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The sluggish kinetics of Volmer step in the alkaline hydrogen evolution results in large energy consumption. The challenge that has yet well resolved is to control the water adsorption and dissociation. Here, we develop biaxially strained MoSe 2 three dimensional nanoshells that exhibit enhanced catalytic performance with a low overpotential of 58.2 mV at 10 mA cm −2 in base, and long-term stable activity in membrane-electrode-assembly based electrolyser at 1 A cm −2 . Compared to the flat and uniaxial-strained MoSe 2 , we establish that the stably adsorbed OH engineer on biaxially strained MoSe 2 changes the water adsorption configuration from O-down on Mo to O-horizontal on OH* via stronger hydrogen bonds. The favorable water dissociation on 3-coordinated Mo sites and hydrogen adsorption on 4-coordinated Mo sites constitute a tandem electrolysis, resulting in thermodynamically favorable hydrogen evolution. This work deepens our understanding to the impact of strain dimensions on water dissociation and inspires the design of nanostructured catalysts for accelerating the rate-determining step in multi-electron reactions. Hydroxide is the most abundant anion in alkaline solutions, but its impact on alkaline water electrolysis remains unclear. Herein, the authors report a biaxial strain induced OH engineer on MoSe 2 to accelerate alkaline hydrogen evolution by modifying the water dissociation.

The structure-performance relationship for single atom catalysts has remained unclear due to the averaged coordination information obtained from most single-atom catalysts. Periodic array of single atoms may provide a platform to tackle this inaccuracy. Here, we develop a data-driven approach by incorporating high-throughput density functional theory computations and machine learning to screen candidates based on a library of 1248 sites from single atoms array anchored on biaxial-strained transition metal dichalcogenides. Our screening results in Au atom anchored on biaxial-strained MoSe 2 surface via Au-Se 3 bonds. Machine learning analysis identifies four key structural features by classifying the ΔG H* data. We show that the average band center of the adsorption sites can be a predictor for hydrogen adsorption energy. This prediction is validated by experiments which show single-atom Au array anchored on biaxial-strained MoSe 2 archives 1000 hour-stability at 800 mA cm -2 towards acidic hydrogen evolution. Moreover, active hotspot consisting of Au atoms array and the neighboring Se atoms is unraveled for enhanced activity. The structure-performance relationship of single-atom catalysts remains unclear. Here a data-driven approach with high-throughput DFT and machine learning is used to screen 1248 single atoms arrays, to provide a better understanding of the hydrogen evolution reaction mechanism.

For a winter pollution episode in Yinchuan, a city in Northwestern China, ambient aerosols were characterized using a real-time single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS). More than 160,000 individual particles analyzed with the SPAMS were classified into eight major categories on the basis of their mass spectral patterns: traffic emissions, biomass burning, dust, coal burning, industrial emissions, secondary inorganic, cooking, and others, all of which contribute to fine particles. The results revealed that coal burning (29.6%) and traffic emissions (23.4%) were the main sources during the monitoring period. Industrial emissions and secondary inorganic aerosols accounted for 16.6% and 14.0%, respectively. The SPAMS data indicated that the number concentration of the eight types of particles was markedly different in the different pollution cases, and higher number concentrations were discovered more often during pollution episodes. The three pollution cases were mainly caused by the accumulation of fine particles, mainly from traffic emissions, industrial emissions, and increased secondary inorganic conversion.

Understanding the electrode materials’ surface is of fundamental importance for catalytic studies as most electrochemical reactions take place there. Although several operando techniques have been used to monitor the electrocatalytic process, real‐time imaging techniques for observing the surface change on electrode materials are still a challenge and limited to a few stable catalytic systems. Herein, the quasi‐in situ electrochemical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out to track the morphological and local structure evolution during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on manganese dioxide (MnO2) for the first time. The α‐MnO2 nanorods exhibit comparable ORR electrocatalytic activity (half‐wave potential, E1/2: 0.83 vs. 0.85 V vs. RHE; diffusion‐limiting current density, Jd: −5.46 vs. −5.52 mA cm−2) and better methanol tolerance than Pt/C. An electrochemical TEM chip assembled with a three‐electrode system was used to perform the electrochemical experiments similar to typical testing procedures. The ex situ and quasi‐in situ TEM images consistently showed that MnO2 nanorods had undergone surface roughening, and lattice expansion with 0.97% and 1.97% in the a and c‐axis, respectively as ORR proceeded. The quasi‐in situ electrochemical TEM fills the gap between ex situ characterization and operando spectroscopies and deepens the mechanistic understanding of electrocatalytic processes. The quasi‐in situ electrochemical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out to monitor the surface morphology and local structure evolution during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) process on MnO2 nanorods for the first time. The surface roughened, and the lattice expanded as the ORR proceeded, which was ascribed to ORR electrocatalysis exclusively, evidenced by the comparison between on‐tip and off‐tip.

