Color removal in acidogenic reactor followed by aerobic granular sludge reactor: Operational and microbiological aspects.

This work investigated the operational and microbiological aspects of the decolorization of the azo dye Reactive Black 5 in acidogenic reactors followed by aerobic granular sludge (AGS) reactors, evaluating the effect of the acidogenic hydraulic retention time (HRT) (3, 2, and 1 h), effluent recirculation in the AGS reactor (50 mL min-1), dye concentration (50 and 100 mg L-1), and the redox mediator sodium anthraquinone-2-disulfonate (AQS) (50 µM). The acidogenic reactors were mainly responsible for the dye decolorization, with AQS significantly improving its efficiency and enabling the use of a shorter HRT (2 h). The recirculation effect was not so evident, probably masked by the adaptation of the acidogenic microbiota. Increasing the dye concentration did not affect the total decolorization, but reduced nitrogen removal in the AGS reactors. Furthermore, the dye and its byproducts may have negatively affected the long-term AGS stability. While the acidogenic microbiota maintained its diversity, the AGS tended to become more specialist. However, in both, some abundant genera that may have acted in reducing the dye were found, such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Raoutella in the acidogenic sludge and Dechloromonas and Defluviicoccus in the AGS.

The relationship between immune cells and prostate cancer, and the mediating role of metabolites: a Mendelian randomization study.

Research has demonstrated the significant involvement of immune cells in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the precise causal relationship between immune cells and PCa remains unclear. This study utilized bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal link between immune cells and PCa. Additionally, employed mediation MR design to ascertain the potential mediating role of metabolites in the connection between immune cells and PCa outcomes. Unswitched memory B cell % lymphocyte and CD24 + CD27 + B cell % lymphocyte were positively related to PCa risk, while CD62L - monocyte absolute count and CD62L - monocyte % monocyte were negatively associated with PCa risk. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate these results. The mediation MR results indicate that 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate (CMPF) levels may be an independent risk factor for PCa, while the succinate to acetoacetate ratio (SA ratio) was found to be a mediator for the effect of CD62L - monocyte % monocyte on PCa, with a mediation proportion of 16.6% (mediation percentage: 16.6%, 95%CI - 163% - 196%). The research validates the genetic causality between particular immune cells and PCa, and has emphasized the potential intermediary function of SA ratio. These noteworthy discoveries provide fresh perspectives for the clinical management of PCa.

Can Witnessing Domestic Violence Predict Risky Health Behaviors of University Students?

Various physical, mental, and behavioral disorders are reported among individuals who witness violence. This study was designed to examine university students' risky health behaviors after witnessing domestic violence. In this study, 2,509 university students, selected using the stratified sampling method in terms of sex and study year, were included. Path analysis was performed to examine the relationships between sociodemographic variables and risky health behaviors. We found that witnessing domestic violence directly increased substance abuse and alcohol consumption in the entire study population and partner violence among female participants. By adding the variable of witnessing domestic violence to the equation as a mediator, the effect of sociodemographic characteristics on risky health behaviors changed.

Factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intentions and mediating effects among older adults in Southwest China.

