Search

Nowadays, the rapid development of the social economy inevitably leads to global energy and environmental crisis. For this reason, more and more scholars focus on the development of photocatalysis and/or electrocatalysis technology for the advantage in the sustainable production of high-value-added products, and the high efficiency in pollutants remediation. Although there is plenty of outstanding research has been put forward continuously, most of them focuses on catalysis performance and reaction mechanisms in laboratory conditions. Realizing industrial application of photo/electrocatalytic processes is still a challenge that needs to be overcome by social demand. In this regard, this review comprehensively summarized several explorations in the field of photo/electrocatalytic reduction towards potential industrial applications in recent years. Special attention is paid to the successful attempts and the current status of photo/electrocatalytic water splitting, carbon dioxide conversion, resource utilization from waste, etc., by using advanced reactors. The key problems and challenges of photo/electrocatalysis in future industrial practice are also discussed, and the possible development directions are also pointed out from the industry view.

Abstract Background Energy homeostasis is essential for the adaptation of animals to their environment and some wild animals keep low metabolism adaptive to their low-nutrient dietary supply. Giant panda is such a typical low-metabolic mammal exhibiting species specialization of extremely low daily energy expenditure. It has low levels of basal metabolic rate, thyroid hormone, and physical activities, whereas the cellular bases of its low metabolic adaptation remain rarely explored. Results In this study, we generate a single-nucleus transcriptome atlas of 21 organs/tissues from a female giant panda. We focused on the central metabolic organ (liver) and dissected cellular metabolic status by cross-species comparison. Adaptive expression mode (i.e., AMPK related) was prominently displayed in the hepatocyte of giant panda. In the highest energy-consuming organ, the heart, we found a possibly optimized utilization of fatty acid. Detailed cell subtype annotation of endothelial cells showed the uterine-specific deficiency of blood vascular subclasses, indicating a potential adaptation for a low reproductive energy expenditure. Conclusions Our findings shed light on the possible cellular basis and transcriptomic regulatory clues for the low metabolism in giant pandas and helped to understand physiological adaptation response to nutrient stress.

Summary: The process of heterogeneous catalytic reaction under working conditions has long been considered a “black box”, which is mainly because of the difficulties in directly characterizing the structural changes of catalysts at the atomic level during catalytic reactions. The development of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques offers opportunities for introducing a realistic chemical reaction environment in TEM, making it possible to uncover the mystery of catalytic reactions. In this article, we present a comprehensive overview of the application of in situ TEM techniques in heterogeneous catalysis, highlighting its utility for observing gas-solid and liquid-solid reactions during thermal catalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. in situ TEM has a unique advantage in revealing the complex structural changes of catalysts during chemical reactions. Revealing the real-time dynamic structure during reaction processes is crucial for understanding the intricate relationship between catalyst structure and its catalytic performance. Finally, we present a perspective on the future challenges and opportunities of in situ TEM in heterogeneous catalysis.

ABSTRACT We conducted UPLC-MS-based metabolomics, 16S rRNA, and metagenome sequencing on the fecal samples of 44 captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) from four age groups (i.e., Cub, Young, Adult, and Old) to comprehensively understand age-related changes in the metabolism and gut microbiota of giant pandas. We characterized the metabolite profiles of giant pandas based on 1,376 identified metabolites, with 152 significantly differential metabolites (SDMs) found across the age groups. We found that the metabolites and the composition/function of the gut microbiota changed in response to the transition from a milk-dominant diet in panda cubs to a bamboo-specific diet in young and adult pandas. Lipid metabolites such as choline and hippuric acid were enriched in the Cub group, and many plant secondary metabolites were significantly higher in the Young and Adult groups, while oxidative stress and inflammatory related metabolites were only found in the Old group. However, there was a decrease in the α-diversity of gut microbiota in adult and old pandas, who exclusively consume bamboo. The abundance of bacteria related to the digestion of cellulose-rich food, such as Firmicutes, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, significantly increased from the Cub to the Adult group, while the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Sarcina, and Blautia significantly decreased. Notably, several potential pathogenic bacteria had relatively high abundances, especially in the Young group. Metagenomic analysis identified 277 CAZyme genes including cellulose degrading genes, and seven of the CAZymes had abundances that significantly differed between age groups. We also identified 237 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) whose number and diversity increased with age. We also found a significant positive correlation between the abundance of bile acids and gut bacteria, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Our results from metabolome, 16S rRNA, and metagenome data highlight the important role of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis in the regulation of age-related metabolism and provide new insights into the lipid metabolism of giant pandas. IMPORTANCE The giant panda is a member of the order Carnivora but is entirely herbivorous. The giant panda’s specialized diet and related metabolic mechanisms have not been fully understood. It is therefore crucial to investigate the dynamic changes in metabolites as giant pandas grow and physiologically adapt to their herbivorous diet. This study conducted UPLC-MS-based metabolomics 16S rRNA, and metagenome sequencing on the fecal samples of captive giant pandas from four age groups. We found that metabolites and the composition/function of gut microbiota changed in response to the transition from a milk-dominant diet in cubs to a bamboo-specific diet in young and adult pandas. The metabolome, 16S rRNA, and metagenome results highlight that the gut microbiota-bile acid axis has an important role in the regulation of age-related metabolism, and our study provides new insights into the lipid metabolism of giant pandas.

