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Abnormal polarization of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) results in low-grade systemic inflammation and insulin resistance (IR), potentially contributing to the development of diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms that regulate the polarization of ATMs associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to determine the effects of abnormal fatty acids on macrophage polarization and development of insulin resistance in GDM. Levels of fatty acids and inflammation were assessed in the serum samples and adipose tissues of patients with GDM. An in vitro cell model treated with palmitic acid was established, and the mechanisms of palmitic acid in regulating macrophage polarization was clarified. The effects of excessive palmitic acid on the regulation of histone methylations and IR were also explored in the high-fat diet induced GDM mice model. We found that pregnancies with GDM were associated with increased levels of serum fatty acids, and inflammation and IR in adipose tissues. Increased palmitic acid could induce mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive ROS levels in macrophages, leading to abnormal cytoplasmic and nuclear metabolism of succinate and α-ketoglutarate (αKG). Specifically, a decreased nuclear αKG/succinate ratio could attenuate the enrichment of H3K27me3 at the promoters of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF -α , leading to cytokine secretion. Importantly, GDM mice treated with GSK-J4, an inhibitor of histone lysine demethylase, were protected from abnormal pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization and excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our findings highlight the importance of the metabolism of αKG and succinate as transcriptional modulators in regulating the polarization of ATMs and the insulin sensitivity of adipose tissue, ensuring a normal pregnancy. This novel insight sheds new light on gestational fatty acid metabolism and epigenetic alterations associated with GDM. Schematic illustration showing how abnormal FFA concentrations regulate M1 type macrophage polarization and insulin resistance in GDM. In women with GDM, the levels of FFAs are elevated. These elevated FFAs can be absorbed by monocytes, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and a decreased ratio of αKG/succinate. The decreased αKG/succinate ratio results in a lower enrichment of H3K27me3 in the promoter of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to M1 type macrophage polarization and insulin resistance in adipose tissues. Thus, elevated FFAs in GDM might induce adipose tissue insulin resistance by promoting macrophage polarization by influencing αKG/succinate metabolism and H3K27me3 modification. [Display omitted] • Pregnancies with GDM are associated with increased levels of serum fatty acid. • Excess PA disturbs macrophage αKG/succinate metabolism and promoters' enrichment of H3K27me3 at pro-inflammatory cytokines. • GDM mice induced by a high-fat diet treated with the GSK-J4 inhibitor partially restore insulin sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) into building structures offers a pathway for passive energy storage, enabling adaptable indoor temperature control and alleviating energy consumption. Despite these advantages, the widespread adoption of PCM in building structures faces challenges due to extended payback periods. In this study, a novel and cost-effective salt hydrate PCM composite, comprised of calcium chloride hexahydrate–potassium chloride (CCH–KCl), was developed. Melamine foam (MF) and strontium chloride hexahydrate (SCH) were synergistically utilized to address phase separation and supercooling issues. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the performance of the developed salt hydrate PCM composite in building partition walls. Specifically, incorporating a 20 mm-thick composite resulted in peak temperature reductions of 0.72 °C during normal operation and 1.01 °C during power outages compared to structures without PCM, accompanied by a substantial reduction in energy consumption by 5376.68 kWh/year. Moreover, the cost of the developed salt hydrate PCM is 89.33 % lower than industrial paraffin, and it reduces CO2 emissions by 1.40 kg/year/m2 compared to paraffin's 1.11 kg/year/m2. In summary, the developed salt hydrate PCM composite exhibits commendable thermal regulation and economic advantages in building applications, serving as a pivotal contributor to emission reduction efforts. [Display omitted] • Phase separation and supercooling issues of salt hydrate PCM were addressed. • Melting temperature of salt hydrate PCM was tailored for passive solar buildings. • Thermo-regulated performance of the salt hydrate PCM was evaluated. • The cost of the developed PCM is 89.33 % lower than that of industrial paraffin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Myofibrillar protein-luteolin vehicle was greenly prepared with a high load capacity. • The differences between ethanol and non-ethanol samples were compared. • Ethanol samples showed superior in vitro antioxidant capacity. • Non-ethanol samples showed superior sustained-release properties. In this study, the highly loaded myofibrillar protein (MP)-luteolin (Lut) complexes were noncovalently constructed by using green high-pressure homogenization technology (HPH) and high-pressure micro-fluidization technology (HPM), aiming to optimize the encapsulation efficiency of flavonoids in the protein-based vehicle without relying on the organic solvent (i.e. DMSO, ethanol, etc.). The loading efficiency of Lut into MPs could reach 100 % with a concentration of 120 μmol/g protein by using HPH (103 MPa, 2 passes) without ethanol adoption. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion behavior and antioxidant activity of the complexes were then compared with those of ethanol-assisted groups. During gastrointestinal digestion, the MP digestibility of complexes, reaching more than 70.56 % after thermal treatment, was higher than that of sole protein. The release profile of Lut encapsulated in ethanol-containing and ethanol-free samples both well fitted with the Hixson-Crowell release kinetic model (R2 = 0.92 and 0.94, respectively), and the total phenol content decreased by ≥ 40.02 % and ≥ 62.62 %, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and Fe2+) of the digestive products was significantly improved by 23.89 %, 159.69 %, 351.12 % (ethanol groups) and 13.43 %, 125.48 %, 213.95 % (non-ethanol groups). The 3 mg/mL freeze-dried digesta significantly alleviated lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. The triglycerides and malondialdehyde contents decreased by at least 57.62 % and 67.74 % after digesta treatment. This study provides an easily approached and environment-friendly strategy to construct a highly loaded protein–flavonoid conjugate, which showed great potential in the formulation of healthier meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inadvertent flow of mildly/moderately oxidized oil into production critically causes quality uncontrollability in food emulsions. In this paper, we explored the effects of oil pre-oxidation (oxidized before emulsification) on the emulsion stability and interfacial properties of two protein emulsifiers (myofibrillar protein, MP; sodium caseinate, SC). These effects were further found to be different dependent on the proteins native structural and physicochemical properties. For MP with a highly structured fibrous conformation, the adsorption capacity, diffusion and rearrangement rate, and dilatational elastic modulus were decreased (by at least 5.74%, 16.25%, 11.21%, 10.04% respectively) at the oxidized-oil/water interface, which were mainly explained by the increased oil polarity and the generated interfacial-active oxidation products that impeded the interfacial unfolding and protein-protein interactions. With an appreciably high adsorbed amount (adsorption ratio >90%), the MP's oxidized-oil emulsion stability was largely determined by the interfacial properties, and thus significantly decreased with oil oxidation (even at the mild oxidation level). In contrast, for SC with a disordered structure, the rearrangement rate and dilatational elastic modulus were similarly decreased (by at least 14.61%, 12.56% respectively) at the oxidized-oil/water interface, while the adsorption capacity and diffusion rate were increased (by at least 5.40%, 13.16% respectively) possibly due to the enhanced hydrogen bonding between the more hydrophilic SC and the higher polarity oil. With a significantly lower adsorbed amount (adsorption ratio <10%), the SC's oxidized-oil emulsion stability was mainly decided by the oil inherent properties but not interfacial performance, which thus significantly increased with oil oxidation (even at the mild level) due to the growing oil polarity and density. These findings highlight that mild oil pre-oxidation could have critical impacts on emulsion stability, and the mechanism exploration provides scientific guidelines for the quality control and rational formulation of labile unsaturated oil-based emulsion foods (e.g. fat substituted emulsified meat products). [Display omitted] • Oxidation increased oil polarity with the generation of interfacial-active products. • Oil pre-oxidation impaired MP emulsion stability but promoted SC emulsion stability. • Oil pre-oxidation impaired rearrangement rate, interfacial film strength of MP and SC. • Adsorption capacity and diffusion rate varied depended on protein properties. • Dispersed-phase and interfacial-film both mattered in affecting emulsion stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Widom lines of four thermodynamic properties of CO2/natural gas mixtures were calculated to study the characteristics of supercritical mixtures at near critical points. • A new Widom line vanishing point criterion based on the coefficient of variation was proposed with a moderate range, clear statistical significance, and a better economy for industrial applications. • Results show that the influence of CO2 concentration on the characteristic of "thermodynamic fluctuations" of the mixture does not increase uniformly, but is positively correlated with concentration. It can be considered that mixtures with xCO 2 = 0 ∼ 0.6 exhibit weak fluctuations. • Results show that different equipment need to avoid different Widom lines and maintain a safe