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Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the social distancing has significantly affected the healthy lifestyle behaviors of residents. China ended social distancing on January 8, 2023, and the healthy lifestyle behaviors of residents after this time are unclear. The goal of this study was to evaluate the differences in healthy lifestyle behaviors between Chinese urban and rural residency after the termination of social distancing. Methods: From February 1, 2023, to February 8, 2023, a cross-sectional survey which include participants (≥ 18 years old) was carried out in four regions of mainland China (Changzhou in the eastern region, Zhengzhou in the central region, Xining in the western region, and Mudanjiang in the northeastern region). A healthy lifestyle behaviors scale containing 11 items was designed to calculate the healthy lifestyle behaviors scores among urban and rural residents. The healthy lifestyle behaviors scores ranged from 11 to 51. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of healthy lifestyle behaviors scores among urban and rural residents. Propensity Score Matching was used to assess the net differences in healthy lifestyle behaviors scores between urban and rural residents. Results: A total of 5780 residents (53.04% females) were included in the study, including 3302(57.13%) urban residents. The average healthy lifestyle behavior score was 38.33(95%CI: 38.18 to 38.49). Healthy lifestyle behaviors score among males was lower than that among females in both urban (β = -1.98, 95%CI: -3.05 to -2.10) and rural residents (β = -2.57, 95%CI: -2.37 to -1.60). Higher education was associated with higher healthy lifestyle behaviors scores in both urban and rural residents. PSM analysis indicated that urban residents still had higher healthy lifestyle behaviors scores (38.72, 95% CI: 38.46 to 38.99) than rural residents (37.85, 95%CI: 37.57 to 38.13), with a net difference of 0.87 points. Conclusions: After the termination of social distancing, the overall healthy lifestyle behaviors of Chinese residents were found to be at a medium level. Urban residents have a better healthy lifestyle behavior compared to their rural counterparts. It is essential to prioritize efforts towards enhancing the healthy lifestyle behaviors of rural residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under high current density and enhanced hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) over a wide potential range remain challenges for Ru‐based electrocatalysts because its strong affinity to the adsorbed hydroxyl (OHad) inhibits the supply of the adsorbed hydrogen (Had). Herein, the coexisting Ru─O─Ti and Ru─Ti bonds are constructed by taking TiO2 crystal confined flat‐Ru clusters (F‐Ru@TiO2) to cope with above‐mentioned obstacles. The different electronegativity (χTi = 1.54 < χRu = 2.20< χO = 3.44) can endow Ti in Ru─O─Ti bonds with more positive charge and stabilize Ru of Ru–Ti bonds with the low‐valence. The strength of Ru─OHad is then weakened by the oxophilicity of positively charged Ti in Ru─O─Ti bonds and the stronger Ti─OHad bond could release active Ru, especially for low‐valence Ru in Ru─Ti bonds, to serve as exclusive Had sites. As expected, F─TiRu@TiO2 shows a low HER overpotential of 74 mV at 1000 mA cm−2 and an ultrahigh mass activity (j0,m) of 3155 A gRu−1 for HOR. More importantly, F─Ru@TiO2 can tolerate the HER current density of 1000 mA cm−2 for 100 h and the high anodic potential for HOR up to 0.5 V versus RHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroless Ni-P plating is an important process to enhance the corrosion and wear resistance of aluminum. However, due to the presence of an oxide layer on aluminum substrate, achieving a reliable Ni-P coating necessitates complex processes such as double zincate treatment or palladium immersion pretreatment. This study demonstrates that the copper immersion layer on an aluminum substrate can initiate the electroless Ni-P plating process. The copper immersion layer is deposited on the aluminum substrate through a convenient galvanic replacement reaction using an alkaline aqueous solution of copper sulfate and ammonia. This copper immersion layer can form a galvanic cell with the aluminum substrate, thereby initiating electroless Ni-P plating, similar to initiate electroless Ni-P plating by contact activation. It is confirmed that activation ability of the copper immersion layer is comparable to that of a palladium immersion layer by comparing the morphology, structure, deposition kinetics, and performance of Ni-P coatings obtained on copper and palladium immersion layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of an advanced bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst is important for fuel cells, water splitting, etc. Herein, we report an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)/oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst with CoNi alloy nanoparticles uniformly distributed on nitrogen-doped carbon (N–C) nanospheres through a simple melamine-assisted pyrolysis strategy, in which a soft template approach is employed to prepare wrinkled N–C nanospheres. The Co3Ni1-N–C electrocatalyst exhibits higher onset potential (E0 = 0.960 V vs. RHE (Reversible hydrogen electrode)), half-wave potential (E1/2 = 0.81 V vs. RHE), and limiting diffusion current (jL = 5.5 mA