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Combined antihypertensive therapy has obvious advantages over single drug therapy. Hypertension guidelines fully affirm the efficacy of dual combination in initial antihypertensive therapy. Recent studies have also pointed out that the quadruple combination of very low-dose antihypertensive drugs is superior to single drugs. However, whether low-dose quadruple therapy is better than dual combination is unknown. To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of half-dose quadruple therapy vs standard-dose dual therapy in the initial treatment of hypertensive patients with systolic/diastolic blood pressure 140-179/90-109 mm Hg. A randomized double-blind crossover clinical trial will be conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose quadruple antihypertensives (irbesartan 75 mg + metoprolol 23.75 mg + amlodipine 2.5 mg + indapamide 1.25 mg) with standard-dose dual antihypertensives (irbesartan 150 mg + amlodipine 5 mg) in the initial treatment of patients with mild to moderate hypertension (140-179/90-109 mm Hg). Ninety patients are required and will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to 2 crossover groups. Two groups will receive a different combination therapy for 4 weeks, then switch to the other combination therapy for 4 weeks, with a 2-week wash-out. The patients will be followed up for 4 weeks to compare the antihypertensive effects and related adverse effects of the 2 antihypertensive combination treatments. We present the rationale for the design of the QUADUAL trial. The trial started in July 2022 and is expected to be completed by August 2023. The study aims to evaluate if an initial treatment regimen of quadruple combination of half-dose blood pressure medications will result in greater reduction in blood pressure and fewer side effects compared to standard dose dual therapy. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05377203). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the non-invasive diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis Pneumonia (IPA) in mechanically ventilated patients by measuring galactomannan (GM) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Utilizing a rat model and a novel EBC collection device, we compared GM levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and EBC, supplemented by cytokine profiling. Analysis of 75 patients confirmed the device's efficacy, with EBC-GM and BALF-GM showing high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.88). The threshold of 0.235 ng/ml for EBC-GM achieved 92.8 % sensitivity and 66.7 % specificity, with a strong correlation (r = 0.707, P < 0.001) with BALF-GM. This approach offers a safe, effective alternative to invasive diagnostics, enhancing precision with IL-6 and TNF-α measurements. The number registered on clinicaltrails.gov is NCT06333379. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of biomass electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with low cost, low reflection(R-value), and high shielding efficiency is promising but also challenging. Inspired by the alternate structure of a millefeuille, we propose an alternating assembly approach for conductive and magnetic layers. Employing sustainable bamboo fibers (BF) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) as raw matrix, the magnetic and conductive layers were fabricated by compositing copper-plated BF (Cu@BF) and iron-plated BF (Fe@BF) with PLA, respectively. By alternately stacking magnetic and conductive layers and followed by hot pressing, the high EMI SE and low R-value biomass multilayer composite with "multi-(absorption-reflection-reabsorption)" structures were obtained. The performance of different alternating layers (3/5/7/9 layers) was studied, and a linear correlation between layer number, SE, and R-value was established. The results demonstrate that increasing the alternate layer number could readily tune the SE in the X-band from 45.02 dB (3-layer) to 80.2 dB (9-layer) and reduce R min from 0.40 to 0.25. Furthermore, the 9-layer composite exhibits approximately 75 dB SE in 1–18 GHz, simultaneously realizing high efficiency, low reflectivity, and broadband shielding. Notably, its excellent conductivity also provides reliable Joule heating performance. The shielding and thermal features of the composite highlight its potential in construction and smart housing heating applications. [Display omitted] • A biomass multilayer composite based on metallized bamboo fiber was prepared. • The composite possesses excellent absorption-dominated, broadband EMI shielding and Joule heating. • A linear correlation between layer number, SE, and R-value is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between air pollution and stroke is conflicting. This study was conducted to document the relationship between daily changes in atmospheric pollutants and hospital emergency room visits (ERVs) for stroke.Methods: Data of daily hospital ERVs for stroke and atmospheric pollutants in Changsha city between 2008 and 2009 were collected. Using a time-stratified bidirectional case-crossover design, we analyzed the association between atmospheric pollutants and stroke incidence in 4 seasons.Results: In the single-pollutant model, we found changes in sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matters (PM10) were significantly associated with cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction (P < .05) in lags of 0-2 days in autumn. A 10-µg/m3 increase in SO2 in autumn was significantly associated with ERVs for both cerebral hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR], 1.166; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.012-1.343) and cerebral infarction (OR, 1.214; 95% CI, 1.018-1.448). NO2 in autumn was significantly associated with ERVs for cerebral hemorrhage and infarction with OR = 1.162 (95% CI, 1.005-1.344) and OR = 1.137 (95% CI, 1.011-1.279), respectively. PM10 in autumn was significantly associated with ERVs for cerebral hemorrhage and infarction with OR = 1.147 (95% CI, 1.045-1.259) and OR = 1.091 (95% CI, 1.019-1.168), respectively. Results of the multipollutant model showed that in autumn after PM10 and NO2 adjustment, only a 10-µg/m3 increase in SO2 was significantly associated with ERVs for cerebral infarction (OR, 1.158; 95% CI, 1.006-1.333; P < .05). SO2, NO2, and PM10 were not associated with ERVs for cerebral hemorrhage (P > .05).Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the change in atmospheric SO2 levels in Changsha is significantly associated with the stroke incidence in autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Semiconductor lasers emitting in mid-infrared (IR) range, 2–5μm, have many important applications in semiconductor industries, military, environmental protection, telecommunications, molecular spectroscopy, biomedical surgery and researches. Different designs of the reactive regions in mid-IR laser structures have been investigated for achieving high performance devices. In this article, semiconductor mid-IR lasers with double heterostructure, quantum well, quantum cascade, quantum wire, quantum dash and quantum dot active regions have been reviewed. The performance of the lasers with these different active regions and the development of the newly emerging III–V–N materials for mid-IR applications have been discussed in details. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth of III–V semiconductor compounds and device structures, arsine (AsH3) and phosphine (PH3) are normally used as group V precursors and hydrogen is used as the carrier gas, which is very toxic and has safety hazard. In this contribution, MOVPE growths of Al-free 808nm high power diode lasers by using metalorganic (MO) group V sources, TBAs and TBP, and nitrogen as carrier gas has been reported. InGaAsP/InGaP/GaAs single quantum well (SQW) high power laser structure emitting at 808nm has been adopted to characterize the material quality. Broad area stripe lasers with the stripe width of 150μm have been fabricated from the wafers grown by the MOVPE using MO group V sources. Lasing of the device with threshold current density of 506A/cm2 has been successfully achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Metal-organic chemical deposition (MOCVD) growth of AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure materials, AsH3 is normally used as the group V precursor and H2 is used as the carrier gas, which is very toxic and safety harzad. In this contribution, we will present the recent result of AlGaAs/GaAs material diode lasers grown by MOCVD using TBA as the group-V source and N2 as the carrier gas. In the growths, TMGa and TMAl were used as group-III sources, DEZn and silane were used as p-type and n-type dopants. A single quantum well (SQW) laser structure was adopted to characterize the quality of the materials grown. Broad-area stripe lasers with the stripe width of 150 μm and different cavity lengths have been prepared. Lasing of the prepared devices has been successfully achieved with a low threshold current density of 506 A/cm2. Devices with different cavity lengths (1200/1000/800 μm) were cleaved and tested to obtain the internal loss αi and internal quantum efficiency ηi of the grown laser structure grown. An internal loss αi of 9.7 cm-1 and internal quantum efficiency ηi of 81% were received. This is the first report so far for MOCVD growth of AlGaAs/GaAs diode laser materials using TBA as the group-V source and N2 as the carrier gas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An AlInP unicompositional single quantum well (QW) structure has been grown and studied by using metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The energy bandgap offset of the quantum well is achieved by taking the advantage of the AlInP epilayer’s bandgap energy reduction induced by its CuPt–B type spontaneous atomic ordering instead of by changing the QW layers’ compositions during the MOVPE growth. The degree of the CuPt–B atomic ordering of the AlInP epilayers of the QW structure was controlled by adjusting the input V/III flux ratio during the MOVPE growth. Low temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurement shows strong quantum confinement effect of the grown AlInP unicompositional QWs. After annealing at 900°C for 30s, the peak emission wavelength of the QW was measured. It remained at the same wavelength as that of the AlInP barrier layer, which showed the disappearance of the quantum confinement effect of the QW structure. This is attributed to the elimination of the CuPt–B atomic ordering of the AlInP epilayers of the QW sample under a high temperature annealing. The QW structure became a thick disordered AlInP bulky layer after the thermal annealing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Drying is an important method to preserve food products. Although many traditional drying technologies (hot air, freeze, microwave drying) have been applied successfully to various food products, each drying technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. Novel drying methods such as infrared drying, have become very popular. This study gives an overview on the application of infrared radiation in the drying of food products in the last decade. The effects of main parameters (infrared power, intensity, distance, wavelength and drying temperature) and the