Lipodystrophy and obesity are associated with decreased number of T cells with regulatory function and pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype

Background/Objectives:In lipodystrophy (LD) adipose tissue function to store lipids is impaired, leading to metabolic syndrome, similar to that found in obesity. Emerging evidence links dysmetabolism with disorders of the immune system. Our aim is to investigate whether T-cell populations with regulatory function and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are affected by LD and obesity.Subjects/Methods:Blood was collected from 16 LD, 16 obese (OB, BMI>30 kg m -2) and 16 healthy normal-weight women (CNT). Physical parameters, plasma lipid profile, glucose, HbA1c, leptin levels were determined. Flow cytometry was employed to assess the number of circulating CD4 + /CD25 hi regulatory T cells (Tregs) and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Characterization of MDMs included: 1. morphological/oil-Red-O staining analyses to define two morphotypes: lipid laden (LL) and spindle-like (sp) MDM; 2. gene expression studies; 3. use of conditioned medium from MDMs (MDMs CM) on human SGBS cells.Results:As compared to CNT, LD and, to a lesser extent, obesity were associated with reduced Tregs and iNKTs (P<0.001 and P<0.01 for LD and OB, respectively), higher number of LL-MDMs (P<0.001 and P<0.01 for LD and OB, respectively), lower number of sp-MDMs (P<0.001 for both LD and OB), which correlated with increased paracrine stimulation of lipid accumulation in cells (P<0.001 and P<0.01 for LD and OB, respectively). LD MDMs showed decreased and increased expression for anti-inflammatory (IL10 and CD163) and pro-inflammatory (CD68 and CCL20) marker genes, respectively. Analysis of correlation indicated that Tregs are directly related with HDL (P<0.01) and inversely related with LL-MDM (P<0.001) and that LL-MDM are directly related with triglycerides (P<0.01) and oxidized LDL (P<0.01).Conclusions:LD and obesity are associated with changes in the immune system: a significant reduction in the number of T cells with regulatory function and a shift of MDM towards lipid accumulation. Lipid profile of the patients correlates with these changes

Drivers of Store Brand Choice Over National Brands in Times of Crisis: Effect of Marketing Variables and Socio-Demographics

International audienc

Females of a viviparous fish (Skiffia multipunctata) reject males with black colouration

This study investigated whether male body colour is a trait upon which females of Skiffia multipunctata, a viviparous fish of the subfamily Goodeinae, base their choice of potential mate. About 60% of the males in the study had black patches on the sides of their bodies and/or dorsal fins. Patches varied in number, size and distribution. Most males (70% of the fish in the study) had diffuse orange colouration on their flanks, mainly on the peduncle. The hypothesis was that, after controlling for differences in body size, females would choose males with more black or orange colouration than males with less exaggerated patches of colour. However, in contrast to this hypothesis, females preferentially approached the males with less black colouration. Since orange colouration did not have a significant effect on female response, and there was no correlation between black and orange colours on the males in the study, females rejected males with more black colouration rather than preferring males with more orange or other visible colours. These findings indicate that sexual selection by female mate choice is not driving black or orange male body colouration in Skiffia multipunctata

Storage characteristics of microencapsulated extra virgin olive oil powder: physical and chemical properties

WOS: 000406023300031In this study, physical and chemical properties of microencapsulated extra virgin olive oil powder (MEVOP) produced through spray drying were investigated during storage under different temperatures (4, 25 and 60 degrees C). The effect of homogenization methods in terms of rotor-stator (RSH) and ultrasonic (UH) were also examined on MEVOP along storage period. The physical and chemical properties of MEVOP obtained either RSH or UH showed that water activity, tapped density, Carr index (flowability), caking degree, surface oil content, peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acid (FFA) significantly increased, while bulk density, microencapsulation efficiency (ME), total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity significantly decreased during storage at 4, 25 and 60 degrees C. However, as the particle size of MEVOPs stored at 4 degrees C decreased along storage time, particle size of samples stored at 25 and 60 degrees C increased due to increase in surface oil content and particle-particle cohesion. The MEVOPs stored 4 and 25 degrees C had higher particle density compared to the sample stored at 60 degrees C during storage. Rapid changes in antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of MEVOP were also determined during storage with increased storage temperature. There was a significant effect of homogenization method on particle size, for this reason physical and chemical properties of powder changed. When all quality characteristics and oxidative stability were evaluated, MEVOP should be stored at ambient or lower temperature in order to increase its shelf life.TUBITAK-TOVAGTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [111 O 345]; Ege UniversityEge University; Council of Scientific Research ProjectsEge University [2010/MUH/011]; EBILTEMEge University [12-BIL-018]The authors acknowledge TUBITAK-TOVAG (Project Number: 111 O 345), Ege University, Council of Scientific Research Projects (Project Number: 2010/MUH/011) and EBILTEM (Project Number: 12-BIL-018) for financial support

From retail innovation and image to loyalty: moderating effects of product type

This study aims to analyse value-satisfaction-loyalty relationships in retailing by examining the contribution of image and innovation and understanding value as a multidimensional construct. Furthermore, to identify possible differences in these relationships the moderating effect of the type of product marketed in the store is examined. On a sample of 820 customers from four types of stores, SEM methodology and multigroup analysis were applied. The results confirm that image has more influence than innovation on the dimensions of value and that entertainment and excellence are the main antecedents of satisfaction. Some relationships have also been found in which the type of product marketed in the store has a moderating effect