cm−2) for ORR. Meanwhile, Co3Ni1-N–C electrocatalyst has a lower overpotential of 0.360 V vs. RHE at 10 mA cm−2 for OER, and a lower value for Tafel slope of 100 mV dec−1, a potential difference between OER and ORR (ΔE = Ej=10-E1/2) with a ΔE value of 0.779 V vs. RHE, which is close to the benchmark ΔE value of the combination of commercial noble metal catalysts (Pt/C-RuO2, 0.744 V vs. RHE). In addition, Co3Ni1-N–C also shows remarkable stability, maintaining a relative current of 81.45% after 10 h at 0.8 V. The relative current of Co3Ni1 -N–C is also found to be stable, superior to commercial Pt/C by 34.5%. These excellent properties are due to its unique wrinkled structure, large surface area, and high content of CoNi-Nx and pyridine nitrogen active centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthy lifestyle behaviors (LBs) have been widely recommended for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite a large number of studies exploring the association between combined LBs and CVD, a notable gap exists in integration of relevant literatures. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to analyze the correlation between combined LBs and the occurrence of CVD, as well as to estimate the risk of various health complications in individuals already diagnosed with CVD. Methods: Articles published up to February 10, 2023 were sourced through PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Eligible prospective cohort studies that reported the relations of combined LBs with pre-determined outcomes were included. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using either a fixed or random-effects model. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were as well performed. Results: In the general population, individuals with the healthiest combination of LBs exhibited a significant risk reduction of 58% for CVD and 55% for CVD mortality. For individuals diagnosed with CVD, adherence to the healthiest combination of LBs corresponded to a significant risk reduction of 62% for CVD recurrence and 67% for all-cause mortality, when compared to those with the least-healthy combination of LBs. In the analysis of dose-response relationship, for each increment of 1 healthy LB, there was a corresponding decrease in risk of 17% for CVD and 19% for CVD mortality within the general population. Similarly, among individuals diagnosed with CVD, each additional healthy LB was associated with a risk reduction of 27% for CVD recurrence and 27% for all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Adopting healthy LBs is associated with substantial risk reduction in CVD, CVD mortality, and adverse outcomes among individuals diagnosed with CVD. Rather than focusing solely on individual healthy LB, it is advisable to advocate for the adoption of multiple LBs for the prevention and management of CVD. Trial registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023431731. Significance: The meta-analysis examined the quantitative correlation between lifestyle behaviors (LBs) and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality in the general population, as well as adverse outcomes in CVD patients. The results suggest that healthy LBs are associated with substantial risk reduction in these 3 outcomes. Multiple LBs, instead of tackling one certain LB, should be recommended for the prevention and management of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health literacy measurement lays a solid foundation to identify associations with health outcomes and monitor population health literacy levels over time. In mainland China, most existing health literacy instruments are either knowledge-based or practice-based, making health literacy results incomparable between China and other countries. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the 12-item Health Literacy Population Survey (HLS19-Q12) in a general population of Chinese adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit primary carers of students from 11 schools in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, using convenience cluster sampling. Participants completed an online self-administered survey that collected information on key sociodemographics, health literacy (HLS19-Q12 and a comparison tool: Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ)), and health-related outcomes. Using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist as a guideline, we tested internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content validity, structural validity, concurrent predictive validity, and convergent validity of the HLS19-Q12. Results: Overall, 14,184 participants completed the full survey. The HLS19-Q12 showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.93), moderate test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.54), satisfactory content validity (based on the 12-matrix health literacy model), and strong structural validity (comparative fit index = 0.94, Tucker and Lewis's index of fit = 0.93, root mean square error of approximation = 0.095). Concurrent predictive validity results showed health literacy was associated with both health determinants and health-related outcomes. The HLS19-Q12 had weak to strong correlations (coefficients = 0.24 to 0.42) with the nine scales of the HLQ. Respondents had an average score of 81.6 (± 23.0) when using the HLS19-Q12, with 35.0% and 7.5% having problematic and inadequate