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Biodiversity hotspots are not just ordinary regions on our planet; they are treasure troves of life. These areas, scattered across the globe, harbor an astonishing array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else. However, they are also facing unprecedented threats, imperiling the fragile balance of our planet's ecosystems. In this article, we will delve into the concept of biodiversity hotspots, explore their significance, and discuss the pressing threats that are putting them at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic simulations are used to study the linking properties of solutions of circular polymers in slit confinement. Specifically, we consider dispersions of semiflexible rings at various densities ϕ and slit height, H. The competing length scales in the system have significant effects on the interchain entanglement. We observe that the linking probability is largest for a specific slit height that is about independent of solution density. However, when ϕ is large, links with given number of components can significantly depart from the overall linking trend with H. In this case, binary links are found to be least probable when the overall incidence of links is maximum. We show that this intriguing dichotomy and other properties, including upper bounds on links abundance, can be quantitatively captured with an approximate model based on continuum percolation theory. Our results suggest that slit-like confinement could be used in applicative contexts to control independently both the average abundance and the topological complexity of annealed molecular links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study how dispersions of colloidal particles in a cholesteric liquid crystal behave under a timedependent electric field. By controlling the amplitude and shape of the applied field wave, we show that the system can be reproducibly driven out of equilibrium through different kinetic pathways and navigated through a glassylike free energy landscape encompassing many competing metastable equilibria. Such states range from simple Saturn rings to complex structures featuring amorphous defect networks, or stacks of disclination loops. A nonequilibrium electric field can also trigger the alignment of particles into columnar arrays, through defect-mediated force impulses, or their repositioning within a plane. Our results are promising in terms of providing new avenues towards controlled patterning and self-assembly of soft colloid-liquid crystal composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate experimentally that the energy from a highly localized free-electron-beam excitation can be converted via a planar plasmonic metamaterial to a low-divergence free-space light beam. This emission, which emanates from a collectively oscillating coupled metamolecule nanoantenna ensemble much larger in size than the initial excitation, is distinctly different from cathodoluminescence and bears some similarity with laser light. It offers a novel, flexible paradigm for the development of scalable, threshold-free light sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial condition and a major risk factor associated with several non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, and with a higher risk of premature death and disability. Sex-specific factors have key roles and must be taken into consideration in studying occupational factors associated with the risk of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in body mass index (BMI) in a large cohort representative of Italian workers and, correlating this index with several demographic and occupational variables, to verify sex- and work-dependent differences in the risk of obesity.Methods: We utilized data from INSuLa, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of the Italian worker population conducted in 2013 by the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority to investigate health and safety at work. Analyses were run on a sample of 8000 Italian workers, aged from 16 to 64 years. Logistic regression models were employed to assess gender differences in the relation between occupational characteristics and BMI. We adjusted for age, education, variables related to health protection at work, and chronic conditions and diseases.Results: There were several significant differences in the BMI between males and females, linked to some occupational factors. For instance, female shift workers were 1.32 times (95% CI 1.11-1.57) more likely to be overweight or obese than normal-weight workers, and this association was maintained when controlling for confounders. The likelihood of overweight or obesity among women who worked 1-2 night shifts per week was significantly higher - 1.5-1.6 times - than those on day shifts.Conclusions: Gender-specific differences in occupational factors associated with the risk of obesity are useful with a view to characterizing this risk and helping identify workplace-targeted intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coppola L, Pastore A, Adamo G, Coppola A, Manzella D, Gombos I, Luongo M, Mastrolorenzo L. Circulating free nitrotyrosine and cognitive decline. Acta Neurol Scand: 122: 175–181. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objective – To determine if the circulating nitrotyrosine level significantly correlates with parameters measuring cognitive abilities. Materials and methods – One-hundred and twelve community-living subjects (ranging in age from 27 to 98 years) were evaluated for cognitive abilities [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score] and circulating free nitrotyrosine plasma level, as well as for several variables that might influence cognitive abilities (age, education) and nitrotyrosine level (body mass index, haematological parameters, cardiovascular and inflammatory indices). Results – In the sub-group of cognitively impaired subjects (score at MMSE <23.9), but not in that of cognitively not impaired subjects, a significant inverse correlation exists between nitrotyrosine level and MMSE score ( r = −0.378; P < 0.02). Conclusions – The finding, if confirmed by longitudinal studies, could play a role in the management of the subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment, the clinical condition considered as a transitional state between the changes of cognitive ability in normal aging and dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative use of standardized patients (SPs) in a telemedicine environment can improve learning outcomes and clinical competencies. This randomized, cross-over study examined the relationship of technology-based strategies and the improvement of knowledge outcomes and competencies. Results showed that the innovative use of SPs and telemedicine, compared to a traditional distance learning teaching methodology, significantly improved learning outcomes. In addition, there was a significant increase in performance motivation and an interesting decrease in student satisfaction that may be linked to the pressure of performance-based learning. This article addresses knowledge improvement only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressive agent that blocks purine biosynthesis, inhibits T and B-lymphocyte and mesangial proliferation. Mycophenolate mofetil is not nephrotoxic like calcineurin inhibitors and is widely used in solid-organ transplantation. Recently, mycophenolate mofetil has been introduced in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and primary glomerulopathies. This review analyzes the literature currently available on the treatment of primary glomerulopathies with mycophenolate mofetil. Encouraging results have been obtained in minimal change nephropathy where it may help to reduce the use of steroids in these patients who are often very young. The results obtained in medium and high risk patients with focal segmental glomerulonephritis and idiopathic membranous nephropathy were less encouraging. Conflicting results have been reported on IgA nephropathy in controlled trials. None of these studies attained level A evidence, meaning that randomized control trials of sufficient statistical significance are necessary to estimate the real effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil in primary glomerulopathies.Kidney International (2008) 73, 154–162; doi:10.1038/sj.ki.5002653; published online 7 November 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate plasma homocysteine levels in renal transplant recipients in the course of steroid-based or steroid-free immunosuppression. Data from 32 patients were retrospectively analyzed according to the steroid immunosuppressive regimen. The 20 recipients on methylprednisolone (MP) plus cyclosporine (CyA) or tacrolimus (TRL) (n = 20) showed similar creatinine levels when compared with those on calcineurin inhibitors plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; n = 12), (1.6 ± 1.5 vs 1.6 ± 0.4 mg/dL; P = NS) but significantly higher total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels (28.5 ± 12.5 vs 16.3 ± 5.5 μmol/L; P < .05). No differences of tHcy levels have been observed when patients were analyzed according to CyA- or TRL-based immunosuppression regardless of MP or MMF associations. Our data suggest that recipients, particularly those on steroid-based immunosuppression, should receive homocysteine-lowering treatment early after transplantation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]