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Intracardiac or pulmonary right-to-left shunt (RLS) is a common cardiac anomaly associated with an increased risk of neurological disorders, specifically cryptogenic stroke. Saline-contrasted transthoracic echocardiography (scTTE) is often used for RLS diagnosis. However, the identification of saline microbubbles in the left heart can be challenging for novice residents, potentially leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we proposed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm designed to automatically detect microbubbles in scTTE images and evaluate right-to-left shunt grades. This tool aims to support residency training and decrease the workload of cardiologists. A dataset of 23,665 scTTE images obtained from 174 individuals was included in this study. This dataset was partitioned into a training set (n = 20,475) and an internal validation set (n = 3,190) on a patient-level basis. An additional cohort of 33 patients diagnosed with cryptogenic ischemic stroke was enrolled as an external validation set. The proposed algorithm for right-to-left shunt degree classification employed the EfficientNet-b4 model, and the model's performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, and compared to the performance of residents. Our AI model demonstrated robust performance with an accuracy of 0.926, sensitivity of 0.827, and specificity of 0.951 on the internal testing dataset. In the external validation set, our AI model exhibited diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.864, 0.818, and 0.909, respectively. In comparison, residents achieved values of 0.727, 0.636, and 0.818, respectively. Our AI model provides a swift, precise, and easily deployable methodology for grading the degree of right-to-left shunt in scTTE, carrying substantial implications for routine clinical practice. Residents can benefit from our artificial intelligence-based algorithm, enhancing both the accuracy and efficiency of RLS diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to understand the expression characteristics and biological functions of Medicago truncatula genes under long-day conditions. The leaves of "R108" tribulus Medicago truncatula at the branch stage (A), bud stage (B), initial flowering stage (C), and full flowering stage (D) were sequenced using RNA-Seq technology. The genome of Medicago truncatula, a related species of Medicago truncatula, was used as the reference genome for sequence comparison. The transcriptomes of three adjacent periods (A vs. B, B vs. C, and C vs. D) were analyzed for differential gene expression and these genes were screened. A total of 6875 differentially expressed genes were detected. GO functional analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in biological processes, cell components, and molecular functions, among which the most differentially expressed genes were involved in the synthesis of cell components. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in circadian rhythm, photosynthetic antenna protein, ribosome metabolism, and other pathways. The number of single nucleotide variants detected by cSNP analysis was 312,875, and the frequency of A/G and C/T were the highest. The function of eggNOG was divided into 23 categories, with a total of 26,745 genes having similarities, while 9008 genes were classified as having an unknown function, 2669 genes were classified as part of signal transduction mechanisms, and 2194 genes were classified as being involved in transcription. In different developmental stages (A vs. B, B vs. C, and C vs. D), 3463 up-regulated and 3412 down-regulated differentially expressed genes were found. The difference between up-regulated and down-regulated genes was more noteworthy at the bud stage and the initial flowering stage. In addition, a total of 79 flowering genes were found, of which 51 differential genes were identified as participating in the photoperiodic regulation pathway, consisting of 23 differential genes that were up-regulated, and 28 differential genes that were down-regulated. The ratios of gene-LOC11410562(GI), gene-LOC11435974(CO), gene-LOC11422615(TOC1), and gene-LOC11432385(LHY) were higher than those of gene-LOC25500742(PHYA) and gene-LOC11 431402(ELF3); gene-LOC11434778(Col13), gene-LOC25498015(Col6), and gene-LOC11415514(Col9) were pre-expressed. The above differentially expressed genes were significantly expressed in different developmental stages of Medicago truncatula, which lays a foundation for further study of the molecular mechanism of Medicago truncatula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is effective for the selective synthesis of value‐added chemicals at lab‐scale, yet falls short of requirements for mass production (low cost and user friendliness). Here we report the design and fabrication of a modular tubular flow system embedded with replaceable photocatalyst membranes for scalable photocatalytic C−C, C−N homocoupling and hydrogenation reactions, which can be operated in either circular and continuous flow mode with high performance. The photocatalyst membranes almost fully occupy the volume of the reactor, thus enabling optimal absorption of the incident light. Additionally, the porous structured photocatalyst membranes facilitate the mass transfer of the reactants to efficiently use the active sites, resulting in 0th‐order reaction kinetics and a high space‐time yield compared to the batch reaction system at practical application levels and prolonged reaction times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is effective for the selective synthesis of value‐added chemicals at lab‐scale, yet falls short of requirements for mass production (low cost and user friendliness). Here we report the design and fabrication of a modular tubular flow system embedded with replaceable photocatalyst membranes for scalable photocatalytic C−C, C−N homocoupling and hydrogenation reactions, which can be operated in either circular and continuous flow mode with high performance. The photocatalyst membranes almost fully occupy the volume of the reactor, thus enabling optimal absorption of the incident light. Additionally, the porous structured photocatalyst membranes facilitate the mass transfer of the reactants to efficiently use the active sites, resulting in 0th‐order reaction kinetics and a high space‐time yield compared to the batch reaction system at practical application levels and prolonged reaction times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous photocatalysis offers an eco-friendly platform for selective C–C coupling of benzyl halides via hydro-dehalogenation by employing alcohols as the hydrogen donor, yet the reaction rate under visible light irradiation needs significant enhancement for applications. This calls for a designed and affordable photocatalyst with optimized adsorption and kinetics for the selective conversion of reactants and intermediates. Here we demonstrate that choosing an optimal metal as cocatalyst supported on the graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) photocatalyst, the adsorption of benzyl halide, the activation of the C–X bond, and the removal kinetics of photogenerated active halogen species can be manipulated to tune the generation rate of bibenzyl. In comparison with Pd and Cu, Ni supported on gCN presents a moderate adsorption of benzyl halide, a fast C–X dissociation rate, and a rapid removal of active halogen anions, thus achieving a 13-fold enhancement for C–C coupling of halogenated arenes under visible light irradiation. Such high performance also makes it a promising photocatalyst for scalable synthesis of value-added bibenzyls in a flow system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treating neurological diseases such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and various neurodegenerative diseases, but both embryonic neural stem cells and human induced Pluripotent Stem Cell- (iPSC-) derived neural stem cells have major limitations which restrict their broad use in these diseases. We want to find a one-step induction method to transdifferentiate the more easily accessible Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs) into neural stem/progenitor cells suitable for cell therapy purposes. In this study, UC-MSCs were induced to form neurospheres under a serum-free suspension culture with Epidermal Growth Factor- (EGF-) and basic Fibroblast Growth Factor- (bFGF-) containing medium within 12 hours. These MSC-derived neurospheres can self-renew to form secondary neurospheres and can be readily induced to become neurons and glial cells. Real-time PCR showed significantly upregulated expression of multiple stemness and neurogenic genes after induction. RNA transcriptional profiling study showed that UC-MSC-derived neurospheres had a unique transcriptional profile of their own, with features of both UC-MSCs and neural stem cells. RayBio human growth factor cytokine array analysis showed significantly upregulated expression levels of multiple neurogenic and angiogenic growth factors, skewing toward a neural stem cell phenotype. Thus, we believe that these UC-MSC-derived neurospheres have amenable features of both MSCs and neural stem/progenitor cells and have great potential in future stem cell transplantation clinical trials targeting neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a novel emerging viral infectious disease. We explored the percentage, origins and functional roles of low density neutrophils (LDNs), one of the neutrophils subsets, in SFTS.Methods: The LDNs and normal density neutrophils (NDNs) from blood of SFTS and normal volunteers which were collected separately. The percentage, origins and the phagocytic capability of SFTS viral (SFTSV) of LDNs were investigated by flow cytometry and real time PCR. The capacity of LDNs to