levels of health literacy, respectively. Conclusions: The HLS19-Q12 is a reliable and valid instrument to measure health literacy in our sample. Further validation is needed with a more nationally representative sample of Chinese adults. The HLS19-Q12 could be used as a comprehensive, skills-based, and easy-to-administer health literacy assessment tool integrated into population surveys and intervention evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive immune activation contributes to the onset of early dysfunction of the maternal-fetal interface, and it is closely linked to the development of pre-eclampsia. However, the effect of specific immune cells on the risk of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia remains controversial. We investigated the causal relationship between immune cells and pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. For exposure, we extracted genetic variants associated with immune cell-related traits, and for outcomes, we used summary genetic data of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was then performed to assess the causal relationship. Robustness of the MR results was then evaluated through colocalization analysis. We found that genetically proxied circulating lymphocyte absolute count was causally associated with total eclampsia (odds ratio OR = 1.53 , 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.31-1.79), p = 1.15 E − 07) and pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.50 , 95% CI (1.28-1.77), p = 9.18 E − 07); T cell absolute count was causally associated with total eclampsia (OR = 1.49 , 95% CI (1.28-1.73), p = 2.73 E − 07) and pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.47 , 95% CI (1.25-1.72), p = 1.76 E − 06). And CD28- CD25+ CD8+ T cell absolute count was causally associated with total eclampsia (OR = 1.83 , 95% CI (1.44-2.32), p = 7.11 E − 07) and pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.77 , 95% CI (1.38-2.26), p = 6.55 E − 06). Colocalization analysis revealed that immune cell-related traits shared the same variant with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Our study suggested causal effects of genetic predisposition to high lymphocyte absolute count levels, T cell absolute count, and CD28- CD25+ CD8+ T cell absolute count on eclampsia, particularly pre-eclampsia risk, providing crucial new insights into the potential prevention target for eclampsia and pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the prevalence and influencing factors of long COVID, and measure the difference in health status between long COVID and non-long COVID cases. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 1 to 8, 2023, using a stratified random sampling method in four regions (eastern [Changzhou], central [Zhengzhou], western [Xining] and northeastern [Mudanjiang]) of China. The survey collected COVID-19 patients' socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyles information. The scores of lifestyles and health status range from 5 to 21 and 0 to 100 points, respectively. The criteria of "persistent health problems after 4 weeks of COVID-19 infection" issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was used to assess long COVID. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of the health. The bootstrap method was used to analyze the lifestyles' mediating effect. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to evaluate the net difference in health scores between long COVID and non-long COVID cases. Results: The study included 3165 COVID-19 patients, with 308 (9.73%) long COVID cases. The health score of the long COVID cases (74.79) was lower than that of the non-long COVID cases (81.06). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, we found that never focused on mental decompression was a common risk factor for the health of both groups. Lifestyles was the mediating factor on individuals' health. After PSM, the non-long COVID cases' health scores remained higher than that of long COVID cases. Conclusion: The proportion of long COVID cases was low, but they were worse off in health. Given the positive moderating effect of healthy lifestyles on improving the health of long COVID cases, healthy lifestyles including mental decompression should be considered as the core strategy of primary prevention when the epidemic of COVID-19 is still at a low level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the boom of data storage and processing, brain-inspired computing provides an effective approach to solve the current problem. Various emerging materials and devices have been reported to promote the development of neuromorphic computing. Thereinto, the neuromorphic device represented by memristor has attracted extensive research due to its outstanding property to emulate the brain's functions from synaptic plasticity, sensory-memory neurons to some intelligent behaviors of living creatures. Herein, we mainly review the progress of these brain functions mimicked by neuromorphic devices, concentrating on synapse (i.e. various synaptic plasticity trigger by electricity and/or light), neurons (including the various sensory nervous system) and intelligent behaviors (such as conditioned reflex represented by Pavlov's dog experiment). Finally, some challenges and prospects related to neuromorphic devices are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is considered a key renewable