Giant pandas are mono-estrus seasonal breeders, with the breeding season typically occurring in the spring. Successful fertilization is followed by an embryonic diapause, of variable length, with birth in the late summer/autumn. There is a need for additional understanding of giant panda reproductive physiology, and the development of enhanced biomarkers for impending proestrus and peak fertility. We aimed to determine the utility of non-invasive androgen measurements in the detection of both proestrus and estrus. Urine from 20 cycles (−40 days to +10 days from peak estrus) from 5 female giant pandas was analyzed for estrogen, progestogens and androgens (via testosterone and DHEA assays), and hormone concentrations were corrected against urinary specific gravity. Across proestrus, estrogens increased while progestogens and androgens decreased – at the point of entry into proestrus, androgens (as detected by the testosterone assay) decreased prior to progestogens and gave 4 days advanced warning of proestrus. At the time of peak estrus, androgens (as detected by the DHEA assay) were significantly increased at the time of the decrease in estrogen metabolites from the peak, acting as an alternative confirmatory indicator of the fertile window. This novel finding allows for enlargement of the preparative window for captive breeding and facilitates panda management within breeding programmes. Androgens allow an enhanced monitoring of giant panda estrus, not only advancing the warning of impending proestrus, but also prospectively identifying peak fertility.

Semi-hydrogenation of acetylene in excess ethylene is a key industrial process for ethylene purification. Here the authors develop highly stable Pd1/TiO2 single-atom catalyst for photo-thermo semi-hydrogenation of acetylene.

Mature female giant pandas usually ovulate once a year. This is followed by an obligatory luteal phase, consisting of a long-lasting corpus luteum dormancy phase (CLD; primary increase in progestogens) and a much shorter active luteal phase (AL; secondary increase in progestogens). Varying duration of both the dormant (embryonic diapause) and AL (post-embryo reactivation) phases has hampered unambiguous pregnancy length determination in giant pandas until today. Additionally, progestogen profiles have been considered not to differ between pregnant and pseudopregnant cycles. Only ceruloplasmin, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM) and – more recently – estrogens have been assigned diagnostic power so far. Our study investigated the competence of metabolic (fecal output) and Urinary Specific Gravity (USpG)-normalized urinary endocrine (progestogens, PGFM, glucocorticoids (GCM) and ceruloplasmin) markers for pregnancy monitoring including defining the duration of the AL phase length. Research on 24 (6 pregnant, 8 pseudopregnant and 10 non-birth) cycles of 6 giant pandas revealed a fixed AL phase length of 42 days in giant pandas, e.g. representing 6 weeks of post- diapause development in case of pregnancy. Progestogen concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant cycles throughout the majority of the AL phase, with significant higher values during the AL phase in healthy twin compared to singleton pregnancies. GCM concentrations were also markedly higher in giant pandas expecting offspring, with a clear increase towards birth in the final 2 weeks of pregnancy. This increase in GCM was running in parallel with elevating estrogen and PGFM concentrations, and decreasing progestogens. In addition, during the AL phase, a more pronounced decrease in fecal output was obvious for pregnant females. The combined profiles of non-invasive metabolic and endocrine markers, the latter normalized based on USpG, showed a true pregnancy signature during the AL phase. The findings of this study are applicable to retrospective evaluations of non-birth cycles facilitating categorizing those into pseudopregnant or lost pregnancies, with USpG-normalization of the urinary endocrine markers as a prerequisite.

