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It remains unclear today whether risk scores created specifically to predict early mortality after cardiac operations for infective endocarditis (IE) outperform or not the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II). Perioperative data and outcomes from a European multicenter series of patients undergoing surgery for definite IE were retrospectively reviewed. Only the cases with known pathogen and without missing values for all considered variables were retained for analyses. A comparative validation of EuroSCORE II and 5 specific risk scores for early mortality after surgery for IE—(1) STS-IE (Society of Thoracic Surgeons for IE); (2) PALSUSE (Prosthetic valve, Age ≥70, Large intracardiac destruction, Staphylococcus spp , Urgent surgery, Sex (female), EuroSCORE ≥10); (3) ANCLA (Anemia, New York Heart Association class IV, Critical state, Large intracardiac destruction, surgery on thoracic Aorta); (4) AEPEI II (Association pour l'Étude et la Prévention de l'Endocardite Infectieuse II); (5) APORTEI (Análisis de los factores PROnósticos en el Tratamiento quirúrgico de la Endocarditis Infecciosa)—was carried out using calibration plot and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Areas under the curve (AUCs) were compared 1:1 according to the Hanley–McNeil's method. The agreement between APORTEI score and EuroSCORE II of the 30-day mortality prediction after surgery was also appraised. A total of 1,012 patients from 5 European university-affiliated centers underwent 1,036 cardiac operations, with a 30-day mortality after surgery of 9.7%. All IE-specific risk scores considered achieved better results than EuroSCORE II in terms of calibration; AEPEI II and APORTEI score showed the best performances. Despite poor calibration, EuroSCORE II overcame in discrimination every specific risk score (AUC, 0.751 vs 0.693 or less, P =.01 or less). For a higher/lesser than 20% expected mortality, the agreement of prediction between APORTEI score and EuroSCORE II was 86%. EuroSCORE II discrimination for 30-day mortality after surgery for IE was higher than 5 established IE-specific risk scores. AEPEI II and APORTEI score showed the best results in terms of calibration. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few longitudinal data exist comparing quality of life (QoL) after full sternotomy (fs) aortic valve replacement (AVR) (fsAVR) with ministernotomy AVR (msAVR). A total of 1844 consecutive patients undergoing AVR who were prospectively enrolled in a European multicenter registry were dichotomized according to surgical access. Nonparsimonious propensity score matching selected 187 pairs of patients who underwent fsAVR or msAVR with comparable baseline characteristics. Hospital outcome was compared in the 2 groups. QoL was assessed with the Short Form-36, further detailed in its Physical Component Summary (PCS) score and the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score. QoL was investigated at hospital admission, at discharge, and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year thereafter. There were 1654 patients undergoing fsAVR and 190 undergoing msAVR in the entire population. The fsAVR group showed a worse preoperative risk profile, a longer intensive care unit length of stay (59.7 hours vs 38.8 hours; p =.002), and a higher rate of life-threatening or disabling bleeding (4.1% vs 0%; P =.011); the msAVR group had a higher rate of early reintervention for failed index intervention (2.1% vs 0.5%; P =.001). QoL investigations showed better PCS and MCS at 1 month after fsAVR, but no temporal trend differences (PCS group-time P =.202; MCS group-time P =.141). Propensity-matched pairs showed comparable baseline characteristics and hospital outcomes (P = not significant for all end points) and comparable improvements of PCS and MCS over time, but no between-group difference s over time (PCS group time P =.834; MCS group time P =.737). Patients with similar baseline profiles report comparable hospital outcomes and comparable improvements of physical and mental health, up to 1 year after surgery, with both fsAVR and msAVR. As for QoL, ministernotomy does not seem to offer any advantage compared with the traditional approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this retrospective, multicenter study was to evaluate early and mid-term clinical and hemodynamic results of patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with Intuity rapid-deployment bioprostheses (RDB) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA). We analyzed data from the Italian Registry of Intuity Valve (INTU-ITA registry) that is a national, real-world and independent from the industry registry. Preoperative variables were defined according to EuroSCORE and postoperative outcomes according to Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC). Survival distribution was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier approach. A Cox-Proportional Hazard Model was employed to assess the effect of