Optimising drug therapy for non-infectious uveitis

Introduction Uveitis encompasses a wide variety of sight-threatening diseases characterized by intraocular inflammation. It is often classified as infectious and non-infectious uveitis. Unlike infectious uveitis, a distinct infectious agent cannot be identified in non-infectious uveitis and disease origin is usually autoimmune, drug related, or idiopathic. The Issue at Hand Non-infectious uveitis can often have a relapsing-remitting course, making it difficult to treat, and poses a significant challenge to ophthalmologists. The autoimmune nature of non-infectious uveitis warrants the use of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents for disease control. However, a subset of patients has persistent or recurrent ocular inflammation despite appropriate treatment, stressing the need for newer therapies aimed at more specific inflammatory targets such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha agents, anti-interleukin agents, and anti-interleukin receptor agents. Objectives This article discusses the various medical options available for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis in the light of the most recent evidence. Conclusion Successful management of non-infectious uveitis requires the clinician carefully balance advantages and disadvantages of each new and old therapy while considering individual circumstances. Counselling regarding the benefits and complications of each therapy can help patients make an informed choice

Functional perspectives on tropical tree demography and forest dynamics

Abstract Disentangling the processes that drive population, community and whole forest structure and dynamics is a challenge. It becomes a grand challenge in the tropics where there are a large number of species, small population sizes, less research infrastructure, and a relatively smaller number of researchers compared to the temperate zone. Tackling this grand challenge, we argue, requires detailed knowledge of the functioning of individuals and species. To this end, researchers frequently employ plant functional traits to study tree populations and communities. Here, we review this approach by first providing a basic background regarding the major trait axes generally of interest. We then discuss how these axes may be or have been applied from ecosystem to community and population studies. In doing so, we highlight where the functional trait research program has failed in tropical tree ecology and where it can be improved or strengthened. Finally, we provide a perspective regarding how functional trait and emerging ‘omics approaches can be integrated to address large questions facing the field. Our intention throughout is to provide an entryway into this literature for an early career researcher rather than a comprehensive review of all possible studies that have taken place in tropical forests