8 research outputs found
Neonicotinic analogues: Selective antagonists for alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Alzate-Morales, J (Alzate-Morales, Jans) ; Adasme-Carreno, F (Adasme-Carreno, Francisco). Univ Talca, Ctr Bioinformat & Mol Simulat CBSM, Talca, ChileNicotine is an agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that has been extensively used as a template for the synthesis of alpha 4 beta 2-preferring nAChRs. Here, we used the N-methyl-pyrrolidine moiety of nicotine to design and synthesise novel alpha 4 beta 2-preferring neonicotinic ligands. We increased the distance between the basic nitrogen and aromatic group of nicotine by introducing an ester functionality that also mimics acetylcholine (Fig. 2). Additionally, we introduced a benzyloxy group linked to the benzoyl moiety. Although the neonicotinic compounds fully inhibited binding of both [alpha-I-125]bungarotoxin to human alpha 7 nAChRs and [H-3]cytisine to human alpha 4 beta 2 nAChRs, they were markedly more potent at displacing radioligand binding to human alpha 4 beta 2 nAChRs than to alpha 7 nAChRs. Functional assays showed that the neonicotinic compounds behave as antagonists at alpha 4 beta 2 and alpha 4 beta 2 alpha 5 nAChRs. Substitutions on the aromatic ring of the compounds produced compounds that displayed marked selectivity for alpha 4 beta 2 or alpha 4 beta 2 alpha 5 nAChRs. Docking of the compounds on homology models of the agonist binding site at the alpha 4/beta 2 subunit interfaces of alpha 4 beta 2 nAChRs suggested the compounds inhibit function of this nAChR type by binding the agonist binding site. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
An online survey to explore the awareness and acceptance of geothermal energy among an educated segment of the population in five European and American countries
International audienceAdvances in new technologies and the desire to achieve a sustainable and safe energy supply, enable communities to transition from conventional to renewable resources, such as geothermal energy. Perception and acceptance amongst different audiences have a high impact on the feasibility of energy projects, which is an important aspect to analyze. For this reason, this study focuses on describing the level of awareness and acceptance of deep geothermal energy within an educated segment of the population in five European and American countries (Canada, Colombia, Chile, Belgium, and France) at different stages of geothermal development. This study was conducted through an online survey, which was targeted to post-secondary students and professionals. Some of the most significant conclusions are: (1) there is a high degree of awareness of geothermal energy among the respondents in Chile and Canada, a medium level in Belgium and France, and a low one in Colombia; (2) there is a favorable acceptance of a geothermal project in each country, even when hydraulic stimulation is considered; (3) environmental aspects and community safety are the most important issues that must be addressed to support a pilot geothermal project