This study examines the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination intentions among Chinese residents over the age of 60, with a focus on the mediating roles of Health Beliefs and Cues to Vaccination Action in the relationship between vaccine knowledge and vaccination intentions. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey involving 1,305 participants from Southwest China. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified potential determinants of vaccination intention, including socioeconomic characteristics, knowledge, health beliefs, and cues to vaccination action. Furthermore, mediation analysis using the causal mediation analysis method explored the mediating effects within the knowledge-to-intention pathway. Vaccination intention and its related factors: among the 1212 elderly people included in the study, 92.9% expressed willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Main factors influencing their vaccination willingness included Residency (urban vs. rural, OR = 0.47, p < 0.01), Age (75 + vs. others, OR = 0.41, p < 0.05), Marital status (OR = 0.36, p < 0.01), Occupation ( business/service vs. others, OR = 0.33, p < 0.05), Awareness of vaccine effectiveness (OR = 1.23, p < 0.01), Cues to vaccination action (OR = 1.31, p < 0.01) and COVID-19 related knowledge (OR = 1.06, p < 0.01). The analysis revealed two significant mediators-Health Beliefs and Cues to Vaccination Action. These mediators (p<0.05 for both natural indirect effect and natural direct effect) acted along two key pathways: (1) From Knowledge of COVID-19 to Health Beliefs to Vaccination Intention: Natural Direct Effects (NDE) ranged from 0.012 to 0.016, with Natural Indirect Effects (NIE) from 0.001 to 0.003, indicating that mediators accounted for 4% to 18% of the total effect. (2) From Knowledge of COVID-19 to Cues of Vaccination Action to Vaccination Intention: NDE ranged from 0.012 to 0.016 and NIE from 0.002 to 0.003, with mediators accounting for 9% to 20% of the effect. The intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 among older adults varies significantly based on socioeconomic and health belief factors. The study identifies health beliefs and cues to action not only as direct contributors but also as crucial mediators in the pathway from knowledge to vaccination intention among older individuals. These findings can extend our understanding of the impact of sociodemographic factors and health beliefs on the COVID-19 vaccination willingness among older adults.

Engineering Electrolytes with Transition Metal Ions for the Rapid Sulfur Redox and In Situ Solidification of Polysulfides in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have been pursued due to their high theoretical energy density and superb cost-effectiveness. However, the dissolution-conversion mechanism of sulfur inevitably leads to shuttle effects and interface passivation issues, which impede Li-S battery practical application. Herein, the approach of adopting transition metal salts (CoI2) to engineering the electrolyte is proposed. Different from anchored transition metal catalysts in the cathode, soluble cobalt ions can chemically reduce and solidify polysulfides, alleviating the dependence of sulfur conversion on the conductive interface while suppressing the shuttle effect. Importantly, all elements in CoI2 are in the lowest valence state and solid complexes are formed after the redox reaction, which prevents the migration of high valent Co3+ to the anode, thus overcoming the poor compatibility between redox mediator and Li anode. Notably, I3- has the function of eliminating dead sulfur and dead lithium, which we apply to Li-S batteries. After activating I3- at a certain frequency, Li-S batteries indeed achieve a longer and more stable cycle life. By combining the regulatory behavior of anions and cations, the electrolyte is engineered for Li-S batteries with high capacity, long lifespan, and excellent rate performance.

Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators Distinctly Modulate Silver Nanoparticle-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Healthy and Metabolic Syndrome Mouse Models.

Individuals with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to environmental inhalation exposures. Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly common and is associated with susceptibility to inhalation exposures such as particulate air pollution, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In previous studies, we determined that, compared to a healthy mouse model, a mouse model of MetS exhibited increased pulmonary inflammation 24 h after exposure to AgNPs. This exacerbated response was associated with decreases in pulmonary levels of specific specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). Supplementation with specific SPMs that are known to be dysregulated in MetS may alter particulate-induced inflammatory responses and be useful in treatment strategies. Our current study hypothesized that administration of resolvin E1 (RvE1), protectin D1 (PD1), or maresin (MaR1) following AgNP exposure will differentially regulate inflammatory responses. To examine this hypothesis, healthy and MetS mouse models were exposed to either a vehicle (control) or 50 µg of 20 nm AgNPs via oropharyngeal aspiration. They were then treated 24 h post-exposure with either a vehicle (control) or 400 ng of RvE1, PD1, or MaR1 via oropharyngeal aspiration. Endpoints of pulmonary inflammation and toxicity were evaluated three days following AgNP exposure. MetS mice that were exposed to AgNPs and received PBS treatment exhibited significantly exacerbated pulmonary inflammatory responses compared to healthy mice. In mice exposed to AgNPs and treated with RvE1, neutrophil infiltration was reduced in healthy mice and the exacerbated neutrophil levels were decreased in the MetS model. This decreased neutrophilia was associated with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines' gene and protein expression. Healthy mice treated with PD1 did not demonstrate alterations in AgNP-induced neutrophil levels compared to mice not receiving treat; however, exacerbated neutrophilia was reduced in the MetS model. These PD1 alterations were associated with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines, as well as elevated interleukin-10 (IL-10). Both mouse models receiving MaR1 treatment demonstrated reductions in AgNP-induced neutrophil influx. MaR1 treatment was associated with decreases in proinflammatory cytokines in both models and increases in the resolution inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both models, which were enhanced in MetS mice. Inflammatory responses to particulate exposure may be treated using specific SPMs, some of which may benefit susceptible subpopulations.