temperature margin about 20 ∼ 30 K. The Widom lines of mixture indicate the abnormal response behavior of properties of mixed supercritical fluid near the critical point, determining operating conditions in supercritical region of ground equipment in CCUS. Peng-Robinson equation (PR-EOS) is used to calculate Widom lines of isothermal compressibility coefficient, isobaric expansion coefficient, isobaric specific heat, and density of CO 2 /natural gas quinary mixture. A new criterion is proposed to calculate the vanishing points of Widom lines using the coefficient of variation (CV) of response function distribution, with a clear statistical meaning and an appropriate range, compared with existing criteria. Based on the new criterion, the effect of CO 2 concentration on the thermodynamic fluctuations in the near-critical region of CO 2 /natural gas mixture is analyzed. It is found that thermodynamic fluctuations of mixture are controlled by CO 2 concentration and fluctuations can be considered relatively weak when CO 2 concentration is below 60 %. The selection and control of operating conditions of pipeline and compressor unit in CCUS application are discussed to cope with the Widom region movement caused by changes in CO 2 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the oils density and viscosity (DV) on the emulsions kinetic stability and destabilization mechanisms were revealed from the perspective of droplets movement and emulsions viscosity. With the extension of storage time, severe creaming (20.20 ± 0.73 × 10−4 mm/s), flocculation and coalescence (7.26 ± 0.82 μm−2 min−1) occurred in emulsions prepared with oils of lowest DV; the extent of creaming (15.90 ± 0.68 × 10−4 mm/s) and coalescence (1.36 ± 0.10 μm−2 min−1) were alleviated upon increasing oils DV, accompanied by the occurrence of acute Ostwald ripening (17.03 ± 1.72 μm3 min−1); and only slight creaming (2.26 ± 0.24 × 10−4 mm/s), flocculation, coalescence (0.70 ± 0.09 μm−2 min−1) and Ostwald ripening (6.14 ± 0.42 μm3 min−1) occurred in emulsions prepared with oils of highest DV. This was because oils with higher DV (especially density) restricted the droplets fluidity due to an increased motion friction, leading to a more homogeneous internal network and a higher apparent/macroscopic viscosity (0.31 ± 0.04 Pa·sn and 0.1 nm−2 s) of emulsions. These impeded the Brownian motion and diffusion of droplets to decrease the collision frequency/efficiency and mass transfer respectively, which in turn conduced to retarding droplets size enlargement and stabilizing the emulsions against different destabilization mechanisms. [Display omitted] • Higher oil density and viscosity (DV) improves emulsions stability. • Oils of high DV increase the emulsion viscosity. • Oils of high DV retard gravitational separation to increase creaming stability. • Oils of high DV delay Brownian motion to increase flocculation/coalescence stability. • Density plays a more decisive role in tuning emulsions viscosity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the following quasilinear chemotaxis model with singular sensitivity and indirect signal production (0.1) u t = ∇ ⋅ (D (u) ∇ u) − χ ∇ ⋅ (u v k ∇ v) + u (a − b u) , t > 0 , x ∈ Ω , v t = Δ v − v + w , t > 0 , x ∈ Ω , w t = Δ w − w + u , t > 0 , x ∈ Ω , under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions in a convex smooth bounded domain Ω ⊂ R N , N ≥ 3 , where, χ , a , b > 0 , k ∈ (0 , 1 2) ∪ (1 2 , 1 ] and D (u) is smooth function satisfying D (u) ≥ (u + 1) α with α > 0. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functional, we prove that if a > χ 2 4 , there exists a positive constant m ∗ such that ∫ Ω u ≥ m ∗. Based on above result, the lower bound estimates for w and v have been established. When b is large enough and α > max { 0 , 1 − 4 N } , we further prove that the system has a global bounded classical solution. Finally, it is shown that the solution exponentially converges to the constant stationary solution (a b , a b , a b) as t → ∞. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics and heavy metals added to livestock and poultry feed are excreted in manure, which is added to agricultural soil and causes severe pollution. However, the effects of oxytetracycline (OTC) and zinc (Zn), which are present at relatively high levels in feed additives, on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and microbial communities have not been comprehensively studied. This study evaluated the effects of OTC and Zn on environmental factors, microorganisms, MGEs, and ARGs. The expression of MGEs in soil was stimulated by adding Zn at concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg/kg or OTC at concentrations of 30 and 100 mg/kg; however, the addition of their combination hindered the expression of MGEs in soil. The abundance of total MGEs and ARGs tended to decrease with increasing concentrations of Zn and OTC and the number of incubation days. Low and high OTC concentrations strongly inhibited sul and tet resistance genes, respectively. Network analysis showed that changes in the population of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria had the greatest impact on ARG abundance. Redundancy analysis revealed that MGEs, particularly intI2 , facilitated the transfer and spread of ARGs and had the greatest impact on changes in ARG abundance. These findings provide reference values for the prevention and resolution of ecological and environmental risks posed by the presence of Zn and OTC in organic manure soil. [Display omitted] • Zn and OTC contamination alone promoted the expression of MGEs (intI1 and intI2). • ARGs expression was reduced by contamination with high Zn and OTC concentrations. • Firmicutes and Proteobacteria are the main potential host bacteria of ARGs. • MGEs (especially intI2) play a key role in the expression and propagation of ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studies the wave-ship interaction and green water induced by rogue waves. Superposition model is used for rogue wave generation, while a KVLCC2 model is selected as the target ship. Ship motions and impact pressures are obtained numerically, which agree well with the experimental measurements conducted at the State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering of China. It is found that the rogue wave can result in severe ship motion responses and impact loadings. The pitch angles and impact pressures at the bow induced by the rogue wave are 2–3 times greater than the average of the background wave train. Two types of green water events are observed, namely the Hammer-Fist (HF) event and the plus dam-breaking (PDB) event, the former of which leads to 3–4 times greater impact pressures than the latter. Additionally, interactions between rogue waves and the ship are further investigated within the ship speed range of 0–20 knots and the encounter angle range of 0–75°. The relationship between encounter frequency and impact pressures on the ship bow, side, stern, and deck induced by rogue waves is quantitatively analyzed, which has reference value as a benchmark for the consideration of rogue wave loadings. • Interactions between rogue waves and a KVLCC2 are studied experimentally and numerically. • Green water events induced by rogue waves are obtained and analyzed in three-dimensional. • Ship motions and impact pressures are obtained to provide a benchmark for the rogue wave and ship interaction. • Influence of encounter frequencies on green water events caused by rogue waves is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ● The ceramsite was successfully produced using MSWI fly ash and granite sawing mud. • ● The raw material ratio and sintering condition of ceramsite was optimized. • ● Chlorine in MG ceramsite mainly enters into the tail gas and secondary fly ash. • ● Chlorine salts are the main chlorine speciation after sintering. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is a hazardous waste containing high chlorine and harmful substances generated during the waste incineration disposal, and its resource utilization has a positive effect on reducing environmental pollution. In this study, the feasibility of preparing lightweight MSWI fly ash/granite sawing mud ceramsite (MG ceramsite) was investigated by evaluating the influence of Al 2 O 3 addition, MSWI fly ash content and sintering temperature on the ceramsite properties. The microstructure of MG ceramsite was investigated by using SEM, the chlorine morphological transformation and migration behaviors were simultaneously explored by using the tube furnace experiment, XRD and XRF analyses. The experimental results show that the maximum MSWI fly ash content is about 30 wt%∼35 wt%, with the Al 2 O 3 addition of at least 10 %. By controlling the MSWI fly ash content of 30 wt%, MG ceramsite can be obtained with bulk density of 986 kg/m3, cylindrical compressive strength of 19.67 MPa, 1 h water absorption of 0.31 %, and chlorine content of 0 after sintering at 1150 °C for 20 min. Chlorine in MG ceramsite enters into the tail gas or secondary fly ash in the form of chlorine salts and chlorine-containing gas when the sintering temperature is above 800 °C. The MG ceramsite prepared from MSWI fly ash meets the lightweight aggregate standard and are environmentally friendly. However, the disposal of tail gas and secondary fly ash needs attention when the MSWI fly ash is used as one of the main raw materials to prepare ceramsite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of lung recruitment maneuver induced stroke volume variation (ΔSV LRM) in predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated adult patients by systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive electronic search of relevant literature was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline, Embase and Chinese databases (including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VIP databases). Review Manager 5.4, Meta-DiSc 1.4 and STATA 16.0 were selected for data analysis, and QUADAS-2 tool was used for quality assessment. Data from selected studies were pooled to obtain sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR) of positive and negative, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 6 studies with 256 patients were enrolled through March 2024. The risk of bias and applicability concerns for each included study were low, and there was no significant publication bias. There was moderate to substantial heterogeneity for the