Current vegetation modeling strategies use broad categorizations of plants to estimate transpiration and biomass functions. A significant source of model error stems from vegetation categorizations that are mostly taxonomical with no basis in plant hydraulic strategy and response to changing environmental conditions. Here, we compile hydraulic traits from 355 species around the world to determine trait covariations in order to represent hydraulic strategies. Simple and stepwise regression analyses demonstrate the interconnectedness of multiple vegetative hydraulic traits, specifically, traits defining hydraulic conductivity and vulnerability to embolism with wood density and isohydricity. Drought sensitivity is strongly (Adjusted R 2 = 0.52, p < 0.02) predicted by a stepwise linear model combining rooting depth, wood density, and isohydricity. Drought tolerance increased with increasing wood density and anisohydric response, but with decreasing rooting depth. The unexpected response to rooting depth may be due to other tradeoffs within the hydraulic system. Rooting depth was able to be predicted from sapwood specific conductivity and the water potential at 50% loss of conductivity. Interestingly, the influences of biome or growth form do not increase the accuracy of the drought tolerance model and were able to be omitted. Multiple regression analysis revealed 3D trait spaces and tradeoff axes along which species' hydraulic strategies can be analyzed. These numerical trait spaces can reduce the necessary input to and parameterization of plant hydraulics modules, while increasing the physical representativeness of such simulations.
Background Medical therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should have dual goals of improving symptoms and mucosal healing. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) used for approval of ulcerative colitis (UC) treatments include number of bowel movements and bloody stools.[1] Recent research highlights the discordance between PROs and mucosal healing.[2] The aim of this analysis is to understand patient perspectives on UC symptoms and disease burden based on a cross-sectional survey of UC patients. We hypothesised that UC patients experience disease activity despite treatment and that current PROs fail to capture the full impact of disease activity on patients’ lives. Methods The IBD In America survey recruited patients via InflammatoryBowelDisease.net and associated social platforms in 2019. Patients self-reported an IBD diagnosis, were 18+, lived in U.S., and participated without monetary incentive. Survey questions addressed diagnosis, symptoms, QoL, treatment, demographics, etc. Survey terms were based on how patients discuss UC in the IBD online community. Remission was defined as ‘significant reduction of symptoms without an actual cure.’ Flare was defined as ‘temporary intensification of symptoms.’ Patients were categorised by disease activity based on number of flares and remission status during the past year. Results Of 487 patients diagnosed with UC, mean age was 45.6 (SD 16.0); 85% were female; 89% moderate to severe; 78% diagnosed in past 5 years; and 51% taking 5ASAs, 37% biologics/JAKs, and 23% immunomodulators. Despite treatment, 46% experienced 15+ symptom days in the past month. Fatigue/low energy was most frequent complaint (86%) followed by urgency to move bowels (80%), abdominal pain/cramps (76%), joint pain/inflammation (67%), and bloating (66%). Daily pain was experienced by 32%; even patients in remission with no flares experienced pain at least once a month (55%). Difficulty completing daily tasks was reported by 37%, and 27% felt their UC was not controlled despite efforts to manage it. Only 7% reported being in remission with no flares (past year) and no symptoms (past month). Conclusion Most UC patients experience frequent symptoms and flares while on treatment. The most common and bothersome symptoms are not taken into account in PROs nor addressed with current treatment. A more holistic approach to patient disease is needed. Reference
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