bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unexpectedly low δ 13C in leaves, branches, stems and roots of three acacia species growing in hyper-arid environments
Authors: Uni Daphna , Groner Elli , Soloway Elaine , Hjazin Amgad , Johnswick Spencer , Winters Gidon , Sheffer Efrat , Rog Ido , Wagner Yael , Klein Tamir 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsIn plant eco-physiology, less negative (enriched) carbon 13 (13C) in the leaves indicates conditions of reducing leaf gas exchange through stomata, e.g. under drought. In addition, 13C is expected to be less negative in non-photosynthetic tissues as compared with leaves. However, these relationships in δ 13C from leaves (photosynthetic organs) to branches, stems and roots (non-photosynthetic organs) are rarely tested across multiple closely related tree species, multiple compartments, or in trees growing under extreme heat and drought.MethodsWe measured leaf-to-root 13C in three closely related desert acacia species (Acacia tortilis, A. raddiana and A. pachyceras). We measured δ 13C in leaf tissues from mature trees in southern Israel. In parallel, a 7-year irrigation experiment with 0.5, 1.0 or 4.0 L day−1 was conducted in an experimental orchard. At the end of the experiment, growth parameters and δ 13C were measured in leaves, branches, stems and roots.Important FindingsThe δ 13C in leaf tissues sampled from mature trees was ca. −27‰, far more depleted than expected from a desert tree growing in one of the Earth’s driest and hottest environments. Across acacia species and compartments, δ 13C was not enriched at all irrigation levels (−28‰ to ca. −27‰), confirming our measurements in the mature trees. Among compartments, leaf δ 13C was unexpectedly similar to branch and root δ 13C, and surprisingly, even less negative than stem δ 13C. The highly depleted leaf δ 13C suggests that these trees have high stomatal gas exchange, despite growing in extremely dry habitats. The lack of δ 13C enrichment in non-photosynthetic tissues might be related to the seasonal coupling of growth of leaves and heterotrophic tissues.
CO2 stimulation and response mechanisms vary with light supply in boreal conifers
Authors: Dang Qing-Lai , Marfo Jacob , Du Fengguo , Man Rongzhou , Inoue Sahari 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Aims
Black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) and white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss.) are congeneric species. Both are moderately shade tolerant and widely distributed across North American boreal forests.

Methods
To understand light effects on their ecophysiological responses to elevated CO2, 1-year-old seedlings were exposed to 360 µmol mol−1 and 720 µmol mol−1 CO2 at three light conditions (100%, 50% and 30% of full light in the greenhouse). Foliar gas exchanges were measured in the mid- and late-growing season.

Important Findings
Elevated CO2 increased net photosynthesis (Pn) and photosynthetic water use efficiency, but it reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration. The stimulation of photosynthesis by elevated CO2 was greatest at 50% light and smallest at 100%. Photosynthesis, maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and light-saturated rate of electron transport (Jmax) all decreased with decreasing light. Elevated CO2 significantly reduced Vcmax across all light treatments and both species in mid-growing season. However, the effect of elevated CO2 became insignificant at 30% light later in the growing season, with the response being greater in black spruce than in white spruce. Elevated CO2 also reduced Jmax in white spruce in both measurements while the effect became insignificant at 30% light later in the growing season. However, the effect on black spruce varied with time. Elevated CO2 reduced Jmax in black spruce in mid-growing season in all light treatments and the effect became insignificant at 30% light later in the growing season, while it increased Jmax later in the season at 100% and 50% light. These results suggest that both species benefited from elevated CO2, and that the responses varied with light supply, such that the response was primarily physiological at 100% and 50% light, while it was primarily morphological at 30% light.
Polyploidization and sexual dimorphism of floral traits in a subdioecious population of Dasiphora glabra
Authors: Wang Lin-Lin , Yang Na-Cai , Chen Min-Yu , Yang Yong-Ping , Duan Yuan-Wen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Aims
Sexual dimorphism is a common trait in plants with sex separation, which could influence female and male functions differently. In a subdioecious population of Dasiphora glabra on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, we investigated sexual dimorphism of floral traits and their effects on pollinator visitation, pollen flow and seed production. We also examined differences in genome size of hermaphroditic and dioecious plants.

Methods
We examined sexual dimorphism in flower number, flower size, and pollen and ovule production in a subdioecious population of D. glabra. We compared pollinator visitation, pollen dispersal and seed production between sexes. We also examined the genome size of three sex morphs using flow cytometry.

Important Findings
The number of hermaphroditic plants was significantly more than that of male and female plants, and dioecious plants accounted for ca. 40% in the study population. Hermaphroditic plants produced significantly more flowers than male and female plants. Flower size of male flowers was significantly larger than that of female and hermaphroditic flowers. Male flowers did not produce more pollen grains than hermaphroditic flowers, but female flowers produced more ovules than hermaphroditic flowers. Flies were the most frequent flower visitors and preferred large flowers, but their movements between flowers did not show any preference to large flowers. Simulated pollen flows suggested that effective pollen transfer was generally low for both hermaphroditic and male flowers, corresponding to the low seed set of naturally pollinated flowers. DNA contents of male and female plants were ca. four times than those of hermaphroditic plants. These results suggest male and female individuals have undergone polyploidy events and thus are not compatible with hermaphroditic individuals. Sexual dimorphism in floral traits in relation to pollination of dioecious plants might show an advantage in female and male functions, but this advantage is masked largely by low effectiveness of pollen transfer.
Spontaneous intestinal bleeding due to pseudoaneurism of the gastroduodenal artery: case report of a rare complication to median arcuate ligament syndrome
Authors: Jensen Kristian K , Bonde Peter , Storkholm Jan H , Heerwagen Søren T , Larsen Peter N , Eiberg Jonas 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is the compression of the celiac artery (CA) by the median arcuate ligament. MALS can cause pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery, which can lead to fatal bleeding. A 40-year-old male with no prior medical history presented with symptoms of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH). Severe duodenal bleeding was confirmed although endoscopic hemostasis was impossible and final hemostasis was achieved following a subsequent open duodenotomy. A postoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) visualized a significant CA stenosis, post-stenotic dilatation and an aneurysm on a jejunal branch artery. The patient underwent coiling of the gastroduodenal artery, gastroepiploic artery and two pancreaticoduodenal arterial branches. The patient was diagnosed with MALS and 6 months later underwent open resection of the median arcuate ligament. MALS should be considered as a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The literature and proposed treatments are discussed.
Camostat Mesylate May Reduce Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Sepsis: A First Observation
Authors: Hofmann-Winkler Heike , Moerer Onnen , Alt-Epping Sabine , Bräuer Anselm , Büttner Benedikt , Müller Martin , Fricke Torben , Grundmann Julian , Harnisch Lars-Olav , Heise Daniel , Kernchen Andrea , Pressler Meike , Stephani Caspar , Tampe Björn , Kaul Artur , Gärtner Sabine , Kramer Stefanie , Pöhlmann Stefan , Winkler Martin Sebastian 
Published: November 2020

Objectives:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 cell entry depends on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane serine protease 2 and is blocked in cell culture by camostat mesylate, a clinically proven protease inhibitor. Whether camostat mesylate is able to lower disease burden in coronavirus disease 2019 sepsis is currently unknown.

Design:
Retrospective observational case series.

Setting:
Patient treated in ICU of University hospital Göttingen, Germany.

Patients:
Eleven critical ill coronavirus disease 2019 patients with organ failure were treated in ICU.

Interventions:
Compassionate use of camostat mesylate (six patients, camostat group) or hydroxychloroquine (five patients, hydroxychloroquine group).

Measurements and Main Results:
Clinical courses were assessed by Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score at days 1, 3, and 8. Further, viral load, oxygenation, and inflammatory markers were determined. Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score was comparable between camostat and hydroxychloroquine groups upon ICU admission. During observation, the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score decreased in the camostat group but remained elevated in the hydroxychloroquine group. The decline in disease severity in camostat mesylate treated patients was paralleled by a decline in inflammatory markers and improvement of oxygenation.

Conclusions:
The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 decreased upon camostat mesylate treatment within a period of 8 days and a similar effect was not observed in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine. Camostat mesylate thus warrants further evaluation within randomized clinical trials.
Immunotherapy combinations in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Pirker Robert 
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review
The purpose of the review is to summarize immunotherapy combinations in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Recent findings
First-line platinum-based chemotherapy plus an immune checkpoint inhibitor has improved progression-free and overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced NSCLC. Although the benefits appear to increase with higher programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, patients with low PD-L1 also benefit. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab has also been established as a treatment option. Combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors with olaparib or lenvatinib are studied within phase 3 trials.

Summary
Platinum-based doublets combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor have become standard first-line therapy. Other combinations are under clinical development.
GNE Myopathy as a Myofibrillar Myopathy: Potential Important Disease Mechanism Implied by Muscle Biopsy
Authors: Chrisman Christina , McKeever Paul E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe report a case of 2 sisters in their 20s with genetically confirmed UDP-N-acetylglucoasmine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase myopathy along with muscle biopsy findings. Both patients described slowly progressive signs of distal-predominant weakness since adolescence that had been dismissed as “clumsiness.” Exam and electrodiagnostic testing suggested a predominately distal myopathy. Muscle biopsy of the left tibialis anterior revealed rimmed vacuoles and, interestingly, also had characteristic features of a myofibrillar myopathy. Genetic testing confirmed a diagnosis of autosomal recessive GNE myopathy in both patients. GNE myopathy has not typically been considered a myofibrillar myopathy, but this case raises possibilities worthy of further exploration. It is possible that the unique combination of pathogenic alleles inGNEreported here has led to a novel form of GNE myopathy with muscle biopsy showing characteristic features of GNE myopathy and myofibrillar myopathy. The other possibility is that myofibrillar myopathy may be a more common feature of GNE myopathies than classically described.
Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia
Authors: Korgvee Andrus , Junttila Eija , Koskinen Heikki , Huhtala Heini , Kalliomaki Maija-Liisa 
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND
Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is a truncal block with several technique variations. It has been reported as providing effective analgesia for postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of QLB for postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively. The main secondary outcomes were the time to the first rescue opioid analgesic, pain scores at 24 h postoperatively and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

DESIGN
This was a systematic review and meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). PRISMA-P guidelines were followed, and the review was registered in PROSPERO. GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence.

DATA SOURCES
The search was performed from several databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane CENTRAL) from inception up to June 2019.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
RCTs and prospective observational studies that investigated the postoperative analgesic properties of US-guided single shot QLB in adult patients undergoing abdominal or hip surgery were included. QLB was compared with other analgesics.

RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies constituting 1557 patients were reviewed. Twelve studies with 803 patients were included in the meta-analysis on the primary outcome. Overall opioid consumption at 24 h postoperatively was reduced [mean difference, −11.15 (95% CI, −15.33 to −6.97) mg, I
2 = 99%, moderate certainty in GRADE] and the time to the first opioid analgesic was longer in patients with QLB: 7 studies with 499 patients, mean difference, 189.32 (95% CI, 114.4 to 264.23) min, I
2 = 98%. There were no differences in pain grades. The incidence of PONV was lower in patients with QLB [11 studies with 744 patients, OR 0.40 (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.58), I
2 = 7%]. Reported complications and adverse effects of QLB were minimal.

CONCLUSION
QLB reduced postoperative opioid consumption, prolonged the time to the first rescue opioid analgesic and diminished the incidence of PONV. QLB appears to be an applicable option for postoperative analgesia after abdominal and hip surgery.

REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42016039921.
Handling regular and irregular astigmatism during cataract surgery
Authors: Hardten David R. , Hardten Adeline G. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review
There are several different approaches to handling regular and irregular astigmatism during cataract surgery, but still much debate on which solutions are most effective given unique patient circumstances. In this review, we examine recent literature and studies to highlight some of the most effective ways to plan preoperatively, manage regular and irregular astigmatism during cataract surgery, as well as managing postoperative complications.

Recent findings
Recent developments in technology have provided increased courses of action for astigmatism management during cataract surgery. Additional options of toric IOLs with presbyopic platforms, light adjustable lenses, intraocular pinhole lenses, online technological tools and platforms, wavefront or topographic laser technology, and phototherapeutic keratectomy are all effective solutions to managing regular and irregular astigmatism. In this review, we will explore optimal approaches for unique situations.

Summary
With increased technology, research, and methods, correcting regular and irregular astigmatism during cataract surgery is achievable in most patients. With in-depth preoperative planning, analysis of patient-specific factors, and a tailored approach, surgeons can obtain excellent uncorrected vision for patients.
Visual disturbances during prolonged space missions
Authors: Khossravi Emily A. , Hargens Alan R. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review
During prolonged spaceflight, astronauts often experience ocular changes, due to constant head-ward fluid shifts in space as compared with Earth. This article reviews symptoms, likely causes, and potential solutions, such as lower body negative pressure, to counteract space-associated neuroocular syndrome (SANS).

Recent findings
Low gravity conditions and other aspects of spaceflight affect the eye detrimentally, causing SANS which is characterized by optic disc edema, choroidal thickening, cotton wool spots, and a hyperopic shift. SANS is probably caused by altered hemodynamic flows in the head and neck as well as mildly elevated intracranial and intraocular pressures. Carbon dioxide and other chemicals in space-craft may influence SANS as well. SANS may be counteracted by using lower body negative pressure, thigh cuffs, spacecraft engineering, and/or artificial gravity by a centrifuge.

Summary
Prolonged space missions are associated with optic disc edema, choroidal thickening, cotton wool spots, and a hyperopic shift. Possible causes and countermeasures are currently being researched to reduce the risk of SANS. Although many countermeasures to SANS are under investigation lower body negative pressure exhibits great promise in counteracting the headward fluid shifts in space. Understanding and prevention of SANS is critical to future space exploration, especially to long-duration missions to the moon and Mars.
Phase IV clinical study to evaluate the effects of an intracameral combined mydriatic and anesthetic agent and standard topical mydriatics and anesthetics on the ocular surface after cataract surgery
Authors: Souki Spyridoula , Cochener Béatrice , Labetoulle Marc , Güell José Luis 
Published: November 2020

Purpose:
To compare intracameral and topical mydriatics and anesthetics in cataract surgery.

