Predation cues amplify the effects of parasites on the personality of a keystone grazer.

Parasites can alter species interactions either by modifying infected host behaviour or by influencing behavioural responses in uninfected individuals. Salt marsh ecosystems are characterized by a predator-prey interaction between the keystone grazer, Littoraria irrorata, and its main predator, Callinectes sapidus, both integral players in mediating the productivity of these habitats. Littoraria also acts as the first intermediate host for at least four species of digenetic trematode.

The safety of an adenosine A(1)-receptor antagonist, rolofylline, in patients with acute heart failure and renal impairment: findings from PROTECT.

Background: Adenosine exerts actions in multiple organ systems, and adenosine receptors are a therapeutic target in many development programmes.

Objective: The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the safety of rolofylline, an adenosine A(1)-receptor antagonist, in patients with acute heart failure.

Methods: The effect of rolofylline was investigated in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure with impaired renal function.

Rolofylline, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, in acute heart failure.

Background: Worsening renal function, which is associated with adverse outcomes, often develops in patients with acute heart failure. Experimental and clinical studies suggest that counterregulatory responses mediated by adenosine may be involved. We tested the hypothesis that the use of rolofylline, an adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, would improve dyspnea, reduce the risk of worsening renal function, and lead to a more favorable clinical course in patients with acute heart failure.

Combination angiotensin receptor blocker/hydrochlorothiazide as initial therapy in the treatment of patients with severe hypertension.

Patients with severe hypertension are at high risk for cardiovascular events. The authors hypothesized that initial treatment with a combination angiotensin receptor blocker/diuretic agent would be safe and more effective than initial treatment with a single agent for these patients. In this 6-week, double-blind trial, 585 patients were randomized to losartan/hydrochlorothiazide or losartan as monotherapy and titrated as needed at 2-week intervals to reach goal blood pressure (<90 mm Hg).