introduction of infrared radiation on drying kinetics and food quality were discussed. Inconsistencies were pointed out and analyzed in detail. Key findings and conclusions : Drying kinetics was improved by introducing infrared radiation and increased with increasing infrared power, intensity, drying temperature and decreasing infrared distance. However, a very high infrared power, intensity, drying temperature and a very low infrared distance should be avoided as the food products will be overheated. The effects of infrared parameters on food quality were unpredictable. The energy consumption under infrared radiation was also variable. When the reduction of drying time was considerable, the energy consumption decreased. When the reduction was insufficient, the energy consumption increased. The application of infrared radiation will also affect the food quality. Generally, the infrared radiation can decrease the water activity, reduce the total color change and improve the nutrient retention. • Application of infrared radiation in the drying of food products was reviewed. • Effects of main parameters on drying kinetics and food quality were studied. • Inconsistencies among different researchers were emphasized and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biaxially-orientated polypropylene (BOPP) film is the state-of-the-art material for energy storage capacitors. However, the low permittivity (ε r) of polypropylene (PP) restricts the increase of the energy density. Introducing high ε r particles to prepare PP composites is a prospective strategy. But the introduction of high ε r particles generally sacrifices the breakdown strength (E b) and the biaxially-stretchability of the PP matrix, because of the electric field concentration and stress concentration near composite interfaces around the high ε r particles. Here, the high ε r particles are loaded on the outer surface of pure BOPP film by plasma-assisted coating to solve these problems. The barium titanate (BT) particles are mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to prepare the high ε r coating. A maximum ε r of 4.2 and a maximum E b of 470 MV/m are achieved in PVA/BT coated BOPP films, enabling a high energy density of 2.90 J cm−3 at 400 MV/m, which is at the advanced level of the reported BOPP-based films. Simulation reveals that the surface coating can remove the high electric fields in traditional composites and produce a higher Eb. Coated BOPP film behaves with excellent flexibility, endurance, additional flame resistance, and puncture resistance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sevoflurane might be harmful to the developing brain. Therefore, it is essential to reverse sevoflurane-induced brain injury. Objective This study aimed to determine whether low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can regulate L-type Ca 2+ channel activity, which is inhibited by early sevoflurane exposure. Methods Rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, sevoflurane, and rTMS groups. A Whole-cell patch clamp technique was applied to record L-type Ca 2+ channel currents. The I-V curve, steady-state activation and inactivation curves were studied in rats of each group at different ages (1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 5 weeks old). Results In the control group, L-type Ca 2+ channel current density significantly increased from week 2 to week 3. Compared with the control group, L-type Ca 2+ channel currents of rats in the sevoflurane group were significantly inhibited from week 1 to week 3. Activation curves of L-type Ca 2+ channel shifted significantly towards depolarization at week 1 and week 2. Moreover, steady-state inactivation curves shifted towards hyperpolarization from week 1 to week 3. Compared with the sevoflurane group, rTMS significantly increased L-type Ca 2+ channel currents at week 2 and week 3. Activation curves of L-type Ca 2+ channel significantly shifted towards hyperpolarization at week 2. Meanwhile, steady-state inactivation curves significantly shifted towards depolarization at week 2. Conclusions The period between week 2 and week 3 is critical for the development of L-type Ca 2+ channels. Early sevoflurane exposure inhibits L-type Ca 2+ channel activity and rTMS can regulate L-type Ca 2+ channel activity inhibited by sevoflurane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of blue-green space in urban environments has been recognized for its ability to address environmental challenges and enhance human well-being. Despite this consensus, the methodological approaches to comprehensively evaluate and strategically design these spaces require further exploration. This study employs the Park Community Concept and a dual approach of macro and micro-level methods to advance field research. A detailed review of the existing literature helped clarify the foundational theories and concepts related to blue-green space. In the context of Dujiangyan's urban area, spatial sampling and PPGIS surveys were applied to explore the structural composition and characteristics of the blue-green space at different scales. We then utilized regression and path analysis to discern the factors influencing satisfaction with blue-green spatial attributes, environmental preferences, and health restoration effects. The findings revealed: (1) Dujiangyan's main urban area exhibits a Park Community structure at a macro level, but suffers from specific spatial inadequacies like restricted linear blue-green space, underutilized river-adjacent areas, and limited space functionality; (2) at a micro level, similar satisfaction levels with blue-green spatial attributes were observed in the Yijie District and