Association between plant and animal protein and biological aging: findings from the UK Biobank.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between plant protein, animal protein and biological aging through different dimensions of biological aging indices. Then explore the effects of substitution of plant protein, animal protein, and their food sources on biological aging. METHODS: The data came from 79,294 participants in the UK Biobank who completed at least two 24-h dietary assessments. Higher Klemera-Doubal Method Biological Age (HKDM-BA), higher PhenoAge (HPA), higher allostatic load (HAL), and longer telomere length (LTL) were estimated to assess biological aging. Logistic regression was used to estimate protein-biological aging associations. Substitution model was performed to assess the effect of dietary protein substitutions. RESULTS: Plant protein intake was inversely associated with HKDM-BA, HPA, HAL, and positively associated with LTL (odds ratios after fully adjusting and comparing the highest to the lowest quartile: 0.83 (0.79-0.88) for HKDM-BA, 0.86 (0.72-0.94) for HPA, 0.90 (0.85-0.95) for HAL, 1.06 (1.01-1.12) for LTL), while animal protein was not correlated with the four indices. Substituting 5% of energy intake from animal protein with plant protein, replacing red meat or poultry with whole grains, and replacing red or processed meat with nuts, were negatively associated with HKDM-BA, HPA, HAL and positively associated with LTL. However, an inverse association was found when legumes were substituted for yogurt. Gamma glutamyltransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase mediated the relationship between plant protein and HKDM-BA, HPA, HAL, and LTL (mediation proportion 11.5-24.5%; 1.9-6.7%; 2.8-4.5%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Higher plant protein intake is inversely associated with biological aging. Although there is no association with animal protein, food with animal proteins displayed a varied correlation.

Xanthine oxidase promotes hepatic lipid accumulation through high fat absorption by the small intestine.

Background & Aims: There are no studies investigating the direct effects of elevated xanthine oxidase (XO) on lipid metabolism disorders. Here, we aimed to clarify the role of XO in lipid metabolism in a prospective cohort study and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The association between serum XO activity and metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was examined in Cox proportional hazard models in a population-based cohort of 3,358 participants (20-75 years) at baseline. In addition, mouse models were used to investigate the underlying mechanism for the association between overexpression of XO and the lipid metabolism disorders. Results: After an average 5.8 years of follow up, we found elevated serum XO activity was associated with an increased risk of developing MASLD (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.44-3.01; p-trend <0.001). Moreover, serum XO activity was significantly associated with serum triglyceride levels (r = 0.68, p <0.001). We demonstrated that hepatic XO expression increased in liver samples from patients with MASLD. Using tissue-specific Xdh knockin mice, we observed rapid lipid metabolism disorders under a high-fat diet rather than a normal chow diet. We found that XO overexpression promotes the absorption of excess dietary fat in the small intestine. Inhibition of XO also significantly reduced the absorption of fat in mice fed a high-fat diet. Conclusions: Our study clarified the association between serum XO activity levels and the development of MASLD in a large population-based prospective cohort study. Furthermore, our mouse models demonstrated that XO overexpression promotes lipid accumulation through mechanisms involving excessive fat absorption by the small intestine. Impact and implications: Using a prospective population-based cohort and various animal models, we have identified novel mechanisms by which xanthine oxidase regulates lipid metabolism. Our findings indicate that xanthine oxidase overexpression promotes lipid accumulation by increasing the absorption of excess dietary fat and possibly facilitating lipid transport in vivo. These results could be important for the development of therapies to treat diseases associated with lipid metabolism disorders.

Trends in nonsugar sweetener use among United States adults by chronic diseases presence: 1999 to March 2020.

