Anti-islet antibodies increased the survival of proliferating islet-reactive CD4(+) T cells. Fc gamma R blockade delayed and reduced the incidence of autoimmune diabetes.\n\nCONCLUSIONS-B this website cells can promote type 1 diabetes by secreting anti-islet autoantiboolies that act in an Fe gamma R-mediated manner to enhance the expansion of islet-reactive CD4 T cells and cooperate with inherited defects in thymic and peripheral CD4 T-cell tolerance. Cooperation between inherited variants

affecting CD4 T-cell tolerance and anti-islet autoantibodies should be examined in epidemiological studies and in studies examining the efficacy of B-cell depletion. Diabetes 60:2102-2111, 2011″
“It is still enigmatic under which circumstances cellular demise induces an immune response or rather remains immunologically silent. Moreover, the question remains open under which circumstances apoptotic, autophagic or necrotic cells are immunogenic or tolerogenic. Although apoptosis appears to be morphologically homogenous, recent evidence suggests that the pre-apoptotic surface-exposure of calreticulin may dictate the immune response to tumor cells that succumb to anticancer treatments. Moreover, the release of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) during late apoptosis and secondary necrosis contributes to efficient antigen presentation and cytotoxic T-cell activation because

HMGB1 can bind to Toll like receptor 4 on dendritic JIB-04 datasheet cells, thereby stimulating optimal antigen processing. Cell death accompanied by autophagy also may facilitate cross priming events. Apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy are closely intertwined processes. Often, cells manifest autophagy before they undergo apoptosis or necrosis, and apoptosis is generally followed by secondary necrosis. Whereas apoptosis and necrosis irreversibly lead to cell death, autophagy can clear cells from stress factors and thus facilitate cellular survival. We surmise that the

response to cellular stress like chemotherapy or ionizing irradiation, dictates the immunological response to dying cells and that this immune response in turn determines the clinical outcome of anticancer therapies. The purpose of this SIS3 chemical structure review is to summarize recent insights into the immunogenicity of dying tumor cells as a function of the cell death modality.”
“Interactions between glutamatergic corticostriatal afferents and dopaminergic nigrostriatal afferents are central to basal ganglia function. The thalamostriatal projection provides a glutamatergic innervation of similar magnitude to the corticostriatal projection. We tested the hypotheses that (1) thalamostriatal synapses have similar spatial relationships with dopaminergic axons as corticostriatal synapses do and (2) the spatial relationships between excitatory synapses and dopaminergic axons are selective associations.

A cohort study design was used to examine the incidence of, and risk factors for, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and stress and adjustment disorders. Cox regression models were used in the statistical analyses. The overall 12-month prevalence of these clinically diagnosed disorders was 2.4 % (3.2 SNX-5422 manufacturer % in women and 1.5 % in men). The overall incidence was 18.4 per 1,000 person-years. The strongest sociodemographic

risk factors for these disorders were female gender (HR = 2.04), low family income (HR = 1.52), living in a large city (HR = 1.37), and age 35-44 years (HR = 1.20). This large-scale study examined the prevalence and incidence of common psychiatric disorders diagnosed in primary health care, as well as the potential influence of sociodemographic factors on these disorders. The information obtained is useful for clinicians in primary health care and decision-makers.”
“We present a method for a subsystem-based calculation of indirect nuclear

spin-spin coupling tensors within the framework of current-spin-density-functional theory. Our approach is based on the frozen-density embedding scheme within density-functional theory and extends a previously reported subsystem-based approach for the calculation of nuclear magnetic resonance shielding tensors to magnetic fields which couple not only to orbital but also spin degrees of freedom. This leads to a formulation in which the electron density, the induced Z-DEVD-FMK inhibitor paramagnetic current, and the induced spin-magnetization density are calculated separately for the individual subsystems. This is particularly useful for the inclusion of environmental effects in the calculation of nuclear spin-spin coupling constants. Neglecting the induced paramagnetic current and spin-magnetization density in the environment due to the magnetic moments of the Ricolinostat price coupled nuclei leads to a very efficient method in which the computationally expensive response calculation has to be performed