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage I mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC) undergoing fertility-preserving surgery.Patients and methodsThe clinicopathological characteristics and survival information of young women with stage I MOC from SEER databases between 2004 and 2019 were collected. The relationship between chemotherapy and the characteristics was examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Univariable and multivariate Cox proportional hazards survival analysis were employed for cancer-specific survival. Cox analysis was performed to build a nomogram model.ResultsAll 901 eligible patients with stage I MOC were screened from the SEER database. There were 321(35.6%) patients aged 9-30 years, 580(64.4%) aged 31-45 years, 645 (71.6%) patients with stage IA/IB, 256 (28.4%) with stage IC disease, 411(45.6%) who underwent fertility-sparing surgery, and276(30.6%) who received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that postoperative chemotherapy was often used in patients aged 31-45 relative to aged 9-30 (HR: 2.215, 95%CI 1.443-3.401, P < 0.001) or with grade 3 compared to grade 1 tumors (HR: 7.382, 95%CI 4.054-13.443, P < 0.001) or with stage IC compared to stage IA/IB (HR: 6.436, 95%CI 4.515-9.175, P < 0.001) or with non-fertility sparing surgery relative to fertility-sparing (HR:2.226, 95%CI 1.490-3.327, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis for the special population with fertility preservation indicated that patients with chemotherapy (HR: 2.905, 95% CI: 0.938-6.030, P=0.068) or with grade 3 (HR: 4.750, 95% CI: 1.419-15.896, P=0.011) had a greater risk of mortality. Significant CSS differences were observed between the non-chemotherapy and chemotherapy groups in MOC when patients were stage IA/IB-grade 2 (P=0.004) (10-year CSS rates of chemotherapy=84%, non-chemotherapy = 100%), but not when they were stage IA/IB-grade 1, stage IA/IB-grade 3 or stage IC (both P>0.05). A prognostic prediction nomogram model was built for stage I MOC patient who underwent fertility-sparing and the C-index was 0.709.DiscussionThe patients aged 31-45 years, with grade 3, stage IC, and non-fertility-sparing surgery were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy in the real world. For stage I MOC patient who underwent fertility-sparing surgery, the choice of chemotherapy may increase the risk of death, and it should be carefully selected in clinical practice.

Summary: Dispersing metal nanoclusters on the oxide supports is attracting close attention in heterogeneous catalysis, but great challenges still lie in controlling the size and dispersion of nanoclusters due to the inevitable agglomeration. Here, we propose a sequential photochemical deposition strategy named “first store, and then release” to uniformly fabricate the size-controlling noble metal nanoclusters on semiconductor oxides. Using the typical semiconductor TiO2, the photoexcited electrons can be first stored as reduced species (e.g. Ti3+) under irradiation and the Ti3+ species can optimize both the nucleation and growth processes in dark reaction, resulting in a uniform dispersing of various noble metals (Au, Pt, Ag etc.) with size diameters of ∼1 nm. The nanoclusters catalysts exhibited superior performance in catalytic oxidation of HCHO compared with that of nanoparticles. This work brings a new and useful strategy to construct size-controlling noble metals on the oxide supports for heterogeneous catalysis and the related fields.

The development of photocatalysts with wide spectral absorption and high charge separation efficiency has always been a pursued objective for photocatalytic solar energy conversion. Herein, we reported a wide-range visible-light-active Bi4TaO8Cl (BTOC) single crystal nanoplate with dominating {110} and {001} facets for enhancing the intrinsic charge separation efficiency. Insitu selective photodeposition of metals and metal oxides provides evidences of photogenerated electrons and holes spatially separated on {110} and {001} coexposed facets of BTOC, respectively. The intrinsic charge separation efficiency was demonstrated to be closely dependent on the crystal facets, which can be modulated by tuning the coexposed crystal facet ratio. Further surface modification of BTOC with suitable dual cocatalyst Ag and RuOx enables remarkable improvement of charge separation efficiency and photocatalytic water oxidation performance. Investigation by comparison between well-defined BTOC nanoplate and BTOC nanoparticles confirmed the significance of coexposed crystal facets for efficient spatial charge separation and the blocking of reverse reaction from Fe2+ to Fe3+ ions during water oxidation reaction, indicating that rational modulation of exposed crystal facets is significant for controlling the intrinsic charge separation efficiency on Bi4TaO8Cl photocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic water splitting.