BACKGROUND: Although long-term health effects of nonsugar sweeteners (NSSs) are uncertain, they are widely used as a common alternative to added sugar, especially among people with chronic diseases. It is essential to evaluate trends in NSS use to inform policy makers. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate trends in NSS use overall and by chronic diseases presence in United States adults. METHODS: The analysis used data of United States adults (≥20 y) collected in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES (1999 to March 2020)]. Age-adjusted percentage of individuals consuming NSS beverages, NSS foods, tabletop NSS, or any of them during the first 24-h dietary recall period was calculated in each NHANES survey cycle. Weighted multivariable logistic or linear regression models were used to examine trends in NSS use over time. RESULTS: A total of 51,703 United States adults were included in the analysis. In total population, age-adjusted percentage of individuals consuming NSS in the past day increased from 29.3% in 1999-2000 to 37.5% in 2005-2006 and decreased to 24.1% in 2017 to March 2020 (P < 0.001 for nonlinear trend). Similar trends were observed for different subcategories of NSS-containing product consumption (NSS beverages, foods, and tabletop sweeteners). Similar trends were found among individuals with or without chronic disease. Among individuals with ≥1 chronic disease (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipemia), age-adjusted percentage of individuals consuming NSS in the past day increased from 34.5% in 1999-2000 to 41.1% in 2005-2008 and decreased to 28.1% in 2017 to March 2020, while NSS consumption increased from 20.0% in 1999-2000 to 27.4% in 2005-2008 and decreased to 14.3% in 2017 to March 2020 among individuals without chronic diseases (all P < 0.001 for nonlinear trend). CONCLUSIONS: NSS use increased from 1999 to 2006 and decreased until March 2020 among entire United States adults and individuals with or without chronic diseases. Moreover, NSS use is generally higher among individuals with chronic diseases during study periods.

Association of tooth loss and gallstones: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018.

Introduction: Gallstones are one of the most common digestive diseases globally, with an estimated affected population of 15% in the United States. Our aim is to assess the current association between oral health and gallstones, exploring potential mediation factors. Methods: Self-reported gallstones were determined based on medical condition questionnaires. Dental status was assessed by dental professionals and oral health questionnaire. Mediation analysis was conducted for body mass index, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, and the percentage of mediation effects was calculated. Results: We included 444 patients with gallstones and 3565 non-gallstone participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. After fully adjusting for all covariates, the prevalence of gallstones is higher when the number of missing teeth is at T3 compared to T1 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.93, confidence interval [CI]: 1.14 - 3.26, p = 0.02, p-trend = 0.01), and there was an inverted L-shaped association between missing teeth and gallstones, with an inflection point of 17. Bone loss around mouth was also associated with gallstones (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.27 - 2.48, p = 0.002), but not root caries and gum disease. Mediation analysis identified blood glucose as a crucial mediator, with a mediation effect ratio of 4.91%. Conclusions: Appropriate lifestyle interventions for patients with missing teeth may help delay the onset of gallstones, such as healthy dietary habits, trace elements supplementing, and managing weight and blood sugar levels. Further exploration of the relationship between oral health and overall health contributes to disease prevention and comprehensive medical management.

Trends and Disparities in Diet Quality and Nutrient Intake among US Adults by Bodyweight Status.

The prevalence of obesity has been increasing in the US. Among the multifactorial contributors to obesity, dietary factors stand out as primary drivers. Using data from NHANES, we investigated the trends and disparities in diet quality and nutrient intake among US adults with different bodyweight statuses. Participants were divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups based on BMI. Diet quality was examined using HEI-2020. Nutrient intake was estimated based on the USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. From 1999 to 2020, Despite an overall improvement in diet quality among overweight and obese US adults, disparities persisted for most HEI-2020 components, and worsened for whole grains, seafood and plant proteins, and fatty acids between normal weight and obese participants. Overweight and obese participants tended to consume less energy from total carbohydrates and more from total fat. The estimated total energy intake increased among obese participants over the past two decades, while no significant changes were observed among normal weight and overweight participants. In the 2017-2020 period, obese participants had lower HEI-2020 scores than both normal weight and overweight participants. However, no significant differences in total energy intake were observed among normal weight, overweight, and obese populations.

Association Between Cardiovascular Health and Cirrhosis and Mortality: Insights From a Comprehensive Cross-sectional Study.

