University of Córdoba (Spain)

About: University of Córdoba (Spain) is a education organization based out in Cordova, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 12006 authors who have published 22998 publications receiving 537842 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Córdoba (Spain) & Universidad de Córdoba.

GPR54 and kisspeptin in reproduction

Abstract: Kisspeptins, the peptide products of the KiSS-1 gene, were identified in 2001 as natural ligands of the previously orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR54. They include, among others, metastin and kisspeptin-10. The known biological functions of kisspeptins were initially restricted to their ability to suppress tumour metastasis, hence the name of metastin. However, in late 2003, two groups independently reported that loss-of-function mutations of the GPR54 gene are linked to absence of puberty onset and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in humans—a phenotype that was reproduced in GPR54-null mice. Those seminal observations revealed a totally unexpected, fundamental role of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in control of puberty and reproductive function and boosted an extraordinary interest for the characterization of these novel facets of kisspeptin physiology. Indeed, in the last 2 years, metastin and kisspeptin-10 have been demonstrated as very potent stimulators of the gonadotrophic axis, in a number of species and through different routes of administration. In addition, the hypothalamic KiSS-1/GPR54 system has been proven as an essential gatekeeper of GnRH neurons, involved in their activation at puberty and their regulation by gonadal steroids and (probably) metabolic factors. This review comprehensively examines the experimental evidence obtained to date supporting a pivotal role of kisspeptins and GPR54 in the control of reproduction.

Biorefinery of waste orange peel

Abstract: Up to comparatively recently orange peel and the associated residual remnants of membranes resulting from juice extraction represented a significant disposal problem, especially in those regions where orange cultivation is a major industry. However, recent research has demonstrated that orange peel waste represents a potentially valuable resource that can be developed into high value products. These developments are critically reviewed in this article. This includes a summary of the chemical composition of the substrate and an assessment of the range of applications in which the peel is deployed. Utilization as a substrate to produce animal feed, fertilizer, essential oils, pectin, ethanol, methane, industrial enzymes, and single cell protein is discussed. The applications described together with those that will no doubt be developed in the future, represent great opportunities to harness the economical benefit of this agro-industrial waste and to develop even more efficient and sustainable systems. A scheme of integrated utilization of orange peel in a biorefinery approach is discussed together with some prediction of further necessary research.

Iron oxides and organic matter on soil phosphorus availability

Abstract: A continua expansao da producao agricola tem levado a uma crescente demanda de fertilizantes fosfatados. O conhecimento da dinâmica do fosforo no solo e suas interacoes com oxidos de ferro e materia orgânica podem ser uteis no desenvolvimento de estrategias eficientes para o manejo sustentavel, especialmente em um cenario de crescente escassez de fontes de minerais fosfatados. Nesta revisao bibliografica foi abordado a relacao do fosforo com oxidos de ferro e materia orgânica, e seu efeito na disponibilidade de fosforo. As culturas, normalmente, obtem fosfato de minerais intemperizados ou fertilizantes dissolvidos. No entanto, a quantidade de fosforo presente na solucao do solo depende das reacoes de adsorcao e dessorcao por oxidos de ferro, as quais podem ser influenciadas por interacoes com a materia orgânica. Portanto, os sistemas de recomendacao de fertilizantes com base em metodologias que consideram as interacoes entre componentes do solo, tais como oxidos e materia orgânica, e a capacidade de adsorcao de fosforo, resultantes de tais interacoes (por exemplo, analise de P remanescente), pode ser mais confiavel para garantir o uso eficiente e racional de fertilizantes fosfatados.

An Acid-Induced Phase Cloud Point Separation Approach Using Anionic Surfactants for the Extraction and Preconcentration of Organic Compounds

Abstract: The acid-induced liquid−liquid phase separation of anionic surfactants in aqueous solutions, and its applicability to cloud point extraction methodology, were examined. The phase diagrams obtained (e.g., [HCl] vs [surfactant]) consisted of three regions: a homogeneous liquid region, two coexisting isotropic phases, and a solid region. The breadth of each region was found to depend on the surfactant structure. The behavior of each phase was also examined in relation to temperature and added salts. The anionic surfactants investigated were sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (SDBSA), sodium dodecanesulfonic acid (SDSA), and sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate (Aerosol OT). The use of anionic surfactant-mediated phase separations provided very high extraction efficiencies (80−100%) for pyrene in aqueous samples and various PAHs in a certified reference material (dried sewage sludge). The preconcentration factor achieved was found to be a function of both surfactant and acid concentrati...

SRT2104 extends survival of male mice on a standard diet and preserves bone and muscle mass

Abstract: Increased expression of SIRT1 extends the lifespan of lower organisms and delays the onset of age-related diseases in mammals. Here, we show that SRT2104, a synthetic small molecule activator of SIRT1, extends both mean and maximal lifespan of mice fed a standard diet. This is accompanied by improvements in health, including enhanced motor coordination, performance, bone mineral density, and insulin sensitivity associated with higher mitochondrial content and decreased inflammation. Short-term SRT2104 treatment preserves bone and muscle mass in an experimental model of atrophy. These results demonstrate it is possible to design a small molecule that can slow aging and delay multiple age-related diseases in mammals, supporting the therapeutic potential of SIRT1 activators in humans.