Nanqiao Square, ranging from moderate to high; (3) the quantitative analysis identified significant positive correlations between elements such as plant configuration, road walking comfort, site area, and site safety with restorative evaluations, with indirect impacts on restoration through site safety and accessibility. The innovative approach presented in this study offers a valuable reference for assessing and developing blue-green spaces in similar urban contexts. This has crucial implications for future urban planning and design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy and environmental problems brought by petrochemical products promote the development of green and sustainable materials. Natural fiber reinforced plant-derived polylactic acid (PLA) is an attractive sustainable strategy. However, the lack of functionality largely limits its wider application. In this study, the most promising bamboo fiber (BF) whose versatility was realized by electroless plating (ELP) was selected as the reinforcing phase. By filling metallized BF(MBF) into PLA and then treating it by hot pressing, a low-cost, multifunctional MBF/PLA biomass composite(MBPC) was prepared. Results show that the ELP treatment of BF can not only significantly improve the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the composites but also endow it with excellent electromagnetic shielding, electro-thermal and photo-thermal conversion capabilities. Thereinto, the 70 wt%-MBPC has an electrical conductivity of 20.86 S/cm and an SE value of 45 dB in the X-band. The greater concern is the amazing electrothermal conversion performance, which can be heated rapidly at low voltage. Under the voltage of 3V, the temperature reaches 160 °C in about 50s. Besides, MBPC also possesses solar-driven heating, which can be rapidly heated to 75 °C under irradiation within 240s. This green and low-cost biomass multifunctional composite is expected to be used for electromagnetic shielding, energy conversion, and smart furniture, etc. [Display omitted] • A biomass multifunctional composite (MBPC) based on metallized bamboo fiber was prepared. • The MBPC exhibit improved thermal stability and mechanical properties due to electroless plating treatment. • The MBPC possesses excellent EMI SE, joule heating, and solar heating properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlight • Sevoflurane exposure elevated the CRH level and activate CRHR1 in mice hippocampal. • Sevoflurane exposure decreased nectin-1 expression in mice hippocampal. • Nectin-1 over expression can be used to decrease the neurotoxicity of sevoflurane. Abstract In recent years, the neurotoxicity of general anesthetics in the developing brain has been studied and raised great concern as a major health issue to the public and physicians. Sevoflurane inhalation may induce neurotoxicity expressed as memory and learning impairment in young animals. In the current study, we investigated the role of nectin-1 and corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor type 1 (CRHR1) in sevoflurane-induced learning deficits and dendritic spines loss in neonatal mice. Neonatal mice (P7) were treated with 3% sevoflurane with 60% O 2 or 60% O 2 for 6 h. Cognitive function was evaluated by Y Maze, Object recognition test, and Morris Water Maze. Hippocampal nectin-1 and L-afadin expression assessed using western blot analysis. The dendritic spines morphology of the hippocampus was determined using Golgi impregnation on 7 d and 2 months old. Sevoflurane exposed to neonatal mice decreased hippocampal nectin-1 levels from 1 h to 2 months after sevoflurane inhalation and attenuated working and spatial memory and spinal number in adulthood, which could be reversed by nectin-1 overexpression and CRHR1 antagonist Antalarmin. Nectin-1 knockdown caused spatial learning deficits and dendritic spine loss and lower L-afadin protein expression. Sevoflurane-induced nectin-1 and L-afadin expression decrease was mediated by CRHR1 signaling in the hippocampus. This information can be used to develop targeted intervention aimed at decreasing the neurotoxicity of sevoflurane inhalation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• To evaluate the development level based on endogenous coordination of high-quality development system. • High-quality development system consists of five subsystems: innovation, coordination, green, openness and sharing. • The endogenous coordination among systems was assessed by the coupling coordination degree. • The spatial–temporal differentiation pattern of high-quality development in Sichuan Province was presented. • Geographical Detector was used for attribution analysis. High-quality development (HQD) is a development model proposed by the Chinese government in the regional development process, with the five major development concepts of innovation, green, coordination, openness and sharing as its core. It is an expansion of sustainable development, incorporating the connotation of green development and emphasizing the joint promotion and coordinated development of the five subsystems. This study takes the counties in Sichuan, China, as the case area, constructs an evaluation index system based on the five development concepts, conducts research on the endogenous coordination of the HQD system through the Coupling Coordination Degree model. On this basis, its spatial–temporal differentiation characteristics are characterized by Getis-Ord Gi*, and the key influencing factors of the regional HQD are identified by Geographical Detector. The results indicated that the HQD coupling degree in Sichuan Province was in a highly coupling state, but the coupling coordination degree was at the