the covariates on patients' survival. The registry included 1687 patients from 23 centers (June 2012-September 2019). Aortic cross clamp time for isolated SAVR was 55 minutes (IQR: 45-70 minute). Postoperative pace-maker rate was 6.3%. At discharge transaortic peak and mean gradients were: 18 mm Hg (IQR: 14-23 mm Hg) and 10 mmHg (IQR: 8-13 mm Hg), respectively. Indexed effective orifice area was 1.10 cm2/m2 (IQR: 0.91-1.31 cm2/m2) and the incidence of severe patient-prosthesis mismatch was 0.6%. Hemodynamic data for all valve sizes remained stable during follow-up. Thirty-day overall mortality was 1.8% (30 patients), and at follow-up it was 5.3% (89 patients). Kaplan-Meier overall survival was 95.5% (94.3-96.7%); 90.7% (88.3-93.1%); 86.4% (82.6-90.4%) at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Serum creatinine (HR: 1.36; 95%CI: 1.04-1.81; p = 0.0397) and cross-clamp time (HR: 1.01; 95%CI: 1.002-1.017; p = 0.0077) were identified as independent predictors of mortality. According to our data from the INTU-ITA registry, SAVR with RDB provides good early clinical and hemodynamic results that are confirmed at follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CA1, EC and DG of 4-AP-bathed slices of epileptic rats had increased ictogenesis. • 4-AP-bathed slices of epileptic rats had higher power of gamma and HFOs. • Higher synchrony between CA3-CA1 and CA1-EC in 4-AP-bathed slices of epileptic rats. • Oscillatory patterns are changed in ACSF-bathed slices of epileptic rats. • ACSF-bathed slices of epileptic rats had higher fast ripples synchrony. Specific oscillatory patterns are considered biomarkers of pathological neuronal network in brain diseases, such as epilepsy. However, the dynamics of underlying oscillations during the epileptogenesis throughout the hippocampal formation in the temporal lobe epilepsy is not clear. Here, we characterized in vitro oscillatory patterns within the hippocampal formation of epileptic rats, under 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-induced hyperexcitability and during the spontaneous network activity, at two periods of epileptogenesis. First, at the beginning of epileptic chronic phase, 30 days post-pilocarpine-induced Status Epilepticus (SE). Second, at the established epilepsy, 60 days post- SE. The 4-AP-bathed slices from epileptic rats had increased susceptibility to ictogenesis in CA1 at 30 days post- SE, and in entorhinal cortex and dentate gyrus at 60 days post- SE. Higher power and phase coherence were detected mainly for gamma and/or high frequency oscillations (HFOs), in a region- and stage-specific manner. Interestingly, under spontaneous network activity, even without 4-AP-induced hyperexcitability, slices from epileptic animals already exhibited higher power of gamma and HFOs in different areas of hippocampal formation at both periods of epileptogenesis, and higher phase coherence in fast ripples at 60 days post- SE. These findings reinforce the critical role of gamma and HFOs in each one of the hippocampal formation areas during ongoing neuropathological processes, tuning the neuronal network to epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Scopolamine ratio in shoots is 3-fold higher than that in the roots of D. innoxia seedlings. • D. innoxia roots synthesize tropane alkaloids from 2H 5 -Phenylalanine. • 2H 5 -Scopolamine is preferentially transported to shoots. • D. innoxia roots express all biosynthetic genes in the scopolamine pathway. Pharmacologically important tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, are synthesized in the roots of several Solanaceae and also accumulate in their shoots. The tropane alkaloids content in roots of D. innoxia seedlings was almost 3-fold higher than in their shoots. Moreover, scopolamine accounted for 77 % of the total tropane alkaloid content in shoots as compared to only 20 % in roots. All candidate genes in the scopolamine biosynthetic pathway were significantly expressed in D. innoxia mature roots with limited expression in mature leaves. Using exogenous isotopically labeled 2H 5 L-phenylalanine, we show here that root tissues, but not detached shoots, readily biosynthesize scopolamine. Tropane alkaloids newly synthesized by roots, and preferentially scopolamine, were further transported to shoots. Our evidence indicates that D. innoxia seedlings have the ability to synthesize tropane alkaloids in their roots and differentially transport them to the shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to compare early and midterm clinical and hemodynamic results of aortic valve replacement with rapid-deployment bioprostheses performed through conventional full-sternotomy vs mini-sternotomy. Data from the Italian multicenter registry of aortic valve replacement with rapid-deployment bioprostheses (INTU-ITA registry) were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: full sternotomy (FS) and ministernotomy (MS). Primary endpoint was the comparison of early and midterm mortality. Secondary endpoints were: comparison of intraoperative variables, complications, and hemodynamic performance. A propensity score weighting approach was used for data analysis. A total of 1057 patients were analyzed: 435 (41.2%) and 622 (58.8%) in group FS and MS, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 1.6% and 0.6% in FS and MS groups, respectively (P =.074). cardiopulmonary bypass time was 78.5 minutes and 83 minutes in FS and MS groups, respectively (P =.414). In the overall cohort, the incidence of intraoperative complications and of device success was 3.8% (40 patients) and 95.9% (1014 patients), respectively, with no significant differences between groups. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 94.1%, 98.1%, 88.5% and 91.8%, 85.2%, and 84.8% in FS and MS groups, respectively (P =.412). The 2 groups showed similar postoperative gradients (median mean gradient, FS: 10.0 mm Hg, MS: 11.0 mm Hg; P =.170) and also similar incidence of patient–prosthesis mismatch (FS: 7%, MS: 6.4%, P =.647). According to our data, rapid-deployment bioprostheses allow the performance of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with similar surgical times and similar clinical and hemodynamic outcomes to conventional surgery and should be considered the first choice in these procedures. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Human activity and the level of connectivity with other meadows may impact the genetic structure of P. oceanica populations. • The Tremiti Islands meadow standing far away from big urban centres, is geographically isolatedand monoclonal. • The San Vito-Barletta meadow, located in a highly impacted area, has higher genetic diversity and a subpopulation structure. • The risk of genetic drift cannot be excluded for the San Vito-Barletta meadow. • The San Vito-Barletta and Tremiti Islands meadows are genetically distinct requiring different conservation strategies. The Mediterranean-endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile forms meadows of great ecological importance that are currently under high anthropogenic pressures. We investigated the genetic structure of two meadows located in the Adriatic Sea along the coast of Italy. The San Vito-Barletta meadow is located in an unprotect area close to several medium-large towns suggesting that it is more subjected to a wide panel of anthropic impacts. This meadow displays subpopulation structure and higher genetic/genotypic diversity which may be the consequence of a combination of different anthropic impacts and environmental features. In contrast, the Tremiti Islands meadow is included within a marine protected area away from large cities. Genetic analysis showed that this meadow possesses a monoclonal structure with low genetic/genotypic diversity. Yet, our data indicate that both meadows require specific conservation/restoration policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the impact of reoperative cardiac surgery for type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) on early and long-term outcomes. Patients with history of previous cardiac surgery were included in group R while those undergoing first operation where included in group F. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival in the 2 groups. A total of 1472 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 85 (5.8%) and 1387 (94.2%) were included in group R and F, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 24% (20 patients) and 18% (249 patients) in groups R and F, respectively(P = 0.8). Kaplan-Meier survival at 10 and at 20-year was 51.5% and 30.2% in group R and 48% and 32% in group F (P = 0.368). Patients with a history of previous cardiac operations who develop TAAAD can undergo surgery with similar early and long-term outcomes compared to those at their first operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reforestation with native species determines that autochthonous populations and plantations are often within the reach of gene flow. To address efficient strategies for forest plantation management it is fundamental to track the origin of reforestation material, in order to limit potentially detrimental effects on the adaptive potential of autochthonous populations. The use of genetic information to determine the origin of plantations is very effective when historical data about reforestation programs are absent. The main objectives of our study were to assess the origin of silver fir plantations in the Majella National Park (Central Apennines) and to compare genetic diversity parameters between plantations and natural stands. The latter objective is particularly relevant to evaluate the levels of genetic variation in plantations of local origin and to evaluate their suitability as already established reforestation stands. A comprehensive genetic dataset (1619 individuals from 33 natural silver fir populations genotyped at 16 nuclear microsatellite markers) was built to characterize potential seed sources for 10 plantations from the Majella National Park. Their genetic origin was assessed through combining