secrete cytokines and to damage endothelial cells was assessed by ELISA and flow cytometry.Results: We observed that the proportion of LDNs increased dramatically compared with the healthy donors and became the dominant circulating neutrophil population in SFTS patients. Interestingly, the NDNs from the normal donors could switch to LDNs under the SFTS environment. Moreover, SFTSV load in LDNs was significantly higher than that of NDNs in the severe SFTS patients. In addition, the LDNs secreted much higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines than NDNs in SFTS and could induce endothelial cell injury.Conclusion: The NDNs can be converted to LDNs. This conversion mechanism could become the source of LDNs. The LDNs in severe SFTS patient could engulf more SFTSV and exhibit pro-inflammation functions.Trial Registration: The Ethics Committee of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (IORG No: IORG0003571) gave a final APPROVAL for the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extend the spectral response region of squaraine dye (SQ)-sensitized solar cell, eosin Y (EY) is encapsulated in the SQ-sensitized nanocrystalline thin film. EY is first adsorbed on nanocrystalline TiO thin film (n-TiO), then a thin layer of EY contained ZnO (EY-ZnO) is electrodeposited, and SQ dye is finally sensitized to form two dye-sensitized nanocrystalline thin film with a structure of n-TiO/EY/EY-ZnO/SQ. There is a perfect spectral overlap between the emission of EY and the absorption of SQ; EY as an energy donor simultaneously transfers both electron and hole to the energy acceptor SQ according to the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process. EY shifts the spectral response edge of SQ-sensitized solar cell toward blue from 550 to 450 nm through the FRET process in this new structure. Two dye-sensitized nanocrystalline thin film demonstrates a significant enhancement in light harvesting and photocurrent generation due to the FRET process. The thickness of the EY-ZnO thin layer and spectral overlap between emission of donor dye and absorption of acceptor dye are two important factors that affect the FRET process between EY and SQ in the structure of n-TiO/EY/EY-ZnO/SQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioretention facilities have proven highly effective in removing pollutants from runoff. However, there is a concerning paucity of research on the contamination characteristics and associated risks posed by refractory pollutants in these facilities following long-term operation. This research focuses on the distribution, sources, microbial community impact, and human health risks of pollutants in eight bioretention facilities that have been operational for 5–11 years. The results showed that the distribution of Cu, Zn, and Cd was closely related to anti-seepage measures. PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs primarily accumulated in the surface, with concentrations ranging from 7.42 to 20.34 mg/kg, 31.8–77.3 μg/kg, and 60.5–163.6 μg/kg, respectively. Their concentrations inversely correlate with the depth of the media. Although the majority of contaminants remained below their respective risk thresholds, their concentrations typically exceeded those of background soil values, indicating an enrichment phenomenon. Source analysis revealed that PAHs primarily originate from oil combustion, PCBs were linked to their related industrial products, DDTs had their main sources in technical DDx and residues from the use of dicofol, while HCHs were traced back to historical residues from agricultural activities. Microbial α-diversity (Chao 1 and Shannon) decreased by 8.3–23.4% and 0.8–4.4%, respectively, in different facilities after long-term operation. The most dominant microbial phylum in the facilities was Proteobacteria (all relative abundances >48%). The total relative abundance of dominant genera was 6.7–34.3% higher than the control site, and Pseudomonas , a typical POPs-heavy metal degrading bacterium, had the highest relative abundance (>1.2%). Cu, Zn, and Cd present no non-carcinogenic risks and have low potential ecological risks. However, the lifetime cancer risk for PAHs is 10−6 ∼10−4 in most facilities and is of concern. The cancer risk for PCBs is acceptable, while OCPs pose a low cancer risk only for children. [Display omitted] • POPs showed significant enrichments at the media surface and PCB126 exceeded the screening value. • Identified the main sources of accumulated PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs in bioretention. • Concentrated infiltration of runoff can have negative impacts on facilities micro-ecosystems. • POPs have potential cancer risks, and PAHs are the most contributing pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Currently, with the development of many important fields such as aerospace and automotive industries, polymer composites have become an indispensable part of these fields. As for preparation methods, common methods like hot pressing make composites difficult to achieve continuous production. This paper proposed the continuous forced assembly (CFA) and designed continuous production facility, which can achieve the continuous preparation of low filler content (30 wt%) composites with high electrical/thermal conductivity. Besides, we structurally designed roll pressing device and explored its effect on the machining process. Here, short cut carbon fiber (SCF) and solid silica gel (MVQ) are used as electrically/thermally conductive filler and polymer matrix respectively, and continuous preparation of functional composites is completed by CFA method. Compared to the thermal conductivity (1.186 W/(m·K)) of SCF/MVQ composites prepared with lower viscosity matrix (MVQ‐A), the thermal conductivity of composites prepared with high viscosity matrix (MVQ‐D) reached 2.230 W/(m·K). Meanwhile, the process is optimized to explore the effects of the “accordion folding” and “pre‐stretch” methods on the thermal conductivity of composites, the thermal conductivity is converted from in‐plane to vertical direction. In addition, under the same filler content, 2 wt% rGO is beneficial in enhancing the electrical/thermal conductivity of prepared composites. The electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of SCF28/rGO2/MVQ composite reach 663 S/m and 2.82 W/(m·K), which is higher than that of the properties of SCF/MVQ composite with the same filler content. To sum up, CFA facilitates continuous production of composites, which can be used in thermal management materials (TMMs). Compared with the “pre‐stretch” method, the thermal conductivity of SCF/MVQ composites prepared by “accordion folding” has a significant improvement. The SCF/rGO/MVQ composites prepared by CFA method show superior thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Composites prepared by CFA method can realize the continuous preparation of functional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of portable electronic devices, there is an urgent need for the multifunctional composites like excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, mechanical property, and thermal management capabilities. Here, due to the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs), a sandwich structure carbon nanotube/phase change microcapsule/carbon nanotube (CNT/PMC/CNT (CPC)) film was prepared by vacuum‐assisted filtration (VAF) method. CNT, PMC, and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were used as functional fillers. The addition of CNCs was used to improve the mechanical performance of CPC film. Compared with PMC‐CNC (PC) film, CPC film with sandwich structure prevented leakage phenomenon efficiently. Subsequently, the use of ultrasonic‐assisted forced infiltration (UAFI) successfully infiltrated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix in the filler skeleton to obtain CNT/PMC/CNT/PDMS (CPCP) composites. When filler mass ratio (CNT: CNC and PMC: CNC) reached 10:1, the thermal conductivity of CPCP composites was 2.32 W/(m·K) and total EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SET) of it with 0.38 mm thickness reached 37.46 dB at 12.4 GHz. Besides, these sandwich composites exhibited the good mechanical properties and heat storage capacity. And we systematically observed the impact of different addition amounts of PC homogeneous dispersing solution on phase change ability of CPCP10:1 composites. In summary, CPCP phase change composites with sandwich structure shows potential application prospect in thermal management materials with EMI shielding of electronic devices. Highlight: The sandwich structure CPCP composites prepared by the combination of VAF and UAFI method, showing superior thermal conductivity and phase change ability.CPCP has excellent EMI shielding performance, which can meet the need of TMMs with EMI shielding performance.Compared with same thickness PC film, sandwich CPC film can prevent leakage phenomenon efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of wearable electronic devices, flexible sensors have received widespread attention, especially for high sensitivity sensors. However, sensors prepared by conventional processes such as hot pressing, vacuum filtration and so forth are not sensitive enough to meet the needs of healthy detection. In order to solve this problem, we proposed an hydrogel-based carbon nanotube/graphene nanoplatelet/ polydimethylsiloxane (CNT/GNP/PDMS are named as CGP) pressure sensor prepared by combining direct ink writing three-dimensional (DIW 3D) printing and freeze-drying method. The effect of number of matrix infiltration treatment on mechanical properties is also discussed. By utilizing the designability of the 3D printing, multiple CGP sensor samples can be prepared simultaneously, saving time cost in preparation process. The CGP sensors with 6 mm thickness have excellent sensitivity (The maximum gauge factor (GF) is 18.49), which is higher than that of 4 mm thicknesses and other preparation method like mold method. Meanwhile, we find that CGP sensor with 6 mm thickness has good cycling performance in a 5000-cycled test. Furthermore, a series of performance tests are also systematically conducted. Consequently, prepared CGP sensor has the potential to be applied in human motion and healthy detection due to high sensitivity, having excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durable Cu/NiFe(OH)x electrocatalyst was designed for hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media. The in situ generated Cu nanodendrites protect the NiFe(OH)x from being hydrogenated, giving it a > 1000 h lifetime for high-performance water splitting (1.51 V, 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH) when coupled with a NiFe-layered double hydroxide anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Then the patient underwent urgent surgical embolectomy of bilateral lower extremities, and urgent mitral valve replacement surgery, along with the removal of the left atrial thrombus. 1 a Parasternal long axis view of transthoracic echocardiography showing a cricket ball-like mass in the left atrium (diameter 2.8 cm). b Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram depicting the floating cricket ball-like mass in the left atrium. [Extracted from the article]

