The plethora of immunomodulatory drugs: opportunities for immune-mediated kidney diseases.

In recent decades, insights into the molecular pathways involved in disease have revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A plethora of targeted therapies have been identified and are at varying stages of clinical development in renal autoimmunity. Some of these agents, such as rituximab or avacopan, have been approved for the treatment of immune-mediated kidney disease, but kidney disease lags behind more common autoimmune disorders in new drug development.

Ecological patterns and processes in the vertical dimension of terrestrial ecosystems.

Climatic gradients such as latitude and elevation are considered primary drivers of global biogeography. Yet, alongside these macro-gradients, the vertical space and structure generated by terrestrial plants form comparable climatic gradients but at a fraction of the distance. These vertical gradients provide a spectrum of ecological space for species to occur and coexist, increasing biodiversity.

Different environmental factors drive tree species diversity along elevation gradients in three climatic zones in Yunnan, southern China.

Elevational patterns of tree diversity are well studied worldwide. However, few studies have examined how seedlings respond to elevational gradients and whether their responses vary across climatic zones. In this study, we established three elevational transects in tropical, subtropical and subalpine mountain forests in Yunnan Province, southern China, to examine the responses of tree species and their seedlings to elevational gradients.