energy source to meet future energy needs, and the accelerated development of hydrogen energy is largely dependent on the cost-effective and efficient production of hydrogen. Nowadays, the production of hydrogen by electrolyzing water is a generation of clean energy with great potential for development, but its industrialization requires the search for cheap and efficient catalysts. Platinum (Pt) is currently regarded as the most effective catalyst for the production of hydrogen from electrolytic water. However, its high price and scarcity limit its scale up, so the search for cheap and efficient catalysts has become a hot research topic. Nowadays, various noble/non-precious and metal-free catalysts have been developed for hydrogen evolution processes, among which ruthenium (Ru) catalysts are recognized as a promising material for hydrogen production from electrolytic water because they make a better balance between performance and price. In this review, we summarized the reported ruthenium-based catalysts with excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, specifically, Ru with carbon supports, Ru phosphide–based catalysts, and Ru catalysts on other metals. Finally, we discussed challenges and prospects for the development of Ru-based catalysts in the field of HER research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evidence of non-optimum ambient temperature and humidity-related mortality is widely reported. However, the joint effects of high humidity and extreme temperatures on mortality remain to understand. We collected mortality data and meteorological variables for 91 counties in central China, from 2017 to 2020. A traditional time-series model with a distributed lag non-linear model was first employed to estimate the location-specific associations between extreme temperatures or high humidity and extreme temperatures and mortality. Then, we conducted a meta-analysis to pool the county-specific estimated effect values. A total of 1,196,916 non-accidental deaths occurred during the study period. Extreme heat increased non-accidental mortality with a relative risk (RR) of 1.071 ((95% confidence interval (CI):1.022, 1.121), while extreme cold worsened the risk of stroke mortality by 2.817 (95 CI%: 1.084, 7.321). For the effect of extreme cold, high humidity increased the RR of 3.908 (95 CI%: 2.721, 5.612) in non-accidental mortality and the effect was strongest in stroke with 5.320 (95 CI%: 3.395 vs 8.338). Under the joint effect of extreme cold and high humidity, there is a lagged association with the mortality risks peaked at 12d for non-accidental mortality. High humidity significantly enhances the risk of extreme cold-related non-accidental mortality, especially regarding stroke. Our findings will assist in the development of preparedness and prevention strategies in Hunan Province and even throughout China to reduce the immediate weather-related impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of various air pollutants exposure during adolescence with blood pressure (BP) in young adulthood is uncertain. We intended to evaluate the long‐term association of individual and joint air pollutants exposure during adolescence with BP in young adulthood. This cross‐sectional study of incoming students was conducted in five geographically disperse universities in China during September and October 2018. Mean concentrations of particulate matter with diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxides (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) at participants' residential addresses during 2013–2018 were collected from the Chinese Air Quality Reanalysis dataset. Generalized linear mixed models (GLM) and quantile g‐computation (QgC) models were utilized to estimate the association between individual and joint air pollutants exposure and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP). A total of 16,242 participants were included in the analysis. The GLM analyses showed that PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, and SO2 were significantly positively associated with SBP and PP, while O3 was positively associated with DBP. The QgC analyses indicated that long‐term exposure to a mixture of the six air pollutants had a significant positive joint association with SBP and PP. In conclusion, air pollutant co‐exposure during adolescence may influence BP in young adulthood. The findings of this study emphasized the impacts of multiple air pollutants interactions on potential health and the need of minimizing pollution exposures in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of Pt-based electrocatalysts with high efficiency towards acid oxygen reduction reactions is the priority to promote the development and application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Considering that the Pt atoms on the surfaces of the electrocatalysts face the problems of interference of non-active species (such as OHad, OOHad, CO, etc.), high resistance of mass transfer at the liquid–solid interfaces, and easy corrosion when working in harsh acid. Researchers have modified the surfaces' local environment of the electrocatalysts by introducing surface modifiers such as silicon or carbon layers, amine molecules, and ionic liquids on the surfaces of electrocatalysts, which show significant performance improvement. In this review, we summarized the research progress of surface modified Pt-based