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Purpose: To investigate the association between low-carbohydrate diet scores (LCDs) and the risk of type 2 diabetes in rural China. Methods: A total of 38,100 adults were included in the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Macronutrient intake was assessed via a validated food-frequency questionnaire to create low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) scores. Multivariate logistic regression models and subgroup analysis were performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: After multivariable adjustment, participants with a high total low-carbohydrate diet score have a high risk of T2D (extreme-quartile OR= 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.41; P= 0.007), whereas plant-based LCD score is not related to T2D risk. Among individuals with a BMI < 24 (extreme-quartile OR= 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01–1.47; P< 0.001) or high levels of physical activity (extreme-quartile OR= 1.42, 95% CI: 1.17–1.72; P< 0.001), the animal-based LCD score is positively correlated with the risk of T2D. Conclusion: Among Chinese rural populations, high-fat-low carbohydrate diet is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. High intake of animal protein and fat also increases T2D risk in those who are overweight or have high physical activity.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in industrial production, causing potential health risks to the residents living around chemical industrial plants; however, the lack of data on population exposure and adverse effects impedes our understanding and ability to prevent risks. In this study, we performed screening and association analysis on exogenous PFAS pollutants and endogenous small-molecule metabolites in the serum of elderly residents living near industrial plants. Exposure levels of 11 legacy and novel PFASs were determined. PFOA and PFOS were major contributors, and PFNA, PFHxS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA also showed high detection frequencies. Association analysis among PFASs and 287 metabolites identified via non-target screening was performed with adjustments of covariates and false discovery rate. Strongly associated metabolites were predominantly lipid and lipid-like molecules. Steroid hormone biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty-acid-related pathways, including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis, were enriched as the metabolic pathways associated with mixed exposure to multiple PFASs, providing metabolic explanation and evidence for the potential mediating role of adverse health effects as a result of PFAS exposure. Our study achieved a comprehensive screening of PFAS exposure and associated metabolic profiling, demonstrating the promising application for integrated analysis of exposome and metabolome.

Aqueous electrolytes have become a research hotspot because of their high safety and low cost, while the inevitable ionization phenomenon of water in aqueous solution leads to the existence of competitive ions (H+) except the active ions. In this article, we take aqueous Na base electrolyte as an example to clear the ion competition behavior by modeling, simulating together with experimental verification. First, the reaction tendency of the two ions (Na+and H+) is obtained by calculating the Gibbs energy change of the reaction. Furthermore, the properties of electrolytes with different concentrations including transportation are obtained by modeling. After that, relevant experiments are also proceeded to verify the simulation results. Then, the ion competition behavior is analyzed by in situ observation by controlling the constant concentration of Na+: the high concentration of Na+can reduce the proportion of H+and reduce the competitiveness of H+; a high concentration of Na+causes the increased viscosity and reduces the ion diffusion. Based on this, the correlation between ion competitiveness and ion ratio is also confirmed by keeping the concentration of Na+unchanged and adjusting the concentration of H+(adjusting pH). The influence of the ion competition phenomenon (Na+and H+) is the reaction characteristics of the substance itself and the ratio of ion concentration. Finally, the electrochemical performance is further verified in 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDI) symmetric cells and in full-cells with vanadium phosphate sodium (NVP) as the cathode and PTCDI as the anode.

The complexities of energy transfer mechanisms in the flagella of mammalian sperm flagella have been intensively investigated and demonstrate significant diversity across species. Enzymatic shuttles, particularly adenylate kinase (AK) and creatine kinase (CK), are pivotal in the efficient transfer of intracellular ATP, showing distinct tissue- and species-specificity. Here, the expression profiles of AK and CK were investigated in mice and found to fall into four subgroups, of which Subgroup III AKs were observed to be unique to the male reproductive system and conserved across chordates. Both AK8and AK9were found to be indispensable to male reproduction after analysis of an infertile male cohort. Knockout mouse models showed that AK8 and AK9 were central to promoting sperm motility. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry revealed that AK8 and AK9 interact with the radial spoke (RS) of the axoneme. Examination of various human and mouse sperm samples with substructural damage, including the presence of multiple RS subunits, showed that the head of radial spoke 3 acts as an adapter for AK9 in the flagellar axoneme. Using an ATP probe together with metabolomic analysis, it was found that AK8 and AK9 cooperatively regulated ATP transfer in the axoneme, and were concentrated at sites associated with energy consumption in the flagellum. These findings indicate a novel function for RS beyond its structural role, namely, the regulation of ATP transfer. In conclusion, the results expand the functional spectrum of AK proteins and suggest a fresh model regarding ATP transfer within mammalian flagella.

