bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a region in the TASK3 two pore domain potassium channel that is critical for its blockade by methanandamide
Authors: Veale E L , Buswell R , Clarke C E , Mathie A 
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:The TASK subfamily of two pore domain potassium channels (K2P) encodes for leak K currents, contributing to the resting membrane potential of many neurons and regulating their excitability. TASK1 and TASK3 channels are regulated by a number of pharmacological and physiological mediators including cannabinoids such as methanandamide. In this study, we investigate how methanandamide blocks these channels.Experimental approach:Currents through wild type and mutated TASK1 and TASK3 channels expressed in modified HEK‐293 cells were measured using whole‐cell electrophysiological recordings in the presence and absence of methanandamide.Key results:Methanandamide (3 μM) produced substantial block of hTASK1, hTASK3 and mTASK3 channels but was most potent at blocking hTASK3 channels. Block of these channels was irreversible unless cells were washed with buffer containing bovine serum albumin. Mutation of the distal six amino acids of TASK1 did not alter methanandamide inhibition, whilst C terminal truncation of TASK3 channels caused a small but significant reduction of inhibition. However, deletion of six amino acids (VLRFLT) at the interface between the final transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic C terminus of TASK3 channels gave functional currents that were no longer inhibited by methanandamide or by activation of GPCRs.Conclusions and implications:Methanandamide potently blocked TASK3 and TASK1 channels and both methanandamide and G protein‐mediated inhibition converged on the same intracellular gating pathway. Physiologically, methanandamide block of TASK1 and TASK3 channels may underpin a number of CNS effects of cannabinoids that are not mediated through activation of CB1 or CB2 receptors.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 778–786. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707436; published online 10 September 2007
More types than one: multiple muscarinic receptor coupled K+currents undergo remodelling in an experimental model of atrial fibrillation
Authors: James A F , Hancox J C 
Published: September 2007

The common cardiac arrhythmia atrial fibrillation (AF) tends to show progression in its severity, which is associated with ‘remodelling’: structural and electrophysiological changes that facilitate arrhythmia induction and maintenance. In this issue of theBJP, Yeh and colleagues demonstrate for the first time, down‐regulation of three types of muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mAChR) coupled K+currents (IKM2,IKM3and IKM4) and of M2, M3and M4mAChR subtype proteins, in a canine model of atrial tachycardia (AT) induced remodelling. The IKMs and their extent of AT‐induced remodelling were similar in left‐atrial and pulmonary vein (PV) myocytes, so remodelling of M2–M4receptor‐linked currents appears not to underlie the unique contribution of PVs to AF. Parasympathetic stimulation can increase susceptibility to AF; thus remodelling of M2–M4receptors and K+currents could be adaptive in AT. Further work is warranted to determine whether or not remodelling of multiple mAChRs and currents also contributes to human AF.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 981–983; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707437; published online 10 September 2007
α‐4/β‐1 and α‐L/β‐2 integrins mediate cytokine induced lung leukocyte‐epithelial adhesion and injury
Authors: Parmley L A , Elkins N D , Fini M A , Liu Y‐E , Repine J E , Wright R M 
Published: September 2007

Background and purpose:Injury to the alveolar epithelium is a critical feature of acute lung injury (ALI). Using a cytokine model of ALI we demonstrated previously that newly recruited mononuclear phagocytes (MNP) contributed to lung inflammation and injury. We hypothesized that cytokines delivered into the alveolar airspace would have multiple effects on the lung that may contribute to lung injury.Experimental approach:Intratracheal cytokine insufflation and leukocyte adoptive transferin vivowere combined within vitroanalyses of lung epithelial cell‐MNP adhesion and injury. Lung inflammatory injury was assessed by histology, leukocyte infiltration, and release of LDH and RAGE.Key results:Cytokine insufflation was associated with apparent MNP‐epithelial adhesion, up‐regulation of alveolar ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, and the release of LDH and RAGE into the bronchoalveolar lavage. Insufflation of small molecule integrin antagonists suppressed adhesion of MNP and modulated release of LDH and RAGE. Adoptive transfer of MNP purified from cytokine insufflated lungs into leukopenic rats demonstrated the requirement of MNP for release of LDH that was not induced by cytokine alone. Corroboration that disrupting the ICAM/LFA1 interaction or the VCAM/VLA4 interaction blocked MNP‐epithelial cell interaction and injury was obtainedin vitrousing both blocking monoclonal antibodies and the small molecule integrin antagonists, BIO5192 and XVA143.Conclusions and implications:MNP recruited following cytokine insufflation contributed to lung injury. Further, integrin antagonists reduced alveolar epithelial cell injury induced during lung inflammation. Intratracheal delivery of small molecule antagonsists of leukocyte‐epithelial adhesion that prevent lung injury may have significant clinical utility.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 915–929; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707443; published online 10 September 2007