Understanding the electrode materials’ surface is of fundamental importance for catalytic studies as most electrochemical reactions take place there. Although several operando techniques have been used to monitor the electrocatalytic process, real‐time imaging techniques for observing the surface change on electrode materials are still a challenge and limited to a few stable catalytic systems. Herein, the quasi‐in situ electrochemical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out to track the morphological and local structure evolution during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) for the first time. The α‐MnO 2 nanorods exhibit comparable ORR electrocatalytic activity (half‐wave potential, E 1/2 : 0.83 vs. 0.85 V vs. RHE; diffusion‐limiting current density, J d : −5.46 vs. −5.52 mA cm −2 ) and better methanol tolerance than Pt/C. An electrochemical TEM chip assembled with a three‐electrode system was used to perform the electrochemical experiments similar to typical testing procedures. The ex situ and quasi‐in situ TEM images consistently showed that MnO 2 nanorods had undergone surface roughening, and lattice expansion with 0.97% and 1.97% in the a and c ‐axis, respectively as ORR proceeded. The quasi‐in situ electrochemical TEM fills the gap between ex situ characterization and operando spectroscopies and deepens the mechanistic understanding of electrocatalytic processes.

Key messageSlPIN8 is expressed specifically within tomato pollen, and that it is involved intomato pollen development and intracellular auxin homeostasis.The auxin (IAA) transport protein PIN-FORMED (PIN) plays key roles in various aspects of plant development. The biological role of the auxin transporter SlPIN8 in tomato development remains unclear. Here, we examined the expression pattern of the SlPIN8 gene in vegetative and reproductive organs of tomato. RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic lines specifically silenced for the SlPIN8 gene were generated to identify the role of SlPIN8 in pollen development. We found that SlPIN8 mRNA is expressed specifically within tomato pollen. In the anthers, the highest mRNA expression and β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity of promoter-SlPIN8-GUS was detected during late stages of anther development, when pollen maturation occurred. The downregulation of SlPIN8 did not drastically affect the vegetative growth of tomato. However, in SlPIN8-RNAi transgenic plants, approximately 80% of the pollen grains were identified to be abnormal and lack viability; they were shriveled and flattened. Furthermore, the downregulation of SlPIN8 affected the gene expression of some anther development-specific proteins. SlPIN8-RNAi transgenic plants induced seedless fruits because of defective pollen function rather than defective female gametophyte function. In addition, SlPIN8 was found to localize to the endoplasmic reticulum, consistent with the changes in the auxin levels of SlPIN8-RNAi lines, whereas the level of free IAA was increased in SlPIN8-overexpressing protoplasts, indicating that SlPIN8 is involved in intracellular auxin homeostasis.

Introduction Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from the destruction of pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin deficiency. As insulin therapy does not affect disease progression, advancements in immune regulation therapies have emerged, including the reconstitution of the insulin secretory system. Cysteine-rich acidic secretory protein ( SPARC ) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that regulates cell adhesion, facilitating cell migration, and mediating interactions between cells and their extracellular matrix. SPARC is overexpressed during tissue repair and is involved in β-cells survival. However, the potential of SPARC -modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to improve insulin secretion has not been thoroughly investigated. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of SPARC -MSCs in vivo and in vitro and assessed whether SPARC enhances survival and insulin secretion after β-cells injury. Methods In vivo, we established T1D models in mice and canine using SPARC -MSCs for cell transplantation. In vitro, MIN6 cells were damaged with STZ, and SPARC -MSC supernatant was co-cultured with MIN6 for various assays. Results Our study demonstrated that SPARC enhanced the regenerative capacity and migratory efficiency of MSCs after H 2 O 2 injury and improved their morphology. In STZ-induced canine and mice diabetes models, SPARC -MSCs therapy significantly reduced hyperglycemia, improved oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and reversed weight loss in canine. Biochemical analyses showed improved liver function, and histological examination revealed restored islet area was significantly restored. Transcriptome and proteome sequencing indicated significant enrichment in calcium binding and cell migration pathways. Co-culturing SPARC -MSC supernatant with MIN6 cells after STZ injury restored their regenerative ability, enhancing insulin secretion and ATP content under high glucose stimulation. SPARC treatment also significantly increased intracellular Ca 2+ levels in MIN6 cells. Conclusion SPARC significantly promotes cell regeneration and stimulates insulin secretion by increasing intracellular ATP and Ca 2+ influx. In diabetic canine and mice models, it alleviated hyperglycemia, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced pancreatic islet area and insulin secretion. Graphical Abstract

