Publications by authors named "R A Blum"

Plankton communities are subjected to multiple global change drivers; however, it is unknown how the interplay between them deviates from predictions based on single-driver studies, in particular when trophic interactions are explicitly considered. We investigated how simultaneous manipulation of temperature, pH, nutrient availability and solar radiation quality affects the carbon transfer from phytoplankton to herbivorous protists and their potential consequences for ecosystem functioning. Our results showed that multiple interacting global-change drivers reduced the photosynthetic (gross primary production-to-electron transport rates ratios, from 0.

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While there is much knowledge about local neuronal circuitry, considerably less is known about how neuronal input is integrated and combined across neuronal networks to encode higher order brain functions. One challenge lies in the large number of complex neural interactions. Neural networks use oscillating activity for information exchange between distributed nodes.

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Assessing localization of the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) in skin nerve fibers is crucial for understanding its role in peripheral neuropathy and pain. However, information on the specificity and sensitivity of TRPV1 antibodies used for immunofluorescence (IF) on human skin is currently lacking. To find a reliable TRPV1 antibody and IF protocol, we explored antibody candidates from different manufacturers, used rat DRG sections and human skin samples for screening and human TRPV1-expressing HEK293 cells for further validation.

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This study evaluated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of Medicine Access Programmes (MAPs) for Australian metastatic breast cancer patients on ribociclib. Limited patient awareness of MAP enrolment was identified, emphasising the need for improved education and consent processes. Most patients expressed gratitude for accessing non-funded medications and perceived enhanced medication adherence as a key benefit.

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Article Synopsis
  • Plexus injuries lead to chronic issues like paralysis, sensory loss, and pain, prompting interest in how the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are affected following such injuries.
  • A study involving 13 patients revealed that in about half, the typical cell structure of DRG was lost replaced by connective tissue, while others maintained their cellular integrity, although those with preserved neurons reported less pain.
  • The findings suggest two distinct patient groups: those with neuronal preservation who might benefit from anti-inflammatory treatments, and those with neuronal loss needing further research for potential regenerative therapies.
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