Constructing Orbital Coupling-Modulated Homogeneous Dual-Atom Fe-Fe Sites for Boosting Bidirectional Conversion of Polysulfides.

Homogeneous dual-atom catalysts (HDACs) have garnered significant attention for their potential to overcome the shuttling effect and sluggish reaction kinetics in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. However, modulating the electron structure of metal atomic orbitals for HDACs to dictate the catalytic activity toward polysulfides has remained meaningful but unexplored so far. Herein, an interfacial cladding strategy is developed to obtain a new type of dual-atom iron matrix with a unique FeN2P1-FeN2P1 coordination structure (Fe2@NCP). The 3d orbital electrons of the Fe centers are redistributed by incorporating phosphorus atoms into the first coordination sphere. The theoretical calculations disclose that the strong coupling between the Fe d orbital and the S p orbital exhibits an enhanced Fe-S bond and improved reactivity toward polysulfides. Moreover, the Fe2@NCP catalyst achieves robust adsorption ability toward Li2Sn (1 ≤ n ≤ 8) and significantly boosts bidirectional sulfur redox reaction kinetics by lowering the Li2S deposition/decomposition energy barriers. Consequently, the assembled Li-S batteries present a high retention ratio of 77.3% after 500 cycles at 1C. Furthermore, the Li-S pouch cell also exhibits good performance at 0.1C (80.2% retention over 100 cycles) for practical application with a sulfur loading of 4.0 mg/cm2. The outcome of this study will facilitate the design of homogeneous dual-atom catalysts for Li-S batteries.

Novel BiOI/LaOXI〈IX〉 heterojunction with enhanced visible-light driven photocatalytic performance: unveiling the mechanism of interlayer electron transition.

Improving visible light absorption plays an important role in the utilization of solar power for photocatalysis. Using first-principles calculations within the HSE06 functional, we propose that the semiconductor heterojunction BiOI/LaOXI〈IX〉 extends the optical absorption to the near-infrared range, boosts the absorption coefficient from 1.28 × 105 cm-1 to above 2.20 × 105 cm-1 in the visible light range, and increases the conversion efficiency of solar power up to 9.48%. The enhanced optical absorption derives from the significant interlayer transition and excitonic effect which benefit from polarized LaOXI with a flat band in the highest valence band (VB). In BiOI/LaOClI〈ICl 〉, the electrostatic potential difference (ΔΦ) modifies the band edge positions to meet the requirements for photocatalytic overall water splitting, while the polarized electric field (Ep) accelerates the separation of photogenerated carriers and regulates the overpotentials of photogenerated carriers following a direct Z-scheme strategy. In addition, BiOI/LaOXI〈IX〉 is dynamically and thermodynamically stable. Furthermore, only a low external potential is needed to drive the redox reaction. Our theoretical results suggest that BiOI/LaOXI〈IX〉 could be a potential photocatalyst for overall water splitting with enhanced visible light absorption.

Entropy-Driven Hybrid Gel Electrolyte Enables Practical High-Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries.

Electrolyte engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) featuring high-voltage cathodes and limited lithium anodes, thereby unlocking their potential for high-energy electrochemical storage. Herein, an entropy-driven hybrid gel electrolyte with enhanced diversity in Li-ion solvation structures is designed by incorporating substantial amounts of insoluble LiPO2F2 and LiNO3 salts into LiPF6-based carbonate electrolytes, followed by in situ thermal polymerization. Specifically, the Li+ solvation structures are modulated via ionophilic NO3- and PO2F2- to generate an anion-rich solvation sheath and thus promote anion reduction at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The interfaces enriched in anion-derived inorganic components facilitate rapid ionic transport, thus enabling smooth and dense Li morphology and ultimately enhancing the electrochemical performance of LMBs. As a result, this high-hybrid gel electrolyte confers LMBs employing high-voltage NCM cathodes, as demonstrated by sustained performance in both coin-cell (500 cycles at 4.5 V) and Ah-level pouch cell configurations under practical conditions (60 cycles, N/P: 1.92, and E/C: 2.0 g Ah -1).

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Bile Acids on Growth, Glucose Metabolism, and Intestinal Health of Spotted Seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus).