Although a substantial increase in the survival of patients with other cancers has been observed in recent decades, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest diseases. No effective screening approach exists. Differential exosomal long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) isolated from the serum of patients with PDAC and healthy individuals were profiled to screen for potential markers in liquid biopsies. The functions of LINC00623 in PDAC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were confirmed through in vivo and in vitro assays. RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays and rescue experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms of the LINC00623/NAT10 signaling axis in PDAC progression. A novel lncRNA, LINC00623, was identified, and its diagnostic value was confirmed, as it could discriminate patients with PDAC from patients with benign pancreatic neoplasms and healthy individuals. Moreover, LINC00623 was shown to promote the tumorigenicity and migratory capacity of PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00623 bound to N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) and blocked its ubiquitination-dependent degradation by recruiting the deubiquitinase USP39. As a key regulator of N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification of mRNA, NAT10 was demonstrated to maintain the stability of oncogenic mRNAs and promote their translation efficiency through ac4C modification. Our data revealed the role of LINC00623/NAT10 signaling axis in PDAC progression, showing that it is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.

Burn injuries often cause prolonged oxidative stress and inflammatory pain due to an initial increase in inflammatory responses, consequently exacerbating depressive disorders and severely impairing patients’ quality of life. The primary function of traditional burn dressings is to prevent infection and facilitate tissue repair. However, these dressings are not intended for the inflammatory pain and depression that often occur during recovery. This study describes a self‐healing hydrogel H@EFCP, which is designed to alleviate inflammatory pain and post‐burn depression in burn injuries. This hydrogel is synthesized through the cross‐linking of carboxymethyl chitosan with borate ester chelates formed from epigallocatechin gallate and 4‐formylphenylboronic acid. The incorporated Prussian blue nanoparticles increase the ability of H@EFCP to regulate the inflammatory process. H@EFCP is effective in the treatment of skin burns by reducing oxidative stress and improving the microenvironment of peripheral inflammation in mice. This modulation consists of a reduction of central nervous system inflammation and the risk of post‐burn depression. Behavioral assays indicate that the hydrogel significantly reduces feelings of despair and anxiety after burns. Consequently, H@EFCP provides a dual‐effect solution for the care and recovery of burn patients, including both burn repair and the associated psychological effects. This research aimed to mitigate oxidative stress at the burn wound site through the application of a hydrogel dressing, thereby alleviating depression resulting from the activation of central inflammation. The objective is to employ the wound‐peripheral‐central pathway to mitigate pain and depression resulting from inflammation following burn injuries, thereby providing an effective therapeutic outcome for burn patients.

Background Overcrowding, abuse of antibiotics and increasing antimicrobial resistance negatively affect neonatal survival rates in developing countries. We aimed to define pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of early-onset sepsis (EOS), hospital-acquired late-onset sepsis (HALOS) and community-acquired late-onset sepsis (CALOS) in 25 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in China. Study design This retrospective descriptive study included pathogens and their AMR from all neonates with bloodstream infections (BSIs) admitted to 25 tertiary hospitals in China from January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019. We defined EOS as the occurrence of BSI at or before 72 h of life and late-onset sepsis (LOS) if BSI occurred after 72 h of life. LOS were classified as CALOS if occurrence of BSI was ≤ 48 h after admission, and HALOS, if occurrence was > 48 h after admission. Results We identified 1092 pathogens of BSIs in 1088 infants from 25 NICUs. Thirty-two percent of all pathogens were responsible for EOS, 64.3% HALOS, and 3.7% CALOS. Gram-negative (GN) bacteria accounted for a majority of pathogens in EOS (56.7%) and HALOS (62.2%). The most frequent pathogens causing EOS were Escherichia coli (27.2%) and group B streptococcus ( GBS ; 14.6%) whereas in CALOS they were GBS (46.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (41.5%). Klebsiella pneumoniae (27.9%), Escherichia coli (15.7%) and Fungi (12.8%) were the top three isolates in HALOS. Third-generation cephalosporin resistance rates in GN bacteria ranged from 9.7 to 55.6% in EOS and 26% to 63.3% in HALOS. Carbapenem resistance rates in GN bacteria ranged from 2.7 to 31.3% in HALOS and only six isolates in EOS were carbapenem resistant. High rates of multidrug resistance were observed in Klebsiella pneumoniae (60.7%) in HALOS and in Escherichia coli (44.4%) in EOS. All gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to vancomycin except for three Enterococcus faecalis in HALOS. All-cause mortality was higher among neonates with EOS than HALOS (7.4% VS 4.4%, [OR] 0.577, 95% CI 0.337–0.989; P  = 0.045). Conclusions Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae and GBS were the leading pathogens in EOS, HALOS and CALOS, respectively. The high proportion of pathogens and high degree of antimicrobial resistance in HALOS underscore understanding of the pathogenesis and emphasise the need to devise effective interventions in developing countries.