CB2 receptors in reproduction
Authors: Maccarrone M 
Published: September 2007

Cannabinoids have been always identified as harmful drugs because of their negative effects on male and female reproduction. The discovery of the ‘endocannabinoid system (ECS)’, composed of bioactive lipids (endocannabinoids), their receptors and their metabolic enzymes, and the generation of mouse models missing cannabinoid receptors or other elements of the ECS, has enabled a wealth of information on the significance of endocannabinoid signalling in multiple reproductive events: Sertoli cell survival, spermatogenesis, placentation, fertilization, preimplantation embryo development, implantation and postimplantation embryonic growth. These studies have also opened new perspectives in clinical applications, pointing to the ECS as a new target for correcting infertility and for improving reproductive health in humans. This review will focus on the involvement of type‐2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptors in reproductive biology, covering both the male and female sides. It will also discuss the potential relevance of the immunological activity of CB2 at the maternal/foetal interface, as well as the distinctiveness of CB2 versus type‐1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptors that might be exploited for a receptor subtype‐specific regulation of fertility. In this context, the different signalling pathways triggered by CB1 and CB2 (especially those controlling the intracellular tone of nitric oxide), the different activation of CB1 and CB2 by endogenous agonists (like anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol) and the different localization of CB1 and CB2 within membrane subdomains, termed ‘lipid rafts’, will be discussed. It is hoped that CB2‐dependent endocannabinoid signalling might become a useful target for correcting infertility, in both men and women.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 189–198; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707444; published online 10 September 2007
Carbon sequestration and forest management.
Authors: Jandl R. , Vesterdal L. , Olsson M. , Bens O. , Badeck F. , Roc J. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Forest management has the potential to increase the terrestrial C pool. According to the rules of the Kyoto Protocol and of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, forestry can generate a sink for greenhouse gases that can contribute to meeting the national commitment to emissions reductions. Afforestation is a common strategy that over the course of decades leads to the incorporation of carbon dioxide (CO
2
) in plant biomass. However, site types such as wetlands and peatlands may even be a source of greenhouse gases when they are afforested. Adapted management of existing forests may have a less obvious or slower effect on the terrestrial C pool. It is mainly relevant in countries that already have a large forest cover. We analysed the effects of harvesting, rotation length, thinning, fertilizer application and tree-species selection. All these treatments have an impact on the forest productivity and consequently on C sequestration in the ecosystem. Many forest treatments are already an integral part of sustainable forestry practice. In the context of C sequestration and its accounting in national greenhouse-gas budgets, ecosystem stability is highly rated. Forests that are robust against disturbances up to a certain degree of severity are better suited for political commitments than stands of maximum productivity with a high risk of damages.
Nutrient management and dairy cattle production.
Authors: Harrison J. H. , Nennich T. D. , White R. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Nutrient management on dairy operations has become more complex as society demands more attention be placed on environmental stewardship. Although nutrient management has traditionally focused on an individual field basis, there is a need for dairy operations to focus on nutrients at a whole-farm level. The emphasis of contemporary integrated nutrient management should be placed on three areas: reducing imports, enhancing within farm efficiencies (both cropping and cow efficiencies), and seeking export opportunities for excess nutrients not utilized for crop production on the farm. Focusing on the flows of nutrients to, within, and off a farm assists with the development of management strategies of how to best handle nutrients in an environmentally friendly manner. Proper management of nutrients at the whole-farm level needs to be accompanied by an effort to inform the public and environmentally concerned groups about the proactive efforts that producers have adopted to manage nutrients and protect the environment. To be sustainable, integrated nutrient management will require an expanded effort to reconnect the nutrient cycle and link the movement of nutrients between sites of feed production and feed utilization.
Amelioration and nutrient management strategies for sodic and alkali soils.
