Mixed-Matrix Organo-Silica-Hydrotalcite Membrane for CO Separation Part 1: Synthesis and Analytical Description.

Hydrotalcite exhibits the capability to adsorb CO at elevated temperatures. High surface area and favorable coating properties are essential to harness its potential for practical applications. Stable alcohol-based dispersions are needed for thin film applications of mixed membranes containing hydrotalcite.

Mixed-Matrix Organo-Silica-Hydrotalcite Membrane for CO Separation Part 2: Permeation and Selectivity Study.

This study introduces an innovative approach to designing membranes capable of separating CO from industrial gas streams at higher temperatures. The novel membrane design seeks to leverage a well-researched, high-temperature CO adsorbent, hydrotalcite, by transforming it into a membrane. This was achieved by combining it with an amorphous organo-silica-based matrix, extending the polymer-based mixed-matrix membrane concept to inorganic compounds.

Stanniocalcin-2 inhibits skeletal muscle growth and is upregulated in functional overload-induced hypertrophy.

Aims: Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) has recently been implicated in human muscle mass variability by genetic analysis. Biochemically, STC2 inhibits the proteolytic activity of the metalloproteinase PAPP-A, which promotes muscle growth by upregulating the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. The aim was to examine if STC2 affects skeletal muscle mass and to assess how the IGF axis mediates muscle hypertrophy induced by functional overload.

Localisation and identification of polystyrene particles in tissue sections using Raman spectroscopic imaging.

The uptake of microplastic particles (MPP) by organisms is frequently described and poses a potential risk for these organisms and ultimately for humans either through direct uptake or trophic transfer. Currently, the in-situ detection of MPP in organisms is typically based on histological examination of tissue sections after uptake of fluorescently-labelled MPP and is thus not feasible for environmental samples. The alternative approach is purification of MPP from whole organisms or organs by chemical digestion and subsequent spectroscopic detection (FT-IR or Raman).

PHOSPHO1 is a skeletal regulator of insulin resistance and obesity.

Background: The classical functions of the skeleton encompass locomotion, protection and mineral homeostasis. However, cell-specific gene deletions in the mouse and human genetic studies have identified the skeleton as a key endocrine regulator of metabolism. The bone-specific phosphatase, Phosphatase, Orphan 1 (PHOSPHO1), which is indispensable for bone mineralisation, has been recently implicated in the regulation of energy metabolism in humans, but its role in systemic metabolism remains unclear.