Single-component emitters with broadband emission are attractive but challenging for illumination and display applications. The two-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have exhibited outstanding broad emission property due to low electronic dimensionality and strong exciton-phonon coupling. However, few layered all-inorganic lead-free perovskites with broadband emission have been explored, and the explicit mechanism of exciton recombination in them also needs in-depth understanding. Herein, the inorganic bismuth-based perovskite Cs3Bi2Br9 achieves the stable broadband emission under ambient temperature and pressure by tuning the exciton recombination pathways via antimony (Sb) doping, and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) realizes an enhancement from 2.9% to 15.9%. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra indicate that the doped Sb introduces newly extrinsic self-trapped states. The incorporation of Sb promotes the transfer of free excitons (FEs) to extrinsic self-trapped excitons (STEs) observed from Sb content-dependent steady-state PL spectra and, meanwhile, reduces the nonradiative recombination of the generated extrinsic STEs, which are primarily responsible for the remarkably enhanced broad emission. Furthermore, femtosecond transient absorption results elucidate a clear exciton dynamics, in which the transition from FEs to STEs might arise through the gradient energy levels, and finally extrinsic STEs at various energy states contribute to the broadband emission.

Summary: Although bismuth (Bi)-based halide perovskites have attracted profound attention in photocatalysis, the undesirable photophysical properties are not well modulated, and the effect of surface structure on adsorption and activation of reactant molecules is still unclear. Here, we report the structural design, via precise incorporation of antimony (Sb) atoms into the host lattice of Cs3Bi2Br9, of a series of B-site bimetallic perovskites (Cs3SbxBi2-xBr9, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2) with tunable band structures. The incorporation of Sb dramatically enhances the separation and transfer of photogenerated charges and prolongs their lifetimes. Considering these advantages, Cs3SbBiBr9 exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic activities in challenging benzylic C–H activation while maintaining a high selectivity of 96%. Theoretical calculations reveal that the introduction of Sb breaks the symmetry of the local structure and leads to asymmetric charge distribution that not only increases the adsorption capacity for methylbenzene but also reduces the energy barriers for C–H bond activation.

Abstract Exploring desirable nanomaterials as the new building blocks to construct energy conversion assemblies opens up new ways to utilize renewable sources for energy sustainability. Halide perovskites have already received extraordinary attention from research community due to their unique photophysical properties, making them promising candidates for application in various fields like photovoltaic, photoelectric devices. Specifically, the tunable band structures, superior light harvesting and photoexcited charge properties of halide perovskites endow them the possibilities for light emission and photocatalytic solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. Herein, we open this review by introducing the fundamentals of halide perovskites, including their chemical composition, crystalline structure, electronic structure, photoelectronic properties, and potential applications. Then, the unique features of halide perovskites such as flexibility (adjustability of composition and structure) and defect tolerance are discussed. After that, we focus on the energy‐related applications of halide perovskites including light emission and artificial photosynthesis, followed by the challenges for halide perovskites in practical application, and finally the development promise of halide perovskites in energy conversion is prospected.