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the chronic disease-free life expectancy (CDFLE) for distinct joint phenotypes of physical activity and obesity defined by six indicators in resource-limited areas. Subject and methods: In this study, a total of 38,789 participants aged 18 to 79 were recruited from the Henan rural cohort study. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the independent and combined effects of obesity and physical activity on chronic disease. The CDFLE according to obesity indicators and physical activity was measured via the Sullivan method. Results: Compared to participants who were physically active and nonobese defined by BMI, the multivariable-adjusted OR (95% CI) of the risk for prevalent chronic disease was 2.024 (1.833, 2.236) among those with obesity and physical inactivity, and the corresponding estimate for obese but physically active participants was 1.684 (1.550, 1.829). Compared with nonobese and physically active individuals, those with physical inactivity plus obesity classified by BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percent, and visceral fat index lost 4.42 (2.73, 6.12), 4.10 (2.95, 5.25), 4.84 (3.69, 5.98), 4.59 (3.47, 5.70), 3.86 (2.59, 5.13), and 3.81 (2.63, 4.99) years of CDFLE at age 50, respectively. The corresponding estimates for those who were obese but physically active were 2.75 (0.78, 4.72), 2.64, (1.43, 3.85), 3.14 (1.99, 4.30), 3.23 (2.09, 4.38), 2.22 (0.96, 3.48), and 1.85 (0.66, 3.03) years. Conclusion: Healthy body weight and physical activity were beneficial for chronic disease and CDFLE, and physical activity attenuated the negative effects of obesity.

High-sodium intake is one of the most important risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, yet reliable national estimates of sodium intake in Chinese adults have not been reported.

Background: Sitting time may affect health by altering the methylation of certain genes. This research aimed to estimate the association of sitting time with abdominal obesity and the role of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) methylation in the association among rural adults. Methods: A total of 1062 rural adults from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were included. Whole blood was used to extract genomic DNA. JAK2 DNA methylation level was assessed by MethylTargetTM. The logistic regression model was utilized to assess the association of sitting time with abdominal obesity, and the possible effect of JAK2 DNA methylation on the association were conducted by using mediation analyses. Results: Average time of sitting of participants was 7.28 ± 3.37 h/d. For per 1 h increment in sitting time, the odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of abdominal obesity was 1.153 (1.095, 1.214) after controlling potential risk factors. Simultaneously, the methylation levels of Chr9: 4985407 site and Chr9: 4985238-4985455 region were negatively correlated with abdominal obesity (OR: 0.549, 95% CI: 0.394, 0.765; OR: 0.189, 95% CI: 0.056, 0.640, respectively). Moreover, Chr9: 4985407 site and Chr9: 4985238-4985455 region methylation levels mediated the association of sitting time with abdominal obesity, and the indirect effects account for 6.78% and 4.24%, respectively. Conclusions: Longer sitting time was positively correlated with abdominal obesity in the rural population, and methylation level of JAK2 may be an underlying mediation of the effect.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are a potential choice for cathodes in sodium-ion batteries. However, their electrochemical performance is hindered by intrinsic structural vacancies and weak electronic conductivity, resulting in a reduced reversible capacity, multiplicative ability, and cycle stability. Herein, the carbon-blended Na2CoFe(CN)6(COHCF@C) prepared by a controlled crystallization method displays improved electrochemical characteristics. With 70% residual capacity after 200 cycles, the reversible specific capacity of the COHCF@C is 123 mAh g–1at 1 C. Furthermore, the COHCF@C also exhibits higher structural stability in aqueous electrolytes. Based on experimental results, this enhancement can be attributed to the introduction of carbon, slowing down the crystallization process and resulting in higher crystallinity. Additionally, the reduced water content leads to fewer defects, which improves the utilization of active sites. Overall, the finding provides an experimental basis and theoretical guidance for the application of PBA cells.