the results of Bayesian assignment tests and analyses of genetic differentiation. Based on the genetic structure characterizing natural populations, we were able to definitely assess the origin of most of the planted individuals. Five plantations were established using material which most likely originated in natural populations that are only 10–20 km distant. These plantations harbour levels of genetic variation similar to the surrounding natural populations and are, therefore, to be considered valuable local forest genetic resources. The other five plantations consist either partially or entirely of allochthonous individuals which are similar to Alpine and northern Apennine populations. To avoid exotic gene flow to nearby autochthonous populations, we suggest the removal of plantations in which allochthonous individuals are present before they reach sexual maturity. However, before taking such action, we recommend the monitoring of the relative performance of different provenances, i.e. plantations entirely made by either putatively autochthonous or undoubtedly allochthonous material. Such an investigation would allow a thorough ex post evaluation of past reforestation programs. To conclude, our results show that genetic data can provide essential information for general decision-making in forest plantations management and, considering the thorough characterization of silver fir genetic structure in this multi-refugial area, such information can be particularly useful for a correct management of Apennine plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juice from three different onion varieties was mixed with sweet whey and used as growth substrate for four lactic acid bacteria strains, isolated from agri-food by-products, to evaluate the possibility to exploit such substrates, known to be reach in bioactive molecules, as fermented drinks for human consumption. Results show good growth performance for Lactobacillus fabifermentans , L. plantarum and Streptococcus macedonicus. On the contrary S. thermophilus did not grow in the mixture while S. macedonicus did not develop in pure onion juice. After 48 h the overall sugar content decreased significantly. In particular, glucose was not utilized while inulin was completely preserved. Moreover, MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of the rare trisaccharide lactosucrose. In the light of these considerations, the formulation obtained may be considered a potential synbiotic product with pleasant taste and beneficial effects for consumers and also an eco-friendly solution to convert an agro-food by-product into value added products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study objective was to analyze the effects of chronic oral anticoagulation on long-term outcomes after repair of type A acute aortic dissection and its influence on false lumen fate. We studied 188 patients (median age, 62 years; 74% were male) who underwent repair of type A aortic dissection; patients receiving postoperative chronic oral anticoagulation (n = 59) were compared with those receiving antiplatelet therapy alone (n = 129). Median age was similar: 60 years (18-79 years; OAC group) versus 64 years (22-86; no-OAC group) (P =.11); patients taking anticoagulants were more frequently male (88% vs 67%, P =.003). After a median follow-up of 8.4 years (2 months to 30 years), 58 patients died, 18 of aortic-related causes, and 37 patients underwent aortic reintervention. After multivariable adjustment, anticoagulation showed no significant effect on long-term survival (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-1.76; P =.66) or risk of reintervention (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-1.15; P =.11). Analysis of 127 postoperative computed tomography scans showed a patent false lumen in 53% of anticoagulated patients versus 38% of nonanticoagulated patients (P =.09): partially thrombosed in 8% versus 28% (P =.01) and thrombosed in 39% versus 34% (P =.63), respectively. In patients with a control computed tomography, there were 6 late aortic-related deaths, 1 among anticoagulated patients and 5 in those who were not. Chronic anticoagulation after repair of type A acute aortic dissection favors persistent late false lumen patency, which is not a risk factor for late mortality or reoperation. Chronic anticoagulation can be administered safely to patients with repaired type A acute aortic dissection regardless of its specific indication. The status of FL considered in the CT scan analysis (patent, partial thrombosed, and thrombosed), the results of CT scan analysis, and the overall survival of study groups (no-OAC vs OAC). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive knowledge of the ecological and genetic consequences of implementing management practices (i.e. logging) in natural ecosystems is of fundamental importance to conservation action. Accordingly, characterization of forest genetic resources in managed vs non-managed stands may inform management decisions to ensure the long-term persistence of genetic diversity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of management practices on the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of contrasting forests, through an age-class sampling design and the use of microsatellite markers. We evaluated the impact of logging in three populations of Nothofagus pumilio , a dominant tree species in Patagonian temperate forests, by comparing managed and non-managed stands in each population. Selective extraction of best-featured individuals, i.e. those with forestry aptitude, such as higher trees with straight trunks and good sanitary conditions, was performed between 1990 and 2004. One of the studied sites was located in a state-protected area while the others were on private land affected by grazing. At each managed stand over-mature trees (MF-O), adult remnant trees (MF-A) and seedlings representing forest regeneration (MF-R) after silvicultural management were sampled. In non-managed stands age classes were restricted to adults (CF-A) and seedlings (CF-R). A minimum of 30 individuals per age class were collected, totalling 454 samples which were genotyped at six microsatellite loci. Non-significant differences in genetic diversity were found between managed and natural woods in all populations. A trend towards decreasing frequencies or even allele loss among remnant adults of logged stands can however be interpreted as a sign of impact, probably a consequence of genetic drift. Each site showed particular, different outcomes with respect to genetic structure. While in Pop 1 (Huemules, 42°S) significant genetic differentiation was found between management treatments, admixture of genetic clusters (Bayesian clustering and DAPC analysis) occurred in Pop 2 (Guacho Lake, 43°S) and no genetic structure was found in Pop 3 (Engaño Lake, 43°S). Post-harvest genetic contact between contrasting stands is likely. A Landscape Interpolation Analysis showed clusters of individuals (shared genotypes) spatially restricted for managed stands (significant in Pop 3), whereas a random spatial distribution characterized control forests. Therefore, it is possible that management affected and disrupted the genetic structure. The different genetic patterns revealed for each population call for site-by-site interpretation. Differential intensity and frequency of management practices, presence/absence of livestock in the forest, and evolutionary history may all have had combined effect on current genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding nodes mobility is of fundamental importance for data delivery in opportunistic and intermittently connected networks referred to as Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs). The analysis of such mobility patterns and the understanding of how mobile nodes interact play a critical role when designing new routing protocols for DTNs. The Cultural Greedy Ant (CGrAnt) protocol is a hybrid Swarm Intelligence-based approach designed to address the routing problem in such dynamic and complex environment. CGrAnt is based on: (1) Cultural Algorithms (CA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and (2) operational metrics that characterize the opportunistic social connectivity between wireless users. The most promising message forwarders are selected via a greedy transition rule based mainly on local information captured from the DTN environment. Whenever global information is available, it can also be used to support decisions. We compare the performance of CGrAnt with Epidemic, PROPHET, and dLife protocols in two different mobility scenarios under varying networking parameters. Results obtained by the ONE simulator show that CGrAnt achieves a higher message delivery and lower message redundancy than the three protocols in both scenarios. The only exception is in one of the scenarios, when messages have a time to live lower than 900 min, where CGrAnt delivers a bit less messages than dLife, although with a lower message redundancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We assessed the impact of genetically enriched material on forests' resilience. • We compared sixteen selected populations with their reference natural population. • We used three comprehensive SNP datasets (overall, common and outlier). • Selected material was significantly differentiated from their original population. • No major genetic diversity loss was detected following genetic selection. • We propose core collections to enrich populations for uncertain future. Delivering material selected for breeding purposes into the wild in the context of sustainable forest management might reduce the levels of genetic diversity of future forests in comparison to that of natural populations. Another consequence might be a reduction of their resilience under uncertain future climatic and socio-economic conditions if these new populations lack adaptability. Despite the long tradition of breeding activities in Europe, there is still a need to assess the impact of genetically enriched material on forests' resilience. In