An 8-week feeding trial was performed to investigate the effects of dietary bile acids on growth, glucose metabolism, and intestinal health in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) reared at high temperatures (33 °C). The fish (20.09 ± 1.12 g) were fed diets supplemented with bile acids: 0 (Con), 400 (BA400), 800 (BA800), and 1200 (BA1200) mg/kg, respectively. The results showed that the growth was promoted in fish at the BA800 treatment compared with the control (p < 0.05). Increased enzyme activities and transcripts of gluconeogenesis in the liver were observed, whereas decreased enzyme activities and transcripts of glycolysis, as well as glycogen content, were shown in the BA800 treatment (p < 0.05). The transcripts of bile acid receptors fxr in the liver were up-regulated in the BA800 treatment (p < 0.05). A bile acid supplementation of 800 mg/kg improved the morphological structure in the intestine. Meanwhile, intestinal antioxidant physiology and activities of lipase and trypsin were enhanced in the BA800 treatment. The transcripts of genes and immunofluorescence intensity related to pro-inflammation cytokines (il-1ß, il-8, and tnf-α) were inhibited, while those of genes related to anti-inflammation (il-10 and tgf-ß) were induced in the BA800 treatment. Furthermore, transcripts of genes related to the NF-κB pathway in the intestine (nfκb, ikkα, ikkß, and ikbα1) were down-regulated in the BA800 treatment. This study demonstrates that a dietary bile acid supplementation of 800 mg/kg could promote growth, improve glucose metabolism in the liver, and enhance intestinal health by increasing digestive enzyme activity and antioxidant capacity and inhibiting inflammatory response in L. maculatus.

LTA and PGN from Bacillus siamensis can alleviate soybean meal-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in Lateolabrax maculatus.

An eight-week feeding trial was designed to assess which component of commensal Bacillus siamensis LF4 can mitigate SBM-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) based on TLRs-MAPKs/NF-кB signaling pathways. Fish continuously fed low SBM (containing 16 % SBM) and high SBM (containing 40 % SBM) diets were used as positive (FM group) and negative (SBM group) control, respectively. After feeding high SBM diet for 28 days, fish were supplemented with B. siamensis LF4-derived whole cell wall (CW), cell wall protein (CWP), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or peptidoglycan (PGN) until 56 days. The results showed that a high inclusion of SBM in the diet caused enteritis, characterized with significantly (P < 0.05) decreased muscular thickness, villus height, villus width, atrophied and loosely arranged microvillus. Moreover, high SBM inclusion induced an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a down-regulation of occludin, E-cadherin, anti-inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis related genes and antimicrobial peptides. However, dietary supplementation with CW, LTA, and PGN of B. siamensis LF4 could effectively alleviate enteritis caused by a high level of dietary SBM. Additionally, CWP and PGN administration increased beneficial Cetobacterium and decreased pathogenic Plesiomonas and Brevinema, while dietary LTA decreased Plesiomonas and Brevinema, suggesting that CWP, LTA and PGN positively modulated intestinal microbiota in spotted seabass. Furthermore, CW, LTA, and PGN application significantly stimulated TLR2, TLR5 and MyD88 expressions, and inhibited the downstream p38 and NF-κB signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that LTA and PGN from B. siamensis LF4 could alleviate soybean meal-induced enteritis and microbiota dysbiosis in L. maculatus, and p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathways might be involved in those processes.

Optimization of synergistic capturing platinum group metals by Fe-Sn and its mechanism.