Amino Acid-Based Protein-Mimic Hydrogel Incorporating Pro-Regenerative Lipid Mediator and Microvascular Fragments Promotes the Healing of Deep Burn Wounds.

Pro-regenerative lipid mediator 1 (PreM1) is a specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator that promotes wound healing and regenerative functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, and macrophages. The healing of third-degree (3°) burns and regenerative functions of MSCs are enhanced by ACgel1, an arginine-and-chitosan-based protein-mimic hybrid hydrogel. Adipose-tissue derived microvascular fragments (MVFs) are native vascularization units and a rich source of MSCs, endothelial cells, and perivascular cells for tissue regeneration. Here we describe an innovative PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 construct that incorporated PreM1 and MVFs into ACgel1 via optimal design and fabrication. This construct delivered PreM1 to 3°-burn wounds at least up to 7 days-post-burn (dpb), and scaffolded and delivered MVFs. PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 promoted the healing of 3°-burns in mice, including vascularization and collagen formation. The re-epithelization and closure of 3° burn wounds were promoted by ACgel1, MVFs, PreM1, MVFs-ACgel1, PreM1-ACgel1, or PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 at certain time-point(s), while PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 was most effective with 97% closure and 4.69% relative epithelial gap at 13 dpb compared to saline control. The PreM1-ACgel1 and MVFs-ACgel1 also promoted blood vessel regeneration of 3°-burns although PreM1-MVFs-ACgel1 is significantly more effective. These PreM1- and/or MVF-functionalized ACgel1 have nonexistent or minimal graft-donor requirements and are promising adjuvant therapeutic candidates for treating deep burns.

Demonstration of Scalable Water Splitting into H2 and O2 by a Flow-Type Photocatalysis-Electrolysis Hybrid System Using a Highly Stable Photocatalyst.

Water splitting via a photocatalysis-electrolysis hybrid system has been investigated as a potentially scalable and economically feasible means of producing renewable H2. However, there are no reports demonstrating a scalable system for stoichiometric water splitting using an efficient and stable photocatalyst, and the key operating conditions for efficiently driving the entire system have not been established. Herein, we address the issues required to efficiently drive the entire system of a Cs+, Fe2+, and H+ ion-modified WO3 (denoted as H-Fe-Cs-WO3) photocatalyst fixed reactor combined with a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM)-type electrolyzer. In electrochemical H2 production using Fe2+, the current density improved as the concentration of both H+ and Fe2+ increased, and we determined the optimum conditions for a hybrid system using high concentrations of HClO4 and Fe(ClO4)3, which differ from those reported for photocatalysis alone. No performance deterioration of the H-Fe-Cs-WO3 photocatalyst was observed even after light irradiation for more than 10 000 h under strong acidic conditions. The accumulated Fe2+ ions were extremely stable and did not oxidize even when exposed to air for more than two months. As for the stepwise operation that takes advantage of the characteristics of the hybrid system, the contribution factor of the photocatalyst in the photocatalysis-electrolysis hybrid system for H2 evolution (CP@STHap) under an applied bias was estimated to be 0.24%, which is a value comparable to that of the solar-to-chemical (STC) conversion efficiency (0.31%). The efficiency difference (0.07%) corresponds to the overpotential of the electrolytic reaction and indicates that water splitting via the photocatalysis-electrolysis hybrid system proceeds efficiently at a small overpotential of 0.06 V (∼11.6 kJ mol-1).