only for the subsystem of interest. We show that this approach leads to very good results for the calculation of solvent-induced shifts of nuclear spin-spin coupling constants in hydrogen-bonded systems. Also for systems with stronger interactions, frozen-density embedding performs remarkably well, given the approximate nature of currently available functionals for the non-additive kinetic energy. As an example we show results for methylmercury halides which exhibit an exceptionally large shift of the one-bond coupling constants between Hg-199 and C-13 upon coordination of dimethylsulfoxide solvent molecules. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.”
“The effect of bulk temperature on the primary damage induced by a displacement cascade was investigated in uranium dioxide using classical molecular dynamics simulations. In this study, the Morelon potentials were used to model the middle-range interactions between the atoms that constitute the host matrix during the radiation events.

Agl knockout mice presented serious hepatomegaly, but we did not observe signs of cirrhosis or adenomas. In affected tissues, selleck screening library glycogen storage was

higher than in wild-type mice, even in the central nervous system which has never been tested in GSDIII patients. The biochemical findings were in accordance with histological data, which clearly documented tissue impairment due to glycogen accumulation. Indeed, electron microscopy revealed the disruption of contractile units due to glycogen infiltrations. Furthermore, adult Agl knockout animals appeared less prompt to move, and they exhibited kyphosis. Three-mo-old Agl knockout mice could not run, and adult mice showed exercise intolerance. In addition, older affected animals exhibited an accelerated respiratory rate even at basal conditions. This observation was correlated with severe glycogen accumulation in the diaphragm. Diffuse glycogen deposition was observed in the tongues of affected mice. Our results demonstrate

Taselisib in vitro that this Agl knockout mouse is a reliable model for human glycogenosis type III, as it recapitulates the essential phenotypic features of the disease. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Background-A medical treatment that decreases the likelihood of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or symptoms would benefit patients with moderate to severe degenerative mitral regurgitation. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the short-term effects of a beta-blocker on mitral regurgitant volume and LV work in these patients.\n\nMethods and Results-Twenty-five patients with moderate or severe degenerative mitral regurgitation were randomized in a double-blind crossover study to the beta(1)-selective adrenergic blocker metoprolol (mean Anlotinib research buy daily dose, 119 mg; range 23.75 to 190 mg) and placebo for 14 +/- 3 days. At the end of each treatment period, ascending aortic flow and LV stroke volume were measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and mitral regurgitant volume was calculated. On beta-blocker, heart rate

decreased from 65 +/- 10 by 10 +/- 7 bpm (mean +/- SD) and systolic blood pressure decreased from 138 +/- 18 by 16 +/- 12 mm Hg (P < 0.0001 for both). No significant change occurred in LV ejection fraction (from 65 +/- 5%; change, -0.6 +/- 2.7%; P = 0.3) or mitral regurgitant volume (from 59 +/- 36 mL; change, 3 +/- 13 mL; P = 0.3), but forward stroke volume increased from 89 +/- 21 by 5 +/- 11 mL (P = 0.03). Because heart rate was lower on metoprolol, cardiac output decreased from 5.68 +/- 1.04 by 0.56 +/- 0.78 L/min (P = 0.001), but a greater decrease occurred in LV output, from 9.51 +/- 2.22 by 1.30 +/- 1.08 L/min (P < 0.0001). Mitral regurgitant volume per minute decreased from 3.83 +/- 2.41 by 0.74 +/- 1.00 L/min (P = 0.001). The decrease in LV work on beta-blocker (mean, 21%; 95% confidence interval, 15 to 27) was greater (P = 0.