Platinum group metals (PGMs) are strategic metals. Auto-exhaust catalysts are their main application fields. The recovery of PGMs from spent auto-exhaust catalysts has remarkable economic value and strategic significance. Aiming at the problems of ferrosilicon generation for Fe capturing and subsequent oxygen blowing to remove iron with high energy consumption and heat release, a technology of Fe-Sn synergistic capturing PGMs was proposed. Taking full the advantage of the lower melting point of Fe-Sn alloy (<1200 °C) and its unique affinity for PGMs, the PGMs were captured at approximate 1400 °C with Fe-Sn as the collector. In experiment, 500 g of spent auto-exhaust catalysts were employed to minimize error and approximate industrial production. The mechanism of Fe-Sn synergistic capturing PGMs was elucidated. The generation of Fe-Sn-PGMs alloy lowered the activity of [PGMs] in the system, accelerated the reduction of the PGMs oxides and promoted the alloying of [PGMs]. Therefore, Fe-Sn synergistic capturing PGMs was realized. The inability of Si to enter the alloy phase was confirmed by theoretical calculations, avoiding the generation of ferrosilicon. The effects of basicity, CaF2, m(Fe)/m(Sn) and the amount of collector on capturing PGMs were optimized. Under the optimized conditions (basicity R = 1.1, spent auto-exhaust catalysts 70 wt%, CaO 30 wt%, B2O3 10 wt%, CaF2 7 wt%, m(Fe)/m(Sn) = 1/1 and the collector 15 wt%), the content of PGMs in the slag phase was 2.46 g/t. It is feasible to remove Fe and Sn by oxidation to achieve the purpose of PGMs enrichment. This technology offers guidance on the safe, environmentally sound, and efficient disposal of spent auto-exhaust catalysts, promoting the sustainable development of PGMs.

Molten-Salt-Assisted Strategy Enables High-Rate Micron-Sized Single-Crystal Li-Rich, Mn-Based Layered Oxide Cathode Materials.

Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (LMLOs) are expected to be the most promising high-capacity cathodes for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the poor cycling stability and kinetics performance of polycrystalline LMLOs restrict their practical applications due to the anisotropic lattice stress and crack propagation during cycling. Herein, B-doped micron-sized single-crystal Co-free LMLOs were obtained by molten-salt (LiNO3 and H3BO3)-assisted sintering. The results reveal that the low-melting-point molten salt can serve as liquid-phase media to improve the efficiency of atomic mass transfer and crystal nucleation and growth. The modified single-crystal LMLO cathodes can resist the accumulation of anisotropic stress and strain during the cycling and reduce interface side reactions, thus achieving excellent high-voltage stability and kinetics performance. The reversible specific capacity of the single crystals is 210.8 mAh g-1 at 1C with a voltage decay rate of 1.95 mV/cycle and up to 161.1 mAh g-1 at 10C with a capacity retention of 81.06% after 200 cycles.

Synergizing language learning: SmallTalk AI In industry 4.0 and Education 4.0.

Background: As Industry 4.0 debuted roughly a decade ago, it is now necessary to examine how it affects various aspects of the discipline. It is the responsibility of the education sector to guarantee that the next generation is equipped mentally, physically, and cognitively to face unforeseen challenges. Numerous educational institutions are outfitted with Industry 4.0 technology-based learning. Industry 4.0 fosters advancements in learning methodologies, especially for language enhancements. Learners may gain knowledge at their base, providing them an opportunity for independent study. The majority of subjects have been acquired through Industry 4.0. This research chapter explores the intersection of Industry 4.0 and education, specifically focusing on the SmallTalk AI tool. It investigates how technological and digital innovations within the context of Industry 4.0 can serve as powerful tools to enhance language learning outcomes. Methods: This article presents a comprehensive analysis of statistical data and empirical evidence to support the positive impact of Industry 4.0 technology of SmallTalk on language acquisition particularly speaking. The study also determines the relationship among participants' usage through the technology acceptance model (TAM). Furthermore, it examines the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating these innovations into language learning pedagogies, offering insights for educators and policymakers to harness the potential of Industry 4.0 in fostering language proficiency. The research employs quantitative analysis. The data obtained from educational institutions has been analyzed using the SPSS and AMOS software. Results: The results indicate that Industry 4.0 has had an important effect on English language acquisition. This self-supported adaptable system of education facilitates effective student learning. This study also suggests that future research into the utility of Industry 4.0 be conducted elsewhere internationally.