Induction of long-term hyperexcitability by memory-related cAMP signaling in isolated nociceptor cell bodies.

Persistent hyperactivity of nociceptors is known to contribute significantly to long-lasting sensitization and ongoing pain in many clinical conditions. It is often assumed that nociceptor hyperactivity is mainly driven by continuing stimulation from inflammatory mediators. We have tested an additional possibility: that persistent increases in excitability promoting hyperactivity can be induced by a prototypical cellular signaling pathway long known to induce late-phase long-term potentiation (LTP) of synapses in brain regions involved in memory formation. This cAMP-PKA-CREB-gene transcription-protein synthesis pathway was tested using whole-cell current clamp methods on small dissociated sensory neurons (primarily nociceptors) from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) excised from previously uninjured ("naïve") male rats. Six-hour treatment with the specific Gαs-coupled 5-HT4 receptor agonist, prucalopride, or with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin induced long-term hyperexcitability (LTH) in DRG neurons that manifested 12-24 h later as action potential (AP) discharge (ongoing activity, OA) during artificial depolarization to -45 mV, a membrane potential that is normally subthreshold for AP generation. Prucalopride treatment also induced significant long-lasting depolarization of resting membrane potential (from -69 to -66 mV), enhanced depolarizing spontaneous fluctuations (DSFs) of membrane potential, and produced trends for reduced AP threshold and rheobase. LTH was prevented by co-treatment of prucalopride with inhibitors of PKA, CREB, gene transcription, or protein synthesis. As in the induction of synaptic memory, many other cellular signals are likely to be involved. However, the discovery that this prototypical memory induction pathway can induce nociceptor LTH, along with reports that cAMP signaling and CREB activity in DRGs can induce hyperalgesic priming, suggest that early, temporary, cAMP-induced transcriptional and translational mechanisms can induce nociceptor LTH that might last for long periods. The present results also raise the question of whether reactivation of primed signaling mechanisms by re-exposure to inflammatory mediators linked to cAMP synthesis during subsequent challenges to bodily integrity can "reconsolidate" nociceptor memory, extending the duration of persistent hyperexcitability.

Li2MoO4 tailored Anion-enhanced Solvation Sheath Layer Promotes Solution-phase Mediated Li-O2 Batteries.

The high overpotential of Li-O2 batteries (LOBs) is primarily triggered by sluggish charge transfer kinetics at the reaction interfaces. A typical LiBr redox mediator (RM) catalyst can effectively reduce the battery's overpotential. However, it is prone to shuttling and corroding the Li anode, leading to RM loss and reduced energy efficiency. To address these challenges, we introduced Li2MoO4 into the LiBr-containing electrolyte to promote the solution-phase mediated LOBs. This addition tailors the anion-enhanced Li+ solvation sheath layer and forms a robust anion-derived solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) on the Li anode. The robust SEI effectively mitigates the corrosion of soluble Br3-/Br2 and attacks by highly reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the dispersed and high-density Li2MoO4 exhibits strong adsorption capabilities for O2/LiO2 and Br-related species during the discharge/charge process, thereby promoting the growth and decomposition of Li2O2 in the solution phase and inhibiting the shuttle effect of Br-related species in LOBs. Consequently, the LOBs demonstrate exceptional cycling stability (415 cycles) and high energy efficiency (86.2%), paving the way for the sustainable development and practical application of these battery systems.

