Understanding the role of biodiversity in the climate, food, water, energy, transport and health nexus in Europe.

Biodiversity underpins the functioning of ecosystems and the diverse benefits that nature provides to people, yet is being lost at an unprecedented rate. To halt or reverse biodiversity loss, it is critical to understand the complex interdependencies between biodiversity and key drivers and sectors to inform the development of holistic policies and actions. We conducted a literature review on the interlinkages between biodiversity and climate change, food, water, energy, transport and health ("the biodiversity nexus").

Determination of endocannabinoids in nematodes and human brain tissue by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

A simple and highly sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method was developed to compare endogenous cannabinoid levels in nematodes and in brains of rats and humans, with and without prior exposure to ethanol. After liquid-liquid extraction of the lipid fraction from homogenized samples, a reversed-phase sub 2 μm column was used for separating analytes with an isocratic mobile phase. Deuterated internal standards were used in the analysis, and detection was made by triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).

Modulation of brain endocannabinoid levels by voluntary alcohol consumption in alcohol-preferring AA rats.

Background: The central nervous system cannabinoid CB1 receptors have been implicated in regulation of alcohol consumption. Less data are available on the role of the endogenous ligands for these receptors, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), in alcohol-related behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of voluntary alcohol consumption on the levels of these endocannabinoids in key brain areas mediating alcohol reinforcement.

Ethanol self-administration is regulated by CB1 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area in alcohol-preferring AA rats.

Background: Endogenous cannabinoids and their receptors, CB1 receptors in particular, have been implicated in mediation of ethanol reinforcement. Previously, suppression of ethanol drinking by CB1 antagonists has been demonstrated in many experimental paradigms. However, the exact mechanism by which CB1 antagonists modulate ethanol drinking remains elusive.