1%). An HIV positivity rate of 13.5% was recorded. Distal tubal occlusion with hydrosalpinx was more associated with HIV infection in this series. Conclusion: A high HIV positivity rate was recorded among the patients with tubal infertility compared to the general population. There is prepondence of distal tubal occlusion in infertile women

with tubal factor. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.”
“The activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) initiates Ig gene hypermutation by converting cytosine to uracil (U) and generating a U:G lesion. Genetic and biochemical studies suggest that the Selleck BI-6727 AID-triggered U:G lesions are processed by three mutagenic pathways to induce mutations at both C:G and A:T pairs. First, direct replication of the U:G lesion leads to C to T and G to A transitions. Second, U can be excised by the uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) and the replication/processing of the resulting abasic site leads to transversions and transitions at C:G pairs. Third, the U:G lesion is recognized by an atypical mismatch repair (MMR) pathway which generates mutations at A:T pairs in a DNA polymerase eta (POLH)-dependent manner. To further explore whether these three mutagenic pathways function competitively or independently, we have analyzed Ig gene hypermutation OSI-744 in vivo in mice deficient in both UNG and POLH. Compared with WT mice, UNG deficiency caused

elevated frequency of C:G mutations, suggesting that UNG-mediated U excision led to error-free as well as error-prone repair.

In contrast, UNG deficiency did not affect the frequency and patterns of A:T mutations, suggesting that the MMR did not target U:G lesions normally recognized and processed by UNG. In addition, POLH deficiency did not affect the frequency and patterns of C:G mutations and UNG POLH double deficiency showed an additive effect of single deficiency. Based on these observations and previous results, along with the recent finding that UNG excises NU7441 mw AID-triggered U predominantly during G1 phase of the cell cycle, it appears that UNG and MMR targets U:G lesions generated during G1 and S phases of the cell cycle, respectively. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Natural selection optimizes an organism’s genotype within the context of its environment. Adaptations to one environment can decrease fitness in another, revealing evolutionary trade-offs. Here, we show that the cost of gene expression underlies a trade-off between growth rate and mating efficiency in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During asexual growth, mutations that eliminate the ability to mate provide an approximate to 2% per-generation growth-rate advantage. Some strains, including most laboratory strains, carry an allele of GPA1 (an upstream component of the mating pathway) that increases mating efficiency by approximate to 30% per round of mating at the cost of an approximate to 1% per-generation growth-rate disadvantage.

“
“Interaction with the immune system is one of the most recently established non-classic effects of vitamin D (VitD) and recent reports have supported its role in promoting normal function of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Sub-optimal VitD status is a common peculiarity throughout the world and Cyclopamine in vitro most particularly in the older population; a population presenting an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and vaccine failure due to the age-related changes of the immune system commonly termed immunosenescence. This review will examine the current understanding of how VitD status may further impinge the immune senescence

process. Furthermore, we discuss the role played by VitD in host immune response to common pathogens and to vaccinations. (c) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS and European Union Geriatric Medicine Society. All rights reserved.”
“Intracranial

hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most serious and lethal complications of anticoagulants with a reported incidence of 5-18.5 %. Computed tomographic (CT) findings, should be carefully studied because early diagnosis and treatment of oral anticoagulant use-associated GSK2879552 hematomas are vitally important. In the present study, CT findings of intraparenchymal hematomas associated with anticoagulant and antihypertensive use are presented. This study included 45 patients (25 men, 20 women) under anticoagulant (21 patients) or antihypertensive (24 patients) treatment who had brain CT examinations due to complaints and findings suggesting cerebrovascular disease during July 2010-October 2013 period. CT examinations were performed to determine hematoma volumes and presence of swirl sign, hematocrit effect, mid-line shift effect, and intraventricular

extension. The patients were 40-89 years of age. In four cases, a total of 51 intraparenchymal hematomas (42 cerebral, 7 cerebellar and 2 brain stem) were detected in multiple foci. Hematoma volumes varied from 0.09 to 284.00 ml. Swirl sign was observed in 87.5 and 63.0 % of OAC-associated ICHs and non-OAC-associated ICHs, respectively. In addition, hematocrit effect was observed in 41.6 % of OAC-associated and in 3.7 % of non-OAC-associated ICHs. Volume increases were observed in all 19 hematomas where swirl sign was detected, and follow-up CT scanning PF-6463922 was conducted. Mortality of OAC-associated ICHs was correlated with initial volumes of hematoma, mid-line shift amount, and intraventricular extension. Detection of hematocrit effect by CT scanning of intracranial hematomas should be cautionary in oral anticoagulant use, while detection of swirl sign should be suggestive of active hemorrhage.”
“Background. The internal thoracic artery (ITA) remodels its diameter in response to flow requirements. The objective of this study was to elucidate the remodeling capacity of the reconstructed coronary artery using the ITA.\n\nMethods.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of antibodies against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in cats in Southern Germany, and to identify factors that are associated with a lack of antibodies.

