Ultra-microporous adsorbents prepared from vine shoots-derived biochar with high CO2 uptake and CO2/N2 selectivity

There is a growing interest in developing renewable biomass-based adsorbents to be used in numerous applications, including CO2 capture in postcombustion conditions. In the present study, several activated carbons (ACs) were produced from vine shoots-derived biochar through both physical and chemical activation using CO2 and KOH, respectively. The performance of these ACs was tested in terms of CO2 uptake capacity at an absolute pressure of 15 kPa and at different temperatures (0, 25, and 75 °C), apparent selectivity towards CO2 over N2, and isosteric heat of adsorption. At 25 °C, the chemically ACs with KOH impregnation exhibited the highest CO2 adsorption capacity, which was similar or even higher than those recently reported for a number of carbon-based adsorbents. However, the AC prepared through physical activation with CO2 at 800 °C and a soaking time of 1 h appears as the most promising adsorbent analyzed here, due to its higher CO2 uptake capacity and adsorption rate at relatively high temperature (75 °C), its relatively high selectivity at this temperature, and its apparently low energy demand for regeneration. Given that physical activation with CO2 is more feasible at industrial scale than chemical activation using corrosive alkalis, the results reported here are encouraging for further development of vine shoots-derived adsorbents

Vascular smooth muscle contraction in hypertension

Hypertension is a major risk factor for many common chronic diseases, such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, vascular dementia and chronic kidney disease. Pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the development of hypertension include increased vascular resistance, determined in large part by reduced vascular diameter due to increased vascular contraction and arterial remodelling. These processes are regulated by complex interacting systems such as the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), sympathetic nervous system, immune activation and oxidative stress, which influence vascular smooth muscle function. Vascular smooth muscle cells are highly plastic and in pathological conditions undergo phenotypic changes from a contractile to a proliferative state. Vascular smooth muscle contraction is triggered by an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), promoting actin-myosin cross-bridge formation. Growing evidence indicates that contraction is also regulated by calcium-independent mechanisms involving RhoA-Rho kinase (ROCK), protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, reactive oxygen species and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Activation of immune/inflammatory pathways and noncoding RNAs are also emerging as important regulators of vascular function. Vascular smooth muscle cell [Ca2+]i, not only determines the contractile state but also influences activity of many calcium-dependent transcription factors and proteins thereby impacting the cellular phenotype and function. Perturbations in vascular smooth muscle cell signaling and altered function influence vascular reactivity and tone, important determinants of vascular resistance and blood pressure. Here we discuss mechanisms regulating vascular reactivity and contraction in physiological and pathophysiological conditions and highlight some new advances in the field, focusing specifically on hypertension

Special study: Legal transition programme review

This study is an evaluation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Legal Transition Programme’s activities from 2001-2011, through a review of a sample of 30 legal reform projects and advisory projects in Armenia, Hungary, Mongolia, Russia and Serbia. It was conducted by the Evaluation department in conjunction with three external experts: Professor Douglas Arner (University of Hong Kong), Professor Charles Booth (University of Hawaii) and Professor Gordon Walker (LaTrobe University). Overall the programme was found to be successful due to its compatibility with the Bank’s activities and highly relevant due to its support of the Bank’s investments through contributions to legal improvements. The programme’s projects have made a core contribution to the transition process, influencing domestic policy formulation and contributing to stronger free market economies. The transition impact and sustainability of the programme was found to be excellent.published_or_final_versio

Using Neuromyths to Explore Educator Cognition: A Mouse-Tracking Paradigm

Current theories of knowledge acquisition suggest that newlylearned knowledge does not always supplant prior knowledge,even when newly learned knowledge repairs errors. Newknowledge may suppress prior knowledge, particularly foroverlearned, explicit responses, creating internal competitionbetween knowledge elements. Competition between new and priorknowledge may be one reason misconceptions are highly resistantto repair. The present study examines misconceptions in a specificdomain: pre-service educators’ beliefs about neuromyths.Addressing misconceptions in pre-service educators is importantbecause these misconceptions are likely to be transmitted tostudents and may reduce the effectiveness of instruction. Acomputer mouse-tracking paradigm measured explicit beliefs inneuromyths as well as implicit uncertainty during thedecision-making process. The findings demonstrated thatpre-service educators often endorsed neuromyths but wereuncertain about the veracity of neurofacts. These findings add toour knowledge of misconceptions, their durability, anddemonstrate a need to address misconceptions in educatorpreparation