Authors: Qadir M. , Schubert S. , Badia D. , Sharma B. R. , Qureshi A. S. , Murtaza G. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Sodic and alkali soils are characterized by the occurrence of excess sodium (Na
+
) to levels that can adversely affect soil structure and disturb the availability of nutrients for plant growth. Structural problems in these soils are created by certain physical processes (slaking, swelling and dispersion of clay minerals) and specific conditions (surface crusting and hardsetting), which affect water and air movement, seedling emergence, root penetration, runoff and erosion, as well as tillage and sowing operations. Such changes ultimately impact choice of crops, and crop growth and yield, which are also affected by osmotic and ion-specific effects in these soils. Of the salt-affected soils worldwide, about 60% are sodic and alkali soils, warranting attention for efficient, inexpensive and environmentally feasible amelioration. Sodic and alkali soil amelioration primarily involves increasing calcium (Ca
2+
) on the cation exchange complex at the expense of Na
+
. The replaced Na
+
is removed from the root zone through infiltrating water resulting from excessive irrigation(s). Several approaches aiming at amelioration of these soils have been used, which include application of water, crop, chemical amendment, electric current and tillage as amelioration tools. In addition, management of plant nutrient elements in these soils has been addressed as a crucial factor in improving crop productivity and soil fertility. While the principles and technologies aiming at the amelioration of sodic and alkali soils are fairly well understood, their adoption in poor and developing countries is very slow because the majority of the affected lands are in the possession of resource-poor communities or form part of the common property resources of the villages. This paper reviews various amelioration and nutrient management approaches as well as constraints to large-scale adoption of the amelioration approaches. This information will assist researchers and farm advisers in choosing appropriate management practices to achieve maximum benefits from these soils while considering the participation of the farmers in the planning and setting of the amelioration programmes.
Multifunctional demands on grasslands.
Authors: Nagy G. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The purpose of this review is to outline the status quo regarding multifunctional and social demands on grasslands. The products and services that grassland ecosystems can provide society are detailed. Existing agro-policies are reviewed as to how they reflect social demands on grasslands. A farm level analysis considers many factors that may influence the fulfilment of social demands. Conclusions are drawn on the future of grassland use under different socioeconomic conditions. Traditional (meat, milk, fibre, medicinal plants, fuel and power) and non-traditional (branded products, biodiversity as gene pool and biomass for energy) products are identified. Services of grasslands are summarized at three different levels viz. globally (regulation of climate, air quality, water resources, soil health, carbon sequestration and maintaining biodiversity), regionally (aesthetic and landscape values) and locally (preservation of cultural heritage and maintenance of the significance of religion for pastoralism). Targeted policies are emerging that assist in sustaining healthy grassland ecosystems and fulfilling multifunctional demands at different social levels. In spite of these policies, the future of the world's grasslands seems to vary by country, according to the level of development. In poor countries, production from grassland will remain of vital importance (in some cases, with the threat of ecosystem degradation), while at the same time, ecological and amenity uses of grassland appear to be ignored. Trends in the function of grassland ecosystems in developed countries seem to be just the opposite. The importance of production is declining, while ecological and amenity functions receive increasing attention in response to multifunctional and social demands.
The importance of comparative physiology: a focus on ovarian biology and the role of animal models.
Authors: Komar C. M. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

The use of animals in research dates back many centuries. Using animals as a model to advance human health is critical, and an important aspect of that is choosing the right animal model. In utilizing animals for research, not only do we advance our understanding of fundamental biology and physiology, but the findings contribute to knowledge of animal disease and welfare issues as well. The following discussion is an overview discussing how studies in animals have advanced our understanding of ovarian function, and the need to continue to develop appropriate animal models to address critical questions. The use of the bat
Glossophaga soricina
as a model for ovarian biology is noted.
Manipulation of plant architecture to enhance crop disease control.
Authors: Ando K. , Grumet R. , Terpstra K. , Kelly J. D. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Yield and quality losses due to disease are major factors limiting crop productivity; thus breeding for disease resistance is a primary goal for many plant breeding programmes. Unfortunately, specific sources of resistance are not always available. In cases where sources of genetic resistance are limited or non-existent, manipulating plant architecture to facilitate disease avoidance may be a valuable alternate approach to mitigate disease severity. Modifications of plant architecture can be used to reduce contact with the pathogen, create barriers to pathogen growth and development, or create an unfavourable microclimate for disease development. Architectural variants have long been observed by plant breeders and geneticists, and are frequently utilized to develop new plant types. Key variants that may facilitate disease control include altered plant height, determinacy, branching patterns, branch or leaf angle, flower position, organ coverage or shape, or root structure patterns. Implementing disease avoidance by an architectural approach requires an understanding of both the life cycle of the pathogen and the genetic basis for the desired morphological traits. This review examines examples where modified architecture can be employed to reduce disease. Among the better-documented cases are modified canopy structure to reduce white mould in dry bean and tightly closed ears to reduce
Fusarium
ear rot of maize. These examples demonstrate that breeding for modified plant architecture can be a valuable component of a broader disease control strategy that also includes genetic resistance and cultural and chemical controls.
Beyond the second generation: towards adaptiveness in participatory forest management.
