A network simplification approach to ease topological studies about the food-web architecture

Food webs studies are intrinsically complex and time-consuming. Network data about trophic interaction across different large locations and ecosystems are scarce in comparison with general ecological data, especially if we consider terrestrial habitats. Here we present a complex network strategy to ease the gathering of the information by simplifying the collection of data with a taxonomic key. We test how well the topology of three different food webs retain their structure at the resolution of the nodes across distinct levels of simplification, and we estimate how community detection could be impacted by this strategy. The first level of simplification retains most of the general topological indices; betweenness and trophic levels seem to be consistent and robust even at the higher levels of simplification. This result suggests that generalisation and standardisation, as a good practice in food webs science, could benefit the community, both increasing the amount of open data available and the comparison among them, thus providing support especially for scientists that are new in this field and for exploratory analysis

Neurotheology of islam and higher consciousness states

Generally speaking, human life is characterized by an array of experiences, which, both in health and disease, can have a spiritual/religious dimension. In the last decades, spirituality/religiosity has attracted a huge body of research and neurotheology or spiritual neuroscience is emerging as a modern multidisciplinary field aimed at understanding religious experiences and practices, as well its impact on well-being, with a focus on mental health, and its potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. For this purpose, neurotheology combines a variety of approaches and theoretical frameworks, deriving influences from theology, divinities and religious studies, philosophy, sociology, cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology. Available scientific evidences seem to suggest that Islam and Sufism (prayer and meditation) can contribute to the achievement of higher consciousness states

Rituximab suppresses disease activity after natalizumab withdrawal: an exploratory study

Background Natalizumab is highly effective in reducing multiple sclerosis disease activity; however it carries a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, that represents the main reason of drug discontinuation. After natalizumab withdrawal, reactivation of disease is soon observed and, until now, it is not known which treatment strategy should be followed after natalizumab discontinuation. Aim of this study is to evaluate rituximab efficacy in controlling disease activity after natalizumab withdrawal

Successful pregnancy and disease outcomes in a NMOSD patient treated with tocilizumab

Abstract Background Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune relapsing disease involving the central nervous system with predominant inflammatory attack of optic nerves, spinal cord and area postrema, often leading to severe disability. Women with NMOSD typically experience adverse pregnancy outcomes and high relapse rates during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Case report Herein we present a case of pregnancy in a young NMOSD woman treated with tocilizumab. The course of her pregnancy was clinically unremarkable and treatment whit Tocilizumab was well tolerated. Conclusions This case raises the possibility that the modulation of immune system by inhibitors of the IL-6 pathway could a promising therapeutic option for pregnancy in NMOSD patient

A 13000 year environmental history of Lake Colbricon Inferiore (Trentino, Italia)

Lake sediments have long been used as an archive for paleoclimatic-paleoenvironmental reconstructions, with more and more refined techniques developed in the late 40 years. This work is an attempt to reconstruct with a multiproxy paleolimnological technique the ecosystem response in Colbricon Inferiore, a small high-mountain lakes located in the Paneveggio-Pale di S. Martino Natural Park(Trento, Italy). A ca. 360cm long core was retrieved with a piston core; a gravity corer was used for the most recent sediment. Chronology was established by a combination of 210Pb and 14C isotopes. Diatom assemblages show changes in species composition that could be associated to an initial warm phase (Allerod), a following colder one (YD) and a progressive amelioration of climate until the optimum (8500-3500). During the transition period (10000-8000) carotenoids point out to an increase of cyanobacteria (Echinenone and myxoxanthophyll) associated with an increase of fire frequency and the first settlement around Lake Colbricon. Along the climatic optimum, algal pigment are rather stable and Chryptophytes (alloxanthin) are well represented pointing to a high and stable water level. Diatom assemblages are dominated by the planktonic Discostella stelligeroides. At ca. 3500 yrs. B.P., a new phase begins with a decrease of D. stelligeroides and an increase of the small benthic fragilariaceae (Staurosira and Pseudostaurosira species) typical of cold-water conditions. At this level, there is a general increase of carotenoids and a shift in the ratio CD:TC. This suggest, rather than an increase in productivity, a change in the preservation conditions associated with the worsening of climate. After 2000 cal yr BP the lake seems quite stable: diatom assemblages are dominated by Staurosira and Pasudostaurosira species. Algal pigment are also quite stable apart myxoxanthophyll that increase in the more recent phase

Outcomes evaluation of ORTHOS: an intensive residential program for gambling addiction treatment

Según el DSM-V, la ludopatía puede definirse como una "adicción al juego problemática, persistente y recurrente que conduce a un deterioro o angustia clínicamente significativos", no mejor definido por un episodio maníaco. ORTHOS es un programa de intervención residencial intensiva de tres semanas con tres reuniones de seguimiento durante el año posterior a intervenciones residenciales intensivas. La filosofía de ORTHOS prevé un enfoque no moralista y perjudicial para el juego (Zerbetto, 2002). Los hallazgos del presente estudio confirman la eficacia del tratamiento con ORTHOS en comparación con la reducción de los síntomas de juego, con más del 85% de la muestra en la que los síntomas ya no manifestaron relevancia clínica (puntuaciones inferiores a 5 en SOGS).According to the DSM-V, gambling can be defined as a “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress”, not better defined by a manic episode. ORTHOS is a three-week intensive residential intervention program with three follow- up meetings during the year following intensive residential interventions. ORTHOS’ philosophy envisages a non-moralistic and prejudicial approach to gambling (Zerbetto, 2002). The findings of the present study confirm the efficacy of ORTHOS treatment compared to the reduction of gambling symptoms, with over 85% of the sample in which the symptoms manifested no longer clinical relevance (scores below 5 in SOGS).peerReviewe

Protein-Functionalized Nanoparticles Derived from End-Functional Polymers and Polymer Prodrugs for Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier

International audienc