Obesity and weight loss could alter the properties of adipose stem cells?

The discovery that adipose tissue represents an interesting source of multipotent stem cells has led to many studies exploring the clinical potential of these cells in cell-based therapies. Recent advances in understanding the secretory capacity of adipose tissue and the role of adipokines in the development of obesity and associated disorders have added a new dimension to the study of adipose tissue biology in normal and diseased states. Subcutaneous adipose tissue forms the interface between the clinical application of regenerative medicine and the establishment of the pathological condition of obesity. These two facets of adipose tissue should be understood as potentially related phenomena. Because of the functional characteristics of adipose stem cells, these cells represent a fundamental tool for understanding how these two facets are interconnected and could be important for therapeutic applications. In fact, adipose tissue stem cells have multiple functions in obesity related to adipogenic, angiogenic and secretory capacities. In addition, we have also previously described a predominance of larger blood vessels and an adipogenic memory in the subcutaneous adipose tissue after massive weight loss subsequent to bariatric surgery(ex-obese patients). Understanding the reversibility of the behavior of adipose stem cells in obeses and in weight loss is relevant to both physiological studies and the potential use of these cells in regenerative medicine.

Trypanosoma cruzi invasion in non-phagocytic cells:an ultrastructural study

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease.This parasite requires the intracellular niche in order to proliferate and disseminate the infection.After invasion,T.cruzi resides temporarily in an acidic vacuole which is lysed by a not well-understood mechanism.Transmission electron microscopy was used to describe the process of T.cruzi escape from the parasitophorous vacuole over the time.Using HeLa(non-professional phagocytic cells)as host cell,we observed that recently internalized parasites reside in a membrane-bounded vacuole.A few hours later,the first sign of vacuole disruption appeared as membrane discontinuities.This observation was followed by a progressive vacuole swelling as evidenced by an electron-lucent halo between the parasite and the vacuole membrane.Apparently,the vacuole membrane remnants reorganized as small vesicles that eventually disappeared from the vicinity of the parasites.Finally,parasites reach the host cell cytosol where replication takes place.The thorough ultrastructural description of this process set the base for a comprehensive understanding of the parasite-host cell interaction and,thus open the possibility of new therapeutic intervention strategies.

Microalgae Lipid and Biodiesel Production: A Brazilian Challenge

Global increases in atmospheric CO2 and climate change are drawing considerable attention to identify sources of energy with lower environmental impact than those currently in use. Biodiesel production from microalgae lipids can, in the future, occupy a prominent place in energy generation because it represents a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuels. Several species of microalgae produce large amounts of lipids per biomass unit. Triacylglycerol is the fatty acid used for biodiesel production and the main source of energy reserves in microalgae. The current literature indicates that nutrient limitations can lead to triacylglycerol accumulation in different species of microalgae. Further efforts in microalgae screening for biodiesel production are needed to discover a native microalgae that will be feasible for biodiesel production in terms of biomass productivity and oil. This revision focuses in the biotechnological potential and viability of biodiesel production from microalgae. Brazil is located in a tropical region with high light rates and adequate average temperatures for the growth of microalgae. The wide availability of bodies of water and land will allow the country to produce renewable energy from microalgae.

Effect of Ultra-Turrax on Nanocellulose Produced by Acid Hydrolysis and Modified by Nano ZnO by Sol-Gel Method

Cellulose nanocrystals (NCC) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were obtained by a single step process, with synergy between 64% sulfuric acid hydrolysis and high shear from ultra-turrax stirring, which is an advantageous process for disintegrating cellulose microcrystalline and also may improve the hydrolysis process. The surface modification on the cellulose was performed by the sol-gel process, in which the sulfate groups from hydrolysis were replaced by nanoparticles of zinc oxide, which led to the increase of up to 54°C Tonset, according to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results. The morphology and crystallinity degree were characterized by Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction. In addition, the ZnO band was observed in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, furthermore, the change in the zeta potential confirmed the cellulose modification. The changes in the values of proton spin-spin relaxation time for the systems showing the confined hydrogen in the rigid domains, confirmed the results observed with the aforementioned techniques, for both cellulose after hydrolysis and ZnO modified cellulose, suggesting that ZnO disrupted crystal formation in cellulose.

Raman scattering study of the phonon dispersion in twisted bilayer graphene

有在层之间的一个扭曲角度的 Bilayer graphene 产生作为一盏 Moir 灯知道的超点阵结构吗？

Nutritional,rheological and sensory properties of butter processed with different mixtures of cow and sheep milk cream

This study assessed the quality parameters and consumer perception and behavior of butter processed with different ratios of cow and sheep milk cream.Cow milk cream butter(CMCB)showed lower moisture content and higher fat content,smaller fat globules,and higher concentrations of long-chain saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids,resulting in improved potential health indices.In addition,CMCB showed yellow color,little salt,and butter taste as the main sensory characteristics,resulting in grateful and good digestibility perceptions.Sheep milk cream addition improved the rheological properties of the products(lower viscosity,consistency index,and rigidity(J0),and higher fluidity and viscoelastic behavior(J1)),mainly due to the increased concentrations of short-chain and medium-chain saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.However,sheep milk cream butter(SMCB)was characterized by a greasy and striking aroma,with a lower perception of good digestibility and good appearance,and a higher bitter taste.The association of cow and sheep milk cream could be an exciting option to obtain products with improved fatty acid profiles,health indices,and yet maintain desired rheological and sensory properties.The formulation with 60%sheep milk cream and 40%cow milk cream would be the suggested combination.