electrocatalysts, focusing on the surface modification strategies and their mechanisms. In addition, the development prospects of surface modification strategies of Pt-based electrocatalysts and the limitations of current research are pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of a highly active and robust electrocatalyst for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is important for hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells. Here, we report an alkaline HOR electrocatalyst with PtRu nanoparticles uniformly dispersed on porous nitrogen-doped carbon via an ethylene glycol reduction method, where porous nitrogen-doped support (NC-ZG) is prepared by the low-temperature pyrolysis of an in situ-grown ZIF-8/graphene oxide nanocomposite. The obtained PtRu0.6/NC-ZG electrocatalyst shows a mass specific exchange current density (j0,m) of 1102 A gPtRu−1, superior to reference PtRu0.6/NC-Z with only ZIF-8 pyrolyzed as carbon support (312 A gPtRu−1) and the commercial Pt/C (224 A gPtRu−1). The splendid property contributes to the rich micro-mesopores structure, large specific surface area, high conductivity, and electronic effects between Pt and Ru for the optimization of OHads and Hads binding energy. Moreover, PtRu0.6/NC-ZG also displays good stability with 66.4% of j0,m remaining after the accelerated durability tests, outperforming commercial Pt/C (45.9%). This work demonstrates that engineering support structures and active components can obtain efficient HOR electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A NiCo layered double hydroxide (LDH) supported on a Pt nanolayer was prepared on Ni foam via a one-step hydrothermal method. The Pt nanolayer modulated conductivity and the electron transfer rate. At the same time, special interface engineering and synergistic effects between the NiCo LDH and the Pt layer further promoted water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating bimetallic Pt-based nanocrystals with core–shell structures has widely been recognized as the most effective way for improving their electrochemical properties. Herein, a simple one-pot synthesis method is used to prepare Ni1.1Pt nanoparticles (NPs) (~ 5.3 nm) with a nickel (Ni)-rich core and a Pt-rich thin shell (~ 1.0 nm). The Ni1.1Pt/C shows enhanced acid oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity with a mass activity (MA) of 661.7 mA mgPt−1 and specific activity (SA) of 1.52 mA cmPt−2, which is 4.3 and 8.4 times that of commercial JM Pt/C, respectively. In addition, Ni1.1Pt/C is also demonstrated to have better ORR stability than JM Pt/C. These excellent properties are contributed to the suitable compressive strain, appropriate electronic effects, and outstanding anti-aggregation of the core–shell structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroless nickel-phosphorus plating is an important surface treatment method for copper due to its good corrosion resistance and nonmagnetic properties. However, a palladium activation procedure is needed owing to the inactiveness of copper to hypophosphite. Herein, nickel film, which could act as an activator, was deposited on copper through abnormal galvanic replacement deposition in the deep eutectic solvent containing nickel chloride in 10 min, which was 1/30 of the deposition time in other report (5 h). The open circuit potential tests proved that the practical potential of pure copper was obviously reduced to be lower than that of nickel in deep eutectic solvent, which made the deposition of nickel on copper through galvanic replacement reaction probable. It was remarkable that electroless nickel-phosphorus plating could be directly initiated by the as-prepared nickel film. The surface morphology, cross-sectional morphology, composition, and corrosion resistance of nickel-phosphorus coatings prepared on nickel and palladium films were characterized and compared. The results showed that the nickel-phosphorus coatings initiated by nickel and palladium films had similar morphology, composition, structure, and corrosion resistance. This result indicated that the nickel film prepared by galvanic replacement deposition possessed good activation ability to electroless nickel-phosphorus plating on copper, which was comparable to palladium film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of an advanced electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is important for the commercialization of fuel cells. Herein, we report an ORR electrocatalyst with Fe atoms evenly distributed on crumple-rich nitrogen-doped carbon (N–C) nanospheres via a simple melamine-assisted pyrolysis strategy, where crumple-rich N–C nanospheres are prepared by a dual soft template approach. The as-obtained Fe–N-C-M electrocatalyst shows a better onset potential (1.02 V vs. RHE) and half-wave potential (0.883 V vs. RHE) in alkaline solution, superior to the commercial Pt/C (0.97 and 0.860 V vs. RHE, respectively). Moreover, the Fe–N-C-M also displays outstanding stability with 80.4% of relative current remained after a 10-h stability test at 0.8 V vs. RHE and remarkable methanol tolerance with 79.2% of relative current sustained after adding 3 M methanol, outperforming the commercial Pt/C (49.4% and 48.5%, respectively). All of these excellent properties are contributed to the unique crumple-rich structure, large specific surface area, and high content of Fe-Nx and pyridinic-N active centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of the reaction of melamine (C3H6N6) with ammonium metavanadate and the critical role of the surfactant in this reaction were investigated. The results indicate that the complex is obtained via the reaction of C3H6N6 with VO3- after the elimination of –NH2, and the surfactant can modulate the microstructure. In addition, a vanadium nitride/N,S co-doped carbon material fabricated from the above complex exhibits a specific capacitance of 422.0 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. This method provides a new route for the synthesis of vanadium nitride/carbon materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the long‐term clinical results of Renal denervation (RDN) from the adventitia of the renal artery plus unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy to treat patients with resistant hypertension caused by unilateral aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA). Sixty patients with resistant hypertension caused by APA who were treated at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from December 2016 to March 2018 were selected and randomly assigned to undergo RDN from the adventitia of the renal artery plus adrenalectomy (RDN group, n = 30) or adrenalectomy alone (control group, n = 30). Office blood pressure (BP), antihypertensive medication usage and other laboratory characteristics were followed every 6 months through 36 months. Follow‐up data were available at 36 months for 23 of 30 subjects in the RDN group and for 21 of 30 subjects who were in the control group. At 36 months postprocedure, the reduction in the RDN group was 42.2 ± 21.6 mmHg and that in the control group was 29.8 ± 13.5 mmHg (p =.029 between the groups). During the follow‐up to 36 months postprocedure, no patients in either the RDN group or the control group died due to surgical complications, and the RDN group had no procedural complications, including renal artery dissection, perforation, and renal artery stenosis. There was no change in the mean eGFR of the two groups, and no serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, RDN from the adventitia of the renal artery plus unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy resulted in sustained lowering of BP at 3 years in a selected population of subjects with resistant hypertension caused by unilateral APA without serious safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies describing renal denervation (RDN) from the intima of the renal artery for the treatment of resistant hypertension have reported variable efficacies, and RDN triggers renal intimal injury and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RDN from the adventitia of renal artery plus unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy to treat patients with resistant hypertension caused by unilateral aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA). A total of 60 consecutive patients with resistant hypertension caused by unilateral APA were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo RDN from the adventitia of the renal artery plus adrenalectomy (RDN group, n = 30) or adrenalectomy alone (control group, n = 30) and were followed up for 12 months. The primary efficacy end point was the change in 24‐hours mean ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) from baseline to 12 months. At the 12‐month follow‐up, the mean reduction of 24‐hours average SBP and office SBP in the RDN group was 20.7 ± 15.2 and 37.1 ± 26.0 mm Hg, respectively, which was significantly higher than the mean reduction of 24‐hours average SBP (11.9 ± 11.1 mm Hg, P =.017) and the office SBP (25.9 ± 16.8 mm Hg, P =.035) in the control group. Serum potassium levels returned to normal 12 months post‐procedure. Patients in the RDN group had higher proportion of cured clinical and biochemical outcomes than those in the control group (35.7% vs 17.9% in clinical outcome; 96.4% vs 89.3% in biochemical outcome, respectively). There were no procedural‐, device‐, or treatment‐related safety events during the 12‐month follow‐up period between the groups. In conclusion, RDN from the adventitia of the renal artery plus unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy is more effective than adrenalectomy alone for treating resistant hypertension caused by unilateral APA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effects and safety of laparoscopic-based perivascular renal sympathetic nerve denervation (RDN) in a porcine model fed a high-fat diet. Method: Thirty-six high-fat diet-fed Bama minipigs were randomly divided into an RDN group (n = 18), in which minipigs received laparoscopic-based perivascular RDN, and a sham group (n = 18). All pigs were fed the high-fat diet after the operation to establish a model of obesity-induced hypertension. Bama pigs in the RDN and sham groups were killed at 3 time points [2 days after RDN (n = 6), day 90 (n = 6) and day 180 (n = 6)]. Result: The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and noradrenaline (NE) concentration in the kidney tissue were significantly lower in the RDN group than in the sham group at 2 days (113.83 ± 3.26 mmHg vs 129.67 ± 3.32 mmHg, P = 0.011, and 112.02 ± 17.34 ng/g vs 268.48 ± 20.61 ng/g, P < 0.001, respectively), 90 days (116.83 ± 3.88 mmHg vs 145.00 ± 4.22 mmHg, P = 0.001, respectively) and 180 days (129.33 ± 2.87 mmHg vs 168.57 ± 2.86 mmHg, P < 0.001, and 152.15 ± 16.61 ng/g vs 318.97 ± 24.84 ng/g, P < 0.001, respectively) after the operation. The diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly lower in the RDN group than in sham group at 90 and 180 days after the operation (72.17 ± 2.7 mmHg vs 81.50 ± 2.22 mmHg, P = 0.037, and 76.83 ± 2.75 mmHg vs 86.33 ± 2.22 mmHg P = 0.021, respectively). Based on the pathological evaluation, the renal sympathetic nerve fascicles were successfully disrupted by radiofrequency energy after laparoscopic-based perivascular RDN, but the intima was intact. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression was decreased, while the expression of the S100 protein was increased in treated renal arteries after RDN. Conclusions: Laparoscopic-based perivascular RDN prevented the occurrence and development of hypertension, and thus it may be an efficient and safe method for controlling blood pressure in an experimental model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiBF4 has attracted much attention due to its better thermal stability, lower sensitivity to environmental humidity, and lower charge transfer resistance provided by its solution, especially at high voltage. Herein, the effects of the concentration of LiBF4 salt on the stability and electrochemical properties of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode material have been investigated by using the mixed solvents of LiBF4 salt, vinyl carbonate (EC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC) as electrolytes. The surface morphology and structure of cycled LNMO electrode are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the optimum concentration of LiBF4 salt is 1.4 M LiBF4-EC/DEC (1:5, by volume). Under optimum conditions, the LNMO cathode material has high electrochemical capacity and favorable rate performance. Meanwhile, the prepared electrolyte can easily form a thin and stable SEI film on the surface of LNMO electrode, which can effectively inhibit the continuous decomposition of the electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the universality of LiMn2O4 materials, LiMn2O4 coated with Al2O3 (LMO@Al) is prepared by a co-precipitated method to improve the electrochemical performance of the porous LiMn2O4 cathode. The morphologies and microstructures are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances are investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge test system and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrograph. The results show that the Al2O3 coating uniformly as well as tightly coupled with LiMn2O4 particles. The LMO@Al cathode material also shows outstanding electrochemical behaviors. After 100 cycles, the capacitance can remain 98.6 and 91.2% at 25 and 55 °C, respectively. Moreover, the LMO@Al composite cycled reversibly at 25 °C for 10 C with stable discharge capacities of 94.4 mAh g−1. Superior electrochemical stability of the LMO@Al can be attributed to the uniform coating which inhibited the manganese dissolution and Jahn-Teller effect of LiMn2O4 materials as well as the decomposition of the electrode by HF corrosion. The LMO@Al obtained from this work can open a new possibility in high power lithium ion batteries application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a suitable high voltage electrolyte system is of great importance for high energy density system. However, solving the interfacial stability of high voltage cathode materials remains a challenge. Herein, methyl benzenesulfonate (MBS) with a special structure as a "victim" additive has been introduced to construct a protective interface film on the surface of lithium nickel manganese oxide (LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, LNMO) cathode. Charge‐discharge cycling and rate capability performances demonstrate that introducing MBS additive has positive effect on interfacial stability, especially for power property. In 3.0 C rate, the cell with MBS electrolyte has about 63.5 % of capacity retention compared with the discharge capacity using 0.2 C rate, nevertheless, the baseline electrolyte is only 24.2 %. Besides, electrolyte with MBS additive shows some advantages in suppressing overcharge. The excellent performance can be attributed to the special molecular structure of MBS, which can further optimize the properties of interface film. The preferential oxidizability of MBS is able to construct a protective film on the electrode to hinder the further breakdown of electrolyte. The aromatic ring ensures the chemical stability of interface film and the sulfur provides the interface film with high ionic conductivity. These contributions are confirmed by further electrochemical measurements, detailed physical characterizations and theoretical calculations. Victim additive: MBS as a novel additive for high voltage system. Not only the performance of LNMO can be improved, but overcharge protection can be achieved by the addition of MBS. The mechanism of film‐forming for MBS has been proved into by DFT calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithium transition-metal phosphate LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4 has two operating potentials, 3.5 V and 4.1 V, which is favorable for increasing the energy and power densities of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To study the compatibility between LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4 and