Large Granules Research Articles

Mast Cells in Liver Fibrogenesis.

Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells of the myeloid lineage that are present in the connective tissue throughout the body and in mucosa tissue. They originate from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and circulate as MC progenitors in the blood. After migration to various tissues, they differentiate into their mature form, which is characterized by a phenotype containing large granules enriched in a variety of bioactive compounds, including histamine and heparin. These cells can be activated in a receptor-dependent and -independent manner. Particularly, the activation of the high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor, also known as FcεRI, that is expressed on the surface of MCs provoke specific signaling cascades that leads to intracellular calcium influx, activation of different transcription factors, degranulation, and cytokine production. Therefore, MCs modulate many aspects in physiological and pathological conditions, including wound healing, defense against pathogens, immune tolerance, allergy, anaphylaxis, autoimmune defects, inflammation, and infectious and other disorders. In the liver, MCs are mainly associated with connective tissue located in the surrounding of the hepatic arteries, veins, and bile ducts. Recent work has demonstrated a significant increase in MC number during hepatic injury, suggesting an important role of these cells in liver disease and progression. In the present review, we summarize aspects of MC function and mediators in experimental liver injury, their interaction with other hepatic cell types, and their contribution to the pathogenesis of fibrosis.

Preparation and Characterization of Composites of Hydroxypropyl Tapioca Starch and Zein

AbstractHydroxypropyl tapioca starch and zein composites are prepared and the properties of composites are investigated. Starch granules can readily aggregate in the presence of zein to form large granules more than 30 µm. The total preparation concentration of zein and starch of 45% can be critical, as inferred from the relation between the zein content and the particle size of the composite. An increase of zein content or reaction time allows the starch granules to be adhered with zein, wrapped by zein, or even be embedded in the zein matrix. The characteristic peaks of zein shifting to the lower wavenumber and that of hydrogen bonds moving to higher wavenumbers in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicate the interaction between zein and starch. Zein reduces the viscosity, increases gelatinization temperature, and decreases gelatinization enthalpy of the composites compared with that of starch. This insight may be helpful in designing and preparing composites of zein and starch with promising properties.

ATP-driven reactions are required for the assembly of large stress granules

Stress granules (SGs) are functional messenger ribonucleoprotein aggregates, and their assembly is an important cellular process required for remodeling the signaling network to cope with extensive environmental stresses. SG formation is a stepwise process that involves the formation of a stable core followed by a less stable outer shell, and this process is often hampered by faulty regulation of protein phosphorylation. It remains unclear, however, which kinase activity is essential for SG formation. Here, we screened small molecule library of kinase inhibitors using a well-validated fluorogenic SG probe. Our screen, time-lapse microscopy, and biochemical analyses identified an ATP-mimetic SG inhibitor that selectively interferes with the fusion and growth, rather than the initial assembly, of SG core structures into the large assemblies. Thus, SGs utilize ATP-dependent chemical reactions to achieve their functional architectures.

Mast Cells and Collagen Fibrillogenesis in Zero Gravity Conditions

The aim of research was to study participation of skin mast cells of C57BL/6J mice in the mechanisms of fibrillogenesis under zero gravity conditions.Material and methods. A histochemical study of the skin from the lateral thigh of the C57BL/6J mice exposed aboard the International Space Station for 21–24 days, as well as animals of the control groups – vivarium, baseline and ground, – was performed. Mast cells were detected with an assessment of the secretome participation in collagen fibrillogenesis after protocols of separate and combined histochemical staining with Giemsa’s solution and silver impregnation. Microsections were analyzed using a hardware-software complex based on a ZEISS Axio Imager. A2 research microscope (Carl Zeiss, Germany).Results. Zero-gravity conditions led to a change in the activity of mast cells degranulation and histotopographic localization, a decrease in the content of large granules, a decrease in the cooperation with fibroblast/ fibrocyte and the intensity of fibrillogenesis, a decrease in co-localization with the reticular fibers of the extracellular matrix of the skin tissue, as well as a modification of the intrapopulation interaction. The article discusses possible molecular-cellular causes of changes in the activity of fibrillogenesis and polymerization of tropocollagen molecules into supramolecular fibrous structures in the skin connective tissue aboard the International Space Station.Conclusion. Zero gravity conditions caused an increase in the secretory activity of mast cells in the skin, simulated the processes of intercellular signaling with other representatives of the specific tissue microenvironment, and resulted in the weakening of collagen fibrillogenesis.