GOAL: We aim to explore the relationship between the newly introduced CVH indicator "Life's Essential 8 (LE8)" and cirrhosis. BACKGROUND: The global burden of cirrhosis is increasing, with a rising number of deaths, leading to significant societal and economic challenges. Cardiovascular health (CVH) has been found to have potential associations with liver diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All participants aged 20 and older from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2018 were included. CVH was accessed by LE8, consisting of 4 health behaviors (diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and sleep health) and 4 health factors (body mass index, lipid levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure). Cirrhosis was determined based on abnormal liver function test results, with an aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index >2. Participants' mortality status was obtained by matching with the National Death Index and all-cause mortality served as the follow-up endpoint. RESULTS: This extensive cross-sectional study reveals that LE8 was not associated with cirrhosis. A higher health behaviors score was associated with lower cirrhosis. Moreover, there is an inverse U-shaped relationship between the LE8 score and all-cause mortality in participants with cirrhosis, signifying a decrease in all-cause mortality when LE8 surpasses 60. A greater health behaviors score is linked to a decreased proportion of all-cause mortality in cirrhosis patients. CONCLUSION: Maintaining better health behaviors may be beneficial for cirrhosis, especially through a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and quality sleep.

National trends in nine key minerals intake (quantity and source) among U.S. adults, 1999 to march 2020.

BACKGROUND: Changes in economy and dietary guidelines brought a great shock to diet quality and meal behaviors, but if these transformations have extended to minerals intake and their sources was still poorly understood. It is essential to evaluate time trends in minerals intake and their sources to inform policy makers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate trends in minerals intake and their sources among U.S. adults. METHODS: This analysis used dietary data collected by 24-h recalls from U.S. adults (≥ 20 years) in NHANES (1999-March 2020). Minerals intake, age-adjusted percentage of participants meeting recommendations, and minerals sources were calculated among all participants and by population subgroups in each NHANES survey cycle. Weighted linear or logistic regression models were used to examine the statistical significance of time trends. RESULTS: A total of 48223 U.S. adults were included in this analysis. From 1999 to March 2020, intake of calcium (from 0.94 to 1.02 g/day), magnesium (from 308.07 to 321.85 mg/day), phosphorus (from 1.24 to 1.30 g/day), and sodium (from 3.24 to 3.26 mg/day) from food and beverages (FB) and dietary supplements (DSs) significantly increased, and intake of iron (from 19.17 to 16.38 mg/day), zinc (from 16.45 to 14.19 mg/day), copper (from 1.79 to 1.38 mg/day), and potassium (from 2.65 to 2.50 g/day) from FB + DSs decreased (all FDR < 0.05). Additionally, age-adjusted percentage of participants meeting recommendations for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and selenium significantly increased, that for iron, potassium, zinc, and copper decreased (all FDR < 0.05). Minerals intake and time trends in minerals intake were highly variable depending on age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and income. For example, white, higher socioeconomic status participants had a higher minerals intake (e.g. iron, zinc, and copper), but had a greater decrease in minerals intake. Furthermore, the percentage of minerals from milks and DSs decreased, and that from beverages increased. CONCLUSION: From 1999 to March 2020, both minerals intake and their sources experienced a significant alteration among U.S. adults. Many differences in minerals intake and their food sources across sociodemographic characteristics appeared to narrow over time. Although some improvements were observed, important challenges, such as overconsumption of sodium and underconsumption of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, still remained among U.S. adults.

Synthesis and demulsification performance of a novel low-temperature demulsifier based on trimethyl citrate.