Patterns of Recent Natural Selection on Genetic Loci Associated with Sexually Differentiated Human Body Size and Shape Phenotypes

Levels of sex differences for human body size and shape phenotypes are hypothesized to have adaptively reduced following the agricultural transition as part of an evolutionary response to relatively more equal divisions of labor and new technology adoption. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by studying genetic variants associated with five sexually differentiated human phenotypes: height, body mass, hip circumference, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. We first analyzed genome-wide association (GWAS) results for UK Biobank individuals (~194,000 females and ~167,000 males) to identify a total of 114,199 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with at least one of the studied phenotypes in females, males, or both sexes (P \u3c 5x10-8). From these loci we then identified 3,016 SNPs (2.6%) with significant differences in the strength of association between the female- and male-specific GWAS results at a low false-discovery rate (FDR \u3c 0.001). Genes with known roles in sexual differentiation are significantly enriched for co-localization with one or more of these SNPs versus SNPs associated with the phenotypes generally but not with sex differences (2.73-fold enrichment; permutation test; P = 0.0041). We also confirmed that the identified variants are disproportionately associated with greater phenotype effect sizes in the sex with the stronger association value. We then used the singleton density score statistic, which quantifies recent (within the last ~3,000 years; post-agriculture adoption in Britain) changes in the frequencies of alleles underlying polygenic traits, to identify a signature of recent positive selection on alleles associated with greater body fat percentage in females (permutation test; P = 0.0038; FDR = 0.0380), directionally opposite to that predicted by the sex differences reduction hypothesis. Otherwise, we found no evidence of positive selection for sex difference-associated alleles for any other trait. Overall, our results challenge the longstanding hypothesis that sex differences adaptively decreased following subsistence transitions from hunting and gathering to agriculture

Genetic Predisposition for Type 2 Diabetes, but Not for Overweight/Obesity, Is Associated with a Restricted Adipogenesis

BACKGROUND: Development of Type 2 diabetes, like obesity, is promoted by a genetic predisposition. Although several genetic variants have been identified they only account for a small proportion of risk. We have asked if genetic risk is associated with abnormalities in storing excess lipids in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We recruited 164 lean and 500 overweight/obese individuals with or without a genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes or obesity. Adipose cell size was measured in biopsies from the abdominal adipose tissue as well as insulin sensitivity (HOMA index), HDL-cholesterol and Apo AI and Apo B. 166 additional non-obese individuals with a genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes underwent a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp to measure insulin sensitivity. Genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes, but not for overweight/obesity, was associated with inappropriate expansion of the adipose cells, reduced insulin sensitivity and a more proatherogenic lipid profile in non-obese individuals. However, obesity per se induced a similar expansion of adipose cells and dysmetabolic state irrespective of genetic predisposition. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes, but not obesity, is associated with an impaired ability to recruit new adipose cells to store excess lipids in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, thereby promoting ectopic lipid deposition. This becomes particularly evident in non-obese individuals since obesity per se promotes a dysmetabolic state irrespective of genetic predisposition. These results identify a novel susceptibility factor making individuals with a genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes particularly sensitive to the environment and caloric excess

Free fatty acids link metabolism and regulation of the insulin-sensitizing fibroblast growth factor-21