In total, 350 cats presented to the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet PR-171 solubility dmso were randomly included in the study. Information regarding signalment, origin, environment, lifestyle, housing conditions, health status, chronic diseases, glucocorticoid therapy, and vaccination status were collected. Antibodies were detected by haemagglutination inhibition test. Asymptomatic chi-squared tests and univariable logistic regression were used to investigate associations between a lack of antibodies and the different variables. Associations determined to be statistically significant at P smaller than 0.1 were verified by a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Of the 350 cats, 103 (29.4%) had no antibodies against FPV. Chronic

kidney disease, neoplasia, glucocorticoid GDC-0941 chemical structure therapy, and vaccination status were significantly associated with a lack of antibodies. The cats with no antibodies were likely to have inadequate immunity against panleukopenia and those with chronic diseases or receiving glucocorticoids were less likely to be protected. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Silk fibroin has been widely explored for many biomedical applications, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Sterilization is a fundamental

step in biomaterials processing and it must not jeopardize the functionality of medical devices. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of different sterilization methods in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of dense and porous silk fibroin membranes. Silk fibroin membranes were treated by several procedures: immersion in 70% ethanol solution, ultraviolet radiation, autoclave, ethylene oxide, and gamma radiation, and were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, tensile strength and in vitro cytotoxicity to Chinese hamster ovary cells. The results indicated that the sterilization methods did not cause perceivable morphological changes in the membranes Acalabrutinib manufacturer and the membranes were not toxic to cells. The sterilization methods that used organic solvent or an increased humidity and/or temperature (70% ethanol, autoclave, and ethylene oxide) increased the silk II content in the membranes: the dense membranes became more brittle, while the porous membranes showed increased strength at break. Membranes that underwent sterilization by UV and gamma radiation presented properties similar to the nonsterilized membranes, mainly for tensile strength and FTIR results. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 869-876, 2014.

The pedigree contained individuals diagnosed with both cutaneous and iris melanoma. Based

on co-segregation analysis, the odds of these OCA2 variants being high penetrance loci for melanoma was: 1.3-to-1 if we include the iris melanoma as affected and 6.5-to-1 if we only consider cutaneous melanoma as affected.\n\nConclusion: The discovery of this novel OCA2 variant adds to the body of evidence on the detrimental effects of OCA2 gene mutations on pigmentation, supports existing GWAS data on the relevance of the OCA2 gene in melanoma predisposition, and may ultimately assist in the development of targeted molecular therapies in the treatment of OCA and melanoma. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd on behalf of Japanese Society for

Investigative Dermatology.”
“The field of erectile dysfunction (ED) management PLX4032 cost over time has witnessed assorted interventions to enable men to perform sexual intercourse. In recent times, major selleck compound progress in ED research has led to increasingly effective treatments based on a refined knowledge of the scientific basis for penile erection. Current concepts suggest that therapeutic prospects on the horizon include novel pharmacotherapies, growth factor therapy, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. The purpose of this review is to present the foundations for future therapies in ED management.”
“Clinical and genetic heterogeneity renders confirmation or exclusion of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome difficult. To re-evaluate and improve the currently suggested diagnostic approach to patients with suspected FAS mutation, the most frequent cause of autoimmune

