a loss in productivity. Interestingly, in forests that had high species and genetic diversity, this effect was reversed, and higher genetic diversity reduced the loss of productivity caused by soil fungi, resulting in higher productivity overall. These results should be considered in reforestation projects to promote genetic diversity of trees on top of species diversity when replanting. How genetic diversity leads to downstream mechanisms that benefit community productivity is not fully understood and future research could look at what specific genetic features matter most to help select the ideal mixture of trees to maximize productivity and increase the land's ecological and economic value.

Independent clinical and echocardiographic predictors of restenosis after percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy followed for 24 years

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve stenosis (MVS) is one of the most common structural heart diseases in developing countries, primarily due to rheumatic disease. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) has been, since its introduction in 1984, the preferred option of treatment for such disease. However, restenosis is presented with an approximate incidence of 20%. Echocardiographic scoring of the mitral apparatus has been the main tool used to indicate and foresee the possible result of the procedure. The objective of this study was to enlight risk factors of mitral valvular restenosis in a significant number of patients submitted to percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy for the treatment of mitral stenosis (MS), particularly when secondary to rheumatic heart disease. METHODS: This study reports the vast experience of a single center high volume tertiary institution where 1.794 consecutive patients were treated with PMBC between 1987 and 2011. The primary endpoint was to determine the independent predictors of this untoward event, defined as loss of over 50% of the original increase in maximum valve area (MVA) or MVA< 1.5 cm2. RESULTS: Mitral valve restenosis was observed in 26% of the cases (n=483). Mean population age was 36 years old, with most patients being female (87%). Mean follow up duration was 4.8 years. At multivariate analysis independent pre-procedural predictors of restenosis were: left atrial diameter (HR: 1.03, 95% ci: 1.01-1.04, p<0.01), pre procedure maximum gradient (HR: 1.01, 95% ci: 1.00-1.03, p=0.02) and higher wilkins scores (HR: 1.37, 95% ci: 1.13-1.66, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In the very long term follow-up, mitral valve restenosis was observed in a quarter of the population undergoing PMBC. Preprocedure echocardiographic findings, including left atrial diameter, maximum valve gradient and high Wilkins scores were found to be the only independent predictors of this deleterious event.

Resistance of bmr energy sorghum hybrids to sugarcane borer and fall armyworm.

The lower lignin content in plants species with energy potential results in easier cellulose breakdown, making glucose available for ethanol generation. However, higher lignin levels can increase resistance to insect attack. The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of a bmr-6 biomass sorghum (a mutant genotype with a lower concentration of lignin) to important pests of energy sorghum, Diatraea saccharalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. Experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse to evaluate the development of these pests on the biomass sorghum bmr hybrids BR007, BR008, and TX635 and their respective conventional near-isogenic genotypes (without the bmr gene). The lignin content was higher in non-bmr hybrids, but the evaluated insect variables varied between treatments, not being consistent in just one hybrid or because it is bmr or not. The lowest survival of S. frugiperda was observed in the BR008 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr. The S. frugiperda injury scores on plants in the greenhouse were high (>7) in all treatments. For D. saccharalis, there was no difference in larval survival in the laboratory, but in the greenhouse, the BR007 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr, provided greater survival. Due the need to diversify the energy matrix and the fact that greater susceptibility of the bmr hybrids to either pests was not found in this study, these results hold promise for cultivation of these biomass sorghum hybrids for the production of biofuels.

Species richness stabilizes productivity via asynchrony and drought-tolerance diversity in a large-scale tree biodiversity experiment.

Extreme climatic events threaten forests and their climate mitigation potential globally. Understanding the drivers promoting ecosystem stability is therefore considered crucial for mitigating adverse climate change effects on forests. Here, we use structural equation models to explain how tree species richness, asynchronous species dynamics, species-level population stability, and drought-tolerance traits relate to the stability of forest productivity along an experimentally manipulated species richness gradient ranging from 1 to 24 tree species. Tree species richness improved community stability by increasing asynchrony. That is, at higher species richness, interannual variation in productivity among tree species buffered the community against stress-related productivity declines. This effect was positively related to variation in stomatal control and resistance-acquisition strategies among species, but not to the community-weighted means of these trait syndromes. The identified mechanisms by which tree species richness stabilizes forest productivity emphasize the importance of diverse, mixed-species forests to adapt to climate change.