Dynamic changes and clinical value of Sirt6 in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

This study aimed to investigate the role of Sirt6 and inflammatory cytokines in blood samples of patients with ACS. This is a retrospective randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 30 patients from our hospital are included and divided into following two groups: control group and experimental group, and experimental group consists of 15 patients with ACS and control group consists of 15 patients with non-acute coronary syndrome. Sirt6 protein is detected by western blotting and Sirt6 mRNA is detected by real-time PCR, then inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-18, TnI, and CK-MB are measured by ELISA and cytokines NT-proBNP are monitored by immunofluorescence. Our outcomes show that Sirt6 protein and Sirt6 mRNA in experimental group are remarkably lower than those in control group, and IL-1ß, IL-18, TnI, CK-MB, and NT-proBNP in the experimental group are remarkably higher than those in control group. We can conclude that Sirt6 can prevent or inhibit the development of ACS and IL-1ß, IL-18, TnI, CK-MB, and NT-proBNP can accelerate the development of ACS.

Dual-responsive 3D DNA nanomachines cascaded hybridization chain reactions for novel self-powered flexible microRNA-detecting platform.

The microRNA-21 is closely related to chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation. In this work, an efficient double-response 3D DNA nanomachine (DRDN) was assembled by co-immobilizing two different lengths of hairpin DNA on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to capture microRNA-21 (miRNA-21), recycle miRNA-21, and trigger hybridization chain reactions (HCR). This work reports the fabrication of a laser-scribed graphene (LSG) electrode with excellent flexibility and electrical conductivity by laser-scribing commercial polyimide films (PI). The as-proposed self-powered biosensing platform presents significantly increased instantaneous current to in real-time monitor miRNA-21 by a capacitor. The biosensing platform exhibited highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21 with a detection limit of 0.142 fM in the range of 0.5 fM to 1 × 104 fM, and demonstrated high efficiency in the analysis of the tumor markers.

Genetic screening of common genetic deafness in 60,391 women of childbearing age and intervention of birth defects.

Introduction: At least 60% of cases of severe hearing loss result from genetic factors. In this study genetic screening was carried out for common genetic deafness in women of childbearing age to prevent deafness and birth defects via providing genetic counseling and follow-up services for high-risk families. Material and methods: In total 60,391 pre-pregnancy/early-gestation women who received treatment in second-level or above hospitals in Weihai from February 2017 to December 2019 were selected. Venous or peripheral blood was collected to make dried blood slices on filter paper to extract genomic DNA, and high-throughput sequencing was applied to detect 20 variant sites in 4 common deafness genes (GJB2, GJB3, SLC26A4 and mitochondrial 12S rRNA) in the Chinese population. The spouses of women with deafness gene variants were sequenced. Results: In total 3,761 carriers with deafness gene variants were detected in 60,391 women of childbearing age, with a carrier rate of 6.2%. Among them, 1,739 women (2.88%) only carried GJB2 pathogenic variants. The carrying rate of c.235delC in GJB2 pathogenic variants was the highest at 2.08%. 1,553 women (2.58%) only carried SLC26A4 pathogenic variants. The carrying rate of c.919-2A>G in SLC26A4 pathogenic variants was the highest at 1.63%. 300 women (0.5%) only carried GJB3 variants, and 125 women (0.2%) carried the mitochondrial drug-sensitive gene variant. Conclusions: This screening model will greatly reduce the birth rate of children with hearing disabilities and is an effective way to prevent newborn deafness. In addition, genetic screening provided the related knowledge of hereditary deafness, especially strengthening genetic counseling and the clinical decision making from the genetic screening.

Research Note: Antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity of geese-derived Riemerella anatipestifer isolated from eastern regions of Hebei Province, China.

Riemerella anatipestifer (R. anatipestifer) can cause serositis in multiple poultry species, resulting in significant losses. Although R. anatipestifer-caused infections in ducks have been well established, the literature about this disease in geese is rare. Here, we isolated and identified 56 strains of R. anatipestifer from the eastern regions of Hebei Province, China, and further determined their serotypes, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenicity. A total of 75 strains of causative bacteria were isolated from 70 sick geese with serositis. After Gram staining microscopy, PCR, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, 56 isolates were identified as members of R. anatipestifer and 19 as Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results of serotyping showed that there were 4 serotypes prevalent in the isolate, including serotype 1 (37/56), serotype 2 (9/56), serotype 11 (8/56), and serotype 13 (2/56). The results of antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that all 56 R. anatipestifer isolates showed varying degrees of multidrug resistance (MDR). A total of 10 antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) were determined in these isolates. Four isolates of different serotypes were selected for pathogenicity examination, and all were able to reproduce serositis-like symptoms in 15-day-old goslings, with neurological symptoms and a 100% mortality rate. Hemorrhagic congestion of the brain tissue, steatosis of the hepatocytes, and disorganization of some cardiac myofibers were observed in R. anatipestifer-infected geese. All these findings will contribute to our insights into the prevalence characteristics, antibiotic resistance profile, and pathogenicity of R. anatipestifer infection in geese in eastern Hebei Province and provide scientific guidance for the treatment and control of this disease.

Forecasting and advancing water carrying capacity in Henan Province in China: Application of 'four determinations with water' in AHP and SD modeling.

Water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) is indispensable for sustainable development, acting as a crucial determinant for harmonizing ecological preservation with socio-economic advancement. This research delineates an advanced evaluation index system for WRCC, focusing on Henan Province, China, a region straddling the Yangtze, Huaihe, Yellow, and Haihe river basins. Leveraging the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with a system dynamics (SD) model, our analysis dissects the nonlinear interplays among demographic expansion, economic activities, land use patterns, water resources, and water environment. We introduce a novel integration of the "Four Determinations with Water" principle with sustainable development tenets, thereby sculpting six exploratory scenarios that chart Henan's potential paths from 2022 to 2035. Through these scenarios, we forecast and scrutinize the evolution of population dynamics, GDP, water supply, and sewage discharge volumes, employing rigorous quantitative analyses for a holistic evaluation. The results show that: WRCC in Henan Province becomes larger gradually, and, in Scenario 6, the WRCC indicator is the largest (0.643 in 2035) and the prediction effect is the best, while in Scenario 1, the WRCC indicator is the smallest (0.472 in 2035) and the prediction effect is the worst. Based on the prediction results, suggestions were made to adjust the industrial structure and strengthen the awareness of water conservation to improve the regional water resources carrying capacity.

Quantitative assessments of retinal macular structure among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based, cross-sectional, optical coherence tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively assess and compare retinal macular structures of rural-dwelling older adults in China using two different optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners and to examine their associations with demographic, lifestyle, clinical and ocular factors. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This population-based, cross-sectional study included 971 participants (age ≥60 years) derived from the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China study. We collected data on demographics, lifestyle factors, clinical conditions (eg, cardiovascular disease (CVD)) and ocular factors (eg, visual acuity and spherical equivalent). We used two models of spectral-domain OCT to measure macular parameters in nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subfields. Data were analysed using the multiple general linear models. RESULTS: Spectralis OCT demonstrated higher macular thickness but a lower macular volume than Primus 200 OCT (p<0.05). Nasal quadrant of the inner and outer subfields was the thickest, followed by superior quadrant. Adjusting for multiple potential confounding variables, older age was significantly correlated with lower average inner and outer macular thicknesses and overall macular volume. Men had higher macular parameters than women. The presence of CVD was correlated with lower central macular thickness (ß=-6.83; 95% CI: -13.08 to -0.58; p=0.032). Middle school or above was associated with higher average inner macular thickness (ß=7.85; 95% CI: 1.14 to 14.55; p=0.022) and higher spherical equivalent was correlated with lower average inner macular thickness (ß=-1.78; 95% CI: -3.50 to -0.07; p=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Macular thickness and volume assessed by Spectralis and Primus 200 OCT scanners differ. Older age and female sex are associated with lower macular thickness and volume. Macular parameters are associated with education, CVD and spherical equivalent. TRIAL REGISTERATION NUMBER: MIND-China study (ChiCTR1800017758).

Orderly Arranged Dipoles Regulate Anion-Derived Solid-Electrolyte Interphase for Stable Lithium Metal Chemistry.