lymphoproliferative syndrome, we prospectively determined 11 biomarkers in 163 patients with splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy and presumed or proven autoimmune cytopenia(s). Among 98 patients sequenced for FAS mutations in CD3(+)TCR alpha/CD4(-)CD8(-) “double negative” T cells, 32 had germline and six had somatic FAS mutations. The best a priori predictor of FAS mutations was the combination of vitamin B12 and soluble FAS ligand (cut-offs 1255 PXD101 price pg/mL and 559 pg/mL, respectively), which had a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 97%. We used these data to develop a web-based probability calculator for FAS mutations using the three most discriminatory biomarkers (vitamin B12, soluble FAS ligand, interleukin-10) of the 11 tested. Since more than 60% of patients with lymphoproliferation and autoimmune cytopenia(s) in our cohort did not harbor FAS mutations, 15% had somatic FAS mutations, and the predictive value of double-negative T-cell values was rather low (positive and negative predictive values of 61% and 77%, respectively), we argue that the previously suggested diagnostic algorithm based on determination of double-negative T cells and germline FAS sequencing, followed by biomarker analysis, is not efficient.

Moreover, 5 novel miRNAs (2 from control sample, 3 from

trial sample) and target genes were predicted. GO analysis suggested that these miRNAs might be involved in innate immune response, growth, metabolism, cellular process, biological regulation and stimulus response. Our knowledge from this study could contribute to a better understanding of the miRNAs ZD1839 Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor roles in regulating innate immune response and the study of miRNA function in crayfish. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background. We compared the outcomes of modified single-patch and two-patch surgical repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) on left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter and on left atrioventricular valve selleck screening library (LAVV) coaptation. Methods. We reviewed retrospectively postoperative 2-dimensional echocardiograms of all CAVSD patients who underwent modified single-patch or two-patch repair between 2005 and 2011. We measured the leaflet coaptation length of the LAVV in the apical four-chamber view. The LVOT was measured in the long axis view. Results. Fifty-one patients underwent CAVSD repair at a median age of 4 months (range, 1 to 9 months) (single-patch, n = 29; two-patch, n = 22). The images from 46

echocardiograms were adequate for analysis. Modified single-patch repair required significantly shorter bypass time (102.0 +/- 33.6 vs 152.9 +/- 39.5 minutes, p smaller than 0.001) and ischemic time (69.0 +/- 21.7 vs 106.9 +/- 29.7 minutes, p smaller than 0.001) than did two-patch repair. The indexed coaptation length of the septal and lateral leaflets was not different between single-patch and two-patch (3.1 +/- 2.3 vs 4.1 +/- 3.1 mm/m(2), p = 0.25; 2.3 +/- 2.3 vs 3.3 +/- 3.0 mm/m(2), p = 0.21). Indexed LVOT diameter was not different in the two groups (26.1 +/- 5.2 vs 28.5 +/- 7.1 mm/m(2), p = 0.22). There was no hospital or late death during the median follow-up time of 35 months (range, 1 to 69 months). Five patients underwent reoperation after

single-patch repair (3 with residual ventricular septal defect see more [VSD] and LAVV regurgitation, 1 with residual VSD, 1 with pacemaker implantation). After the two-patch repair, 1 patient required reoperation for a residual VSD and right atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p = 0.22). Conclusions. The modified single-patch repair was performed with significantly shorter bypass time and myocardial ischemic time. The postoperative LVOT diameter and LAVV leaflet coaptation length were not significantly different between techniques. (C) 2014 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons”
“Objective: To investigate cardiovascular risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) combined with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Patients: A place-controlled study was performed. Group 1: 29 patients with PCOS and SCH; Group II: 35 patients with PCOS and normal thyroid function; and Group III: 34 healthy women with normal thyroid function.

