63 research outputs found
Basic aspects of the pharmacodynamics of tolperisone, a widely applicable centrally acting muscle relaxant
Tolperisone (2-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-piperidin-1-ylpropan-1-one hydro-chloride) was introduced in the clinical practice more than forty years ago and is still evaluated as a widely applicable compound in pathologically elevated skeletal muscle tone (spasticity) and related pains of different origin. In the present review, basic pharmacodynamic effects measured on whole animals, analyses of its actions on cell and tissue preparations and molecular mechanism of action on sodium and calcium channels are summarized as recently significantly new data were reported
Taming the terminological tempest in invasion science
Standardized terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science â a dynamic and quickly evolving discipline â the rapid proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardized framework for its language development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damages and interventions. A standardized framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardizing terminology across stakeholders remains a prevailing challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. 'non-native', 'alien', 'invasive' or 'invader', 'exotic', 'non-indigenous', 'naturalized, 'pest') to propose a more simplified and standardized terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) 'non-native', denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) 'established non-native', i.e. those non-native species that have established self-sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) 'invasive non-native' â populations of established non-native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualizing 'spread' for classifying invasiveness and 'impact' for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (1) dispersal mechanism, (2) species origin, (3) population status, and (4) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non-native species
Taming the terminological tempest in invasion science
Standardised terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science â a dynamic and rapidly evolving discipline â the proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardised framework for its development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damage and interventions. A standardised framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardising terminology across stakeholders remains a challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. ânon-nativeâ, âalienâ, âinvasiveâ or âinvaderâ, âexoticâ, ânon-indigenousâ, ânaturalisedâ, âpestâ) to propose a more simplified and standardised terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) ânon-nativeâ, denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) âestablished non-nativeâ, i.e. those non-native species that have established self-sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) âinvasive non-nativeâ â populations of established non-native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualising âspreadâ for classifying invasiveness and âimpactâ for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (i) dispersal mechanism, (ii) species origin, (iii) population status, and (iv) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non-native species
Cryogenic carbonates and cryogenic speleothem damage in the Za HĂĄjovnou Cave (JavoĆĂÄko Karst, Czech Republic)
A new locality of coarse-grained cryogenic cave carbonates has been found in the Za HĂĄjovnou Cave in JavoĆĂÄko Karst in Central Moravia, Czech Republic. Crystals and crystal aggregates, usually up to 15 mm in size, form typical loose accumulations on the surface of large fallen limestone blocks and clays covering the bottoms of several cave chambers distant from the cave entrance. The cryogenic origin of the carbonates is supported by their mode of occurrence, specific crystal and aggregate morphology, and C and O stable isotope data. U-series dating of one sample of cryogenic carbonate (age 29.5 ±0.1 ka) indicated that a period of karst water freezing occurred in marine isotope stage (MIS) 3, within the Weichselian. The cave also hosts numerous examples of speleothem damage. As shown in this paper, some of these are clearly connected with freezing conditions and cave ice action
- âŠ