A significant amount of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion is generated during petroleum extraction. However, the current commercial demulsifiers are expensive to produce and requires high demulsification temperatures, leading to increased energy and economic consumption. To enhance the efficiency of demulsifiers and reduce the cost of demulsifying W/O emulsions, we have successfully developed a novel demulsifier named TCED through a straightforward two-step process. This demulsifier features trimethyl citrate as the hydrophilic core grafted with three hydrophobic chains. Its structure was characterized using EA, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the demulsification performance was comprehensively evaluated. At a low demulsification temperature of 40 °C, TCED demonstrated a remarkable demulsification efficiency (DE) of 99.06% and 98.74% in emulsions containing water contents of 70% (E70) and 50% (E50), respectively. Especially, a DE of 100% could be obtained in both E70 and E50 emulsions at a concentration of 600 mg/L. Moreover, TCED displayed a high DE even at high salinity levels of 50,000 mg/L and across a wide pH range of 2-10. Additionally, the phase interface was consistently clear after demulsification. To investigate the demulsification mechanism of TCED, various adsorption kinetics experiments were conducted, including measurements of interfacial tension (IFT), surface tension (SFT), interfacial competitive adsorption, and stability of interfacial film. The results obtained from the experiments indicated that TCED possessed remarkable diffusion and replacement capabilities within the emulsions. As a result, it effectively disrupted the original interfacial active substances, such as asphaltenes aggregates found in crude oil. TCED exhibits a high DE at low concentration and temperature. This characteristic highlights its significant potential for low-temperature demulsification applications in the petroleum industry.

U-shaped association between sleep duration and biological aging: Evidence from the UK Biobank study.

Previous research on sleep and aging largely has failed to illustrate the optimal dose-response curve of this relationship. We aimed to analyze the associations between sleep duration and measures of predicted age. In total, 241,713 participants from the UK Biobank were included. Habitual sleep duration was collected from the baseline questionnaire. Four indicators, homeostatic dysregulation (HD), phenoAge (PA), Klemera-Doubal method (KDM), and allostatic load (AL), were chosen to assess predicted age. Multivariate linear regression models were utilized. The association of sleep duration and predicted age followed a U-shape (All p for nonlinear <0.05). Compared with individuals who sleep for 7 h/day, the multivariable-adjusted beta of ≤5 and ≥9 h/day were 0.05 (95% CI 0.03, 0.07) and 0.03 (95% CI 0.02, 0.05) for HD, 0.08 (95% CI 0.01, 0.14) and 0.36 (95% CI 0.31, 0.41) for PA, and 0.21 (95% CI 0.12, 0.30) and 0.30 (95% CI 0.23, 0.37) for KDM. Significant independent and joint effects of sleep and cystatin C (CysC) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) on predicted age metrics were future found. Similar results were observed when conducting stratification analyses. Short and long sleep duration were associated with accelerated predicted age metrics mediated by CysC and GGT.

Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of TLR4 expression in patients with breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

Background: The prognostic value of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in breast cancer remains to be determined. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the correlation between TLR4 and clinicopathological indicators as well as survival outcomes in breast cancer. Method: Related literature retrieved from Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and China Wanfang. The search deadline is April 12, 2023. The outcome measures employed in the study comprised hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) as effective indices. The data analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software. Results: High TLR4 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis (OR=2.077, 95%CI=1.160-3.717, P= 0.014), tumor size (≥2 cm) (OR=2.194, 95%CI= 1.398-3.445, P= 0.001), PR expression (OR = 0.700, 95% CI = 0.505-0.971, P= 0.033), and clinical stage (OR = 3.578, 95%CI= 3.578-5.817, P<0.05), but not with histological grade (95%CI= 0.976-1.735, P= 0.072), ER expression (OR = 1.125, 95% CI = 0.492-2.571,P= 0.781), and HER-2 status (OR = 1.241, 95% CI = 0.733-2.101, P = 0.422). In addition, TLR4 overexpression was an independent prognostic indicator of DFS (HR= 1.480, 95%CI= 1.028- 2.130, p= 0.035) in breast cancer patients, but not related to OS(HR=1.730, 95%CI= 0.979-3.057, P= 0.059). Conclusions: From our main analysis results, high TLR4 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis, larger tumor size (≥2 cm), later clinical stage, negative PR expression and shorter DFS, suggesting poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.

Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals the Mechanism of Auxin Regulation during Root Expansion in Carrot.