“
“The aim of this study was to MGCD0103 nmr compare the Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA (TM)) with the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA-ProSeal (TM)) in mechanically ventilated paralyzed patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.\n\nOne hundred and one patients were allocated

randomly to SLIPA (n = 50) or to LMA-ProSeal (n = 51) treatment groups. After induction of general anesthesia and insertion of the assigned supralaryngeal airway (SLA) device, we made note of the occurrence of any gastric insufflation and perilaryngeal leakage. We then evaluated the anatomical fit of the SLA device using a fibreoptic bronchoscope, and we assessed the airway sealing pressure and respiratory mechanics with change in head position and during peritoneal insufflation. After surgery, we evaluated the severity of postoperative Danusertib chemical structure sore throat and the presence of blood or regurgitated fluid on the SLA device.\n\nThe insertion success rate, gastric insufflation, perilaryngeal leakage, anatomical fit, airway sealing pressure,

respiratory mechanics, severity of sore throat, and incidence of blood and regurgitated fluid on the device were similar between the two groups. The incidence of perilaryngeal leakage with changes in the patient’s head position was lower with the SLIPA group than with the LMA-ProSeal group (3/50 vs 11/51, respectively; P = 0.026). During peritoneal insufflation, perilaryngeal leakage did not occur with the SLIPA but occurred in four cases with the LMA-ProSeal (P = 0.045).\n\nBoth the SLIPA and the LMA-ProSeal can be used effectively and without severe complications in paralyzed patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery. However, BMS-777607 the SLIPA offers the advantage of less perilaryngeal gas leakage than the LMA-ProSeal with change in head position and during insufflation of the peritoneal cavity. This trial is registered with ANZCTR (ACTRN12609000914268).”
“Interleukin-12, a heterodimeric cytokine consisting of glycosylated subunits of 35 and 40 kDa, is

a central molecule in controlling innate as well as adaptive immunity. This study was aimed to investigate the role of IL12A and IL12B as candidate genes for immune competence in pigs. The porcine genes were screened for polymorphism and association analysis was carried out by mixed model analysis with parameters of innate immunity, in vitro haemolytic complement activity in the classical and alternative pathways, in vivo complement activation expressed as C3c serum concentration, and blood leucocyte proliferation measured in F2 animals of a pig resource population based on cross of Duroc and Berlin miniature pig (DUMI resource population). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region (C > A) of IL12A was identified. Two SNPs were detected in intron 4 of IL12B at positions 192 (A > G) and 437 (C > T).

05 mGy, which is of interest for the personal

protection level of dosimetry. A linear response was obtained after both the first irradiation and the second irradiation. The minimum detectable dose of window glass was 0.15 mGy. The effective atomic number of window glass as a function of photon energy was calculated. The obtained results for the effective atomic number showed that it is very close to that of human biological tissues (Z(eff) = 6.7-8.4 at studied energy). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The coexistence of plant species in species-rich tropical forests can be promoted by specialised enemies acting in a negatively density-dependent manner. While survival of tropical tree seedlings is often negatively density-dependent, LDC000067 concentration the causes have rarely been identified. We tested whether insects and plant pathogens cause density-dependent seedling recruitment and survival in NCT-501 five forest tree species in Belize, Central

America. We manipulated densities of seeds or newly germinated seedlings in small (1 m(2) or 0.25 m(2)) plots close to fruiting conspecific trees. Using a factorial design, we excluded enemies from subsets of the plots with fungicides and insecticides. Seed germination (for two species) and early seedling survival (for all species) were monitored at approximately weekly intervals for up to eight weeks, during the period when plants are likely to be most susceptible to natural enemies. In Terminalia amazonia, seed germination was negatively density-dependent and the proportion of seeds germinating increased when insects were excluded. However, the magnitude of the insecticide effect was independent of density. The only significant density effect for survival of young seedlings was in Acacia polyphylla; counter to expectation, seedling survival was higher at high densities. In a few cases pesticide application had a significant effect on seedling survival, but in only one case (Terminalia amazonia) was a significant pesticide x density interaction check details detected. Our results caution against generalising from studies

conducted on a single species at a single time and place and illustrate the challenges of experimentally testing for enemy-mediated negative density-dependence. Experimental outcomes are likely to depend on the spatial scale at which the principal enemies disperse and respond to plant density, and the timescales over which they act. Gathering information on these variables will improve our understanding of the natural histories of tropical forest species and help inform the design of future experiments.”
“G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are intricately involved in a diverse array of physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions. They constitute the largest class of drug target in the human genome, which highlights the importance of understanding the molecular basis of their activation, downstream signalling and regulation.