Nucleophilic materials play important roles in the deposition behavior of high-energy-density metal batteries (Li, Na, K, Zn, and Ca), while the principle and determination method of nucleophilicity are lacking. In this review, we summarize the metal extraction/deposition process to find out the mechanism of nucleophilic deposition behavior. The key points of the most critical nucleophilic behavior were found by combining the potential change, thermodynamic analysis, and active metal deposition behavior. On this basis, the inductivity and affinity of the material have been determined by Gibbs free energy directly. Thus, the inducibility of most materials has been classified: (a) induced nuclei can reduce the overpotential of active metals; (b) not all materials can induce active metal deposition; (c) the induced reaction is not changeless. Based on these results, the influencing factors (temperature, mass, phase state, induced reaction product, and alloying reactions) were also taken into account during the choice of inducers for active metal deposition. Finally, the critical issues, challenges, and perspectives for further development of high-utilization metal electrodes were considered comprehensively.

Lithium‑sulfur (LiS) batteries, due to the high energy density and abundant sulfur reserves, are recognized as a research hotspot of energy storage system. However, the commercial implementing of LiS batteries is confronted with the shuttle effect of reaction intermediates polysulfides, resulting in low active material utilization, rapid capacity fading, and slow reaction kinetics of polysulfides leading to poor cycle stability. In this study, through the self-swelling effect of PAANa, a honeycomb porous functional carbon material (Co@PPC) with uniformly distributed metal cobalt was devised and served as cathode carrier for LiS batteries by employing freeze-drying technology and impregnation-assisted roasting. The honeycomb-like porous structure provides numerous attachment sites for cobalt chloride, which is uniformly impregnated in the precursor, increasing the interaction area with sulfur. The structure also speeds up lithium ion diffusion and fosters electrolyte infiltration on the cathode. Cobalt metal particles form Lewis acid-base coordination bonds with polysulfides, utilizing the enhanced chemical adsorption to anchor the polysulfides, effectively suppressing the shuttle effect. In addition, the metal cobalt promotes the redox conversion of polysulfides, accelerating the reaction kinetic. The batteries with Co@PPC/S deliver an initial specific capacity of 1223 mAh g−1at 0.2C and per-cycle capacity decay rate is only 0.055 % at 0.5C for 1000 cycles.

The application of lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries is impeded by the significant polysulfide shuttling phenomenon. Developing suitable anchoring material is an effective way to restrain this behavior. In this work, the anchoring performance of lithium polysulfide (LiPSs) on defective single-wall carbon nanotubes (DSWNT) is investigated by density functional theory. The results demonstrate that the DSWNT with three carbon vacancies (DSWNT-3) has the highest forming capacity and the strongest adsorption capacity, indicating it has the best anchoring effect of LiPSs. As the anchoring material of the cathode, DSWNT-3 has greater energy than solvent molecules to inhibit the dissolution of long-chain polysulfides. In general, DSWNT-3 demonstrates notable efficacy as an anchoring material for Li–S batteries, which establishes a theoretical foundation for exploring the anchoring characteristics of defects and their application in the cathode of Li–S batteries.

Habitual tea consumption can reduce the risk of ASCVD morbidity and mortality and all-cause mortality in China, and long-term adherence to this habit can provide greater protection. Pu-erh tea is one of the representatives of post-fermented teas, and the polymers in Pu-erh tea have anti-cancer and anti-hyperlipidemic activities, but their chemical composition is still unknown. In this study, the chemical composition of Pu-erh tea was investigated in detail and eight (1–8) known compounds were isolated. The polymers in Pu-erh tea were also degraded by thiol degradation, and the fragments of quercetin and (–)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate were found in the thiol degradation products of Pu-erh tea polymers by UPLC observation and separation and purification. This is the first time that this fragment was obtained in Pu-erh tea polymer.