electrolytes, lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) is chosen as the lithium salt, based upon ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and dimethyl sulfite (DMS) as the supporting electrolyte solvents. The electrochemical performances of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6)-based and LiBOB-based electrolytes are compared. The combination of LiBOB and DMS can facilitate the formation of an effective passivation film. In addition, LiBOB-EC/DMS electrolyte exhibits better cycle and rate performance. The results suggest that LiBOB-EC/DMS electrolyte has good compatibility with LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4, which makes it an attractive electrolyte for rechargeable LIBs based upon LiFe0.6Mn0.4PO4 cathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a low-cost, high-performance, and environmentally friendly non-precious-metal catalyst was fabricated via a simple pyrolysis of the corn starch, dicyandiamide, and cobalt acetate for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show that the catalyst has porous and graphene-like carbon nanosheet-encased metal nanoparticles structure. Electrochemical measurements show that, compared to the commercial Pt/C catalysts, the catalyst has a low overpotential, larger current density, and better methanol tolerance ability for ORR in both alkaline and acidic media, which may be attributed to the incorporation of Co-Nx moieties and Co nanoparticles. The transferred number of electrons during the ORR with the catalyst was calculated to be ∼3.9 in alkaline media (∼3.7 in acidic media), indicating that the product would be a promising non-noble cathode catalyst in alkaline and acidic fuel cells or Li/Zn air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a low-cost, high-performance, and environmentally friendly metal-free electrocatalyst based on N-doped carbon nanosheets (NCNs) was fabricated via the one-step pyrolysis of cheap corn starch and urea for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline and acidic media. The results indicate that the nitrogen could be simply embedded into the carbon nanosheets by pyrolysis process. The effects of annealing temperature and raw material on NCN's structure and electrocatalytic properties were investigated to optimize the preparation process. The results show that the total nitrogen content decreases while Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, crystallization degree, graphitization degree, and electrical conductivity increase with the increase of pyrolysis temperature from 800 to 1000 °C. The measurements on the ORR activities by rotating disk electrode (RDE) in alkaline media (0.1 M KOH) and acidic media (0.5 M HSO) were investigated, and a nearly four-electron reaction pathway was observed. In comparison to commercial 20 % Pt/C catalyst (Pt/C), NCN exhibited excellent ORR electrocatalytic activity, methanol tolerant ability, and stability, making them promising metal-free alternative to Pt-based cathode catalysts in fuel cells. In addition, the findings obtained from this study may provide a scalable fabrication method for preparation of such low cost and high-efficiency metal-free oxygen reduction electrocatalyst derived from cheap biomass-based molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced Fe-N-doped graphene (FeNG) electrocatalysts are developed for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) by annealing a mixture of sustainable and low-cost corn starch, urea, and FeCl3. The Fe-N coordinations and Fe/Fe3C nanoparticles can be controllably achieved through space confinement and pyrolysis temperature-induced effects, respectively. Electrochemical tests show that, compared to the commercial Pt/C catalyst, the ORR half-wave potential of FeNG is 99 mV more positive in KOH and 34 mV more negative in H2SO4, with higher stabilities in both media. More importantly, the ORR mechanisms of FeNG are demonstrated to be diverse in both KOH and H2SO4, owing to the various catalytic centers. The obtained results indicate that the enhanced ORR activity in basic media can mainly be ascribed to quaternary N and Fe/Fe3C sites, whereas the ORR performance in acidic media originates primarily from Fe-N X complexes. The electrocatalytic origin of these species is governed, primarily, by their unique electronic structures and specific environments in different pH solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron nanoparticles wrapped in N-doped carbon (INC) were synthesized by a two-step method which includes a hydrothermal and a thermal treatment. The PtSn nanoparticles were then deposited on the resulting carbon material using an ethylene glycol reduction method. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated INC had an interconnected, porous framework with continuous macropores in the micrometer range. Transmission electronic microscopy and X-ray diffraction results proved that the iron nanoparticles were completely wrapped in the N-doped carbon. Cyclic voltammograms for ethanol oxidation showed that the mass activity on PtSn/INC electrode reaches 424.5 mA mg, 1.64 times as large as that for PtSn/C (259.0 mA mg). PtSn/INC also exhibited better durability in ethanol oxidation reaction than PtSn/C. These results indicated that INC is a potential high-performance catalyst support material for fuel cell catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]