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Background: Heart failure (HF) with improved ejection fraction (EF, HFimpEF) is a distinct HF subtype, characterized by left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling and myocardial functional recovery. Multiple cardiometabolic factors are implicated in this process. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), emerging as an endocrine and paracrine organ, contributes to the onset and progression of HF. However, the relation between EAT and the incidence of HFimpEF is still unclear. Methods: A total of 203 hospitalized HF patients with reduced EF (HFrEF, LVEF ≤ 40%) who underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA) during index hospitalization were consecutively enrolled between November 2011 and December 2022. Routine follow-up and repeat echocardiograms were performed. The incidence of HFimpEF was defined as (1) an absolute LVEF improvement ≥ 10% and (2) a second LVEF > 40% (at least 3 months apart). EAT volume and density were semiautomatically quantified on non-enhanced series of CCTA scans. Results: During a median follow-up of 8.6 (4.9 ~ 13.3) months, 104 (51.2%) patients developed HFimpEF. Compared with HFrEF patients, HFimpEF patients had lower EAT volume (115.36 [IQR 87.08 ~ 154.78] mL vs. 169.67 [IQR 137.22 ~ 218.89] mL, P < 0.001) and higher EAT density (-74.92 ± 6.84 HU vs. -78.76 ± 6.28 HU, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed lower EAT volume (OR: 0.885 [95%CI 0.822 ~ 0.947]) and higher density (OR: 1.845 [95%CI 1.023 ~ 3.437]) were both independently associated with the incidence of HFimpEF. Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between EAT properties and HFimpEF was not modified by HF etiology. Conclusions: This study reveals that lower EAT volume and higher EAT density are associated with development of HFimpEF. Therapies targeted at reducing EAT quantity and improving its quality might provide favorable effects on myocardial recovery in HF patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classification and phylogenetic relationships within the Phaseoleae tribe (Leguminosae) have consistently posed challenges to botanists. This study addresses these taxonomic intricacies, with a specific focus on the Glycininae subtribe, by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the highly conserved plastome in Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth., a critical species within this subtribe. Through meticulous genomic sequencing, we identified a plastome size of 148,650 bp, composed of 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Comparative genomic analysis across seven Glycininae species illuminated a universally conserved circular and quadripartite structure, with nine genes exhibiting notable nucleotide diversity, signifying a remarkable genomic variability. Phylogenetic reconstruction of 35 Phaseoleae species underscores the affinity of Amphicarpaea with Glycine, placing Apios as a sister lineage to all other Phaseoleae species, excluding Clitorinae and Diocleinae subtribes. Intriguingly, Apios, Butea, Erythrina, and Spatholobus, traditionally clumped together in the Erythrininae subtribe, display paraphyletic divergence, thereby contesting their taxonomic coherence. The pronounced structural differences in the quadripartite boundary genes among taxa with unresolved subtribal affiliations demand a reevaluation of Erythrininae's taxonomic classification, potentially refining the phylogenetic contours of the tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research progress of microwave curing on epoxy resin and its composites was summarized on the basis of introducing the principle of microwave curing technology and its advantages. The paper focused on the effect of microwave curing on the curing rate of epoxy resin and its composites as well as the mechanical and thermal properties of cured products. Two suitable composite systems for wave curing of powder-strengthened epoxy and fiber-strengthened epoxy and a few key technological problems for industrial application are introduced. The application prospect of microwave curing on epoxy resin and its composites was also presented.