Functional diversity effects on productivity increase with age in a forest biodiversity experiment.

Forest restoration increases global forest area and ecosystem services such as primary productivity and carbon storage. How tree species functional composition impacts the provisioning of these services as forests develop is sparsely studied. We used 10-year data from 478 plots with 191,200 trees in a forest biodiversity experiment in subtropical China to assess the relationship between community productivity and community-weighted mean (CWM) or functional diversity (FD) values of 38 functional traits. We found that effects of FD values on productivity became larger than effects of CWM values after 7 years of forest development and that the FD values also became more reliable predictors of productivity than the CWM values. In contrast to CWM, FD values consistently increased productivity across ten different species-pool subsets. Our results imply that to promote productivity in the long term it is imperative for forest restoration projects to plant multispecies communities with large functional diversity.

Coaching Belgian and Dutch Broiler Farmers Aimed at Antimicrobial Stewardship and Disease Prevention.

A reduction in antimicrobial use (AMU) is needed to curb the increase in antimicrobial resistance in broiler production. Improvements in biosecurity can contribute to a lower incidence of disease and thereby lower the need for AMU. However, veterinary advice related to AMU reduction or biosecurity is often not complied with, and this has been linked to the attitudes of farmers. Behavior change promoted by coaching may facilitate uptake and compliance regarding veterinary advice. Thirty broiler farms in Belgium and the Netherlands with high AMU were included in this study for 13 months. For each farmer, the attitude towards AMU reduction was quantified using an adjusted Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement (ADKAR®) change management model, and farm biosecurity was assessed with the Biocheck.UGent™ tool. Subsequently, farmers were coached to improve disease prevention and antimicrobial stewardship. After the individual coaching of farmers, there was a change in their attitudes regarding AMU, reflected by an increase in ADKAR® scores. Biosecurity levels improved by around 6% on average, and AMU was reduced by 7% on average without negative effects on performance parameters. Despite these improvements, no significant association could be found between higher ADKAR® scores and lower AMU. Further investigation into sociological models is needed as a tool to reduce AMU in livestock production.

Independent clinical and echocardiographic predictors of restenosis after percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy followed for 24 years

BACKGROUND Mitral valve stenosis is one of the most common structural heart diseases in developing countries and is primarily due to rheumatic disease. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) has been, since its introduction in 1984, the preferred treat ment. However, restenosis presents with an approximate incidence of 20%. Echocardiographic scoring of the mitral apparatus has been the main tool used to indicate and foresee the possible result of the pro cedure. The objective of this study was to examine risk mitral valvular restenosis in a significant number of patients submit ted to percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy (PMBC) for the treatment of mitral valve stenosis, particularly when secondary to rheumatic heart disease. METHODS This study reports the vast experience of a single high volume tertiary institution where 1,794 consecutive patients were treated with PMBC from 1987 to 2011. The primary end point was to determine the independent predictors of this untoward event, defined as loss of more than 50% of the original increase in maximum valve area (MVA) or MVA < 0.01), preprocedure maximum gradient (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03; P » 0.02), and higher Wilkins score (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13-1.66; P < 0.01). RESULTS Mitral valve restenosis was observed in 26% of the cases (n » 483). Mean population age was 36 years, with most patients being female (87%). Mean follow-up duration was 4.8 years. At multivariate analysis, independent preprocedural predictors of restenosis were left atrial diameter (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04; P < 0.01), preprocedure maximum gradient (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03; P » 0.02), and higher Wilkins score (HR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13-1.66; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION In the very-long-term follow-up, mitral valve reste nosis was observed in one-fourth of the population undergoing PMBC. Preprocedure echocardiographic findings for left atrial diameter, maximum valve gradient, and high Wilkins score were found to be the only independent predictors of this deleterious event.