this study, we address (1) the genetic diversity of selected material compared to its wild ancestors, and (2) how to enrich breeding material to support forests' resilience under changing socio-environmental conditions. We analysed 16 study cases of selected material delivered from breeding activities in four European forest tree species (Pinus halepensis Mill., Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold, Pinus pinaster Ait. and Populus nigra L.) with different levels of breeding. To answer these two questions, we first assessed and compared the genetic diversity of selected material versus natural populations using both putatively neutral and adaptive (based on diverging selection) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). We then suggest how to enrich these populations for resilience under future climatic conditions by defining a core collection for each species including material from populations that will likely disappear under future conditions. Thanks to the large SNP datasets available for our focal species, we were able to detect some trends in our data. Expected and observed heterozygosity values for selected populations were almost always identical. The selected material showed small but significant genetic differentiation from their original population and their inbreeding coefficient was generally lower. However, the level of genetic improvement (i.e. low vs high) was not correlated with the observed genetic differences between selected material and natural populations.The genetic characterization of natural populations distributed across the species range, and the future projection of their range stability, made it possible to identify core-collections that would significantly enrich breeding populations under uncertain future environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the impact of forest management practices is crucial to allow the use of natural resources while ensuring the sustainability of genetic variation, which is essential for the potential adaptive capacity of forests. The main objective of this work was to study the effects of a seed cut on the genetic diversity of a mixed Nothofagus forest in northwestern Andean Patagonia. Silviculture based on the shelterwood system was carried out in stands composed of Nothofagus dombeyi , Nothofagus nervosa and Nothofagus obliqua , located in Lanín Natural Reserve (Neuquén province, Argentina). Through intensive sampling of pre (mature trees) and post (regeneration) harvest populations of all three species from a 3-ha plot established after 20 years of the silvicultural intervention, in combination with microsatellite genotyping (more than 2000 individuals with 15 markers), we determined that modification of relative abundance of species in the post-harvest population that followed the implemented management had altered the global genetic diversity of the mixed forest; however, no impact was detected at species level in the entire plot or in two subplots with different species proportions. Pollen and seed dispersal from the surrounding areas may have contributed significantly to maintaining both genetic diversity in the post-harvest natural regeneration and the low differentiation between this and the pre-harvest gene pool in all species. The use of species-specific markers allowed us to determine that the level of introgressive hybridization was not changed by management; however, further studies are required to evaluate whether this practice influences the directionality of introgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are powerful immunomodulatory cells that in mice play a role in infectious and inflammatory disorders, including acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Their relevance in clinical acute GVHD is poorly known. We analyzed whether granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration, used to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells, affected the frequency of MDSCs in the peripheral blood stem cell grafts of 60 unrelated donors. In addition, we evaluated whether the MDSC content in the peripheral blood stem cell grafts affected the occurrence of acute GVHD in patients undergoing unrelated donor allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Systemic treatment with G-CSF induces an expansion of myeloid cells displaying the phenotype of monocytic MDSCs (Lin low/neg HLA-DR − CD11b + CD33 + CD14 + ) with the ability to suppress alloreactive T cells in vitro, therefore meeting the definition of MDSCs. Monocytic MDSC dose was the only graft parameter to predict acute GVHD. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD at 180 days after transplantation for recipients receiving monocytic MDSC doses below and above the median was 63% and 22%, respectively ( P = .02). The number of monocytic MDSCs infused did not impact the relapse rate or the transplant-related mortality rate ( P > .05). Although further prospective studies involving larger sample size are needed to validate the exact monocytic MDSC graft dose that protects from acute GVHD, our results strongly suggest the modulation of G-CSF might be used to affect monocytic MDSCs graft cell doses for prevention of acute GVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current distribution of forest genetic resources on Earth is the result of a combination of natural processes and human actions. Over time, tree populations have become adapted to their habitats including the local ecological disturbances they face. As the planet enters a phase of human-induced climate change of unprecedented speed and magnitude, however, previously locally-adapted populations are rendered less suitable for new conditions, and ‘natural’ biotic and abiotic disturbances are taken outside their historic distribution, frequency and intensity ranges. Tree populations rely on phenotypic plasticity to survive in extant locations, on genetic adaptation to modify their local phenotypic optimum or on migration to new suitable environmental conditions. The rate of required change, however, may outpace the ability to respond, and tree species and populations may become locally extinct after specific, but as yet unknown and unquantified, tipping points are reached. Here, we review the importance of forest genetic resources as a source of evolutionary potential for adaptation to changes in climate and other ecological factors. We particularly consider climate-related responses in the context of linkages to disturbances such as pests, diseases and fire, and associated feedback loops. The importance of management strategies to conserve evolutionary potential is emphasised and recommendations for policy-makers are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a general trend of biodiversity loss at global, regional, national and local levels. To monitor this trend, international policy processes have created a wealth of indicators over the last two decades. However, genetic diversity indicators are regrettably absent from comprehensive bio-monitoring schemes. Here, we provide a review and an assessment of the different attempts made to provide such indicators for tree genetic diversity from the global level down to the level of the management unit. So far, no generally accepted indicators have been provided as international standards, nor tested for their possible use in practice. We suggest that indicators for monitoring genetic diversity and dynamics should be based on ecological and demographic surrogates of adaptive diversity as well as genetic markers capable of identifying genetic erosion and gene flow. A comparison of past and present genecological distributions (patterns of genetic variation of key adaptive traits in the ecological space) of selected species is a realistic way of assessing the trend of intra-specific variation, and thus provides a state indicator of tree genetic diversity also able to reflect possible pressures threatening genetic diversity. Revealing benefits of genetic diversity related to ecosystem services is complex, but current trends in plantation performance offer the possibility of an indicator of benefit . Response indicators are generally much easier to define, because recognition and even quantification of, e.g., research, education, breeding, conservation, and regulation actions and programs are relatively straightforward. Only state indicators can reveal genetic patterns and processes, which are fundamental for maintaining genetic diversity. Indirect indicators of pressure , benefit , or response should therefore not be used independently of state indicators. A coherent set of indicators covering diversity–productivity–knowledge–management based on the genecological approach is proposed for application on appropriate groups of tree species in the wild and in cultivation worldwide. These indicators realistically reflect the state, trends and potentials of the world’s tree genetic resources to support sustainable growth. The state of the genetic diversity will be based on trends in population distributions and diversity patterns for selected species. The productivity of the genetic resource of trees in current use will reflect the possible potential of mobilizing the resource further. Trends in knowledge will underpin the potential capacity for development of the resource and current management of the genetic resource itself will reveal how well we are actually doing and where improvements are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amanita muscaria contains more excitatory ibotenic acid and less depressant muscimol compared to Amanita pantherina . In this study A. muscaria poisoned patients were more often confused (26/32, p = 0.01) and agitated (20/32, p = 0.03) compared to those poisoned with A. pantherina (8/17 and 5/17). Patients poisoned with A. pantherina were more commonly comatose (5/17) compared to those poisoned with A. muscaria (2/32) ( p = 0.03). In conclusion, the so-called ibotenic or pantherina-muscaria syndrome might be divided into two subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]