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Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/hypoxia-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes have been used to model inflamed and insulin-resistant adipose tissue: this study examines gaps in the model. We tested whether modulating TNF-α/hypoxia treatment time could reduce cell death while still inducing inflammation and insulin resistance. Adipocytes were treated with TNF-α (12 h or 24 h) and incubated in a hypoxic chamber for 24 h. To examine maintenance of the phenotype over time, glucose and FBS were added at 24 h post initiation of treatment, and the cells were maintained for an additional 48 h. Untreated adipocytes were used as a control. Viability, insulin resistance, and inflammation were assessed using Live/Dead staining, RT-qPCR, ELISA, and glucose uptake assays. Treatment for 12 h with TNF-α in the presence of hypoxia resulted in an increase in the percentage of live cells compared to 24 h treated cells. Importantly, insulin resistance and inflammation were still induced in the 12 h treated adipocytes: the expression of the insulin sensitive and inflammatory genes was decreased and increased, respectively. In 72 h treated adipocytes, no significant differences were found in the viability, glucose uptake or insulin-sensitive and inflammatory gene expression. This study provides a modified approach to in vitro odeling adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Adipose tissue is a large endocrine organ that serves numerous physiological functions. As we age, adipose tissue remodels and can develop functional changes that alters its phenotype, potentially contributing to metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Aging adipose tissue is characterized by regional redistribution of fat, accumulation of senescent cells, fibrosis, and decline in adipocyte differentiation capacities, which collectively impact adipose tissue function and whole body health. A notable transformation involves increased accumulation of intra‐abdominal visceral adipose tissue and ectopic fat around internal organs such as the heart, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys that alter their functions. Other changes associated with aging include alterations in adipokine secretion and changes in adipocyte size and numbers. Aging adipocytes play a role in mediating chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Visceral adipose tissue, which increases in volume with aging, is in particular associated with inflammation, angiogenic dysfunction, and microvascular abnormalities, and mediators released by visceral fat may have adverse consequences systemically in multiple target organs, including the cardiovascular system. Understanding mechanisms underlying adipose tissue aging and its impact on cardiovascular health are important for developing interventions and treatments to promote healthy aging and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular aging encompasses structural and functional changes in the vasculature, significantly contributing to cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death globally. The incidence and prevalence of these diseases increase with age, with most morbidity and mortality attributed to myocardial infarction and stroke. Diagnosing and intervening in vascular aging while understanding the mechanisms behind age-induced vascular phenotypic and pathophysiological alterations offers the potential for delaying and preventing cardiovascular mortality in an aging population. This review delves into various aspects of vascular aging by examining age-related changes in arterial health at the cellular level, including endothelial dysfunction, cellular senescence, and vascular smooth muscle cell transdifferentiation, as well as at the structural level, including arterial stiffness and changes in wall thickness and diameter. We also explore aging-related changes in perivascular adipose tissue deposition, arterial collateralization, and calcification, providing insights into the physiological and pathological implications. Overall, aging induces phenotypic changes that augment the vascular system's susceptibility to disease, even in the absence of traditional risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Overall, age-related modifications in cellular phenotype and molecular homeostasis increase the vulnerability of the arterial vasculature to structural and functional alterations, thereby accelerating cardiovascular risk. Increasing our understanding of these modifications is crucial for success in delaying or preventing cardiovascular diseases. Non-invasive techniques, such as measuring carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and flow-mediated dilation, as well as detecting vascular calcifications, can be used for the early detection of vascular aging. Targeting specific pathological mechanisms, such as cellular senescence and enhancing angiogenesis, holds promise for innovative therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXenes have been highly attractive to researchers owing to their layered nanostructure, excellent electrical conductivity, and abundance of functional groups. Meanwhile, nanocellulose materials, known for their biodegradability, renewability, compatibility with living organisms, and cost‐effectiveness, have emerged as a popular choice for material selection researchers. Recent research has discovered that combining nanocellulose with MXenes can improve the mechanical properties of MXenes, resulting in composite materials with remarkable electrical and mechanical properties. This article provides an overview of the three main types of nanocellulose: cellulose nanofiber, cellulose nanocrystal, and bacterial cellulose. It also discusses various synthesis methods for MXenes, including MXene/nanocellulose‐based hydrogel and aerogel. Additionally, the article highlights the multiple uses of MXene/nanocellulose composites in different fields, including flexible sensing materials, electromagnetic shielding, energy storage structures, and wearable health monitoring. This review covers distinctive characteristics and unique MXene/nanocellulose composite behaviors, their recent advancements in MXene/nanocellulose synthesis, and applications. Moving forward, the potential for these materials to be used innovatively with anticipation of taking the MXene/nanocellulose‐based research further steps across the respective scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biopolymer materials in cladding presents a promising avenue for enhancing building sustainability, while addressing the limitations of conventional synthetic polymers. Cladding serves a dual purpose of protection and aesthetics for buildings, but increasing global energy consumption and environmental concerns necessitate the adoption of sustainable practices. The construction sector's substantial energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions highlight the urgent need for sustainable building materials. Conventional cladding materials often lack sustainability and environmental compatibility. Biopolymers, derived from living organisms or by-products, offer a potential solution with their biodegradability, renewability, and low embodied energy. These materials can revolutionise cladding practices by providing eco-friendly alternatives aligned with sustainable construction demands. Integrating biopolymers with synthetic polymers can enhance material biodegradability, contributing to overall degradation. Prominent biopolymers like PLA, PHAs, starch-based polymers, cellulose, PHB, and PBS exhibit biodegradability and sustainability, positioning them in the front rank for cladding applications. Despite significant research in biopolymer applications in different fields, there is limited research to identify the application and limitations of biopolymers as building cladding materials. This review paper aims to bridge the research gaps by comprehensively analysing diverse biopolymer cladding materials based on their properties and exploring their cross-domain utility, thereby highlighting their transformative role in sustainable construction practices. The expanding biopolymer market in building cladding materials underscores their potential to drive innovation, with projected growth emphasising their importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imbalanced use (form, quantity, and ratio) of nitrogen fertilization can result in decreased grain yields and increased nitrogen loss, leading to adverse effects on overall environmental quality. Globally, limited empirical research has been conducted on the comprehensive effects of different levels of N that can significantly influence wheat agronomic and genotypic traits. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate wheat genotypes for two consecutive years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022) under different N fertilization treatments: N0 (native N, without external application of N), N75 (½ of the recommended dose of N), and N150 (recommended dose of N). The study findings revealed that 'HD 3249' and 'HD 3117' were the top-performing genotypes in terms of grain yield (5.3 t ha−1; 5.0 t ha−1), straw yield (6.9 t ha−1; 6.7 t ha−1), biological yield (12.2 t ha−1; 11.8 t ha−1), and harvest index (42.9%; 42.4%). In particular, the application of N75 and N150 increased grain yields by 142.6% and 61.3%, respectively; straw yields by 72.3%; and by 110.6% over N0. Furthermore, N levels (N75 and 150) significantly increased the higher concentration of N in grain (23.1% and 33%) and straw (21.1% and 29.8%); N uptake in grain (70.2 and 104.2) and straw (64.8 and 41.5); and total N uptake (68.8% and 101.4%) than N0, respectively. Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that there were positive correlations between yields, harvest index as well as N concentration and uptake. This study identified the two elite genotypes, 'HD 3249' and 'HD 3117', with N150 splits giving a better response, which can be used as selection criteria for developing wheat varieties that are more efficient in using nitrogen, leading to high yields and N uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]