Carrot is an important vegetable with roots as the edible organ. A complex regulatory network controls root growth, in which auxin is one of the key players. To clarify the molecular mechanism on auxin regulating carrot root expansion, the growth process and the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content in the roots were measured in this experiment. It was found that the rapid expansion period of the root was from 34 to 41 days after sowing and the IAA content was the highest during this period. The root growth then slowed down and the IAA levels decreased. Using the transcriptome sequencing database, we analyzed the expression of IAA-metabolism-related genes and found that the expression of most of the IAA synthesis genes, catabolism genes, and genes related to signal transduction was consistent with the changes in IAA content during root expansion. Among them, a total of 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 10 IAA synthesis genes, 8 degradation genes, and 13 genes related to signal transduction. Analysis of the correlations between the DEGs and IAA levels showed that the following genes were closely related to root development: three synthesis genes, YUCCA10 (DCAR_012429), TAR2 (DCAR_026162), and AMI1 (DCAR_003244); two degradation genes, LPD1 (DCAR_023341) and AACT1 (DCAR_010070); and five genes related to signal transduction, IAA22 (DCAR_012516), IAA13 (DCAR_012591), IAA27 (DCAR_023070), IAA14 (DCAR_027269), and IAA7 (DCAR_030713). These results provide a reference for future studies on the mechanism of root expansion in carrots.

Sustainable remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil by soil washing and subsequent recovery of washing agents using biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron.

Soil contamination by Cr(VI) has attracted widespread attention globally in recent years, but it remains a significant challenge in developing an environmentally friendly and eco-sustainable technique for the disposal of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil. Herein, a sustainable cyclic soil washing system for Cr(VI)-polluted soil remediation and the recovery of washing agents using biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI-BC) was established. Citric acid (CA) was initially screened to desorb Cr(VI) from contaminated soil, mobilizing Cr from the highly bioaccessible fractions. The nZVI-BC exhibited superior properties for Cr(VI) and Cr(total) removal from spent effluent, allowing effective recovery of the washing agents. The elimination mechanism of Cr(total) by nZVI-BC involved the coordinated actions of electrostatic adsorption, reduction, and co-precipitation. The contributions to Cr(VI) reduction by Fe0, surface-bound Fe(II), and soluble Fe(II) were 0.6 %, 39.8 %, and 59.6 %, respectively. Meanwhile, CA favored the activity of surface-bound Fe(II) and Fe0 in nZVI-BC, enhancing the production of soluble Fe(II) to strengthen Cr(VI) removal. Finally, the recovered washing agent was proven to be reused three times. This study showcases that the combined soil washing using biodegradable chelant CA and effluent treatment by nZVI-BC could be a sustainable and promising strategy for Cr(VI)-contaminated soil remediation.

Preoperative H. pylori Eradication Therapy Facilitates Precise Delineation in Early Gastric Cancer with Current H. pylori Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Early gastric cancer with current Helicobacter pylori infection (HpC-EGC) is common, but it is still unclear whether H. pylori eradication therapy (Hp-ET) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) should be performed first. We evaluated Hp-ETs short-term effects on horizontal boundary delineations of HpC-EGC in ESD. METHODS: Prospectively enrolled HpC-EGC patients were randomly assigned to eradication or control groups. Operation scopes of HpC-EGC lesions were delineated with marking dots at 5 mm out of the endoscopic demarcation line by an independent endoscopist, unaware of eradication status, before formal circumferential incision. As representatives, precise delineation rate, the shortest distance of all marking dots to the pathological demarcation line in all slices of one intact resected specimen (Dmin), and negative marking dot specimen rate were examined. RESULTS: Twenty-three HpC-EGC patients (25 lesions) were allocated to eradication group and 26 patients (27 lesions) were allocated to the control group with similar eradication success rates and all were differentiated type. With improving background mucosa inflammation after Hp-ET and similar gastritis-like epithelium rates, 10 lesions (40.0%) in the eradication group were of precise delineation compared to control group with 2 lesions (7.4%) (relative risk = 5.40, 95% CI 1.31-22.28). Dmin of eradication and control groups were 4.17 ± 2.52 mm and 2.67 ± 2.30 mm (p = 0.029), accompanied by 4 (14.8%) and none (0.0%) specimens that exhibited positive marking dots (p = 0.11), respectively. CONCLUSION: For HpC-EGC patients, administrating eradication medication before ESD is beneficial for the precise delineation of lesions and reducing the risk of positive horizontal resection margins.