Due to the high reactivity of Li metal, Li dendrites inevitably grow during the charging and discharging process of the cell, resulting in poor cycling performance. In this paper, 1,3 -propane sulfonate (PS) was innovatively used as a functional additive, and a stable sulfur-rich SEI layer was constructed on the surface of the Li metal anode through the synergistic deposition of its decomposition product and electrolytes. This SEI layer effectively inhibited the uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites and significantly enhanced the cycling performance of Li/LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2cells, enabling the cells to achieve 200 stable cycles at 0.5C and 400 stable cycles at 5C. The morphology and composition on the surface of the Li metal anode were observed and analyzed through SEM and XPS, confirming the mechanism of PS. It was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and GITT that the modified SEI layer resulted in better Li+conductivity and exhibited lower impedance values. In addition, in-situ optical microscopy was innovatively used to observe the changes in the growth of Li dendrites, demonstrating that PS effectively inhibited the growth of uncontrolled Li dendrites on the surface of the Li metal anode.

Primary electrodeposition is an accepted strategy to elucidate the nucleation and growth kinetics of metal electrodes. Nevertheless, when confronted with the phase transition process caused by bi-active metals such as NaK liquid alloys, the research process becomes complex and elusive. Herein, we have reduced the intricate issues to relatively simple initial alloying behaviors. Two exchange diffusion mechanisms of the Na atom embedded in K crystals and K atom embedded in Na crystals are investigated by first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculation and mechanical simulation. As a result, the process of embedding the Na atom in K crystals shows a better thermodynamic stability and lower activation barrier and structural stress than those of the other. The abovementioned conclusions are further proved by stepwise Na and K electrodeposition experiments, and the prepared NaK alloy electrode displays excellent electrochemical performance. Our findings correlate the original alloying mechanism model specification with electrodeposition experimental verification and provide strategies to achieve controllable NaK electrode construction.

The unhealthy electrodeposition leads to uncontrolled growth and random fracture of Li, causing safety problems. Here we elaborate on the growth mechanism of Li on different substrates by integrating overpotential testing and Gibbs free energy calculating. Induced nucleation sites are brought into the substrate to trap Li preferentially, reducing the primary deposition barrier and contributing to the uniform nucleation of Li. The Li grows along the sites where the pits grow on the carbon substrate. The secure connection between the metal and the substrate can be used to stabilize the bulk metal. In addition, the external magnetic field during electrodeposition homogenizes the direction of ion movement and promotes uniform deposition. At the same time, the 3D frame distributes the ion flux homogenization, providing enough space to mitigate the volume change. The design of the substrate provides a unique inside-out growth path for metal, which guides the uniform deposition of Li and effectively inhibits the growth of dendrites. The electrochemical performance using CC/Co3O4/Li electrode is significantly improved in the full battery with sulfur as the cathode. This work explores the growth mechanism of Li metal and guides stable dendrite-free Li electrode fabrication.

Soil microbial communities and grassland ecosystem processes are increasingly confronted with multiple global change factors (GCFs). There is still a lack of research on how these multiple GCFs interact and impact soil microbial communities and their functions. To address this gap, we conducted a simulation experiment to examine the individual and interactive effects of the four most pressing and common GCFs: elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), warming (eT), decreased precipitation (dP) and increased nitrogen (eN), on soil physicochemical properties, bacterial and fungal communities, and EEAs (extracellular enzyme activities) related to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycles in temperate grassland soil. The results showed that eCO2, eN, and dP tended to increase EEAs, while having neutral effects on microbial diversity and community composition. On the other hand, eT resulted in a decline in soil pH, total C, total N, EEAs, and microbial diversity. However, it led to an increase in plant biomass, total P, microbial richness, and network complexity and stability. This shift in nutrient restriction from P to N under warming conditions resulted in the decoupling of nutrients. Neutral or slightly negative relationships were found between enzymes and microbial richness, diversity and dominant species, and the responses of microbial community and ecosystem function were asynchronous under global change. Importantly, our results revealed significant higher-order interactions among GCFs, which affected soil physicochemical properties, microbial community, and functionality. These findings provide valuable insights and suggestions for future ecological adaptations to global change.