Specific depressive symptoms, body mass index and diabetes in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: Analysis of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association between specific depressive symptoms and incident diabetes, and whether overweight or obesity mediates this relationship among middle-aged and older adults in China. METHODS: In a nationally representative prospective cohort study of 11,893 middle-aged and older Chinese adults without baseline diabetes, we used Cox models to assess the association between depressive symptoms and diabetes. The quantile g-computation (qgcomp) model evaluated the contribution of 10 specific depressive symptoms to diabetes risk, and a two-stage regression method explored the mediation effect of overweight or obesity. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 7.1 years, 1,314 cases of diabetes were identified. Elevated depressive symptoms were associated with increased diabetes risk (HR 1.23; 95 % CI 1.09-1.38). Eight out of 10 depressive symptoms were significantly associated to diabetes, with loneliness (weight = 18 %; HR 1.23; 95 % CI 1.10-1.39), restless sleep (weight = 17 %; HR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.04-1.29), and bother (weight = 15 %; HR 1.19; 95 % CI 1.07-1.33) being the primary contributors. Mediation analysis showed that overweight and obesity reduced the depression-diabetes risk association by 8.21 % and 12.61 %, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Diagnosis of diabetes was self-reported. CONCLUSIONS: Eight out of ten specific depressive symptoms were associated to diabetes, overweight and obesity may partially mitigate the effect of depressive symptoms on diabetes among middle-aged and older adults in China. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our results highlight the importance of tailoring diabetes prevention and management strategies according to specific depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China.

High-Valence Mn MOF Inspired by Laccase Mediators Enables Versatile Nature-Mimicking Catalysis.

In nature, active Mn3+ -ligand complexes produced by laccase catalyzed oxidation can act as the low-molecular mass, diffusible redox mediators to oxidize the phenolic substrates overcoming the limitations of natural enzymes. Learning from the metal-ligand coordination of natural functional units, high-valence Mn metal-organic framework (Mn MOF) is constructed to simulate the catalysis in natural mediator system. Benefiting from the characteristics of nanoscale size, rich metal coordination unsaturated sites, and mixed valence state dominated by Mn(III), Nano Mn(III)-TP exhibits superior laccase-mimicking activity, whose Vmax (maximal reaction rate) is much higher than that of natural laccase. Referring to natural systems, relevant free radical experiments prove that the material induces the production of active oxygen species with the assistance of carboxylic acid, and active oxygen species further oxidize phenolic substrates. Based on its robust performances, the primary oxidative degradation of an emerging pollutant triclosan (TCS) is creatively applied, an important antiasthmatic medicine terbutaline sulfate (TBT) detection, and the synthesis of non-toxic and black near-natural dyes for dyeing. By simulating the essential mediators of natural enzymatic catalysis, an Mn MOF-based material that demonstrates multiple novel applications is successfully developed, which introduces a new reliable strategy for achieving versatile nature-mimicking catalysis.

Cutting-Edge Progress in Aqueous Zn-S Batteries: Innovations in Cathodes, Electrolytes, and Mediators.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-sulfur batteries (AZSBs) are emerging as prominent candidates for next-generation energy storage devices owing to their affordability, non-toxicity, environmental friendliness, non-flammability, and use of earth-abundant electrodes and aqueous electrolytes. However, AZSBs currently face challenges in achieving satisfied electrochemical performance due to slow kinetic reactions and limited stability. Therefore, further research and improvement efforts are crucial for advancing AZSBs technology. In this comprehensive review, it is delved into the primary mechanisms governing AZSBs, assess recent advancements in the field, and analyse pivotal modifications made to electrodes and electrolytes to enhance AZSBs performance. This includes the development of novel host materials for sulfur (S) cathodes, which are capable of supporting higher S loading capacities and the refinement of electrolyte compositions to improve ionic conductivity and stability. Moreover, the potential applications of AZSBs across various energy platforms and evaluate their market viability based on recent scholarly contributions is explored. By doing so, this review provides a visionary outlook on future research directions for AZSBs, driving continuous advancements in stable AZSBs technology and deepening the understanding of their charge-discharge dynamics. The insights presented in this review signify a significant step toward a sustainable energy future powered by renewable sources.

High-Performance Dual-Redox-Mediator Supercapacitors Based on Buckypaper Electrodes and Hydrogel Polymer Electrolytes.