Association of plasma branched-chain amino acid with multiple cancers: A mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested a possible relevance between branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolic enzymes and cancers. However, few studies have explored the variation in circulating concentrations of BCAAs. Our study used bi-directional, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis for predicting the causality between the BCAA levels and 9 types of cancers. METHODS: The largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provided data for total BCAAs, valine, leucine, and isoleucine from the UK Biobank. Data on multiple cancer endpoints were collected from various sources, such as the International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO), the Pancreatic Cancer Cohort Consortium 1 (PanScan1), the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC), the FinnGen Biobank, and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCAC). The mainly analysis method was the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW). For assessing horizontal pleiotropy, the researchers performed MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO global test. Finally, the Cochran's Q test served for evaluating the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Circulating total BCAAs levels (OR 1.708, 95%CI 1.168, 2.498; p = 0.006), valine levels (OR 1.747, 95%CI 1.217, 2.402; p < 0.001), leucine levels (OR 1.923, 95%CI 1.279, 2.890; p = 0.002) as well as isoleucine levels (OR 1.898, 95%CI 1.164, 3.094; p = 0.010) positively correlated with the squamous cell lung cancer risk. Nevertheless, no compelling evidence was found to support a causal link between BCAAs and any other examined cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Increased circulating total-BCAAs levels, leucine levels, isoleucine levels and valine levels had higher hazard of squamous cell lung cancer. No such associations were found for BCAAs with other cancers.

One-step photodeposition of spatially separated CuOx and MnOx dual cocatalysts on g-C3N4 for enhanced CO2 photoreduction.

The rapid recombination of photogenerated carriers of photocatalysts greatly limits their actual application in CO2 conversion into valuable chemicals. Herein, dual CuOx and MnOx cocatalysts are decorated on g-C3N4 nanosheets via a one-step photodeposition strategy. Benefiting from the repulsion between Cu2+ and Mn2+ cations, a novel g-C3N4-based heterostructure loaded with spatially separated CuOx and MnOx nanoparticle dual cocatalysts has been successfully fabricated. Cu favors the trapping of electrons, while MnOx tends to collect holes. Moreover, the Cu2O/g-C3N4 p-n heterojunction also accelerates the charge separation. As a result, the photogenerated holes and electrons flow into and out of the photocatalyst, respectively, resulting in enhanced charge separation for achieving efficient CO2 photoreduction over CuOx/g-C3N4/MnOx. Accordingly, the optimized CuOx/g-C3N4/MnOx exhibits an improved CO production rate of 5.49 µmol g-1 h-1, which is 27.5 times higher than that of bare g-C3N4.

Low-temperature molten salt synthesis and catalytic mechanism of CoS2/NC as an advanced bifunctional electrocatalyst.

The development of productive and sustainable bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays an important role in the commercial evolution of metal-air batteries. In this paper, a low-temperature molten salt template method was adopted to synthesize the composite of CoS2 and nitrogen-doped carbon (CoS2/NC) without the protection of inert gas. The structural characterization studies show that the specific surface area (SSA) and crystal growth kinetics are increased and effectively improved, respectively, by the composite of CoS2 and NC. The as-synthesized CoS2/NC composite demonstrates outstanding bifunctional catalytic activity in alkaline electrolytes and exhibits a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.854 V (vs. RHE) and an overpotential of only 220 mV for the OER at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 (η10). Simultaneously, CoS2/NC also exhibits excellent electrochemical stability. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have manifested that the synergistic effect of CoS2 and NC results in a remarkable enhancement in the bifunctional catalytic performance of the composite materials. This study offers a new pathway and theoretical guidance for the fabrication of efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts.