"Atomic Topping" of MnOx on Al2O3 to Create Electron-Rich, Aperiodic, Lattice Oxygens that Resemble Noble Metals for Catalytic Oxidation.

Enhancing the catalytic oxidation activity of traditional transition-metal oxides to rival that of noble metals has been a prominent focus in the field of catalysis. However, existing synthesis strategies that focus on controlling the electronic states of metal centers have not yet fully succeeded in achieving this goal. Our current research reveals that manipulating the electronic states of oxygen centers can yield unexpected results. By creating electron-rich, aperiodic lattice oxygens through atomic topping of MnOx, we have produced a catalyst with performance that closely resembles supported Pt. Spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectra have confirmed that the atomic topping of the MnOx layer on Al2O3 can form an aperiodic arrangement oxide structure. Near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, reaction kinetics test, and theoretical calculations demonstrated that this structure significantly increases the electron density around the oxygen in MnOx, shifting the activation center for CO adsorption from Mn to O, thereby exhibiting catalytic activity and stability close to that of the precious metal Pt. This study presents a fresh perspective on designing efficient oxide catalysts by targeting electron-rich anionic centers, thereby deepening the understanding of how these centers can be altered to enhance catalytic efficiency in oxidation reactions.

Synergistic Modulation of π-π* and n-π* Transitions by In Situ Phenol-Like Structure Integration for Efficiently Wide-Spectrum Hydrogen Production of Ultrathin Carbon Nitride.

2D carbon nitride nanosheets, exemplified by g-C3N4, offers significant structural benefits and enhanced photocatalytic activity. Nonetheless, the quantum confinement effect prevalent in nanoscale photocatalysts would result in an enlarged bandgap, potentially restricting the spectral absorption range and impeding improvements in photocatalytic efficiency. Here, a high-performance 2D photocatalyst with an extended spectral response is achieved by incorporating a novel phenol-like structure into the conjugated framework of ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheet. This novel strategy features targeted pyrimidine doping to create a conjugated carbon zone in heptazine structure, offering a thermodynamically favorable pathway for hydroxyl functionalization during the annealing exfoliation process. Consequently, the π-π* transition energy in the material is significantly decreased, and the active lone pair electrons in phenol-like structure induces a new n-π* transition with notably enhanced absorption from 500 to 650 nm. The optimized material shows a dramatic enhancement in photocatalytic activity, achieving ≈72 times than the activity of bulk g-C3N4, and demonstrating a measurable H2 production rate of 6.57 µmol g-1 h-1 under 650 nm light. This study represents a significant step forward in the strategic design of 2D photocatalysts, with tailored electronic structures that significantly boost light absorption and photocatalytic efficiency.

Association between Perceived Stress and Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome in an Elderly Population: Rugao Longevity and Aging Study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between perceived stress and cognitive decline. However, it remains unknown whether high levels of perceived stress can result in motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome. This study investigated the relationship between perceived stress and MCR in a community-based population. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 852 elderly individuals from the Rugao Longitudinal Aging Cohort. Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), while MCR was defined as the coexistence of subjective memory complaints (SMCs) and slow gait speed. RESULTS: The average age of the study participants is 79.84 ± 4.34 years. The mean score of PSS-10 among participants is 10.32 (range = 0-33; [SD] = 5.71), with a median score of 10.00 (6.00, 14.00). The prevalence of MCR is 9.3%. In the logistic regression analysis, for each 1-SD (5.71) increase in the global PSS-10 score, the risk of MCR increased by 40% (95% CI 1.09-1.80). Additionally, in the aspect of two components of MCR, with a 1-SD increase (5.71) in the global PSS-10 score, there was a 50% (95% CI 1.29-1.75) increase in the risk of SMCs and a 27% (95% CI 1.04-1.55) increase in the risk of slow gait speed. In terms of specific walking speed, there was a reverse correlation between the global PSS-10 score and walking speed (r = -0.14, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided preliminary evidence that high levels of perceived stress were associated with the risk of MCR in a community-dwelling population.

Tuning Metal-Support Interaction of Pt-CeO2 Catalysts for Enhanced Oxidation Reactivity.

Metal-support interaction (MSI) has been widely recognized to be playing a pivotal role in regulating the catalytic activity of various reactions. In this work, the degree of MSI between Pt and CeO2 support was finely tuned by adjusting the activation condition, and the obtained catalysts were tested for the oxidative abatement of CO and HCHO under ambient conditions. The characterization of catalysts shows that activation of strongly interacting Pt-CeO2 at higher temperatures by H2 leads to a weaker MSI with increased electron density of Pt, and this modification of local electronic properties is demonstrated to result in enhanced O2 adsorption/activation to prevent the CO self-poisoning effect, while it abates the activity of CO adsorption/activation and oxidation of adsorbed CO. The Pt-CeO2 catalyst with a moderate MSI, which is able to balance each step in the catalytic cycle over Pt and Pt-CeO2 interface domains, displays the highest activity for CO/HCHO oxidation under ambient conditions.

Penetration of Arsenic and Deactivation of a Honeycomb V2O5-WO3/TiO2 Catalyst in a Glass Furnace.

Deactivation of honeycomb V2O5-WO3/TiO2 catalysts by arsenic has been studied widely in coal-fired power plants but rarely in glass furnaces. In this paper, deactivated catalysts that had been used for more than 4000 h were analyzed. We maintained the catalysts in their original monolith shape to retain their adhered substance and used appropriate methods to strip the substance layer by layer. With various characterization techniques, it was determined that the adhered substance was composed almost entirely of Na2SO4 and CaSO4. We also quantified the penetration depth of arsenic visually, which was more than 370 µm. A three-stage penetration and deactivation process induced by arsenic was proposed. It was pointed out that molten and volatile As2O3 played a key role in the deactivation process, while substances in the solid state had little impact on the deep bulk of the catalyst. In this study, we proposed an integrated deactivation process consisting of adhesion, penetration, and deactivation in a honeycomb V2O5-WO3/TiO2 catalyst by arsenic in a glass furnace. Finally, we also provided guidance on alleviating the deactivation caused by arsenic. The key is to convert molten and volatile As2O3 to solid-state substances before it contacts the catalyst.

Boosting the Catalytic Performance of CeO2 in Toluene Combustion via the Ce-Ce Homogeneous Interface.

Catalytic combustion is an advanced technology to eliminate industrial volatile organic compounds such as toluene. In order to replace the expensive noble metal catalysts and avoid the aggregation phenomenon occurring in traditional heterogeneous interfaces, designing homogeneous interfaces can become an emerging methodology to enhance the catalytic combustion performance of metal oxide catalysts. A mesocrystalline CeO2 catalyst with abundant Ce-Ce homogeneous interfaces is synthesized via a self-flaming method which exhibits boosted catalytic performance for toluene combustion compared with traditional CeO2, leading to a ∼40 °C lower T90. The abundant Ce-Ce homogeneous interfaces formed by both highly ordered stacking and small grain size endow the CeO2 mesocrystal with superior redox property and oxygen storage capacity via forming various oxygen vacancies. Surface and bulk oxygen vacancies generate and activate crucial oxygen species, while interfacial oxygen vacancies further promote the reaction behavior of oxygen species (i.e., activation, regeneration, and migration), causing the splitting of redox property toward lower temperature. These properties facilitate aromatic ring decomposition, the important rate-determining step, thus contributing to toluene catalytic degradation to CO2. This work may shed insights into the catalytic effects of homogeneous interfaces in pollutant removal and provide a strategy of interfacial defect engineering for catalyst development.

The Modified Healthy Ageing Index Is Associated with Mortality and Disability: The Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study.

INTRODUCTION: The Healthy Ageing Index (HAI) has been shown not only to have wider applicability and predictive ability but also to adequately predict mortality in Western populations. There is still a lack of studies validating the applicability of the HAI in China. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of the HAI and validate whether the HAI is suitable for monitoring ageing in the elderly population in China. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study. The modified HAI was constructed based on systolic blood pressure, chronic pulmonary diseases, cognitive function, fasting glucose, and kidney function. It was calculated in 1719 individuals aged 70-84 years at baseline. The adverse outcomes were mortality and disability. Demographic, physiologic, and clinical data were collected. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the modified HAI and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,719 older adults were analyzed in our study. A total of 793 (46.13%) males were recruited. The mean age was 75.69 ± 3.93 years. At the 5-year follow-up, there were 266 deaths and 275 individuals with disabilities. In the multivariable models, the modified HAI was associated with mortality (hazard ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.20) and disability (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18). In the sensitivity analyses, similar associations remained after imputing missing data using multiple imputation and excluding participants with major cardiovascular disease at baseline. CONCLUSION: The modified HAI was a robust and independent predictor of adverse outcomes. It is a valid and feasible tool for monitoring ageing in older adults.

Social frailty and longitudinal risk of depressive symptoms in a Chinese population: the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study.

AIM: To explore the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between social frailty (SF) and incident depressive symptoms in a Chinese population. METHODS: SF was measured with 6 questions (6 points maximum; 0-1 = non-SF, 2-3 = pre-SF, 4-6 = SF). Depressive symptoms were defined as a score of ≥6 on the Geriatric Depression Scale. Compared to baseline, participants with a ≥2-point increase in the Geriatric Depression Scale score were considered to have worsening depressive symptoms. RESULTS: At baseline, among 1764 participants, 9.9% (n = 175) had depressive symptoms, 3.6% (n = 61) were SF, and 38.2% (n = 650) were pre-SF. The percentage of depressive symptoms increased with SF status from 5.1% (non-SF) to 12.9% (pre-SF), to 41.0% (SF). In cross-sectional analysis, after adjustments for multiple covariates, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with both pre-SF (odds ratio (OR) = 2.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.01-4.32) and SF (OR = 16.70, 95% CI 8.80-31.71). During the 3-year follow-up period, 10.0% (n = 117) of the participants developed depressive symptoms. In longitudinal analyses, after multiple adjustments, SF and pre-SF were associated with a 2.31-fold (95% CI 1.10-4.88) and 1.58-fold (95% CI 1.05-2.38) increased risk of incidence of depressive symptoms, respectively. Among participants without depressive symptoms at baseline, 23.2% had worsening depressive symptoms, and SF was associated with increased risk of worsening depressive symptoms (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.18-3.65). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that SF may be a predictor of depression among Chinese community-dwelling older adults. In addition, in elders with no depressive symptoms at baseline, those with SF had greater odds of worsening depressive symptoms 3 years later.

Frailty index is associated with increased risk of elevated BNP in an elderly population: the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To explore whether frailty, defined by frailty index (FI), is associated with the risk of elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a surrogate endpoint of cardiovascular events. METHODS: Data of 1382 community-dwelling elders who had no documented cardiovascular diseases aged 70-84 years from the ageing arm of the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study was used. Traditional risk factor index (TI) was constructed using eight established cardiovascular-related risk factors. FI was constructed using 36 health deficits. Elevated BNP was defined as BNP ≥ 100pg/mL. Cardiovascular events include incident major cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death. RESULTS: During a 3-year follow-up period, 97 participants had cardiovascular events. TI was not associated with the risk of elevated BNP, but was associated with cardiovascular events (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.01-1.34). Frailty index was not only associated with cardiovascular events (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.06-1.64), but also associated with elevated BNP with an OR of 1.22 (95% CI 1.02-1.47) for each 0.1 increment. Further, both frailty (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.67-3.17) and pre-frailty (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.06-2.25) were associated with increased risk of elevated BNP. CONCLUSION: FI is associated with increased risks of both cardiovascular events and surrogated endpoint of cardiovascular disease-elevated BNP. Frailty may be a non-traditional risk factor of cardiovascular diseases and frailty index may be a measurement for early identifying high risk elderly individuals of cardiovascular abnormities.

Depressive symptoms are associated with incident frailty in a Chinese population: the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed at investigating whether depression symptoms are associated with prevalent and incident physical frailty in Chinese older population. METHODS: We analyzed data of 1168 older Chinese adults aged 70 and above in the aging arm of the Rugao Longevity and Aging Study (RuLAS). Depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale ≥ 6) were assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale. Frailty was defined using Fried phenotype criteria at baseline and 3-year survey. RESULTS: At baseline, 8.9% of the participants had depression symptoms. The prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty were 34.5% and 5.9%, respectively. The percentages of depressive symptoms increase from robust (5.3%) to pre-frail (11.2%), and then to frail (31.9%) groups. After adjustments of multiple covariates, depressive symptoms were associated with both prevalent pre-frailty (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.08-2.84) and prevalent frailty (OR = 5.64, 95% CI 2.85-11.14) at baseline. At 3-year survey, 9.3% participants reported the development of frailty. After multiple adjustments, depressive symptoms were associated with a 2.79-fold (95% CI 1.09-7.10) increased risk of 3-year incident frailty. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms are associated with prevalent and incident frailty in Chinese older population. Together with the observations of the European populations, depressive symptoms may be a candidate risk factor of frailty.

Frailty and incident depressive symptoms in a Chinese sample: the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study.

BACKGROUND: To explore the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between frailty and incident depressive symptoms in a Chinese elderly sample. METHODS: We analysed data of 1264 older Chinese elders aged 70-87 years in the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study. The frailty phenotype was assessed using the Fried criteria and depression symptoms was measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS: At baseline, 10.6% of participants had depressive symptoms and 9.0% had frailty. In cross-sectional analysis, both pre-frailty (odds ratio (OR) = 2.18, 95% CI 1.35-3.51) and frailty (OR = 4.64, 95% CI 2.49-8.66) were associated with depressive symptoms. In longitudinal analyses, frailty (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.17-3.83), instead of pre-frailty, was associated with 1.5-year incident depressive symptoms in a full-adjusted model among participants free of baseline depressive symptoms. In the components of frailty, lower grip strength was associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms onset (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.06-2.29). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty and lower grip strength were associated with incident depressive symptoms in a Chinese elderly sample. Interventions designed to prevent depressive symptoms may be useful by utilising physical aspects of the elderly population.

Counterion-Dictated Self-Cleaning Behavior of Polycation Coating upon Water Action: Macroscopic Dissection of Hydration of Anions.

The counterions of polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDADMA) coatings were altered by incubation in aqueous solutions of different electrolytes. Oil de-wetting on the resulting polycationic surfaces upon water action exhibited a straightforward connection with the Jones-Dole viscosity B-coefficient (Bη) sign of surface counteranions. Upon water action, surface counteranions with negative Bη render PDADMA coatings oil-adhering, but those with positive Bη furnish PDADMA coatings with excellent self-cleaning. The oil-adhering PDADMA surfaces can become self-cleaning upon water action in response to the Bη of surface counteranions sign-switching with increasing water temperature. Courtesy of surface counter-anions with Bη>0, self-cleaning PDADMA coatings enable not only conversion of conventional meshes into self-cleaning membranes for oil/water separation, but also regioselective maneuver of oil flow on polycationic surfaces according to the Bη sign of surface counteranions patterned atop.

Product Selectivity Controlled by Nanoporous Environments in Zeolite Crystals Enveloping Rhodium Nanoparticle Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation.

Supported rhodium nanoparticles (NPs) are well-known for catalyzing methanation in CO2 hydrogenation. Now we demonstrate that the selectivity in this process can be optimized for CO production by choice of molecular sieve crystals as supports. The NPs are enveloped within the crystals with controlled nanopore environments that allow tuning of the catalytic selectivity to minimize methanation and favor the reverse water-gas shift reaction. Pure silica MFI (S-1)-fixed rhodium NPs exhibited maximized CO selectivity at high CO2 conversions, whereas aluminosilicate MFI zeolite-supported rhodium NPs displayed high methane selectivity under the equivalent conditions. Strong correlations were observed between the nanoporous environment and catalytic selectivity, indicating that S-1 minimizes hydrogen spillover and favors fast desorption of CO to limit deep hydrogenation. Materials in this class appear to offer appealing opportunities for tailoring selective supported catalysts for a variety of reactions.

Unfolding BOB Bonds for an Enhanced ORR Performance in ABO3 -Type Perovskites.