Reproductive monitoring for captive breeding in giant pandas is based on behavioural observation and non-invasive hormone analysis. In urine, interpretation of results requires normalisation due to an animal's changing hydration. Correction of urinary concentrations based on creatinine is the gold standard. In this study, a largely unexplored, easy-to-perform normalisation technique, based on urinary specific gravity (USpG), was examined and compared to creatinine. To this extent, six cycles from two female pandas (SB741(1) and SB569(5)) were monitored through urine analysis for oestrogen, progesterone, ceruloplasmin and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2a (PGFM). The Pearson's correlation between creatinine and USpG was high (r = 0.805-0.894; p < 0.01), indicative for a similar performance of both normalisation methods. However, generally lower values were observed during pro-oestrus and primary (progesterone) rise. This could be associated with huge shifts in appetite, monitored by faecal output (kg) with an averaged > 50% decrease during oestrus and >50% increase during primary progesterone rise. In parallel, respectively highest and lowest creatinine and USpG levels, were measured, with creatinine obviously more affected as a result of linkage with muscle tissue metabolism affected by reproductive hormones. As a consequence, metabolite levels were significantly different between both corrected datasets with significantly higher oestrogen peak levels during oestrus ranging from 2.13-86.93 and 31.61-306.45 ng/mL (USpG correction) versus 2.33-31.20 and 36.36-249.05 ng/mL Cr (creatinine correction) for SB569 and SB741 respectively, and significant lower progesterone levels during primary progesterone rise ranging from 0.35-3.21 and 0.85-6.80 ng/mL (USpG correction) versus 0.52-10.31 and 2.10-272.74 ng/mL Cr (creatinine correction) for SB569 and SB741 respectively. Consequently, USpG correction rendered unbiased profiles, less subject to variation and metabolic artefacts and therefore allowed a more straightforward identification of peak oestrogen and onset of secondary progesterone rise, being potentially advantageous for future studies unravelling key giant panda reproductive events, including (delayed) implantation. The alternative application of USpG as a normalisation factor was further supported by its easy application and environmental and technical robustness.

Animals make choices about where to spend their time in complex and dynamic landscapes, choices that reveal information about their biology that in turn can be used to guide their conservation. Using GPS collars, we conducted a novel individual-based analysis of habitat use and selection by the elusive and endangered giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). We constructed spatial autoregressive resource utilization functions (RUF) to model the relationship between the pandas' utilization distributions and various habitat characteristics over a continuous space across seasons. Results reveal several new insights, including use of a broader range of habitat characteristics than previously understood for the species, particularly steep slopes and non-forest areas. We also used compositional analysis to analyze habitat selection (use with respect to availability of habitat types) at two selection levels. Pandas selected against low terrain position and against the highest clumped forest at the at-home range level, but no significant factors were identified at the within-home range level. Our results have implications for modeling and managing the habitat of this endangered species by illustrating how individual pandas relate to habitat and make choices that differ from assumptions made in broad scale models. Our study also highlights the value of using a spatial autoregressive RUF approach on animal species for which a complete picture of individual-level habitat use and selection across space is otherwise lacking.

The extinction risk of the giant panda has been demoted from "endangered" to "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, but its habitat is more fragmented than ever before, resulting in 33 isolated giant panda populations according to the fourth national survey released by the Chinese government. Further comprehensive investigations of the genetic background and in-depth assessments of the conservation status of wild populations are still necessary and urgently needed. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 612 giant pandas with an average depth of ~26x and generated a high-resolution map of genomic variation with more than 20 million variants covering wild individuals from six mountain ranges and captive representatives in China. We identified distinct genetic clusters within the Minshan population by performing a fine-grained genetic structure. The estimation of inbreeding and genetic load associated with historical population dynamics suggested that future conservation efforts should pay special attention to the Qinling and Liangshan populations. Releasing captive individuals with a genetic background similar to the recipient population appears to be an advantageous genetic rescue strategy for recovering the wild giant panda populations, as this approach introduces fewer deleterious mutations into the wild population than mating with differentiated lineages. These findings emphasize the superiority of large-scale population genomics to provide precise guidelines for future conservation of the giant panda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mechanical overloading can promote cartilage senescence and osteoarthritis (OA) development, but its impact on synovial macrophages and the interaction between macrophages and chondrocytes remain unknown. Here, we found that macrophages exhibited M1 polarization under mechanical overloading and secreted ectosomes that induced cartilage degradation and senescence. By performing miRNA sequencing on ectosomes, we identified highly expressed miR-350-3p as a key factor mediating the homeostatic imbalance of chondrocytes caused by M1-polarized macrophages, this result being confirmed by altering the miR-350-3p level in chondrocytes with mimics and inhibitor. In experimental OA mice, miR-350-3p was increased in synovium and cartilage, while intra-articular injection of antagomir-350-3p inhibited the increase of miR-350-3p and alleviated cartilage degeneration and senescence. Further studies showed that macrophage-derived ectosomal miR-350-3p promoted OA progression by inhibiting nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1(NSD1) in chondrocytes and regulating histone H3 lysine 36(H3K36) methylation. This study demonstrated that the targeting of macrophage-derived ectosomal miRNAs was a potential therapeutic method for mechanical overload-induced OA.