Our study aimed to determine whether layer-specific strain (LSS) could reflect regional myocardial impairment in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The study enrolled 50 patients with HCM and 30 age-matched healthy controls. Transmural gradient of longitudinal strain (TGLS), defined as the difference between the longitudinal strain of the endocardium and epicardium in a left ventricular segment, was used to reflect layer-specific myocardial impairment. Negative TGLS was consistently observed in healthy controls. The TGLS was relatively consistent within the basal, middle, and apical levels in healthy controls,but showed a significant gradient from the base towards the apex. In patients with HCM, the hypertrophic segments had significantly higher TGLS than the relatively normal segments or healthy controls at all 3 levels (0.14 % ± 3.48 % vs. -2.65 % ± 4.44 % vs. -2.17 % ± 1.66 % for basal, - 0.72 % ± 3.71 % vs. -4.02 % ± 4.00 % vs. -3.58 % ± 2.29 % for middle, and - 8.69 % ± 7.96 % vs. -11.44 % ± 6.65 % vs. -10.04 % ± 3.20 % for apex). Abnormal TGLS, defined as positive TGLS, in patients with HCM was associated with chest pain. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a large area of abnormal TGLS (> 4 segments) had moderate accuracy for predicting chest pain (sensitivity, 73.3 %; specificity, 70.0 %). TGLS, a novel LSS derived parameter, may reflect regional myocardial impairment in patients with HCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban waterlogging and nonpoint source (NPS) pollution caused by urbanization have considerably increased, and their control effects are affected by many factors. This study established a distribution model to analyze the influences of different rainfall conditions and rain garden layouts on runoff output and NPS pollution. Simulation results showed that (a) the reduction rates of the runoff and pollution load decreased from 45% to 23% and from 57% to 23% with increasing rainfall duration (1–24 hr). The flow and concentration peaks, total discharge amount and load increased, and the reduction rates of the runoff and pollution load decreased from 47% to 32% and from 60% to 21%, respectively, with increasing recurrence period (1–50 annual). The changes in the rain peak coefficient had minimal reduction effect on water quantity and quality. (b) Under different rain garden layouts, the reduction rates of the runoff and pollution load were 37%–52% and 13%–57%, respectively. The reduction effects of the runoff and pollution load improved, whereas amplitudes decreased with increasing rain garden layouts (0%–4%). (c) Rainfall duration and rain garden proportion greatly influenced the runoff and load reductions, respectively. Practitioner points: The reduction effects of runoff and pollution load under different rainfall conditions were simulated and analyzed.The reduction effects of runoff and pollution load under different setting proportions of rain garden were simulated and analyzed.The influence degrees of different design conditions on water quantity and quality reduction rates were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We aim to conduct a comparison of the safety and effectiveness performance between left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) and right ventricular pacing (RVP) regimens for patients with atrioventricular block (AVB). Methods. This observational cohort study included patients who underwent pacemaker implantations with LBBAP or RVP for AVB indications from the 1st of January 2018 to the 18th of November 2021 at West China Hospital. The primary composite outcome included all-cause mortality, lead failure, or heart failure hospitalization (HFH). The secondary outcome included periprocedure complication, cardiac death, or recurrent unexplained syncope. A 1 : 1 propensity score–matched cohort was conducted for left ventricular (LV) function analysis. Results. A total of 903 patients met the inclusion criteria and completed clinical follow-up. After adjusting for the possible confounders, LBBAP was independently associated with a lower risk of the primary outcome (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.83, p = 0.009), including a lower risk of all-cause mortality and HFH. No significant difference in the secondary outcome was detected between the groups except that LBBAP was independently associated with a lower risk of recurrent unexplained syncope. In the propensity-score matching cohort of echocardiographic analysis, the LV systolic dyssynchrony index was lower in LBBAP compared with that in RVP (5.68 ± 1.92 vs. 6.50 ± 2.28 %, p = 0.012). Conclusions. Compared to conventional RVP, LBBAP is a feasible novel pacing model associated with a significant reduction in the primary composite outcome. Moreover, LBBAP significantly reduces the risk of recurrent unexplained syncope and improves LV systolic synchrony. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05722379. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental‐friendly halogenation of C−H bonds using abundant, non‐toxic halogen salts is in high demand in various chemical industries, yet the efficiency and selectivity of laboratory available protocols are far behind the conventional photolytic halogenation process which uses hazardous halogen sources. Here we report an FeX2 (X=Br, Cl) coupled semiconductor system for efficient, selective, and continuous photocatalytic halogenation using NaX as halogen source under mild conditions. Herein, FeX2 catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen and the consumption of generated oxygen radicals, thus boosting the generation of halogen radicals and elemental halogen for direct halogenation and indirect halogenation via the formation of FeX3. Recycling of FeX2 and FeX3 during the photocatalytic process enables the halogenation of a wide range of hydrocarbons in a continuous flow, rendering it a promising method for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental‐friendly halogenation of C−H bonds using abundant, non‐toxic halogen salts is in high demand in various chemical industries, yet the efficiency and selectivity of laboratory available protocols are far behind the conventional photolytic halogenation process which uses hazardous halogen sources. Here we report an FeX2 (X=Br, Cl) coupled semiconductor system for efficient, selective, and continuous photocatalytic halogenation using NaX as halogen source under mild conditions. Herein, FeX2 catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen and the consumption of generated oxygen radicals, thus boosting the generation of halogen radicals and elemental halogen for direct halogenation and indirect halogenation via the formation of FeX3. Recycling of FeX2 and FeX3 during the photocatalytic process enables the halogenation of a wide range of hydrocarbons in a continuous flow, rendering it a promising method for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operation effects of bioretention on different tanks were investigated through tests and simulations. Three layered bioretention tanks, namely, #1, #2, and #3, were selected for intermittent operation tests. The artificial filler layers of the tanks consisted of mixed fillers of fly ash and sand, blast furnace slag, and planting soil. Models were established by using HYDRUS-1D software based on test results. The sensitivity of model parameters was analyzed through Morris screening method. Results showed that return period, thickness of media layer, and solute concentration in the liquid phase were the parameters that significantly influenced the operation effects. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients of the models were greater than 0.85. The simulation results showed that the reduction effects at different inflow loads were better under low loads than under high loads. The comprehensive reduction rate of pollutant load was 5.22% less under high concentrations than under low concentrations. The comprehensive reduction rates of water and pollutant loads were 35.97% and 20.68% greater, correspondingly, in the 1 year return period than in the 10 year return period. The artificial fillers comprising a mixture of fly ash and sand also showed the optimal reduction effects, with comprehensive reduction rates of 69.33% and 83.08% for water and pollutant load, respectively. The reduction effects of water and pollutants for the #1 tank presented an upward trend, whereas those for the #2 tank showed a downward trend given an increase in planting soil thickness. An increase in media thickness enhanced the reduction effects. The media with 60 cm thickness demonstrated the optimal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive phosphorus (P) contributes to eutrophication by degrading water quality and limiting human use of water resources. Identifying economic and convenient methods to control soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) pollution in urban runoff is the key point of rainwater management strategies. Through three series of different tests involving influencing factors, continuous operation and intermittent operation, this study explored the purification effects of bioretention tanks under different experimental conditions, it included nine intermittent tests, single field continuous test with three groups of different fillers (Fly ash mixed with sand, Blast furnace slag, and Soil), and eight intermittent tests with single filler (Blast furnace slag mixed with sand). Among the three filler combinations studied, the filler with fly ash mixed with sand achieved the best pollution reduction efficiency. The setting of the submerged zone exerted minimal influence on the P removal of the three filler combinations. An extension of the dry period slightly promoted the P purification effect. The combination of fly ash mixed with sand demonstrated a positive purification effect on SRP during short- or long-term simulated rainfall duration. Blast furnace slag also presented a positive purification effect in the short term, although its continuous purification effect on SRP was poor in the long term. The purification abilities of soil in the short and long terms were weak. Under intermittent operations across different seasons, SRP removal was unstable, and effluent concentration processes were different. The purification effect of the bioretention system on SRP was predicted through partial least squares regression (PLS) modeling analysis. The event mean concentration removal of SRP was positively related to the adsorption capacity of filler and rainfall interval time and negatively related to submerged zones, influent concentration and volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the interfacial passivation mechanism in CdSe quantum dot-sensitized ZnO nanocrystalline thin film, where different sulfide semiconductors (such as ZnS and CdS) and sulfide ions are used to modify ZnO nanocrystalline thin film before deposition of CdSe quantum dots (QDs). It is noticed that the highest light-to-electric conversion efficiency of CdSe quantum dot-sensitized ZnO nanocrystalline thin film solar cell is attained up to 4.18 % after CdS interfacial modification. Meanwhile, a simple treatment of ZnO nanocrystalline thin film in NaS solution can also increase the conversion efficiency of CdSe quantum dot-sensitized solar cell up to 3.45 %. The electron transfer and recombination processes occurred in the interface of QD-sensitized nanocrystalline thin films with and without the different interfacial modifications are detected by measuring intensity modulated photovoltage spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of solar cells. These results indicate that adsorption of S ions on the surface active sites of ZnO nanoparticles is the main reason for the conversion efficiency improvement due to the interfacial passivation of sulfide semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of "sponge city" made the belts on both roadsides be built in the form of bioretention tanks, resulting in runoff pollutants were accumulated in the bioretention tanks. To identify the pollution level and source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the bioretention tanks, the soil samples were collected on the eight typical roads of the sponge city. The total contents of ∑PAHs in the bioretention tanks were 10,524–20,462 μg/kg (mean 15,029 μg/kg), and the pollution level of PAHs in the non-flood season was significantly higher than that in the flood season. The PAHs in bioretention tanks were dominated by 4-ring PAHs, with a proportion of 39.36%. The characteristic ratio method was proposed to identify the chemical source of PAHs, and the results indicated that PAHs in the bioretention tanks were mainly supplied by the combustion source and petroleum source. The ecological risk quotient (RQ) values showed that the accumulation of PAHs in the bioretention tank had certain potential ecological risks, and the RQ values of pyrene (PYR) were the highest. Incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) indicated that PAHs in soil posed negligible cancer risks by inhalation way, but much stronger risks by dermal and ingestion ways. The roads with the highest and lowest PAHs content were selected for microbial ecology analysis, and the microbial abundances showed significant decreasing trends from the flood season to the non-flood season. The PAHs accumulated in the bioretention tanks had significant impacts on the microbial community, which made the microorganisms tend to PAHs-degrading bacteria. • PAHs showed different accumulation levels in road green infrastructures of sponge city. • The combustion source was the main source of the PAHs in bioretention tanks. • Pyrene (PYR) in the bioretention tank had higher potential ecological risks. • There were potential carcinogenic risks caused by dermal and ingestion ways. • The accumulation of PAHs made microorganisms tend to PAHs-degrading bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Shrub - grassland ecotone acts as a net CO 2 sink, with the maximum NEE occurring in July. • Shrub - grassland ecotone degradation diminishes the carbon sequestration capacity, and grazing exclusion enhanced carbon sequestration capacity, particularly in heavily degraded ecotone. • Soil moisture and soil temperature are pivotal drivers influencing NEE. • NEE was negatively correlated with soil temperature during April to June and September to October, but was positively correlated with soil temperature during July to August. • NEE displays a consistent negative correlation with soil moisture during April to October. Grassland degradation is a prevalent issue at the interface of shrubland and grassland ecosystems, particularly susceptible to environmental changes. To counteract the degradation, grazing exclusion has been proposed as a dominant restoration strategy on the Tibetan plateau, the world's largest and highest plateau. However, the impact of degradation and subsequent restoration on the carbon dynamics consist of carbon sink / source capacity of shrub-grassland ecotones remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, using a transparent chamber (0.8 m in length × 0.8 m in width × 0.6 m in height) attached to an infrared gas analyzer, the in situ field investigation was performed to measure the gross ecosystem primary productivity (GEP), ecosystem respiration (Re), net ecosystem CO 2 exchange (NEE), and environmental factors over a four-year continuous period in lightly and heavily degraded shrub-grassland ecotones during recover process on the Tibetan Plateau. Our result showed that: 1). Shrub-grassland ecotone acts as a net CO 2 sink, with the maximum NEE occurring in July during the growing season. 2). Ecotone degradation diminishes the carbon sequestration capacity. Specifically, the annual GEP, Re, and NEE rates decrease by 14.1 %, 7.3 %, and 27.2 %, respectively, in the heavily degraded ecotone compared to the lightly degraded counterpart. 3). Grazing exclusion positively influenced the carbon sequestration capacity, particularly in heavily degraded ecotone, which leads to a substantial increase in the annual GEP, Re, and NEE rates of 15.4 % and 33.4 %, 12.3 % and 20.9 %, 22.25 % and 64.9 % for lightly and heavily degraded ecotones, respectively. 4). A piecewise structural equation model reveals that soil moisture and soil temperature are pivotal drivers influencing NEE. 5) Correlation analysis shows that NEE was negatively correlated with soil temperature during April to June and September to October but was positively correlated with soil temperature during July to August. In contrast, NEE displays a consistent negative correlation with soil moisture throughout the growing season. This research provides new insights on grassland degradation and restoration for carbon sequestration in alpine shrub-grassland ecotones and highlights their implications for sustainable management of alpine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A flow system for heterogeneous photocatalytic synthesis of azoxybenzene compounds. • Carbon nitride are anchored on silica via hydrogen bonds to realize flow synthesis. • The system shows high stability and activity compared with other reported methods. • A gram scale azoxybenzene can be obtained in this flow reactor with high efficiency. • A practical strategy for large scale heterogeneous photocatalysis. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an ideal method for eco-friendly synthesis of value-added chemicals. However, due to the limited penetration depth of photons and inefficient utilization of the catalytic active sites, the scalability of heterogeneous photocatalysis is restrained. Combining heterogeneous photocatalysis and flow system is a promising solution to optimize the light absorption and mass transfer; however, an affordable, practical design of the flow system and the immobilization method of the photocatalyst is still missing. Here, we report a flow system for heterogeneous photocatalytic synthesis of azoxybenzene and its derivatives from reductive coupling of nitrobenzene at a gram-scale using anchored graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) on porous silica (gCN-SiO 2). The hydrogen bonds formed between the gCN and the tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) precursor during the dehydrative condensation process prevent unwanted leaching of catalyst, enabling photocatalytic flow synthesis of azoxybenzene with high selectivity, efficiency, and durability. Mechanistic studies reveals that the gCN-SiO 2 regulates the photocatalytic reduction kinetics of nitrobenzene by facilitating the generation of nitrosobenzene and N-phenylhydroxylamine intermediates while preventing the formation of unwanted 4-phenylazophenol byproducts, resulting in efficient and selective synthesis of azoxybenzene. Our work provides an alternative path towards large scale heterogeneous photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The operation effects of bioretention tanks were simulated by HYDRUS-1D model. • Key bioretention parameters were optimized by response surface methodology. • Increasing the thickness of the medium layer can improve the regulation effect. • Fly ash has better regulation effect than planting soil and blast furnace slag. The parameters of bioretention facilities have important effects on their operations. However, previous studies have either examined the regulation effects of these parameters or conducted scenario simulations, whereas very few studies have attempted to optimize the key parameters of low impact development (LID) facilities. To fill this gap, the key parameters of bioretention facilities were optimized in this work to improve the operation of these facilities. Simulated rainfall experiments were also conducted in a school test field to monitor the regulation effect of bioretention tanks on water quantity and quality under different scenarios. The operation of bioretention facilities in other scenarios (compared with the experimental scenario) was simulated by using the HYDRAUS-1D model on the basis of the experimental data. The key parameters that greatly influence the regulation effect of bioretention facilities were defined by using the Morris classification screening method and were optimized by using the simulation results and the response surface methodology. Results show that the water reduction rate ranges from 80% to 85% and that the thickness of the medium layer ranges from 25 cm to 120 cm under a high influent concentration. Meanwhile, the bioretention tanks with an artificial filler of fly ash + sand or planting soil can treat more scenario rainfall (recurrence period of 2 years + confluence ratio of 10:1–20:1, recurrence period of 5 years + confluence ratio of 10:1–15:1, and recurrence period of 10 years + confluence ratio of 10:1), whereas the bioretention tank with artificial filler of blast furnace slag can deal with less scenario rainfall (recurrence period of 2 years/5 years/10 years + confluence ratio of 10:1 and recurrence period of 2 years + confluence ratio of 15:1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-term operation effects of rain gardens were simulated by DRAINMOD. • Response surface methodology is effective for parameter optimization of rain gardens. • Increasing the thickness of filler layer makes more nitrogen removal. • Moderate depth of submerged zone obtains a better nitrogen treatment effect. Many studies have been conducted on the regulation effects of rain gardens on rainfall runoff. However, the parameters of rain gardens have been rarely simulated and optimized. In this study, the design parameters of rain gardens were optimized through combining the DRAINMOD model and the response surface methodology. On the basis of the monitoring data of a rain garden in the Xi'an University of Technology campus in China from 2016 to 2017, the parameter sensitivities in the DRAINMOD-H and DRAINMOD-N modules were analyzed, and the DRAINMOD model was calibrated and validated. The determination and Nash efficiency coefficients were approximately 0.8 and above 0.6, respectively, confirming that the water volume and nitrogen regulation effects of rain gardens can be simulated with DRAINMOD. Different scenarios were set up to simulate and analyze the reduction effects of rain gardens on water volume and nitrogen load. The influences of various factors, including the influent nitrogen concentration, the confluence ratio, the thickness of the filler layer, and the depth of submerged zone on the regulation effects of rain gardens were discussed. According to simulation results, these factors were optimized by using the response surface methodology to obtain the design values under different targets. The optimized minimum thickness of the filler layer is 37 cm and the maximum is 80 cm. The optimized depth of the submerged zone is at least 22 cm and the maximum is 45 cm. The treatment effects of the rain gardens are better after parameter optimization. Results can provide a scientific basis for the construction of rain garden facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rain garden is a typical facility with many applications in urban low impact development (LID). It plays an important role in regulating runoff water quantity and quality. Two rain gardens with the discharge ratios of 20:1 and 15:1 were used as studied facilities. Seven soil sampling events were conducted from April 2017 to February 2019 to study the influences of stormwater concentration infiltration in rain gardens on soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and TOC and their relations with enzymes. The results showed that the contents of soil TN and NO 2 -N + TON in gardens gradually decreased with time, while those of NH 3 -N and TP increased with time. The content of NO 3 -N varied greatly with time, and there was no obvious rule. TOC increased first and then decreased. Vertical distributions of N, P and TOC showed that the contents of NH 3 -N, NO 2 -N + TON and TN at 0–50 cm were high, so the upper soil was the sensitive area to the influence of stormwater concentration infiltration in rain gardens. The content of NH 3 -N decreased gradually with the increase of soil depth, but those of NO 3 -N and TP increased with the soil depth. Therefore, NO 3 -N and TP migrated down with water infiltration in soil, and preventing NO 3 -N and P leaching was critical for effective N and P removal though rain gardens. Soil urease (SU), sucrose (SS), protease (SP) and acid phosphatase (SAP) had a good linear relationship with N, P and TOC, and R2were all greater than 0.5. Image 1 • Temporal variations of soil N, P and TOC contents in rain gardens with native loess as media were studied. • Vertical distributions of soil N, P and TOC contents in rain gardens were studied. • Multiple linear regression models between N, P and TOC contents and enzyme activities in soil were respectively established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioretention modified media consists of modifier, soil, sand, and organic matter (OM), which was applied to clean rainfall runoff pollutants and control flood. These should support plant growth, cost-effectiveness, local availability besides rainwater runoff and its pollution control. A modified bioretention media design approach was developed, to determine whether the modified media could compensate the deficiency of infiltration and/or purification ability for traditional bioretention soil mixing (BSM) and undisturbed soil. Taking the soil conditions of a typical area in northwest China as an example, we defined the BSM as the mixture of river sand, soil and wood chips, and the ratio was 65:30:5 by mass, and modified media are a mixture of BSM with modifiers. The characteristics of ten modifiers were tested, and the proportions of BSM and modifiers were determined though Langmuir adsorption isotherm mainly. The infiltration capacities of modified media were over 220 mm/h, and they were more than 3.4 times that of undisturbed soil. We also got the maximum adsorption capacity and longest lifespan media which were BSM + 10% water treatment residuals (WTR) for soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), and BSM + 10% green zeolite (GZ) for ammonia though batch and mini-column experiments. Based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP), considering infiltration, water-holding adsorption, lifespan, and cost, the comprehensive performance of modified media is as follows: BSM + 10% flyash (0.2683) > BSM + 10% GZ (0.2589) > BSM + 10% WTR (0.2443) > BSM + 10% medical (0.1553) > BSM (0.0731). The results of this study will contribute to a greater understanding of adsorption mechanism of bioretention system media, contributing to the design and evaluation of bioretention efficient media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved pollutants in stormwater are more mobile/bioavailable, and are captured via different mechanisms than particles. Column-scale bioretention basins are constructed by filling different media, which is used to study the remediation and accumulation characteristics of dissolved pollutants by improved bioretention basins (increased infiltration and adsorption capacity of the media). The media factor (ratio of specific surface area to cubic of porosity) is used to characterize the basic properties of different media, while considering the key factors: infiltration capacity, inflow concentration, recurrence interval, discharge ratio, antecedent dry period, and rainfall duration. The results showed that stormwater pollutants load reduction rate decreased with the increase of recurrence interval and discharge ratio, and increased with the increase of inflow concentration. Based on response surface methodology (RSM), a quantitative relationship model between major pollutants and influencing factors were established (R2 > 0.715), which can be used to estimate the design and operation of the media. By detecting changes in media carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents, the results showed that partial pollutants leaching were greater than their accumulation in the initial stage of system operation, and their contents in the media reduced during simulated rainfall. After the pollution contents tend to stabilize, the accumulated pollutants were greater than the leaching, and media pollution contents showed the trend of upper > middle > lower (corresponding to the 10, 35, and 60 cm sections of the media from top to bottom). Six enzymes closely related to the accumulation and migration of nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter in the media were selected. Pearson correlation analysis found that: the significant correlations between the selected enzyme activity and pollutants were not consistent in bioretention system. For example, catalase was significantly correlated with all the pollutants (P < 0.01), whereas acid phosphatase was not significantly correlated with all the pollutants. Unlabelled Image • Media factors were proposed to characterize the properties of fillers quantitatively. • The relationship model between the effects and influencing factors were established. • The changes of C, N, P with temporal variation were explored. • The relationship between enzyme activities and media pollution contents were built. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The superior bioretention media for rainfall runoff infiltration, retention, and concentration removal were developed. • Nitrogen mass distribution and pollutants retention efficiency were evaluated. • The influence of rainfall runoff on different enzyme activities was studied. Abstract Nitrogen processing in the bioretention media is often variable, and the contribution to nitrogen retention and loss remains unclear. Bioretention cells including 12 medium combinations were constructed following ten intermittent, simulated storm events, meanwhile, the contents of pollutants and related enzyme activities in the media were detected. Among these medium combinations, C-04 ∼ C-12 were retrofitted media, which comprised a mixture of modifiers and traditional bioretention soil mixing (BSM). Among them, BSM + Water treatment residual (WTR), BSM + Green zeolite, BSM + Flyash, BSM + Vermiculite, and BSM + Turfy were recommended for reducing and purifying stormwater runoff, especially for nitrogen pollutants (more than 63.4%). Considering the inflow/outflow pollutant load, the total nitrogen (TN) load reduction rates of retrofitted media were 10% higher than that for BSM, however, the changes of TN mass in these media were significantly different before and after the tests, and TN losses for BSM + Flyash, BSM + Turfy, BSM + Coconut husk, BSM + Medical + Turfy, and BSM + Green zeolite + Turfy were more pronounced than that for others. Under ammonization, nitrification, denitrification, or leaching, the mass of TN and total organic nitrogen (TON) in the media decreased by 0.54% to 58.3% (median = 8.1%) and 5.3% to 98.6% (median = 52.8%) during the tests, respectively. On the contrary, the mass of ammonium (NH 4 +-N) increased in the media from 1.2% to 5.4% (median = 2.2%). Under the impact of simulated rainfall, the activities of urease, protease, dehydrogenase, and catalase increased, however, the activities of invertase and acid phosphatase decreased. This study will contribute to a greater understanding of the runoff pollutants purification mechanism in bioretention systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left ventricle (LV) assist, which refers to the use of a mini-pump or catheter implanted across the aortic valve connected to the pump, can promote myocardial recovery after left ventricle failure. However, conventional LV assist catheters compress the aortic valve, which can induce aortic insufficiency. Here we describe a novel LV assist catheter containing a retractable stent at its distal end that may prevent such insufficiency. The device was tested in six goats in which the coronary artery was ligated to induce acute LV failure, and then an LV assist was installed with a novel catheter in the left ventricle via the left subclavian artery. Inserting the catheter into the left ventricle caused mild to moderate aortic insufficiency. Releasing the stent maintained the catheter in the center of the three valve leaflets, which resolved the aortic insufficiency and, within a few minutes, led to significantly lower left ventricle end diastolic pressure (9.0±3.0 mmHg) than without stent release (17.6±5.0 mmHg, p = 0.012) as well as significantly higher left ventricle dP/dtmax (614±299 mmHg/s) than without stent release (343±245 mmHg/s, p = 0.03). Our results indicate that this novel drainage catheter with retractable stent can effectively prevent aortic insufficiency by maintaining the catheter in the center of the aortic valve leaflets, thereby lowering left ventricular end diastolic pressure and improving systolic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasopressors are widely used in resuscitation, ventricular failure, and sepsis, and often induce pulmonary hypertension with undefined mechanisms. We hypothesize that vasopressor-induced pulmonary hypertension is caused by increased pulmonary blood volume and tested this hypothesis in dogs under general anesthesia. In normal hearts (model 1), phenylephrine (2.5 μg/kg/min) transiently increased right but decreased left cardiac output, associated with increased pulmonary blood volume (63% ± 11.8, P = 0.007) and pressures in the left atrium, pulmonary capillary, and pulmonary artery. However, the trans-pulmonary gradient and pulmonary vascular resistance remained stable. These changes were absent after decreasing blood volume or during right cardiac dysfunction to reduce pulmonary blood volume (model 2). During double-ventricle bypass (model 3), phenylephrine (1, 2.5 and 10 μg/kg/min) only slightly induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. Vasopressin (1U and 2U) dose-dependently increased pulmonary artery pressure (52 ± 8.4 and 71 ± 10.3%), but did not cause pulmonary vasoconstriction in normally beating hearts (model 1). Pulmonary artery and left atrial pressures increased during left ventricle dysfunction (model 4), and further increased after phenylephrine injection by 31 ± 5.6 and 43 ± 7.5%, respectively. In conclusion, vasopressors increased blood volume in the lung with minimal pulmonary vasoconstriction. Thus, this pulmonary hypertension is similar to the hemodynamic pattern observed in left heart diseases and is passive, due to redistribution of blood from systemic to pulmonary circulation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may improve clinical management of patients who are taking vasopressors, especially those with coexisting heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between two haplotype-tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs6658835 and rs10495098) ofTGF-β2and conotruncal heart defects (CTDs). Methods:Two polymorphisms ofTGF-β2gene were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) from 259 CTDs patients and 310 control subjects. Results:The association between SNP rs6658835 inTGF-β2and CTDs has been found. The frequency of G allele in CTDs patients was significantly higher than that in control subjects (52.7% versus 40.3%,p < 0.001, OR =1.649). Conclusion:TGF-β2gene polymorphisms may serve as a novel genetic marker for the risk of CTDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. No data are available on the association between the polymorphisms of interleukin-27 ( IL-27) and AF in the Chinese Han population. This study was performed to determine if polymorphisms within the IL-27 gene are involved in the AF susceptibility. Methods: Two hundred seventy AF patients and 303 healthy individuals were examined for two IL-27 gene polymorphisms (rs153109 and rs17855750) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. Results: An association between the IL-27 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs153109 and AF was found in Chinese Han population. The G allele and GG genotype of rs153109 were associated with increased AF risk (odds ratio [OR]: 1.35, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.06-1.71, p = 0.02 and OR: 1.66, 95% CI = 1.03-2.65, p = 0.03 in the recessive genetic model, respectively). The significance of the association between the GG genotype and AF risk did not survive a Bonferroni's correction. Similarly, no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of the rs17855750 SNP was observed between the AF patients and controls. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the IL-27 genetic polymorphisms may be associated with susceptibility of AF in Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall runoff contained toxic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. Bioretention systems can effectively remove PAHs and heavy metals from runoff. When PAHs and heavy metals accumulated in the media of bioretention systems, co-contamination occurred. To reveal the response processes of co-contamination in the media micro-ecosystem, bioretention systems were constructed and simulated rainfall tests were carried out to reveal the media micro-ecosystem evolution in the bioretention system under the co-contamination of PAHs and heavy metals. The simulated rainfall tests showed that the bioretention systems with different media had good purification effects with load reduction rates >90% (PAHs) and >40% (heavy metals). The microbial α-diversities in different media decreased by 6.67%–32.27%, and 9.21%–18.69% after the tests. The most dominant species of microorganisms in the media were Proteobacteria (all relative abundances >62%). As a typical PAHs-heavy metal degrading bacteria, the relative abundances of Pseudomonas increased significantly after the tests (both >9%). The co-contamination of PAHs and heavy metals inhibited all enzyme activities. The long-term operation of the bioretention system gradually increased the level of co-contamination in the media, and the stability of the media micro-ecosystem gradually deteriorated. The results of this paper can provide a theoretical basis and technical support for maintaining the operational efficiency of the bioretention system with modified-media and avoiding the risk of potential contamination. [Display omitted] • Bioretention systems showed high efficiency in load reduction of pollutants. • PAHs and heavy metals formed co-contamination in bioretention system media. • The growth of Pseudomonas was promoted in co-contamination conditions. • The co-contamination of PAHs and heavy metals inhibited the enzyme activities. • The "adsorption-adaptation-change-feedback" response processes were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute aortic dissection (AD) is a lethal cardiovascular disease with severe inflammatory complications. Considering the proinflammatory properties of plasma mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), we postulate that plasma mtDNA from activated platelets may be responsible for post-acute AD inflammatory responses. Methods: We consecutively enrolled 68 patients with acute AD as well as matched hypertensive and healthy participants. Blood samples were collected on admission for blood routine tests, mtDNA assay, and inflammatory cytokine analysis. A computed tomography scan was used to evaluate the extent of dissections. Results: Our results demonstrate that plasma mtDNA, platelet activation, and inflammatory levels were remarkably higher in acute AD patients than in hypertensive or healthy participants. These parameters were also higher in the Stanford A group than in the Stanford B group (p < 0.05). Bivariate correlation analysis demonstrated positive associations between mtDNA and inflammatory levels (tumor necrosis factor-a: r = 0.577; interleukin-6:r = 0.632), mtDNA and plate let activation (r = 0.642), and platelet activation and the extent of dissection (r = 0.635). Conclusion: O ur study suggests that acute AD-induced tunica media exposure causes platelet activation, which leads to the initiation of inflammatory responses via the release of mtDNA into the circulation. Our study provides a novel fundamental basis and a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of post AD inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road runoff pollutants are widely recognized as major causes of receiving water pollution. Bioswale serves as an effective storm-water natural purification and disposal technology, which presents important practical value in controlling runoff pollution and stormwater utilization. Multiple bioswale cells with different media are designed and built. Artificial stormwater is synthesized on the basis of the investigated and measured data on the surface runoff pollution in Northwest China, which is used to study the purification effect of bioswale on runoff pollutants from four aspects. Results show that different factors significantly affect water purification process. The removal rate of nitrogen decreases with the increase of inflow concentration for most of media; however, which is contrary for phosphorus and mostly greater than 90%. Blast furnace slag has the best removal of nitrogen, phosphorus and heavy mental Zn under low inflow concentration. The correlation models between the purification effects of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and COD and their influencing factors are established using the multivariate regression method. The Nash–Suttcliffe simulation efficiency coefficients of the models are greater than 0.6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) are a well-known central mediator in cardiac hypertrophy, no clinically available ERK antagonist has been tested for preventing cardiac hypertrophy. Selumetinib is a novel oral MEK inhibitor that is currently under Phase II and Phase III clinical investigation for advanced solid tumors. In this study, we investigated whether Selumetinib could inhibit the aberrant ERK activation of the heart in response to stress as well as prevent cardiac hypertrophy. Methods and Results: In an in vitro model of PE-induced cardiac hypertrophy, Selumetinib significantly inhibited the ERK activation and prevented enlargement of cardiomyocytes or reactivation of certain fetal genes. In the pathologic cardiac hypertrophy model of ascending aortic constriction, Selumetinib provided significant ERK inhibition in the stressed heart but not in the other organs. This selective ERK inhibition prevented left ventricular (LV) wall thickening, LV mass increase, fetal gene reactivation and cardiac fibrosis. In another distinct physiologic cardiac hypertrophy model of a swimming rat, Selumetinib provided a similar anti-hypertrophy effect, except that no significant fetal gene reactivation or cardiac fibrosis was observed. Conclusions: Selumetinib, a novel oral anti-cancer drug with good safety records in a number of Phase II clinical trials, can inhibit ERK activity in the heart and prevent cardiac hypertrophy. These promising results indicate that Selumetinib could potentially be used to treat cardiac hypertrophy. However, this hypothesis needs to be validated in human clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was reported as a pro-inflammatory agent. In our previous study, elevation of plasma mtDNA was revealed after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Platelets were activated during the cardiac surgery and recent study revealed its ability to release mtDNA. Our present study postulated that the elevated plasma mtDNA comes from activated platelets, which plays a critical role in post-CPB inflammatory responses.Methods: Sixty-eight patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with CPB were enrolled in our study. Blood samples were collected before induction of anaesthesia (T1), at the end of CPB (T2), 12 h post-CPB (T3), 24 h post-CPB (T4), 48 h post-CPB (T5) and 72 h post-CPB (T6). Blood samples were analyzed for the routine blood test and prepared for plasma isolation. MtDNA concentration was measured by rt-PCR, and TNF-α and IL-6 were examined by specific ELISA kits. Subgroup study was analyzed by activation levels of platelet. Basic information, mtDNA level, TNF-α level and IL-6 level were all carefully studied in each quartile.Results: Activation level of platelets increased and peaked at T2, which decreased gradually from T3 to T6 (P < 0.05). MtDNA increased after CPB, peaked at T3, and then backed from T4 to T6 (P < 0.05). Bivariate correlation between peak activation level of platelets and peak plasma mtDNA level showed a positive correlation between these two parameters (r = 0.683, P < 0.0001). Both TNF-α and IL-6 showed similar patterns as mtDNA, with an increase from T1 to T3 and a decrease from T4 to T6 (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis further demonstrated that patients with higher activation levels of PLT had higher plasma mtDNA levels and inflammatory level (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study revealed the dynamic changes of activation level of platelets and identified the interesting association between platelets activation and plasma mtDNA, suggesting a novel potential mechanism of activated platelets-induced post-CPB inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid urbanization has resulted in the decreasing proportion of permeable underlying surface in urban areas and the increasing severity of urban storm runoff pollution. Systematic experiments spanning three years (2011–2013) were conducted to examine the purification effects of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland (HSFCW) and integrated flow (wave pattern flow) constructed wetland (IFCW) systems on urban rainwater runoff under different hydraulic retention time (HRT), operation interval days (OID), and water depths. The off-site experimental study conducted used the Design-Expert software to simulate the purification effects and the optimal conditions of the multi-level series constructed wetland systems (CWs). Results show the following: (1) Under general conditions, the purification effect of the IFCW is approximately 7% higher than that of the HSFCW. (2) The optimal HRT is 48 h, and the best OID is 7–10 d for the two constructed wetland types at three water depths. The average pollutant concentration removal rate and load reduction rate of the HSFCW are 64.46% and 68.45%, respectively, and the purification effect of the IFCW is approximately 6.2% higher than that of the HSFCW. (3) The purification effect at 750 mm water depth of the HSFCW and the IFCW is better than those at 350 mm and 550 mm. (4) The optimal operating conditions of the IFCW obtained through model optimization are as follows: OID is 10.05 d, HRT is 51.45 h, and water depth is 552.64 mm. The optimal operating conditions of the HSFCW are as follows: 9.78 d (OID), 56.9 h (HRT), and 653.67 mm (water depth). The best simulated condition is identical to that of the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interferon-induced helicase C domain-containing protein 1 (IFIH1) is a cytosolic RNA sensor belonging to the pattern-recognition receptor (PPR) family. Activation of PPRs on innate immune cells is widely believed to control the development of virus-induced autoimmunity in myocarditis and subsequent dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We conducted a pilot study to test whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IFIH1 were associated with the risk and prognosis of DCM. The TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay was used to genotype rs1990760 and rs3747517 in 351 DCM patients and 359 controls. The frequency of T allele and CT/TT genotypes at rs1990760 were significantly increased in DCM patients compared to control