Identifying the relationship between catalytic performance and material structure is crucial to establish the design principle for highly active catalysts. Deficiency in BO bond covalency induced by lattice distortion severely restricts the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance for ABO3 -type perovskite oxides. Herein, a rearrangement of hybridization mode for BO bond is used to tune the overlap of the electron cloud between B 3d and O 2p through A-stie doping with larger radius ions. The BO bond covalency is strengthened with a BOB bond angle recovered from intrinsic structural distortion. As a result, the adsorption and the reduction process for O2 on the oxide surface can be promoted via shifting the O-2p band center toward the Fermi Level. Simultaneously, the spin electrons in the Mn 3d orbit become more parallel. It will lead to a high electrical conductivity by the enhanced double exchange process and thereof mitigate the ORR efficiency loss. Further density functional theory calculation reveals that a flat [BO2 ] plane will make contribution to the charge transfer process from lattice oxygen to adsorbed oxygen (mediated with B ions). Through such exploration of the effect of crystal structure on the electronic state of perovskite oxides, a novel insight into design of highly active ORR catalysts is offered.

Assessment of potential of intraregional conflicts by developing a transferability index for inter-basin water transfers, and their impacts on the water resources.

Rapid population growth, rising water demands, inefficient management, and various distributions of water are the major causes of increased pressure on water resources and the consequent increased water-based conflicts especially in arid and semi-arid regions in Iran being a case in point. Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East. The country-wide average annual precipitation is about 250 mm, which is about one third of the world's average. Therefore, Iran is one of the driest countries in the world. The water supply for human activities in Iran's provinces has become an increasingly complex task. One of the conventional methods to supply water to these regions is through inter-basin water transfers, from water-endowed regions to water-scarce regions. For such projects, it is necessary but also difficult and expensive to estimate the total water storage of every province with traditional methods. This study employs the GRACE satellite data for 2002-2016 are used and develops a method to assess the linkage between water scarcity and conflicts in Iran's provinces. In addition, a transferability index is formulated based on population and conveyable water parameters demonstrating the conditions of the provinces in inter-basin water transfer for reaching equitable compromises. This index leads to an evaluation of the possibility of conflicts arising from inter-basin water transfer projects in Iran. This work's results show that the Bushehr region has a significant amount of conveyable water and low population and hence is suitable to be one of the water-exporting provinces in the inter-basin water projects. The results of this work also demonstrate that the western provinces are likely to experience serious depletion of water resources, and conflicts may arise in the western and central basins due to the changes in water quantity exacerbated by the inter-basin transfer projects.

Atomic-Scale Insights into Surface Lattice Oxygen Activation at the Spinel/Perovskite interface of Co3 O4 /La0.3 Sr0.7 CoO3.

Surface lattice oxygen in transition-metal oxides plays a vital role in catalytic processes. Mastering activation of surface lattice oxygen and identifying the activation mechanism are crucial for the development and design of advanced catalysts. A strategy is now developed to create a spinel Co3 O4 /perovskite La0.3 Sr0.7 CoO3 interface by in situ reconstruction of the surface Sr enrichment region in perovskite LSC to activate surface lattice oxygen. XAS and XPS confirm that the regulated chemical interface optimizes the hybridized orbital between Co 3d and O 2p and triggers more electrons in oxygen site of LSC transferred into lattice of Co3 O4 , leading to more inactive O2- transformed into active O2-x . Furthermore, the activated Co3 O4 /LSC exhibits the best catalytic activities for CO oxidation, oxygen evolution, and oxygen reduction. This work would provide a fundamental understanding to explain the activation mechanism of surface oxygen sites.

ACTN3 genotype and physical function and frailty in an elderly Chinese population: the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study.

Objective: To examine the associations of the actinin alpha 3 gene (ACTN3) R577X polymorphism with physical performance and frailty in an older Chinese population. Methods: Data from 1,463 individuals (57.8% female) aged 70-87 years from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study were used. The associations between R577X and timed 5-m walk, grip strength, timed Up and Go test, and frailty index (FI) based on deficits of 23 laboratory tests (FI-Lab) were examined. Analysis of variance and linear regression models were used to evaluate the genetic effects of ACTN3 R577X on physical performance and FI-Lab. Results: The XX and RX genotypes of the ACTN3 R557X polymorphism accounted for 17.1 and 46.9%, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that in men aged 70-79 years, the ACTN3 577X allele was significantly associated with physical performance (5-m walk time, regression coefficient (ß) = 0.258, P = 0.006; grip strength, ß = -1.062, P = 0.012; Up and Go test time ß = 0.368, P = 0.019). In women aged 70-79 years, a significant association between the ACTN3 577X allele and the FI-Lab score was observed, with a regression coefficient of ß = 0.019 (P = 0.003). These findings suggest an age- and gender-specific X-additive model of R577X for 5-m walk time, grip strength, Up and Go Test time, and FI-Lab score. Conclusion: The ACTN3 577X allele is associated with an age- and sex-specific decrease in physical performance and an increase in frailty in an older population.