In recent years, the demand for solid, thin, and flexible energy storage devices has surged in modern consumer electronics, which require autonomy and long duration. In this context, hybrid supercapacitors have become strategic, and significant efforts are being made to develop cells with higher energy densities while preserving the power density of conventional supercapacitors. Motivated by these requirements, we report the development of a new high-performance dual-redox-mediator supercapacitor. In this study, cells were constructed using fully moldable buckypapers (BPs), composed of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers, as electrodes. We evaluated the compatibility of BPs with hydrogel polymer electrolytes, based on 1 mol L-1 H2SO4 and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), supplemented with different redox species: methylene blue, indigo carmine, and hydroquinone. Solid cells were constructed containing two active redox species to maximize the specific capacity of each electrode. Considering the main results, the dual-redox-mediator supercapacitor exhibits high energy density of 32.0 Wh kg-1 (at 0.8 kW kg-1) and is capable of delivering 25.9 Wh kg-1 at high power demand (4.0 kW kg-1). Stability studies conducted over 10,000 galvanostatic cycles revealed that the PVA polymer matrix benefits the system by inhibiting the crossover of redox species within the cell.

Environmental concern and eco-entrepreneurial intention: the mediating effects of nature-based solutions and self-efficacy.

Environmental responsibility is crucial in both consumption and production processes. Increasing environmental concerns of societies require eco-innovative and nature-based solutions (NBS) for entrepreneurs. Young people's intentions as potential innovators and entrepreneurs on eco-entrepreneurship with mediating effects have not been investigated, which is a shortcoming in the literature. This study was conducted with 920 respondents from a public university (Düzce University) students to determine the underlying motivations of eco-entrepreneurship intentions using structural equation modeling (SEM) and bootstrap methodology. SEM results show that environmental concerns have a positive direct effect (ß = 0.62) on students' eco-entrepreneurship intention. This study can serve the several sustainable development goals (SDGs) making suggestions for the efficient and effective use of production factors in terms of environmentally responsible behavior. Study results provide data for sustainable business applications and eco-innovative thinking. Study results intend the direction of modern environmental governance, policymakers, and SEM developers.

Arabidopsis MORC1 and MED9 Interact to Regulate Defense Gene Expression and Plant Fitness.

Arabidopsis MORC1 (Microrchidia) is required for multiple levels of immunity. We identified 14 MORC1-interacting proteins (MIPs) via yeast two-hybrid screening, eight of which have confirmed or putative nuclear-associated functions. While a few MIP mutants displayed altered bacterial resistance, MIP13 was unusual. The MIP13 mutant was susceptible to Pseudomonas syringae, but when combined with morc1/2, it regained wild-type resistance; notably, morc1/2 is susceptible to the same pathogen. MIP13 encodes MED9, a mediator complex component that interfaces with RNA polymerase II and transcription factors. Expression analysis of defense genes PR1, PR2, and PR5 in response to avirulent P. syringae revealed that morc1/2 med9 expressed these genes in a slow but sustained manner, unlike its lower-order mutants. This expression pattern may explain the restored resistance and suggests that the interplay of MORC1/2 and MED9 might be important in curbing defense responses to maintain fitness. Indeed, repeated challenges with avirulent P. syringae triggered significant growth inhibition in morc1/2 med9, indicating that MED9 and MORC1 may play an important role in balancing defense and growth. Furthermore, the in planta interaction of MED9 and MORC1 occurred 24 h, not 6 h, postinfection, suggesting that the interaction functions late in the defense signaling. Our study reveals a complex interplay between MORC1 and MED9 in maintaining an optimal balance between defense and growth in Arabidopsis.

Community voices in health literacy: a qualitative exploration into perceptions of a health literacy mediator.

