Effectiveness of bio-effectors on maize, wheat and tomato performance and phosphorus acquisition from greenhouse to field scales in Europe and Israel: a meta-analysis.

Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrient-acquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments.

Hydatidiform Mole-Between Chromosomal Abnormality, Uniparental Disomy and Monogenic Variants: A Narrative Review.

A hydatidiform mole (HM) or molar pregnancy is the most common benign form of gestational trophoblastic disease characterized by a proliferation of the trophoblastic epithelium and villous edema. Hydatidiform moles are classified into two forms: complete and partial hydatidiform moles. These two types of HM present morphologic, histopathologic and cytogenetic differences. Usually, hydatidiform moles are a unique event, but some women present a recurrent form of complete hydatidiform moles that can be sporadic or familial. The appearance of hydatidiform moles is correlated with some genetic events (like uniparental disomy, triploidy or diandry) specific to meiosis and is the first step of embryo development. The familial forms are determined by variants in some genes, with NLRP7 and KHDC3L being the most important ones. The identification of different types of hydatidiform moles and their subsequent mechanisms is important to calculate the recurrence risk and estimate the method of progression to a malign form. This review synthesizes the heterogeneous mechanisms and their implications in genetic counseling.

[General measures and management of pulmonary arterial hypertension]. / Allgemeine Maßnahmen und Management der pulmonalarteriellen Hypertonie.

Care of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) needs a multi-facetet concept and measures, including management of adverse reactions, right heart insufficiency as well as information on pregnancy, travels by air, psychosocial support, physical exercise training and prophylaxis by vaccination.Positive study results led to an higher recommendation of specialized exercise training in pulmonary hypertension. Also, the recommendation on iron substitution was amended according to the current evidence.In the current guidelines, special focus was given to the elaboration of recommendations regarding pregnancy, including patient information, contraception and patient management in case of pregnancy.This article aims to provide an overview on the recommendations of general measuremes, special circumstances and patient management according to the ESC/ERS guidelines. Amendments to the guideline recommendations are given as comments from the authors of this article.

A First Report of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Causing Forsythia Twig Blight in Romania.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (1884) is a fungal plant pathogen with worldwide distribution and a varying host range from different botanical families. It can cause damage to a large variety of crops such as sunflower, soybean, dry bean, canola, some vegetables, and ornamental plants. This article reports the occurrence of twig blight on the forsythia plant from the NE region of Romania. The disease was observed on Forsythia × intermedia Zab. plants from the Arboretum Park of the Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), located in Iasi City, Romania. Infected tissue was investigated through morphological characteristics using Sanger sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from the isolate obtained from naturally infected plants, and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region was amplified using the ITS1, ITS2, and LSU D1 and D2. Based on the results of this study, molecular and morphological data suggest that Forsythia twig blight can be caused by S. sclerotiorum. Constant monitoring of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum across multiple hosts and time intervals will reduce potential spread and future economic losses in cultivated species.

Cancer Predisposition Syndromes and Thyroid Cancer: Keys for a Short Two-Way Street.

Cancer predisposition syndromes are entities determined especially by germinal pathogenic variants, with most of them autosomal dominantly inherited. The risk of a form of cancer is variable throughout life and affects various organs, including the thyroid. Knowing the heterogeneous clinical picture and the existing genotype-phenotype correlations in some forms of thyroid cancer associated with these syndromes is important for adequate and early management of patients and families. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on genes and proteins involved in cancer predisposition syndromes with thyroid cancer and the phenomena of heterogeneity (locus, allelic, mutational, and clinical).

Current Data and New Insights into the Genetic Factors of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia Associated with Metabolic Syndrome.

Atherogenic dyslipidemia plays a critical role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), being one of its major components, along with central obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension. In recent years, the development of molecular genetics techniques and extended analysis at the genome or exome level has led to important progress in the identification of genetic factors (heritability) involved in lipid metabolism disorders associated with MetS. In this review, we have proposed to present the current knowledge related to the genetic etiology of atherogenic dyslipidemia, but also possible challenges for future studies. Data from the literature provided by candidate gene-based association studies or extended studies, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and whole exome sequencing (WES,) have revealed that atherogenic dyslipidemia presents a marked genetic heterogeneity (monogenic or complex, multifactorial). Despite sustained efforts, many of the genetic factors still remain unidentified (missing heritability). In the future, the identification of new genes and the molecular mechanisms by which they intervene in lipid disorders will allow the development of innovative therapies that act on specific targets. In addition, the use of polygenic risk scores (PRS) or specific biomarkers to identify individuals at increased risk of atherogenic dyslipidemia and/or other components of MetS will allow effective preventive measures and personalized therapy.

Classification of osteogenesis imperfecta: Importance for prophylaxis and genetic counseling.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetically heterogeneous monogenic disease characterized by decreased bone mass, bone fragility, and recurrent fractures. The phenotypic spectrum varies considerably ranging from prenatal fractures with lethal outcomes to mild forms with few fractures and normal stature. The basic mechanism is a collagen-related defect, not only in synthesis but also in folding, processing, bone mineralization, or osteoblast function. In recent years, great progress has been made in identifying new genes and molecular mechanisms underlying OI. In this context, the classification of OI has been revised several times and different types are used. The Sillence classification, based on clinical and radiological characteristics, is currently used as a grading of clinical severity. Based on the metabolic pathway, the functional classification allows identifying regulatory elements and targeting specific therapeutic approaches. Genetic classification has the advantage of identifying the inheritance pattern, an essential element for genetic counseling and prophylaxis. Although genotype-phenotype correlations may sometimes be challenging, genetic diagnosis allows a personalized management strategy, accurate family planning, and pregnancy management decisions including options for mode of delivery, or early antenatal OI treatment. Future research on molecular pathways and pathogenic variants involved could lead to the development of genotype-based therapeutic approaches. This narrative review summarizes our current understanding of genes, molecular mechanisms involved in OI, classifications, and their utility in prophylaxis.

Atrial fibrillation, end-stage renal disease and hemorrhagic pleural-pericarditis.

Pericarditis is the most common pericardial disease found in clinical practice, with an incidence of acute pericarditis reported in 27.7 cases per 100,000 subjects per year. Hemodialysis in end stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with frequent cardiovascular modifications, mostly because of the highly fluctuating levels of potassium, magnesium, ionized calcium, sodium and volume status. The risk of arrhythmias is increased and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) can be found among approximately 14% of patients. The renal disease combined with arrhythmias increases the risk of systemic thromboembolism but also of bleeding events. Here we present the case of a male patient, with ESRD, recently diagnosed with intradialytic paroxysmal AF for which oral anticoagulation therapy is initiated, but it's early complicated with hemorrhagic pleural-pericarditis.

Endothelial cells loss to the hyperopic pacients during phacoemulsification.

INTRODUCTION: The phacoemulsification cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery and it generally improves vision in over 90% of the patients. Hyperopic patients are a challenge during phacoemulsification especially because of their short eyeball and shallow anterior chamber. A shallow anterior chamber is associated with overall reduction of the safe zone, which may lead to difficulty in creating the corneal incisions, harder capsulorhexis performing, or endothelial complications. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to present the endothelial cells loss after the phacoemulsification procedure in the hyperopic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A number of 1775 patients operated in the Ophthalmology Department of the Clinical Hospital Sibiu from January 11, 2011 to December 20, 2013 have been included in our study; 595 cases with emmetropia and the rest of the 1180 patients had the following refraction errors: 216 - myopia and 964 - hypermetropia. From the total cases of the hypermetropia, we selected 72 patients to measure the endothelial cells density and the corneal thickness by using specular microscopy, one day before and 7-14 days after surgery. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The preexisting hypermetropia might modify the intraoperative and postoperative cataract surgery evolution. Endothelial cell loss is potentially higher from surgical trauma so that the endothelium must be protected with viscoelastics. The loss of endothelial cells in hyperopic eyes occurred with an average of 267 cell/ mm² and the thickness of the cornea increased by 13 µm. CONCLUSION: The phacoemulsification surgery in the presence of hypermetropia requires more attention. The biometry and the specular microscopy are very important tasks for the preoperative assessment, surgery, and postoperative care. The protection of the corneal endothelium with viscoelastics leads to an insignificant modification of the endothelial cells in hyperopic patients compared to an anterior study of the patients with all ametropies.