Body mass index, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio are associated with depressive symptoms in older Chinese women: results from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study (RuLAS).

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether obesity is associated with depressive symptoms among older Chinese. METHODS: Data from the cross-sectional Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study were used including anthropometric measurements (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR)), socio-demographic characteristics, living habits, physical health and cognitive impairment. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between obesity and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Among 1732 elderly Chinese aged 70-84 years, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 6.7% (5.0%-8.5%) in men and 12.5% (10.4%-14.6%) in women. A negative linear trend was found between depressive symptoms and BMI in women (Pfor trend < 0.05). Women with BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2 had lower chances (OR = 0.41 (0.20-0.84), p = 0.01) to have elevated depressive symptoms compared with their normal weight counterparts. Furthermore, consistent trends were observed with lower depression prevalence rates in higher WC and WHR categories in women. However, no such associations were apparent in men. CONCLUSION: Higher BMI, WC and WHR categories were all associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms in older women.

Association of CRP gene polymorphisms with CRP levels, frailty and co-morbidity in an elderly Chinese population: results from RuLAS.

OBJECTIVES: to examine the associations of two common CRP gene polymorphisms with CRP levels, frailty and co-morbidity in an elderly Chinese population. DESIGN: a population-based cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: we obtained data on 1,723 elderly participants aged 70-84 from the ageing arm of the Rugao Longevity and Ageing study (RuLAS), a population-based observational cohort study conducted in Rugao, Jiangsu province, China. MEASUREMENTS: the genotyping of two common CRP gene polymorphisms (rs1205 and rs3093059) was performed. Items concerning the frailty index and co-morbidity were collected. RESULTS: the mean age of the study population was 75.3 ± 3.9 years, and 53.5% (n = 922) were women. The minor allele frequencies of rs1205 and rs3093059 were 42.4% (C allele) and 16.9% (C allele), respectively. The polymorphisms rs1205 and rs3093059 were significantly associated with CRP levels (ß = 0.113 and 0.222, all P < 0.001). Non-significant association between rs1205 and rs3093059 and frailty, as well as between rs3093059 and co-morbidity was observed. However, SNP rs1205 CC genotype had an increased odds of co-morbidity compared with the TT genotype (odds ratio (OR):1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-2.02). Each additional copy of the C allele of SNP rs1205 was associated with 1.23 times (95% CI: 1.07-1.41) odds of co-morbidity. The significance remained after controlling for covariates such as education level, etc. CONCLUSIONS: among elderly Chinese individuals, two CRP gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with CRP levels. However, none of them was associated with frailty. The preliminary findings warrant further validations.

Transient-State Self-Bipolarized Organic Frameworks of Single Aromatic Units for Natural Sunlight-Driven Photosynthesis of H2O2.

Constructing π-conjugated polymer structures through covalent bonds dominates the design of organic framework photocatalysts, which significantly depends on the selection of multiple donor-acceptor building blocks to narrow the optical gap and increase the lifetimes of charge carriers. In this work, self-bipolarized organic frameworks of single aromatic units are demonstrated as novel broad-spectrum-responsive photocatalysts for H2O2 production. The preparation of such photocatalysts is only to fix the aromatic units (such as 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene) with alkane linkers in 3D space. Self-bipolarized aromatic units can drive the H2O2 production from H2O and O2 under natural sunlight, wide pH ranges (3.0-10.0) and natural water sources. Moreover, it can be extended to catalyze the oxidative coupling of amines. Experimental and theoretical investigation demonstrate that such a strategy obeys the mechanism of through-space π-conjugation, where the closely face-to-face overlapped aromatic rings permit the electron and energy transfer through the large-area delocalization of the electron cloud under visible light irradiation. This work introduces a novel design concept for the development of organic photocatalysts, which will break the restriction of conventional through-band π-conjugation structure and will open a new way in the synthesis of organic photocatalysts.