Troponina I por percentil 99 da definição universal de infarto do miocárdio versus ponto de corte de melhor acurácia em síndromes coronárias agudas / Troponin I by 99th percentile of universal definition of myocardial infarction versus cutoff point of best accuracy in acute coronary syndromes

FUNDAMENTO: O diagnóstico de SCA e a estratificação de risco contemporâneos são fundamentais para o manejo apropriado e redução da mortalidade e eventos isquêmicos recorrentes, tanto na fase aguda quanto após hospitalização. A Definição Universal de Infarto do Miocárdio recomenda a detecção de curva de troponina acima do limite superior do percentil 99. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a ocorrência de óbito e infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) na fase precoce em pacientes sem elevação de troponina (0,034 ng/mL e 0,12 ng/mL)]. Avaliar o impacto do percentil 99 versus ponto de corte para troponina na indicação de estratégia invasiva e revascularização miocárdica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de pacientes com SCA sem elevação de ST com avaliação do pico da troponina I, escore de risco GRACE - admissão e alta, análise prospectiva de desfechos clínicos até 30 dias e testes bilaterais de significância. RESULTADOS: Em 494 pacientes, troponina > percentil 99 e abaixo do ponto de corte, assim como valores maiores (acima do ponto de corte), foram associados à maior incidência do desfecho composto (p<0,01) sem diferença significante em mortalidade até 30 dias. (Gráficos 1, 2 e 3) CONCLUSÕES: Valores de troponina acima do percentil 99 pela Definição Universal de IAM apresentam papel prognóstico e agregam informação útil ao diagnóstico clínico e escore de risco na identificação de pacientes com maior probabilidade de benefício com estratificação invasiva e procedimentos de revascularização coronária.

Reducing shade avoidance can improve Arabidopsis canopy performance against competitors.

Plants that grow in high density communities activate shade avoidance responses to consolidate light capture by individuals. Although this is an evolutionary successful strategy, it may not enhance performance of the community as a whole. Resources are invested in shade responses at the expense of other organs and light penetration through the canopy is increased, allowing invading competitors to grow better. Here we investigate if suppression of shade avoidance responses would enhance group performance of a monoculture community that is invaded by a competitor. Using different Arabidopsis genotypes, we show that suppression of shade-induced upward leaf movement in the pif7 mutant increases the pif7 communal performance against invaders as compared to a wild-type canopy. The invaders were more severely suppressed and the community grew larger as compared to wild type. Using computational modelling, we show that leaf angle variations indeed strongly affect light penetration and growth of competitors that invade the canopy. Our data thus show that modifying specific shade avoidance aspects can improve plant community performance. These insights may help to suppress weeds in crop stands.

Comparing Farm Biosecurity and Antimicrobial Use in High-Antimicrobial-Consuming Broiler and Pig Farms in the Belgian-Dutch Border Region.

As antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide problem, threatening both livestock and public health, understanding the drivers for resistance in different settings and countries is essential. Therefore, 30 pig and 30 poultry farms with country-specific high antimicrobial use (AMU) were recruited in the Belgian-Dutch border region. Information regarding production parameters, farm characteristics, biosecurity, and AMU was collected. On average, more biosecurity measures were implemented on Dutch farms, compared to Belgian farms in both animal species. In addition, more opportunities were found to increase the level of internal biosecurity compared to external biosecurity in both countries. AMU, quantified as treatment incidence (TI), differed marginally significant between broiler farms in Belgium and the Netherlands (median BE: 8; NL: 3), whereas in weaned piglets (median BE: 45 and NL: 14) and finishing pigs (median BE: 5 and NL: 1), there was a substantial difference in AMU between farms from both countries. Overall, Dutch farms showed less between-farm variation in TI than did Belgian farms. In both poultry and pig production, the majority of antimicrobials used were extended-spectrum penicillins (BE: 32 and 40%; NL: 40 and 24% for poultry and pigs, respectively). Compared to Belgian farms, Dutch poultry farms used high amounts of (fluoro)quinolones (1 and 15% of total AMU, respectively). None of the production parameters between broiler farms differed significantly, but in pig production, weaning age in Belgian farms (median: 23) was lower than in Dutch farms (median: 27). These results indicate considerable room for improvement in both countries and animal species. Farm-specific preventive strategies can contribute to lowering the risk for animal disease and hence the need for AMU.

Genetic richness affects trait variation but not community productivity in a tree diversity experiment.

Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning experiments found that productivity generally increases with species richness, but less is known about effects of within-species genetic richness and potential interactions between the two. While functional differences between species can explain species richness effects, empirical evidence regarding functional differences between genotypes within species and potential consequences for productivity is largely lacking. We therefore measured within- and among-species variation in functional traits and growth and determined stand-level tree biomass in a large forest experiment factorially manipulating species and genetic richness in subtropical China. Within-species variation across genetic seed families, in addition to variation across species, explained a substantial amount of trait variation. Furthermore, trait responses to species and genetic richness varied significantly within and between species. Multivariate trait variation was larger among individuals from species mixtures than those from species monocultures, but similar among individuals from genetically diverse vs genetically uniform monocultures. Correspondingly, species but not genetic richness had a positive effect on stand-level tree biomass. We argue that identifying functional diversity within and among species in forest communities is necessary to separate effects of species and genetic diversity on tree growth and community productivity.

Novel Prognostic Score for Immediate and Late Success After Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Commissurotomy in Patients With Mitral Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy (PMBC) remains the preferred treatment for patients with severe symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) and suitable anatomy. The objective of this study was to propose a new score for the prediction of immediate and late success. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of all 1582 patients with severe mitral stenosis who underwent PMBC from August 1987 to July 2010. The composite outcome was cardiovascular death, new PMBC, or mitral valve repair surgery up to 24 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 36.8 ± 12.9 years, most (86.4%) were female, and Wilkins score was between 9-11 in 49.1% of patients. In the multivariate analysis, the predictors of immediate success were age (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-0.99; P=.01), left atrium size (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; P=.01), mean preprocedure mitral gradient (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; P<.001), intermediate Wilkins score 9-11 (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.94; P=.02), and high Wilkins score ≥12 (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.76; P<.01). For prediction of late events, age (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98; P<.001), New York Heart Association class III-IV (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.18-1.92; P<.001), left atrium size (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02-0.04; P<.01), and high Wilkins score ≥12 (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.30-3.15; P<.01) were significant. Two nomograms were developed using significant predictors from the model. CONCLUSIONS: In this large population, not only the Wilkins score, but also clinical and hemodynamic features, seem to be relevant in predicting immediate and late success for patients with rheumatic MS who underwent PMBC.

Variation in plastic responses to light results from selection in different competitive environments-A game theoretical approach using virtual plants.

Phenotypic plasticity is a vital strategy for plants to deal with changing conditions by inducing phenotypes favourable in different environments. Understanding how natural selection acts on variation in phenotypic plasticity in plants is therefore a central question in ecology, but is often ignored in modelling studies. Here we present a new modelling approach that allows for the analysis of selection for variation in phenotypic plasticity as a response strategy. We assess selection for shade avoidance strategies of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to future neighbour shading signalled through a decrease in red:far-red (R:FR) ratio. For this, we used a spatially explicit 3D virtual plant model that simulates individual Arabidopsis plants competing for light in different planting densities. Plant structure and growth were determined by the organ-specific interactions with the light environment created by the vegetation structure itself. Shade avoidance plastic responses were defined by a plastic response curve relating petiole elongation and lamina growth to R:FR perceived locally. Different plasticity strategies were represented by different shapes of the response curve that expressed different levels of R:FR sensitivity. Our analyses show that the shape of the selected shade avoidance strategy varies with planting density. At higher planting densities, more sensitive response curves are selected for than at lower densities. In addition, the balance between lamina and petiole responses influences the sensitivity of the response curves selected for. Combining computational virtual plant modelling with a game theoretical analysis represents a new step towards analysing how natural selection could have acted upon variation in shade avoidance as a response strategy, which can be linked to genetic variation and underlying physiological processes.

Successful Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Inherited CARD9 Deficiency.