primary coordination state, and the level of HQD was relatively low. Moreover, a spatial characteristic of "high east and low west" was showed in the HQD coupling coordination degree of Sichuan Province. Taking Chengdu City as the agglomeration center, it showed obvious agglomeration effect, and the HQD coupling coordination degree in the areas around Chengdu were significantly higher than in other areas. Furthermore, the permanent populations per unit area, the road mileage per capita, the number of employees and the proportion of fiscal expenditure to GDP had significant effects on HQD. The experience of the case area can be a reference for other similar regions globally to promote their high-quality economic and environmental development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We reconstruct late Holocene climate history of subtropical west Guandong in South China. [•] Multi-proxy records reveal three stronger and three weaker Asian summer monsoon periods. [•] Three dry and cold intervals may correlate with the Bond events 3, 2, and 1. [•] The trend of climatic changes and the significant cycles reflect strong signals of solar forcing. [•] Solar output and oceanic–atmospheric circulation played a role in the late Holocene climate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In an effort to search for an efficient and environmentally friendly harvesting method, a commercially available microbial flocculant poly (γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) was used to harvest oleaginous microalgae. Conditions for flocculation of marine Chlorella vulgaris and freshwater Chlorella protothecoides were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and determined to be 22.03mgL−1 γ-PGA, 0.57gL−1 biomass, and 11.56gL−1 salinity, and 19.82mgL−1 γ-PGA and 0.60gL−1 biomass, respectively. Application of the two optimized flocculation methods to Nannochloropsis oculata LICME 002, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, C. vulgaris LICME 001, and Botryococcus braunii LICME 003 gave no less than 90% flocculation efficiency and a concentration factor greater than 20. Micrographs of the harvested microalgal cells showed no damage to cell integrity, and hence no lipid loss during the process. The results show that flocculation with γ-PGA is feasible for harvesting microalgae for biodiesel production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Though considerable studies concerning past climate changes in the Xinjiang, northwest China, have been performed, Holocene climate changes of this area are still poorly documented and understood. In this study, we emphasize the potential of geochemical elements in sediments for indicating the chemical weathering intensity (CWI) of Bakol Lake catchment during the Holocene. The results indicate that the CWI represented by ratios of (Ca+Mg+Na+K)/Al, Ca/Mg, Ca/Al, Mg/Al, Si/Al, Mn/Al and Ca/Al, has the potential to reflect past climatic conditions. Three weakened CWI periods, i.e., from 9400–7600cal a BP, from 6000–5000cal a BP and since 2000cal a BP afterwards, and two strengthened CWI periods, i.e., from 7600–6000cal a BP and from 5000–4000cal a BP, are revealed. In combination of multi-proxy records including carbonate δ18O and δ13C, total carbonate content, as well as total organic carbon, we find the thermal conditions possibly played an important role in the CWI of lake catchment, with a warmer climate favoring stronger CWI and vice versa. In contrast, the moisture conditions appear less influence on the CWI. This new result is expected to be helpful for strengthening our understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of Holocene climate changes in the westerly influenced region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most deadly disease, which can cause sudden death, in which inflammation is a key factor in its occurrence and development. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a novel nuclear DNA-binding protein that activates innate immunity to induce inflammation in CVD. HMGB1 exists in the cytoplasm and nucleus of different cell types, including those in the heart. By binding to its receptors, HMGB1 triggers a variety of signaling cascades, leading to inflammation and CVD. To help develop HMGB1-targeted therapies, here we discuss HMGB1 and its biological functions, receptors, signaling pathways, and pathophysiology related to inflammation and CVD, including cardiac remodeling, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathy. HMGB1 is present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes (CMs). Under chronic stress, hypoxia, HG, STZ, ADR, and DOX and in the case of viral infection, injury, and apoptosis, nuclear HMGB1 translocates into the cytoplasm and extracellular space. Cytoplasmic HMGB1 stimulates the accumulation of different immune cells and the secretion of chemokines and cytokines, while extracellular HMGB1 binds to different receptors (e.g., RAGE, TLR4, and TLR2) on neighboring cells and activates different signaling pathways that lead to inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction. Cytoplasmic HMGB1 and extracellular HMGB1 work together to cause cardiac tissue damage and remodeling ultimately lead to cardiovascular disease. [Display omitted] • HMGB1 is both pro- and anti-inflammatory, depending on cellular localization. • HMGB1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm is the key to inflammation. • Extracellular HMGB1 triggers inflammation through TLR-2/4 and RAGE. • HMGB1 as an inflammatory mediator contributes to cardiovascular disease. • Targeting HMGB1 is a promising treatment strategy for the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]