Lithium (Li) metal batteries are considered the most promising high-energy-density electrochemical energy storage devices of the next generation. However, the unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) derived from electrolytes usually leads to high impedance, Li dendrites growth, and poor cyclability. Herein, the ferroelectric BaTiO3 with orderly arranged dipoles (BTOV) is integrated into the polypropylene separator as a functional layer. Detailed characterizations and theoretical calculations indicate that surface oxygen vacancies drive the phase transition of BaTiO3 materials and promote the ordered arrangement of dipoles. The strong dipole moments in BTOV can adsorb TFSI- and NO3 - anions selectively and promote their preferential reduction to form a SEI film enriched with inorganic LiF and LiNxOy species, thus facilitating the rapid transfer of Li+ and restraining the growth of Li dendrites. As a result, the Li-Li cell with the BTOV functional layer exhibits enhanced Li plating/stripping cycling with an ultra-long life of over 7000 h at 0.5 mA cm-2/1.0 mAh cm-2. The LiFePO4 || Li (50 µm) full cells display excellent cycling performance exceeding 1760 cycles and superior rate performance. This work provides a new perspective for regulating SEI chemistry by introducing ordered dipoles to control the distribution and reaction of anions.

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Generation of Mutant Lines in Medicago truncatula Indicates a Symbiotic Role of MtLYK10 during Nodule Formation.

CRISPR/Cas9 systems are commonly used for plant genome editing; however, the generation of homozygous mutant lines in Medicago truncatula remains challenging. Here, we present a CRISPR/Cas9-based protocol that allows the efficient generation of M. truncatula mutants. Gene editing was performed for the LysM receptor kinase gene MtLYK10 and two major facilitator superfamily transporter genes. The functionality of CRISPR/Cas9 vectors was tested in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by editing a co-transformed GUSPlus gene. Transformed M. truncatula leaf explants were regenerated to whole plants at high efficiency (80%). An editing efficiency (frequency of mutations at a given target site) of up to 70% was reached in the regenerated plants. Plants with MtLYK10 knockout mutations were propagated, and three independent homozygous mutant lines were further characterized. No off-target mutations were identified in these lyk10 mutants. Finally, the lyk10 mutants and wild-type plants were compared with respect to the formation of root nodules induced by nitrogen-fixing Sinorhizobium meliloti bacteria. Nodule formation was considerably delayed in the three lyk10 mutant lines. Surprisingly, the size of the rare nodules in mutant plants was higher than in wild-type plants. In conclusion, the symbiotic characterization of lyk10 mutants generated with the developed CRISPR/Cas9 protocol indicated a role of MtLYK10 in nodule formation.

Mo-doping heterojunction: interfacial engineering in an efficient electrocatalyst for superior simulated seawater hydrogen evolution.

Exploring economical, efficient, and stable electrocatalysts for the seawater hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly desirable but is challenging. In this study, a Mo cation doped Ni0.85Se/MoSe2 heterostructural electrocatalyst, Mox-Ni0.85Se/MoSe2, was successfully prepared by simultaneously doping Mo cations into the Ni0.85Se lattice (Mox-Ni0.85Se) and growing atomic MoSe2 nanosheets epitaxially at the edge of the Mox-Ni0.85Se. Such an Mox-Ni0.85Se/MoSe2 catalyst requires only 110 mV to drive current densities of 10 mA cm-2 in alkaline simulated seawater, and shows almost no obvious degradation after 80 h at 20 mA cm-2. The experimental results, combined with the density functional theory calculations, reveal that the Mox-Ni0.85Se/MoSe2 heterostructure will generate an interfacial electric field to facilitate the electron transfer, thus reducing the water dissociation barrier. Significantly, the heteroatomic Mo-doping in the Ni0.85Se can regulate the local electronic configuration of the Mox-Ni0.85Se/MoSe2 heterostructure catalyst by altering the coordination environment and orbital hybridization, thereby weakening the bonding interaction between the Cl and Se/Mo. This synergistic effect for the Mox-Ni0.85Se/MoSe2 heterostructure will simultaneously enhance the catalytic activity and durability, without poisoning or corrosion of the chloride ions.

Paraprobiotic and postbiotic forms of Bacillus siamensis improved growth, immunity, liver and intestinal health in Lateolabrax maculatus fed soybean meal diet.