The intrinsic volumetric stress during cycling is the main obstacle for developing Si-based materials as high-energy-density lithium-ion battery anodes. Elastic binders have been demonstrated as an efficient approach to alleviate the stress of Si. Herein, we design a tough 3D hard/soft polymeric network (LPTS) using lithiated poly(acrylic acid), silk sericin, and highly branched tannic acid. Covalent cross-linking provides a robust mechanical strength to endure the large stress. The formed multiple hydrogen bonds with bonding energies between 3.46 and 25 kcal mol–1can effectively dissipate the stress through sequential hydrogen bond disassociation. The multifunctional LPTS binder maintains the integrity of the Si-based electrodes during repeated discharging/charging. Additionally, Li+can be transferred via a Li-conducting group (−COOLi), thereby enhancing the ionic conductivity of electrodes. Consequently, the Si/LPTS electrode exhibits an improved initial Coulombic efficiency and excellent durability over 400 cycles. Meanwhile, this binder is also suitable for Si–C anodes, enabling stable cycling at a high areal capacity >3.6 mAh cm–2and delivering 72.2% capacity retention for the LFP||Si–C/LPTS full cell after 200 cycles. This study provides insight into developing efficient Si-based binders that are facile and low-cost for next-generation high-energy-density systems.

Herein, we focus on the exposed (1 0 1) face and residual stress to research the crystal face and stress evolution mechanism and provide a method to enhance the deposition stability of Zn electrode.

The commercial application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries has faced obstacles, including challenges related to low sulfur utilization, structural degradation resulting from electrode volume expansion, and migration of polysulfide lithium (LiPSs). Herein, Co1–xS/3D-Ti3C2Txcomposites with three-dimensional (3D) multilayered structures are used as separator modification materials for Li–S batteries to solve these problems. The multilevel layered structure of Co1–xS/3D-Ti3C2Txestablishes an efficient electron and Li+transfer path, alleviates the volume change during the battery charge–discharge process, and enhances the stability of the structure. In addition, the battery assembled with the modified separator shows excellent discharge capacity and cycle stability at 0.5 C and could maintain a high discharge capacity after 500 cycles. This work provides a method for designing highly dispersed metal sulfide nanoparticles on MXenes and extends the application of MXenes-based composites in electrochemical energy storage.

Objective This study was performed to investigate factors influencing self-care agency in outpatients with external fixation support.Methods Using a cross-sectional study approach, 110 outpatients with external fixation from a single Chinese hospital were evaluated from May 2018 to October 2018. Consecutive sampling was performed, and variables included demographic data, health knowledge regarding external fixation, and self-care skills. Open and closed survey questions were used.Results The mean self-care agency score was 101.70 ± 20.14, with 36 (35.3%) outpatients scoring high. Demographic variables did not significantly influence the self-care level. However, health knowledge was significantly correlated with self-care skills, indicating that knowledgeable outpatients were more likely to be better at self-care.Conclusions Outpatients with external fixation support need higher levels of health knowledge. The level of self-care agency in the present study was in the moderate range. Outpatients with external fixation support with higher health knowledge are more likely to have higher self-care skills.

A general and unified approach to synthesize Ag, Cu and Au nanoparticles (NPs) is developed at room temperature in air atmosphere under ultrasonication in poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) solutions with ascorbic acid and glucose as the reducing and nucleation agents, respectively. XRD, TEM, and HR-TEM analysis of the Ag, Cu, and Au NPs confirm purity and average diameters of 15.5 ± 2.0 nm, 50 ± 3.0 nm, and 10 ± 1.0 nm, respectively. An ultrasonic-assisted mechanism, wherein reduction occurs readily and produces anti-oxidation particles, is proposed and discussed. Fast infrared sintering was used to avoid damaging the substrate of conductive patterns whose resistivity at 10 W (∼50 °C) sintering power for less than 6 min reached up to 10 ± 0.5 μΩ cm, 40 ± 3.0 μΩ cm, and 280 ± 5 μΩ cm for Ag, Cu, and Au patterns, respectively. Paper-based electrodes were produced successfully and exhibited excellent flexibility and good conductivity. The potential of this method for large scale production is discussed.