Authors: Lawrence A. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The concepts of adaptive management and participatory forest management (PFM) reflect an increasingly holistic relationship between society and its forests. Adaptiveness depends on learning processes. This review considers the ways in which PFM has been assessed in recent literature and focuses on the role of learning, through cross-cutting quantitative analyses, project monitoring and evaluation, and participatory research and experimentation. Such literature highlights the importance of policy, and the gap between legislation and implementation; social and institutional arrangements; appropriate silviculture and monitoring, and the participatory methods needed to develop it. Much of this is analysed at the local or national scale, but emerging discourses on forest governance highlight the need for partnership, organizational learning, and adaptiveness across a range of spatial scales and cultural perspectives. The review concludes that the common factors in adaptive PFM are context specificity, tenure and institutional security, reliable and relevant information, and learning processes, leading to adaptive technology, institutions and organisations, underpinned by close attention to ecology. This is summarized in an analysis proposing a broad evolutionary pattern from 'first generation' attention to structural factors such as tenure and formal roles and relationships, through 'second generation' concerns emerging from experience of diversity and inequity, to a more qualitative, actor-centred approach to learning and adaptation. The big challenges for PFM are adaptive technology, requiring participatory research in silviculture, sustainable harvesting and monitoring; and adaptive organizations and institutions.
Water management issues and problems in Africa.
Authors: Lankford B. , Dickinson S. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
An enquiry into pressing issues in contemporary water resource management in Africa reveals an extensive, well-researched and heavily debated literature. This paper strives to reveal this through a brief discussion of four prominent issues or 'problems' in contemporary water resource management across Africa; integrated water resource management involving decisions about allocation; health, domestic water and sanitation; agricultural water management; and climate change. The first three represent policy arenas that are complementary to each other, but to some extent are also competing in terms of donor focus. The fourth is an emerging contextual issue that is helping to refocus and renew efforts in water management. The most significant dimension of these issues of water resource management in Africa today may be the degree of interdependence that exists between the four issues and therefore in the difficulties and hard choices associated with deciding which to prioritize. In addition, as with many contemporary issues spanning environment, culture and geography, water resource problems in Africa are characterized by a complex overlap between environmental, socio-economic, political, financial and technical viewpoints and concerns.
Environmental impacts of transgenic herbicide-resistant crops.
Authors: Cerdeira A. L. , Duke S. O. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Transgenic glufosinate- and glyphosate-resistant crops are currently commercialized, and bromoxynil-resistant crops have been removed from the market for economic reasons. Glyphosate-resistant cotton and soyabean have become dominant in those countries where they have been approved for planting. Potential effects of glufosinate and glyphosate on contamination of soil, water and air are minimal, compared to those caused by the herbicides that they replace when herbicide-resistant crops (HRCs) are adopted. No risks have been found with food or feed safety or nutritional value in products from currently available HRCs. Both glufosinate- and glyphosate-resistant crops promote the adoption of reduced- or no-tillage agriculture, reducing environmental degradation by agriculture. HRCs have caused evolution of herbicide resistance in weed species and shifts to those species that are naturally resistant. Transgene flow with HRCs is a concern for commercial and ecological reasons. In canola, rice and bentgrass, herbicide resistance transgenes have been found in fields that are supposed to be non-transgenic. Under some circumstances, transgene flow (introgression) to plants that might become problems in natural ecosystems remains the largest risk of HRCs.
Allelopathy for weed management in sustainable agriculture.
Authors: Khanh TranDang , Chung IllMin , Tawata S. , Xuan TranDang 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The sustainability of agriculture relies on the development of strategies that lower the need for costly external inputs and minimize detrimental effects on the environment, which often involve either inappropriate or excessive use of agrochemical inputs. One strategy, integrating plant allelopathy into sustainable agriculture, is discussed in this paper. Agriculture integrated with allelopathy could reduce the heavy dependence on synthetic herbicides and other agrochemicals, and therefore ease problems such as environmental contamination, use of unsafe agricultural products and effects on human health. The allelopathy-integrated management of weeds includes various techniques such as the use of allelopathy in crop rotation, preceding and cover crops, green manure, mulch, and intercropping, as well as the incorporation of allelopathic plants in soil. In addition, the enhancement of weed-suppressing ability in crops is an important task in sustainable agricultural production. Even though many secondary metabolites involved in allelopathic activities have been isolated and identified, numerous allelochemicals remain unknown. The search for allelochemicals with novel modes of action is important for the development of bioactive pesticides. Despite the fact that the direct use of allelochemicals as natural pesticides is difficult in the field because of their easy degradation in nature and high cost of delivery, the synthesis of compounds derived from these allelochemicals may help resolve these problems.