Autosomal recessive (AR) CARD9 (caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9) deficiency underlies invasive infections by fungi of the ascomycete phylum in previously healthy individuals at almost any age. Although CARD9 is expressed mostly by myeloid cells, the cellular basis of fungal infections in patients with inherited CARD9 deficiency is unclear. Therapy for fungal infections is challenging, with at least 20% premature mortality. We report two unrelated patients from Brazil and Morocco with AR CARD9 deficiency, both successfully treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). From childhood onward, the patients had invasive dermatophytic disease, which persisted or recurred despite multiple courses of antifungal treatment. Sanger sequencing identified homozygous missense CARD9 variants at the same residue, c.302G>T (p.R101L) in the Brazilian patient and c.301C>T (p.R101C) in the Moroccan patient. At the ages of 25 and 44 years, respectively, they received a HSCT. The first patient received a HLA-matched HSCT from his CARD9-mutated heterozygous sister. There was 100% donor chimerism at D + 100. The other patient received a T cell-depleted haploidentical HSCT from his CARD9-mutated heterozygous brother. A second HSCT from the same donor was performed due to severe amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia despite achieving full donor chimerism (100%). At last follow-up, more than 3 years after HSCT, both patients have achieved complete clinical remission and stopped antifungal therapy. HSCT might be a life-saving therapeutic option in patients with AR CARD9 deficiency. This observation strongly suggests that the pathogenesis of fungal infections in these patients is largely due to the disruption of leukocyte-mediated CARD9 immunity.

Very Long Term Follow-Up After Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess very long term outcomes after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV).BACKGROUND: PBMV remains the preferred treatment for patients with severe symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis and suitable anatomy.METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent successful PBMV between 1987 and 2010 were included. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, need for mitral surgery, or repeat PBMV up to 23 years.RESULTS: Among all 1,582 consecutive patients undergoing PBMV, acute success was achieved in 90.9% (n»1,438).Independent predictors of acute success included left atrial size (odds ratio: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93 to0.99; p»0.045), Wilkins score#8 (odds ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.93; p»0.02) and age (odds ratio: 0.97; 95% CI:0.96 to 0.99; p»0.006). Very long-term follow-up (median 8.3 years, mean 15.6 years) was obtained in 79.1% of successful cases. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 19.1% (95% CI: 17.0% to 21.1%). The rates of overall lmortality, need for mitral valve surgery, or repeat PBMV were 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3% to 1.2%), 8.3% (95% CI: 7.0% to9.9%), and 10.0% (95% CI: 8.5% to 11.7%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, New York Heart Association functional class III or IV (hazard ratio: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.09; p<0.001), higher age (hazard ratio: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96 to0.98; p»0.028), and mitral valve area#1.75 cm2after the procedure (hazard ratio: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.11;p»0.028) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: In very long term follow-up, more than 75% of patients exhibited sustained results. Prediction of late favorable results is multifactorial and strongly determined by age, previous symptoms and post-procedural mitral valve area.(J Am Coll Cardiol Intv 2018;11:1945­52) © 2018 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Very Long Term Follow-Up After Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess very long term outcomes after successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). BACKGROUND: PBMV remains the preferred treatment for patients with severe symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis and suitable anatomy. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent successful PBMV between 1987 and 2010 were included. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality, need for mitral surgery, or repeat PBMV up to 23 years. RESULTS: Among all 1,582 consecutive patients undergoing PBMV, acute success was achieved in 90.9% (n = 1,438). Independent predictors of acute success included left atrial size (odds ratio: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93 to 0.99; p = 0.045), Wilkins score ≤8 (odds ratio: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.93; p = 0.02) and age (odds ratio: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.99; p = 0.006). Very long term follow-up (median 8.3 years, mean 15.6 years) was obtained in 79.1% of successful cases. The incidence of the primary endpoint was 19.1% (95% CI: 17.0% to 21.1%). The rates of overall mortality, need for mitral valve surgery, or repeat PBMV were 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3% to 1.2%), 8.3% (95% CI: 7.0% to 9.9%), and 10.0% (95% CI: 8.5% to 11.7%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, New York Heart Association functional class III or IV (hazard ratio: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.09; p < 0.001), higher age (hazard ratio: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.98; p = 0.028), and mitral valve area ≤1.75 cm2 after the procedure (hazard ratio: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.11; p = 0.028) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: In very long term follow-up, more than 75% of patients exhibited sustained results. Prediction of late favorable results is multifactorial and strongly determined by age, previous symptoms and post-procedural mitral valve area.