Health literacy is a vital asset needed to empower individuals to take control of their health. An individual's health literacy is the ability to find, use and apply health information and services to manage their health. They interact with the health services and members of their community who can offer additional support. Creating the role of a health literacy mediator (HLM) may help to improve health literacy outcomes for all. For this role to be accepted by individuals within a community, the community itself should be involved in the development of the roles and associated responsibilities. The aim of this study was to engage with community members to acquire their perspectives on the potential of this role. Qualitative semi-structured online interviews were used to engage in discussions with local community members. This study implemented a constructivist epistemology with qualitative research design. Data were thematically analysed to identify evolving themes that were important to the HLM role. The analysis identified three main themes that need to be considered when adopting an HLM role: (i) health empowerment of individuals, organizations and communities, (ii) meeting the needs of the community and (iii) addressing the existing barriers in navigating and accessing the healthcare system. Those working in the health promotion space must adopt novel and innovative ways to improve HL on both a local and an international scale. This study concluded that for the role of a HLM to be accepted, it would need to encompass these attributes.

Mediator subunit 17 regulates light and darkness responses in Arabidopsis plants.

Mediator 17 (MED17) is part of the head of the Mediator complex, which regulates transcription initiation in different eukaryotic organisms, including plants. We have previously characterized MED17 roles in Arabidopsis plants exposed to UV-B radiation, revealing its involvement in various aspects of the DNA damage response after exposure. med17 mutant plants showed altered HY5 expression, which encodes a transcription factor with a central role in photomorphogenesis. Our results demonstrate that med17 mutants show altered photomorphogenic responses and also to darkness, when compared to WT plants, and these differences could be due to altered expression of genes encoding key regulators of light and darkness signaling pathways, such as HY5, COP1 and PIF3. Moreover, med17 mutants exhibit transcriptome changes similar to those previously reported in plants exposed to red and blue light, as well as those previously described for photoreceptor mutants. Interestingly, med17 and hy5 mutants show a similar set of differentially expressed genes compared to WT plants, which suggests that both proteins may participate in a common light and dark-induced signaling pathways. Together, our data provides evidence that MED17 is an important regulator of the light and darkness responses in Arabidopsis.

High Efficiency Alkaline Iodine Batteries with Multi-Electron Transfer Enabled by Bi/Bi2O3 Redox Mediator.

The multi-electron transfer I-/IO3- redox couple is attractive for high energy aqueous batteries. Shifting from an acidic to an alkaline electrolyte significantly enhances the IO3- formation kinetics due to the spontaneous disproportionation reaction, while the alkaline environment also offers more favorable Zn anode compatibility. However, sluggish kinetics during the reduction of IO3- persists in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes, compromising the energy efficiency of this glorious redox couple. Here, we establish the fundamental redox mechanism of the I-/IO3- couple in alkaline electrolytes for the first time and propose that Bi/Bi2O3 acts as a redox mediator (RM) to "catalyze" the reduction of IO3-. This mediation significantly reduces the voltage gap between charge/discharge from 1.6 V to 1 V with improved conversion efficiency and rate capability. By pairing the Zn anode and the Bi/Bi2O3 RM cathode, the full battery with I-/IO3- redox mechanism achieves high areal capacity of 12 mAh cm-2 and stable operation at 5 mAh cm-2 for over 400 cycles.

Interweavable Metalloporphyrin-based Fibers for Indirect Electrocatalysis.

The applications of indirect electrocatalysis toward potential industrial processes are drastically limited by the utilization or processing forms of electrocatalysts. The remaining challenges of electrocatalysts like the recycling in homogeneous systems or pulverization in heterogeneous systems call for advanced processing forms to meet the desired requirements. Here, we report a series of metalloporphyrin-based polymer fibers (M-PF, M = Ni, Cu and Zn) through a rigid-flexible polymerization strategy based on rigid metalloporphyrin and flexible thiourea units that can be applied as heterogenous redox-mediators in indirect electrocatalysis. These functional fibers with high strength and flexibility exhibit interweavable and designable functions that can be processed into different fiber-forms like knotted, two-spiral, three-ply, five-ply fibers or even interweaved networks. Interestingly, they can be readily applied in S-S bond cleaving/cyclization reaction or extended oxidative self-coupling reaction of thiols with high efficiency. Remarkably, it enables the scale-up production (1.25 g in a batch-experiment) under laboratory conditions.