non-threshold effect, but not for the threshold effect. The combined sensitivity and specificity were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.77–0.90) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70–0.86), respectively. The DOR and the area under the curve (AUC) were 22.15 (95%CI, 7.62–64.34) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87–0.92), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of DLR were 4.53 (95% CI, 2.50–8.18) and 0.19 (95% CI, 0.11–0.35), respectively. Fagan's nomogram showed that with a pre-test probability of 52%, the post-test probability reached 83% and 17% for the positive and negative tests, respectively. Based on the currently available evidence, ΔSV LRM has a good diagnostic value for predicting the fluid responsiveness in adult patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Given the heterogeneity and limitations of the published data, further studies with large sample sizes and different clinical settings are needed to confirm the diagnostic value of ΔSV LRM in predicting fluid responsiveness. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023490598. • Inappropriate fluid administration can be detrimental to patient prognosis. • Reliable predictors of fluid responsiveness are the basis for fluid administration. • Predictive performance of SVV for fluid responsiveness is limited. • We evaluated the predictive accuracy of lung recruitment maneuver induced stroke volume variation in fluid responsiveness. • Lung recruitment maneuver induced stroke volume variation is a reliable predictor for predicting fluid responsiveness. • Studies with large sample sizes and different clinical settings are needed to validate the diagnostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was designed to illustrate the differences in the dispersed phase that affect the emulsion stability. The effect of oil types including soy oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and flaxseed oil on the stability of the emulsion stabilized by modified MP (sonication after crosslinking treatment) was investigated. Results showed that the differences in fatty acid composition in the oil phase would affect the interaction between the oil phase and modified MP. Emulsion in the P-flaxseed group (with higher linolenic acid) showed lower TSI values, smaller protein-coated oil droplets, higher adsorbed protein content, storage modulus, and small elastic Lissajous curve area than other emulsion groups. While the P-rapeseed (with higher oleic acid) and P-sunflower (with higher linoleic acid) groups had large droplet sizes, poor emulsion stability, and rheological behavior. Correspondingly, the higher θo/w (86.97°), h f , π (21.55 mN/m), K diff , K R , E d , E-π slope (3.22), and linear interfacial Lissajous plot in the P-flaxseed group indicated modified MP was preferred to adsorb on the surface of flaxseed oil to form an elastic-dominated interfacial protein film with higher deformation resistance. Furthermore, the poorer interfacial adsorption behavior and easily collapsed interfacial film further proved the poor emulsion stability of the P-rapeseed and P-sunflower groups. Therefore, differences in fatty acid compositions of oil phases impacted the interfacial adsorption characteristics of the modified MP, thereby influencing the emulsion stability. [Display omitted] • Differences in fatty acid composition of oil phases affected the emulsion stability. • Shear and interfacial dilatation rheological behaviors of emulsion were studied. • Interfacial protein film dominated the rheology and stability of emulsion. • The emulsion fabricated by the modified MP and flaxseed oil had the best stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring advanced chemical sensing applications using porous materials is of critical importance for emerging industries such as Internet of Things, carbon neutrality, new energy resources, etc. Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), being well-renowned for their extended π-π conjugations, tunable pore structures, tailored chemical components, and high surface areas, have attracted increasing interests for chemical sensing applications. Here, recent milestones in the sensing applications of CMPs are presented, with an emphasis on the synthetic routes, structural requirements or parameters that dominate their sensing properties and functionalities. This review focuses on multiple chemical sensing devices including: i) fluorescent sensors, ii) electrochemical sensors, iii) colorimetric sensors, iv) resistive sensors, and v) versatile sensors. The key application areas of these CMPs-based sensors for detecting multiple matters including industrial exhausts, explosives, metal cations, halogen species, micropollutants, organic hazards, biological matters, and multiple. species, etc. , are highlighted. The in-depth understanding of the sensing mechanisms and structure-property-function relationships of CMPs are also provided. Finally, a perspective on the future research directions and challenges of CMPs-based sensors is presented. Illustration of the structure-property-function relationships of CMPs and their advanced sensing applications [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]