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Neurotensin-neurotensin receptor 2 signaling in adipocytes suppresses food intake through regulating ceramide metabolism

Neurotensin (NTS) is a secretory peptide produced by lymphatic endothelial cells. Our previous study revealed that NTS suppressed the activity of brown adipose tissue via interactions with NTSR2. In the current study, we found that the depletion of Ntsr2 in white adipocytes upregulated food intake, while the local treatment of NTS suppressed food intake. Our mechanistic study revealed that suppression of NTS-NTSR2 signaling enhanced the phosphorylation of ceramide synthetase 2, increased the abundance of its products ceramides C20–C24, and downregulated the production of GDF15 in white adipose tissues, which was responsible for the elevation of food intake. We discovered a potential causal and positive correlation between serum C20–C24 ceramide levels and human food intake in four populations with different ages and ethnic backgrounds. Together, our study shows that NTS-NTSR2 signaling in white adipocytes can regulate food intake via its direct control of lipid metabolism and production of GDF15. The ceramides C20–C24 are key factors regulating food intake in mammals.

Oral microbiome diversity associates with carotid intima media thickness in middle-aged male subjects

Although there have been significant advancements in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by modifying traditional CVD risk factors, substantial risks persist, particularly among male subjects who exhibit heightened susceptibility to atherosclerosis. In this context, we aim to study the link between oral microbiome and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT).

Gut microbes modulate the effects of the flavonoid quercetin on atherosclerosis

Gut bacterial metabolism of dietary flavonoids results in the production of a variety of phenolic acids, whose contributions to health remain poorly understood. Here, we show that supplementation with the commonly consumed flavonoid quercetin impacted gut microbiome composition and resulted in a significant reduction in atherosclerosis burden in conventionally raised (ConvR) Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) mice but not in germ-free (GF) ApoE KO mice. Metabolomic analysis revealed that consumption of quercetin significantly increased plasma levels of benzoylglutamic acid, 3,4 dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA) and its sulfate-conjugated form in ConvR mice, but not in GF mice supplemented with the flavonoid. Levels of these metabolites were negatively associated with atherosclerosis burden. Furthermore, we show that 3,4-DHBA prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). These results suggest that the effects of quercetin on atherosclerosis are influenced by gut microbes and are potentially mediated by bacterial metabolites derived from the flavonoid.

A computational unfolding-based design method for three-dimensional conformal electronic skin with adjustable mounting strain

Three-dimensional (3D) conformal electronic skins (E-skins) have been developed for matching the irregularly surfaces. The 3D conformal E-skins manufactured by direct-curved-surface or dimensional converting methods both need curved-surface calibration. With increase of units’ number and complication of mounting-surface morphology, curved-surface calibration becomes intricate. We report a universal cutting and distributing strategy for E-skins. The E-skin incorporates hierarchical and modular tactile sensors to match curvatures and sizes, thereby reducing mounting strain. This strategy enables curved-surface performance of 3D conformal E-skins to be characterized by flat-surface calibration results. An example is provided: Three-level sensors are utilized and calibrated on flat and curved surfaces. Performance variations reduce as sensor size decreases, and performance changes of level II and III sensing units are small after mounting. Their calibration results on curved surface are replaced by those on flat surface, proving low mounting strain facilitates 3D conformal E-skins to avoid complicated curved-surface calibration.

Recent advances in solid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered chemical and biological sensing

Solid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerators (SL-TENGs) exhibit significant potential in energy harvesting and sensing. This review explores SL-TENG development, focusing on chemical sensing and biosensing applications. Initially, the working mechanisms of various SL-TENG modes are described. Subsequently, an analysis of surface modifications of contact surfaces and liquids to functionalize chemical sensing and biosensing is explored, including their impact on surface properties and the corresponding effect on device performance related to sensing applications.

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