Setting:
Institute of Ocular Microsurgery, Barcelona, Spain.

Design:
Phase IV, open-label, randomized, single-center study.

Methods:
Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive intracameral mydriatic–anesthetic (Mydrane/Fydrane) and anesthetic eyedrops or control (topical eyedrops only). The other treatment was administered for the second cataract surgery. Assessments were performed at presurgery and immediately postsurgery, at 12 to 36 hours postsurgery (day 1), and 7 days postsurgery. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in corneal/conjunctival surface staining. The secondary endpoints included assessments of epithelial alterations, point-spread function, ocular surface disease index, conjunctival hyperemia, vision breakup time, ocular symptoms/signs, adverse events (AEs), corrected distance visual acuity, intraocular pressure, patient/investigator satisfaction, and procedure time.

Results:
A total of 50 patients undergoing sequential cataract surgery in both eyes were included. Baseline assessments were similar in each group. The difference between Fydrane and control groups for the change from baseline at day 1 in corneal and conjunctival surface staining was not statistically significant. For Fydrane, postoperative epithelial alterations were fewer at day 1 (P < .005), folliculopapillary reaction was less frequent (P < .05), some ocular symptoms were less frequent and milder (P < .05), length of procedure was shorter (P < .001), and patient and investigator satisfaction were better (P < .05). There were few AEs in both groups.

Conclusions:
Fydrane reduced ocular surface damage by decreasing corneal epithelial and conjunctival toxicity with faster recovery of surface integrity compared with topical eyedrops, improved patient and investigator satisfaction, and reduced procedure time.
B-cell depletion or belimumab or voclosporin for lupus nephritis?
Authors: Lei Yutian , Loutan Jerome , Anders Hans-Joachim 
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review
Despite ground-breaking innovations for most autoimmune diseases, the treatment of lupus nephritis has remained largely the same for decades because none of the tested drugs demonstrated superiority over standard-of-care in randomized controlled clinical trials.

Recent findings
Recently, the Belimumab in Subjects with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Lupus Nephritis trial tested belimumab, an inhibitor of B-cell activating factor, as an add-on therapy to steroids and either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide when given IV monthly over a period of 104 weeks at an effect size of 11% for a Primary Efficacy Renal Response. The NOBILITY trial reported positive results for the B-cell-depleting agent obinutuzumab as an add-on therapy to steroids and MMF when given IV every 6 months over a period of 76 weeks at an effect size of 22% for a complete renal response (CRR). The AURORA trial reported positive results for the calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin as an oral add-on therapy to low dose steroids and MMF when given twice daily over a period of 52 weeks at an effect size of 18.5% for a CRR.

Summary
These studies will change the treatment landscape of lupus nephritis. In which way is discussed in this article.
Application of dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound in the assessment of kidney diseases
Authors: Selby Nicholas M. , Williams John P. , Phillips Bethan E. 
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review
Many forms of acute and chronic disease are linked to changes in renal blood flow, perfusion, vascular density and hypoxia, but there are no readily available methods to assess these parameters in clinical practice. Dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) is a method that provides quantitative assessments of organ perfusion without ionising radiation or risk of nephrotoxicity. It can be performed at the bedside and is suitable for repeated measurements. The purpose of this review is to provide updates from recent publications on the utility of DCE-US in the diagnosis or assessment of renal disease, excluding the evaluation of benign or malignant renal masses.

Recent findings
DCE-US has been applied in clinical studies of acute kidney injury (AKI), renal transplantation, chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetic kidney disease and to determine acute effects of pharmacological agents on renal haemodynamics. DCE-US can detect changes in renal perfusion across these clinical scenarios and can differentiate healthy controls from those with CKD. In sepsis, reduced DCE-US measures of perfusion may indicate those at increased risk of developing AKI, but this requires confirmation in larger studies as there can be wide individual variation in perfusion measures in acutely unwell patients. Recent studies in transplantation have not provided robust evidence to show that DCE-US can differentiate between different causes of graft dysfunction, although it may show more promise as a prognostic indicator of graft function 1 year after transplant. DCE-US can detect acute haemodynamic changes in response to medication that correlate with changes in renal plasma flow as measured by para-aminohippurate clearance.

Summary
DCE-US shows promise and has a number of advantages that make it suitable for the assessment of patients with various forms of kidney disease. However, further research is required to evidence its reproducibility and utility before clinical use can be advocated.