Live commensal Bacillus siamensis LF4 showed reparative potentials against high SM-induced negative effects, but whether its paraprobiotic (heat-killed B. siamensis, HKBS) and postbiotic (cell-free supernatant, CFS) forms had reparative functions and potential mechanisms are not yet known. In this study, the reparative functions of HKBS and CFS were investigated by establishing an injured model of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) treated with dietary high soybean meal (SM). The results showed that HKBS and CFS effectively mitigated growth suppression, immune deficiency, and liver injury induced by dietary high SM. Simultaneously, HKBS and CFS application positively shaped intestinal microbiota by increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Cetobacterium) and decreased harmful bacteria (Proteobacteria and Plesiomonasare). Additionally, HKBS and CFS improved SM-induced intestinal injury by restoring intestinal morphology, upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins, anti-inflammatory cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic proteins. Furthermore, HKBS and CFS intervention significantly activated TLR2, TLR5 and MyD88 signaling, and eventually inhibited p38 and NF-κB pathways. In conclusion, paraprobiotic (HKBS) and postbiotic (CFS) from B. siamensis LF4 can improve growth, immunity, repair liver and intestinal injury, and shape intestinal microbiota in L. maculatus fed high soybean meal diet, and TLRs/p38 MAPK/NF-κB signal pathways might be involved in those processes. These results will serve as a base for future application of paraprobiotics and postbiotics to prevent and repair SM-induced adverse effects in fish aquaculture.

Low phosphorus increases hepatic lipid deposition, oxidative stress and inflammatory response via Acetyl-CoA carboxylase-dependent manner in zebrafish liver cells.

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) plays a regulatory role in both fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, controlling the process of lipid deposition in the liver. Given that existing studies have shown a close relationship between low phosphorus (P) and hepatic lipid deposition, this study was conducted to investigate whether ACC plays a crucial role in this relationship. Zebrafish liver cell line (ZFL) was incubated under low P medium (LP, P concentration: 0.77 mg/L) or adequate P medium (AP, P concentration: 35 mg/L) for 240 h. The results showed that, compared with AP-treated cells, LP-treated cells displayed elevated lipid accumulation, and reduced fatty acid ß-oxidation, ATP content, and mitochondrial mass. Furthermore, transcriptomics analysis revealed that LP-treated cells significantly increased lipid synthesis (Acetyl-CoA carboxylases (acc), Stearyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (scd)) but decreased fatty acid ß-oxidation (Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (cptI)) and (AMP-activated protein kinase (ampk)) mRNA levels compared to AP-treated cells. The phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC, and the protein expression of CPTI were significantly decreased in LP-treated cells compared with those in AP-treated cells. After 240 h of LP treatment, PF-05175157 (an ACC inhibitor) was supplemented in the LP treatment for an additional 12 h. PF-05175157-treated cells showed higher phosphorylation of ACC, higher protein expression of CPTI, and lower protein expression of FASN, lower TG content, enhanced fatty acid ß-oxidation, increased ATP content, and mitochondrial mass compared with LP-treated cells. PF-05175157 also relieved the LP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Overall, these findings suggest that ACC is a promising target for treating LP-induced elevation of lipid deposition in ZFL, and can alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Hydrogen Bond Boosted Ferroelectric Polarization Enables High Rate Capability Lithium Metal Batteries.

Lithium metal is considered as a promising anode material for next generation lithium-based batteries due to its highest specific capacity and lowest reduction potential. However, irreversible lithium stripping/depositing gives rise to severe dendritic growth and countless dead lithium, which lead to rapid electrochemical performance degradation and increased safety hazards, and thus limit its large-scale application. Herein, this work demonstrates a universal hydrogen-bond-induced strategy to in situ form a highly polarized ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coating on the anode current collector. The localized electric field induced by the polarized ferroelectric PVDF can accelerate the migration of lithium ions and alleviate the shortage of lithium ions and uneven ion/electron distribution and transfer at the anode/electrolyte interface, thus promoting uniform deposition and stripping of Li+ at high-rate situations. As a result, the symmetrical Li || Li batteries with polarized PVDF coating exhibit a long cycling lifespan over 900 h under 2 mA cm-2 with marginal voltage polarization, and an ultra-high-rate performance up to 8.85 mA cm-2 . The full cells using LiFePO4 cathode also display enhanced electrochemical performance. The innovative strategy of ferroelectric polarization sheds light on interface engineering to circumvent Li dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries (LMBs).