Effects of Nitrogen Rates on the Physicochemical Properties of Waxy Maize Starch

AbstractAppropriate nitrogen fertilization is essential for improving grain yield and starch quality, while reducing N fertilizer costs. The starch physicochemical properties of two waxy maize hybrids, namely, Suyunuo5 (SYN5) and Yunuo7 (YN7), under N rates of 0 (zero N application [N0]), 150 (low N rate [LN]), 225 (moderate N rate [MN]), and 300 (high N rate [HN]) kg ha–1 are elucidated. Grain starch content initially increases, peaks at MN, and decreases as N rate is increased. N fertilization reduces the starch granule size of YN7. The starch granule size of SYN5 increases under MN. SYN5 exhibits high short/long amylopectin chain ratios under LN and MN. The short/long amylopectin chain ratio of YN7 is unaffected by MN but is increases by LN and HN. The swelling power of YN7 is similar among different N levels, whereas that of SYN5 increases under N fertilization. N fertilization changes starch pasting and thermal properties. Starch with large granules exhibit high trough, final, and setback viscosities and gelatinization temperatures. Starch with high long‐chain ratios is susceptible to retrogradation. In conclusion, appropriate N application (225 kg ha–1 for SYN5 and 150 kg ha–1 for YN7) favors starch accumulation, and starch has high viscosity and low retrogradation tendency.

1874 Atypical Polyp Within a Diverticula: A Hidden Cancer Copycat

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory granulation polyps inside of a diverticulum are rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of a large inflammatory granulation polyp, which appeared to be a malignant polyp discovered inside of a diverticulum. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 65-year-old Hispanic female with a history of diverticulosis was referred from her primary care provider for a colonoscopy. The patient reported significant weight loss over the past year and had laboratory evidence of iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 11.7 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume 73.4 fL, ferritin 20 ng/mL, iron saturation 12%, TIBC 400 ug/dL). Prior records indicated that the patient underwent a colonoscopy that revealed multiple polyps within her colon. Given her worrisome presentation, a colonoscopy was performed. The colonoscopy was notable for three polyps as well as diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon. Two of the polyps were removed easily and returned as tubular adenoma. However, the third polyp was a large 10-millimeter raised lesion found inside of a diverticulum. The mucosa of the lesion was friable with a central ulcerated indentation, concerning for malignancy. Histology was notable for numerous blood vessels, neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and reactive fibroblasts, consistent with an inflammatory granulation polyp. The patient was referred to colorectal surgery for further evaluation in the setting that endoscopic mucosal resection may not be plausible. DISCUSSION: Granulation polyps are more commonly observed in the setting of inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, as well as in response to other insults such as infectious or ischemic etiologies. These polyps are difficult to distinguish from a neoplasm. Morphologically, they appear friable with overlying ulceration and exudate, mimicking submucosal invasive cancer. Similarly, our polyp had a classic appearance of malignancy as a sessile polyp with a centrally ulcerated indentation, concerning for submucosal invasion. Given the location of this polyp inside of a diverticulum, polypectomy may be technically challenging. Removal can be associated with an increased risk of bleeding or bowel perforation. There is no data regarding the malignant potential of these polyps in the setting of diverticulosis, although in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease, these polyps have intermediate risk. Although diagnosis is based on histology, endoscopists should be aware of this clinical entity and weigh the risks and benefits of resection versus surveillance.

Flowability improvement of soft metal-organic framework particles by wet granulation

Abstract Owing to their step-wise adsorption behavior induced by structural transition, soft metal-organic frameworks (soft MOFs) are used in a wide range of applications. However, they suffer from poor handling performance because of their submicron size. Hence, it is imperative to improve their flowability in order to render them suitable for industrial applications. In this study, we used wet granulation to improve the flowability of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which consists of zinc ions and 2-methylimidazolate linkers and exhibits intra-framework flexibility. A high-shear mixing granulator was employed to carry out the wet granulation of the ZIF-8 particles using water and hydroxypropyl cellulose as the binder. The binder and liquid binder concentrations controlled the granule size from 100 to 400 μm, regardless of the primary diameters of the ZIF-8 particles. In addition, the larger granules showed significant improvement in the flowability. The adsorption capacity of the ZIF-8 granules decreased slightly with an increase in the binder concentration. On the other hand, the gate adsorption behavior of ZIF-8 remained almost unchanged even after the granulation process.

Sperm cell ultrastructure of the haplosplanchnid Haplosplanchnus caudatus (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) – An intestinal parasite of Mugil cephalus, and its potential phylogenetic application

The ultrastructural characters of mature spermatozoon of the digenean Haplosplanchnus caudatus were described by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Live parasites were collected from the digestive tract of flathead grey mullet Mugil cephalus (Teleostei: Mugilidae) caught off the Gulf of Gabes in La Chebba (Tunisia). The present study provides the first ultrastructural data on a digenean belonging to the superfamily Haplosplanchnoidea. The spermatozoon of H. caudatus is a filiform cell which exhibits: (i) two axonemes with the 9+‘1’pattern of trepaxonematan Platyhelminthes having about the same length, (ii) an external ornamentation of the plasma membrane associated with cortical microtubules and located in the anterior part of the sperm cell, (iii) spine-like bodies, (iv) two mitochondria containing large mitochondrial matrix granules, (v) a nucleus, and (vi) granules of glycogen irregularly distributed. Moreover, the spermatozoon of H. caudatus displays the Quilichini et al.’s cryptogonimid type of posterior extremity. The mitochondrial matrix granules are described for the first time in a digenean sperm cell.

Effect of Heat-Moisture Treatment on Physicochemical, Thermal, Morphological, and Structural Properties of Mechanically Activated Large A- and Small B-Wheat Starch Granules.

The large and small granules of A-starch (AS) and B-starch (BS) were separated from wheat cultivar of ZM 22. It was modified by ball-milling (BM) and heat-moisture treatment (HMT) was performed after BM treatment. After BM, noticeable deformation, fragments, fissures, and grooves were observed, whereas diffusion and aggregation were detected and followed by HMT. Crystallinity of AS-BM-5h decreased to 7.8%, and no diffraction peaks were observed for BS. However, after HMT, the crystallinity of AS-BM-5h and BS-BM-5h was increased to 17.4% and 6.2%, respectively. AS-BM-HMT displayed better thermal stability. After being treated by BM previously, AS and BS showed an increase in solubility, whereas the subsequent HMT of BM-treated starches (both AS and BS) had higher solubility especially for BS with longer BM treatment time. Large-sized granules were easier to be damaged by BM, whereas small-sized granules were greatly influenced by HMT. Dual modification of BM-HMT was an effective and potential method to modify the structure of wheat starch granules and expand its industrial applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study put forward a new dual modification method in combination with BM-HMT for large A-starch and small B-starch granules. Flour processing inevitably causes some starch to be damaged by destroying the structure. How can the damaged starch structure be improved to satisfy the food processing industry? HMT was proposed to modify the mechanically activated starches because of its obvious effects on smaller BS. HMT can reduce the content of damaged starch by rearranging and reorganizing its structures. This study can provide a low-cost, convenient, and eco-friendly technology for improving damaged starch and developing its applications in food industry.

Accurate quantification of small and large starch granules in barley and malt

The proportion of small and large starch granules in barley and malt is often neglected, leading to underestimation of their importance in processes in which they are used. This study aimed to accurately determine the volume and number based percentages of small and large starch granules for three barley varieties, their micro-malted malts and three commercial malts. Quantitative starch isolation was performed and starch granule proportions were estimated using microscopic and image analysis, taking the non-sphericity of the large starch granules into account. Results show that barley starch consists of 32–39 volume% of small starch granules. Upon malting, this percentage is reduced to 17–27 volume%, showing that small granules are hydrolyzed faster than large granules during this process. The analyzed commercial malt samples have a small starch granule content of 22–25 volume%. Malt hence still contains a substantial amount of small starch granules, which can be expected to impact processing.

Impact of EPS and chitosan combination on enhancement of anaerobic granule quality during simultaneous microbial adaptation and granulation

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe main problem for the formation of anaerobic granule in a short period is synchronization between good physicochemical and microbial characteristics. This study aims to investigate the formation of anaerobic granule with good physicochemical and microbial characteristics using simultaneous granulation and microbial adaptation to syntroph‐specific substrate.RESULTSSimultaneous microbial adaptation to propionate along with granulation successfully enhanced the activities and the populations of syntroph‐related microbial groups, such as propionate‐utilizing microorganism and hydrogenotrophic methanogens (HTMs). The development of granules in chitosan‐added reactor (R2) was accelerated in shorter period, and larger granules (>1000 μm) were seen in a higher percentage than those in control reactor (R1). In addition, the granules in R2 exhibited better physicochemical characteristics: granule percentage of 52.8%, mean particle diameter of 535 μm, and sludge volume index of 23 mL g−1 suspended solids. During early granulation, protein‐extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and chitosan dominated granule formation in R1 and R2, respectively. However, the increase of polysaccharide‐EPS at high organic loading rate improved the morphology and stability of granule in both the reactors. A remarkable result was seen for the granules in R2, showing a multi layered‐structure that consisted of Methanosarcinales and Smithella sp. at the inner and middle/outer layers, respectively. While HTMs were spatially distributed nearby with acetogens.CONCLUSIONAnaerobic granulation using the combined effect of EPS and chitosan during simultaneous granulation and adaptation on the syntroph‐specific substrate did not only lead to the development of large and dense granules but also granules with high syntroph activity, high settling ability, and multilayered structure. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Synthesis of Composite Material in Al–Ti–B System during Combustion of Titanium and Boron Powders and Aluminum-Clad Granules of VT6 Alloy

Abstract—Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) in the combustion mode was carried out in the mixtures consisting of titanium fine powders with dendritic particles and amorphous boron, Ti + 2B, with addition of aluminum-clad large spherical granules of titanium alloy VT6. The aim of the study was to obtain a composite material in one technological stage by SHS in the Al–Ti–B system. The synthesis in the combustion wave occurred stage-by-stage. Initially, a chemical reaction took place between boron and fine titanium; it resulted in a boride framework around large clad particles. Simultaneously, this reaction acted as a “chemical stove,” causing heating and melting of the cladding layer and the subsequent reaction of aluminum with titanium alloy granules. The melt appearing during the reaction in the clad granules spread along the pores and capillaries into the boride matrix. The nonmonotonic shape of the recorded thermograms reflects the stages of the synthesis process and the heterogeneity of the reacting mixtures. The synthesized material has a developed porous and composite structure, which can be seen from elemental, microstructural, and phase analyses. There are four scales in the pore size in the combustion product. Large spherical pores appear at the place of the granules. Owing to layer-by-layer compaction of the mixture, the ordered arrangement of coarse particles in the initial compacts causes an ordered arrangement of macropores in the synthesis product.

Complex insight on microanatomy of larval \u201chuman broad tapeworm\u201d Dibothriocephalus latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea)

BackgroundIn Europe, the tapeworm Dibothriocephalus latus (syn. Diphyllobothrium latum) is a well-known etiological agent of human diphyllobothriosis, which spreads by the consumption of raw fish flesh infected by plerocercoids (tapeworm’s larval stage). However, the process of parasite establishment in both intermediate and definitive hosts is poorly understood. This study was targeted mainly on the scolex (anterior part) of the plerocercoid of this species, which facilitates penetration of the parasite in intermediate paratenic fish hosts, and subsequently its attachment to the intestine of the definitive host.MethodsPlerocercoids were isolated from the musculature of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) caught in Italian alpine lakes. Parasites were examined using confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunofluorescence tagging was held on whole mount larvae.ResultsThe organisation of the central and peripheral nervous system was captured in D. latus plerocercoids, including the ultrastructure of the nerve cells possessing large dense neurosecretory granules. Two types of nerve fibres run from the body surface toward the nerve plexus located in the parenchyma on each side of bothria. One type of these fibres was found to be serotoninergic and possessed large subtegumental nerve cell bodies. A well-developed gland apparatus, found throughout the plerocercoid parenchyma, produced heterogeneous granules with lucent core packed in a dense layer. Three different types of microtriches occurred on the scolex and body surface of plerocercoids of D. latus: (i) uncinate spinitriches; (ii) coniform spinitriches; and (iii) capilliform filitriches. Non-ciliated sensory receptors were observed between the distal cytoplasm of the tegument and the underlying musculature.ConclusionsConfocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) showed the detailed microanatomy of the nervous system in the scolex of plerocercoids, and also several differences in the larval stages compared with adult D. latus. These features, i.e. well-developed glandular system and massive hook-shaped uncinate spinitriches, are thus probably required for plerocercoids inhabiting fish hosts and also for their post-infection attachment in the human intestine.

Biogas Production and Fundamental Mass Transfer Mechanism in Anaerobic Granular Sludge

Anaerobic granules are responsible for organic degradation and biogas production in a reactor. The biogas production is entirely dependent on a mass transfer mechanism, but so far, the fundamental understanding remains poor due to the covered surface of the reactor. The study aimed at investigating the fundamental mass transfer characteristics of single anaerobic granules of different sizes using microscopic imaging and analytical monitoring under single and different organic loadings. The experiment was conducted in a micro reactor and mass transfer was calculated using modified Fick’s law. Scanning electron microscopy was applied to observe biogas production zones in the granule, and a lab-scale microscope equipped with a camera revealed the biogas bubble detachment process in the micro reactor for the first time. In this experiment, the granule size was 1.32, 1.47, and 1.75 mm, but 1.75 mm granules were chosen for further investigation due to their large size. The results revealed that biogas production rates for 1.75 mm granules at initial Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) 586, 1700, and 6700 mg/L were 0.0108, 0.0236, and 0.1007 m3/kg COD, respectively; whereas the mass transfer rates were calculated as 1.83 × 10−12, 5.30 × 10−12, and 2.08 × 10−11 mg/s. It was concluded that higher organic loading and large granules enhance the mass transfer inside the reactor. Thus, large granules should be preferred in the granule-based reactor to enhance biogas production.

Effect of pruning strategy on 'Syrah' bud necrosis and fruitfulness in Brazilian subtropical Southeast

The change of wine grape harvest from wet season (summer) to dry season (winter) by changing the pruning management has improved quality of wines produced in the Brazilian Southeast. However, the vines need to be spur pruned twice a year, i.e. with a 1st pruning in August (winter pruning) for a vegetative cycle during the hot and wet summer, and a 2nd pruning in January (summer pruning) for a productive cycle during the cold and dry season. This double pruning strategy is made necessary by the fact that latent buds developed during the dry season cycle are not fruitful to support a productive cycle in the following year. This histological study, performed in the South of Minas Gerais State (Brazil), showed that annual single pruning done in the wet season (in January) displayed a high rate of necrosis on primary and secondary buds (bud necrosis – BN). In April, 99 days after summer pruning (DASP), the rates of BN were 40 % and 50 % at basal and apical node positions, respectively, reaching 80 % of BN in December (322 DASP). As a consequence of BN, bud potential fertility was drastically reduced from 0.5 inflorescence primordial (IP) per bud (in July) to 0.06 (in December) and bud burst in the next cycle from secondary and tertiary bud axes. Vines managed by double pruning system (submitted to summer and winter pruning) displayed a much higher fruitfulness potential, i.e. 1.46 IP per bud in December (112 days after winter pruning) and limited BN occurrence (20 %). On single pruned vines, we also observed a significant decrease of starch content in canes, trunks and roots. Internal bud anatomy showed that a random cell breakdown started 70 days DASP. At 211 DASP, all buds showed a large starch granule concentration, raphides and crystals of calcium oxalate inside idioblasts of leaf primordia and also in cortical parenchyma of the vegetative axis. The bud starch content was increased and a positive correlation between necrosis and starch accumulation was observed. The impact of carbohydrate availability on bud necrosis development was discussed. This study showed that the necrosis development towards secondary and tertiary axis of the dry season buds is the main reason of unfruitfulness in the vineyards managed by single pruning in the wet season, making the double pruning compulsory.

Laboratory and pilot scale characterization of granular aerogel glazing systems

The paper deals with the experimental characterization of double glazing units with granular aerogel in cavity at laboratory and pilot scale. In the laboratory investigation, three granule sizes and three aerogel layer thicknesses (10–35 mm) were considered. Light transmittance is in the 0.41–0.75 range (the highest values for the highest granule size and the minimum thickness). The U-value is 1.5 W/m2 K with 10 mm aerogel, whereas it decreases to 0.5 W/m2 K when considering 35 mm of aerogel, regardless of the granules size. After a systematic characterization, aerogel with large granules, the most common on the market, was chosen for an investigation at pilot scale. A window composed of two 6 mm clear float glasses and 15 mm aerogel in gap was tested in an experimental field with two boxes, in comparison with a conventional window. Aerogel sample allowed a reduction in the peak value of the indoor temperature of about 8–9 °C during sunny days, while similar values were achieved in the two test boxes during the night.

Flour and starch characteristics of soft wheat cultivars and their effect on cookie quality.

Studies on Argentinian soft wheat cultivars are scarce, although the flours obtained from these wheats are the most suitable for cookie making. This work studies the behavior of the flours obtained from 44 adapted soft wheat lines harvested in two consecutive years for cookie making, focusing on starch properties. Starch granule size distribution, and thermal and pasting properties of flour samples were studied. Large variations in flour and starch characteristics were found between all experimental lines, indicating a wide variability among wheat genotypes and a noticeable effect of crop year conditions. Starch granule size distribution showed the typical bimodal distribution observed for wheat. Flours with higher proportion of large A-type granules were associated with lower damaged starch (DS). As expected, the lower the DS content, the lower the solvent retention capacity, gelatinization temperature and enthalpy, with a positive impact on cookie diameter. Flours from soft wheat genotypes with higher proportion of large A-type granules were associated with lower DS content and reduced water absorption capacity. Both genotype and environment exert an effect on soft wheat flour characteristics.

Mechanistic understanding of the NOB suppression by free ammonia inhibition in continuous flow aerobic granulation bioreactors

A partial nitritation continuous flow reactor (CFR) was operated for eight months demonstrating that partial nitritation granular sludge can remain stable under continuous flow conditions. The ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB)-to-nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) activity ratios were determined for a series of granule sizes to understand the impact of mass diffusion limitation on the free ammonia (FA) inhibition of NOB. When dissolved oxygen (DO) limitation is the only mechanism for NOB suppression, the AOB:NOB ratio was usually found to increase with the granule size. However, the trend is reversed when FA has an inhibitory effect on NOB, as was observed in this study. The decrease in AOB:NOB ratio indicates that smaller granules, e.g. diameter <150 μm, are preferred for nitrite accumulation when high FA concentration is present, as in the partial nitritation process. The trend was further verified by observing the increase in the apparent inhibition coefficient as granule size increased. Indeed, this study for the first time quantified the effect of diffusion limitation on the apparent inhibition coefficient of NOB in aerobic granules. A mathematical model was then utilized to interpret the observed suppression of NOB and predicted that NOB suppression was only complete at the granule surface. The NOB that did survive in larger granules was forced to dwell within the granule interior, where the AOB growth declines due to DO diffusion limitation. This means FA inhibition can be taken advantage of as an effective means for NOB suppression in small granules or thin biofilms. Further, both FA inhibition and DO limitation were found to be required for the suppression of NOB in mainstream aerobic granules.

Fine infrastructure of released and solidified Drosophila larval salivary secretory glue using SEM

The Golgi-derived large secretory granules of Drosophila salivary glands (SGs) constitute the components of the salivary glue secretion (Sgs). The Sgs represents a highly special and unique extracellular composite glue matrix that has not yet been identified outside of Cyclorrhaphous Dipterans. For over half a century, the only major and unambiguously documented function of the larval salivary glands was to produce a large amount of mucinous glue-containing secretory granules that, when released during pupariation, serves to affix the freshly formed puparia to a substrate. Besides initial biochemical characterization of the Sgs proteins and cloning of their corresponding Sgs genes, very little is known about other properties and functions of the Sgs glue. We report here observations on the fine SEM-ultrastructure of the Sgs glue released into to the lumen of SGs, and after it has been expectorated and solidified into the external environment. Surprisingly, in contrast to long held expectations, it appears to be a highly structured bioadhesive mass with an internal spongious to trabecular infrastructure, reflecting the state of its hydratation. We also found that in addition to its cementing properties, it is highly efficient at glueing and trapping microorganisms, and thus may serve a potentially very important immune and defense role. High hydration capacity, the speed by which this glue can dry, uniqueness of its protein composition and spongious infrastructure can provide inspiration for development of potential biomimetics that can attach completely different or incompatible surfaces with high efficiency and strength.

Structural, thermal, and hydrolysis properties of large and small granules from C-type starches of four Chinese chestnut varieties

Large and small granules were separated from C-type starches of four Chinese chestnut varieties growing in the same environment. They had similar amylose contents from 17.7% to 20.2% and showed C-type crystallinity. The large granules had relative crystallinity from 19.2% to 20.3%, ordered degree from 0.672 to 0.706, and lamellar peak intensity from 233.2 to 267.1, but small granules had relative crystallinity from 16.2% to 18.2%, ordered degree from 0.635 to 0.663, and lamellar peak intensity from 201.6 to 213.1. The gelatinization peak temperatures ranged from 62.6 to 65.7 °C in large granules but from 60.3 to 61.7 °C in small granules, and enthalpy variation did from 12.5 to 13.7 J/g in large granules but from 10.1 to 11.7 J/g in small granules. Both large and small granules showed biphasic hydrolysis. Though small granules had significantly higher hydrolysis rate than large granules, but they had similar total hydrolysis extent during whole hydrolysis. The granule size had significantly positive relationships with relative crystallinity, ordered degree, lamellar peak intensity, and gelatinization temperature and enthalpy variation, but was negatively correlated to hydrolysis rate. The principal component analysis was conducted to reveal the interrelationships among different starch properties and the variations among different starches.