OBJECTIVE—Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 improves insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in obese or diabetic animal models, while human studies revealed increased FGF-21 levels in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Given that FGF-21 has been suggested to be a peroxisome proliferator–activator receptor (PPAR) –dependent regulator of fasting metabolism, we hypothesized that free fatty acids (FFAs), natural agonists of PPAR, might modify FGF-21 levels. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The effect of fatty acids on FGF-21 was investigated in vitro in HepG2 cells. Within a randomized controlled trial, the effects of elevated FFAs were studied in 21 healthy subjects (13 women and 8 men). Within a clinical trial including 17 individuals, the effect of insulin was analyzed using an hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and the effect of PPAR activation was studied subsequently in a rosiglitazone treatment trial over 8 weeks. RESULTS—Oleate and linoleate increased FGF-21 expression and secretion in a PPAR-dependent fashion, as demonstrated by small-interfering RNA–induced PPAR knockdown, while palmitate had no effect. In vivo, lipid infusion induced an increase of circulating FGF-21 in humans, and a strong correlation between the change in FGF-21 levels and the change in FFAs was observed. An artificial hyperinsulinemia, which was induced to delineate the potential interaction between elevated FFAs and hyperinsulinemia, revealed that hyperinsulinemia also increased FGF-21 levels in vivo, while rosiglitazone treatment had no effect. CONCLUSIONS—The results presented here offer a mechanism explaining the induction of the metabolic regulator FGF-21 in the fasting situation but also in type 2 diabetes and obesity

Vascular smooth muscle contraction in hypertension

Hypertension is a major risk factor for many common chronic diseases, such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, vascular dementia, and chronic kidney disease. Pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the development of hypertension include increased vascular resistance, determined in large part by reduced vascular diameter due to increased vascular contraction and arterial remodelling. These processes are regulated by complex-interacting systems such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system, immune activation, and oxidative stress, which influence vascular smooth muscle function. Vascular smooth muscle cells are highly plastic and in pathological conditions undergo phenotypic changes from a contractile to a proliferative state. Vascular smooth muscle contraction is triggered by an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), promoting actin–myosin cross-bridge formation. Growing evidence indicates that contraction is also regulated by calcium-independent mechanisms involving RhoA-Rho kinase, protein Kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling, reactive oxygen species, and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Activation of immune/inflammatory pathways and non-coding RNAs are also emerging as important regulators of vascular function. Vascular smooth muscle cell [Ca2+]i not only determines the contractile state but also influences activity of many calcium-dependent transcription factors and proteins thereby impacting the cellular phenotype and function. Perturbations in vascular smooth muscle cell signalling and altered function influence vascular reactivity and tone, important determinants of vascular resistance and blood pressure. Here, we discuss mechanisms regulating vascular reactivity and contraction in physiological and pathophysiological conditions and highlight some new advances in the field, focusing specifically on hypertension

Cisplatin and Oxaliplatin Toxicity: Importance of Cochlear Kinetics as a Determinant for Ototoxicity

Background Cisplatin is a commonly used platinum anti-cancer drug. Regrettably cisplatin has dose-limiting ototoxic side effects, e.g. the drug can induce an irreversible hearing loss. The ototoxic mechanisms of cisplatin have not been elucidated in the human ear and no clinically useful oto-protectors are yet available. Cisplatin is a necessary part of many treatment regimes. Its beneficial therapeutic effects might be reduced if cisplatin was excluded from the treatment in order to protect the hearing function. In this work the ototoxic effects of cisplatin are studied with the aim to better understand the mechanisms behind the irreversible hearing loss induced by this drug. Oxaliplatin is a second generation platinum-derivative anti-cancer drug, free from ototoxic side effects in clinical practice. The effects of oxaliplatin on the inner ear have been studied in this work and the results are compared with cisplatin treatment. The two drugs differ regarding both anti-cancer effects and side effects, which could be attributed to differences in pharmacokinetic factors, cellular uptake and apoptotic mechanisms. The thioredoxin redox system with the enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) was studied in cochleae due to a suggested DNA-independent apoptotic mechanism of the hair cells. The cochlear pharmacokinetics of cisplatin was assessed and the transport protein organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) was studied in relation to the ototoxic effect of cisplatin. Material and methods Cultured human colon carcinoma cells and cell cultures of rat organ of Corti were used for apoptosis studies in vitro following exposure to cisplatin and oxaliplatin. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin were administered i.v. to guinea pigs, followed by in vivo sampling of blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and scala tympani (ST) perilymph. Liquid chromatography with post-column derivatization was used to determine the concentration of parent drug in the samples. Electrophysiological hearing thresholds and the loss of hair cells were assessed to evaluate their ototoxic effects. Phenformin, a potential blocker of OCT2 was administered and the ototoxic side effect of cisplatin was evaluated. For immunohistochemical studies, cochlea from rat, guinea pig and pig were used, where TrxR and OCT2 were evaluated in the cochlea. TrxR-assays were used to measure the TrxR activity in cochlear tissue, both in vivo and in vitro. Results The results from the in vitro studies showed that addition of either cisplatin or oxaliplatin to the culture medium in organ of Corti cell cultures caused a similar amount of outer hair cell loss and inhibition of TrxR activity. Cisplatin exposure to cultured human colon carcinoma cells also reduced the activity of TrxR. The results from the in vivo studies showed that a considerable concentration of cisplatin was present in ST perilymph as compared with weak concentrations of oxaliplatin after high dose oxaliplatin i.v. Ten minutes after cisplatin administration, its concentration in ST perilymph was 4-fold higher in the basal turn of the cochlea as compared to the apex. Cisplatin could be analysed in ST perilymph for up to 120 min. Phenformin i.v. did not reduce the ototoxic side-effect of cisplatin. Positive immunoreactivity to TrxR was evident in both hair cells and spiral ganglion cells. Futhermore, OCT2 was expressed in the supporting cells of organ of Corti and in the spiral ganglion cells. Conclusion The transport of cisplatin to the vulnerable cells of hearing seems to be of major importance for the ototoxic effects. An early high concentration of cisplatin in the base of the cochlea and delayed elimination of cisplatin from ST perilymph may be related to the cisplatin-induced loss of outer hair cells in the basal turn of the cochlea. Cisplatin and oxaliplatin both cause similar ototoxic effects when the organ of Corti is directly exposed in vitro. The thioredoxin redox system with the TrxR enzyme may well play a critical role in cisplatininduced ototoxicity. The presence of OCT2 in the supporting cells indicates that this transport protein is primarily not involved in the uptake of cisplatin from the systemic circulation but rather from the deeper compartments of the cochlea. The knowledge elicited in this work will hopefully suggest objectives for further studies in order to develop oto-protective treatments to preserve the hearing of cisplatin treated patients

Genome-wide association study of adipocyte lipolysis in the GENetics of adipocyte lipolysis (GENiAL) cohort.

OBJECTIVES:Lipolysis, hydrolysis of triglycerides to fatty acids in adipocytes, is tightly regulated, poorly understood, and, if perturbed, can lead to metabolic diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes. The goal of this study was to identify the genetic regulators of lipolysis and elucidate their molecular mechanisms. METHODS:Adipocytes from abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were isolated and were incubated without (spontaneous lipolysis) or with a catecholamine (stimulated lipolysis) to analyze lipolysis. DNA was extracted and genome-wide genotyping and imputation conducted. After quality control, 939 samples with genetic and lipolysis data were available. Genome-wide association studies of spontaneous and stimulated lipolysis were conducted. Subsequent in vitro gene expression analyses were used to identify candidate genes and explore their regulation of adipose tissue biology. RESULTS:One locus on chromosome 19 demonstrated genome-wide significance with spontaneous lipolysis. 60 loci showed suggestive associations with spontaneous or stimulated lipolysis, of which many influenced both traits. In the chromosome 19 locus, only HIF3A was expressed in the adipocytes and displayed genotype-dependent gene expression. HIF3A knockdown in vitro increased lipolysis and the expression of key lipolysis-regulating genes. CONCLUSIONS:In conclusion, we identified a genetic regulator of spontaneous lipolysis and provided evidence of HIF3A as a novel key regulator of lipolysis in subcutaneous adipocytes as the mechanism through which the locus influences adipose tissue biology