subjects ( p = 0.046 and p = 0.027, respectively). The CC homozygosity was associated with worse prognosis expressed by the endpoint of cardiac death compared with allele T carriers of rs3747517 in both univariable ( p = 0.04) and multivariable survival analysis after adjusting for age, sex, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and ejection fraction ( p = 0.01). The results revealed that rs1990760 was associated with susceptibility to DCM and rs3747517 played a role in the prognostic assessment of DCM, reflecting the distinct genetic contributions of innate IFIH1 polymorphisms in controlling the onset and outcome of DCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Excessively high left ventricle mass is an independent predictor of adverse prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRs) play crucial roles in the regulation of left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH). However, few circulating miRs have been established as predictors of LVH in aortic stenosis (AS) patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether circulating levels of miR-1, miR-133, and miR-378 predict LVH in patients with AS. Methods and Results: One-hundred twelve patients with moderate to severe AS and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Levels of miR-1, miR-133, and miR-378 in the plasma were measured by qPCR. Compared with healthy controls, AS patients had significantly lower circulating levels of miR-1, miR-133, and miR-378. AS patients with LVH had significantly lower miR-378 but not miR-1 and miR-133 compared with those without LVH. Linear regression analysis showed circulating miR-378 had strong correlation with left ventricular mass index (r = 0.283, p = 0.002) and logistic regression showed that lower miR-378 was an independent predictor for LVH in patients with AS (p = 0.037, OR 4.110, 95% CI 1.086 to 15.558). Conclusion: Circulating levels of miR-1, miR-133 and miR-378 were decreased in AS patients, and miR-378 predicts LVH independent of the pressure gradient. Further prospective investigations are needed to elucidate whether these circulating miRs affect clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the bioretention facilities have been extensively built in the construction of "Sponge City" in China, urban non-point source pollutants could be effectively controlled. The influences on microbial community in three bioretention facilities with different underlying types/built times at field scale were studied. The results showed that nutrient loads in road runoff were 1.1–3 times higher than of roof. Compared with the other two rain gardens, the bioretention tank (BT) was relatively stable and showed >90% nutrient load reduction rates. The nutrients brought by the stormwater runoff changed the original habitat in the soil. Nutrient removal led to the deterioration of the living environment of microorganisms, and then the number of microorganisms and diversity changed. Ten dominant bacteria species were found in the facilities, and Proteobacteria were the most dominant bacteria phyla, with the relative abundances all >30%. Suspended solids were found to be the most important factor and had a high correlation to the most dominant microorganisms. With the increased operation period, the microorganism species tended to be concentrated on Proteobacteria , resulting in decreases of other functional microorganisms. The bioretention facility with the road underlying had the lowest microbial diversity, and the built time was the factor that had the greatest impact on microbial diversity. Based on these results, the future design and construction of bioretention facilities should consider the risk after nutrients entered the bioretention facility and the changes in microbial diversity. [Display omitted] • The nutrient removal effects of bioretention facilities with different underlying types/built time were monitored. • The changes of TOC and nutrients (N and P) contents were studied. • The evolutions of the microbial communities were explored. • The relationship between soil nutrient contents and microorganisms was built. • The influences of different design types on the microbial diversity were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural design of bioretention cells (BRCs) is important for stormwater flood control and pollutant removal. How to determine the key parameters and their values that affect the operation effect of facilities is a key problem to be solved. Synthetic storm experiments were monitored and analyzed to determine these regulation effects. The BRC with filler of BSM (Bioretention soil media) +10% fly ash showed excellent water reduction rate and event mean concentration (EMC) removal rate. BSM was the mixture of sand, soil and wood chips, and the ratio was 65:30:5 by mass. Based on the experimental data, the sensitivity of model parameters in Hydrus-1D was defined by using the Morris classification screening method. The key hydrological and water quality parameters were calibrated and validated with a determination coefficient R 2 above 0.6 and a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient NSE above 0.5. The key structure parameters in BRCs were optimized by using the calibrated HYDRUS-1D model and the response surface methodology (RSM). Results show that the BRC with the filler of BSM + 10% fly ash has the smallest optimized thickness of the filler layer, while the BRC with the filler of BSM + 10% green zeolite is the largest, and the difference between the two media combination is 16–26 cm. The design return period and the confluence ratio affect the design water volume jointly. Under the three-year design return period, the confluence ratios of five kinds of filling combinations (BSM + 10% WTR, BSM + 10% fly ash, soil, BSM, BSM + 10% green zeolite) are recommended to be≤20:1, 20:1, 15:1, 15:1 and 10:1 respectively [Display omitted] • The operation effects of bioretention cells were simulated by HYDRUS-1D model; • The bioretention structural parameters were optimized by response surface methodology; • BSM + 10% fly ash has the smallest optimized thickness of the filler layer; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Field performance data were obtained for four typical LID facilities. • Exceedance probabilities of effluent concentration is reduced obviously. • The weighted annual load reduction is more than 60% and stable. • An estimation method for LID extent and cost in urban built-up areas is proposed. Field studies are valuable because of the insufficient number of field performance data in low-impact development (LID)-related research. Four typical LID facilities in northwest China were built and monitored. These facilities differ in their impervious/pervious bottom, inflow underlying surface, media types, and combinations. The water volume reduction of impervious rain garden filled with native loess decreases by approximately 20% when the total daily rainfall levels gradually increase from light to heavy. Several technical measures, such as media modification, setting internal storage area, reducing drainage area, and increasing media thickness, have been taken to improve the runoff regulation effect. The volume reduction rate in light and medium-sized rainfall (daily rainfall totals < 25 mm) is above 68.2% for two improved facilities, namely, mixed media rain garden and layered media bioswale. For impervious native loess rain garden, mixed media rain garden, and layered media bioswale, the median values of inflow total suspended solid (TSS) event mean concentrations (EMC) are reduced from 43.5 to 68.5 mg/L to 22.4–24.3 mg/L. In accordance with the Class IV limits of Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards (total nitrogen (TN) = 1.5 mg/L; total phosphorus (TP) = 0.3 mg/L), the probabilities of the effluent TN concentration exceeding the IV limit are 32.7%, 42.3%, and 19.8% for the three facilities. The exceedance probabilities for TP are 18.5%, 6.5%, and 8.9%. The weighted results indicate that the annual load reduction rate is more stable than the fluctuating concentration removal, which is above 60%. An approach to estimate the total scale of LID construction was established on the basis of rainfall level proportion, land use types, and monitored data. When native loess and mixed media rain garden are applied in building areas and layered media bioswale is applied in road area, the LID implementation cost is approximately 36.0 billion CNY until 2030 for Xi'an City. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may cause inflammatory responses, which can deteriorate the outcomes. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6,-8 and -10, can act as both the effector and the predictor for post-operative inflammatory responses. Plasma mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was found as a pro-inflammatory agent recently, which was released when cells were insulted.Methods: In the present study, we included 38 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) to analyze their perioperative plasma mtDNA and levels of inflammatory cytokines. Blood samples were collected before aortic cross-clamping (T1), at the end of CPB (T2), 6 h post-CPB (T3), 12 h post-CPB (T4), and 24 h post-CPB (T5). Rt-PCR and specific ELISA kits were used to quantify the plasma mtDNA and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Bivariate correlations analysis was used to check the correlations between plasma mtDNA and inflammatory cytokines respectively.Results: Results shown that plasma mtDNA elevated significantly at T2 and peaked at T4. Furthermore, plasma TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 levels significantly increased at T2 and peaked at T3 while IL-10 elevated and peaked at T2. Bivariate correlations analysis showed that the peak plasma mtDNA were positively correlated with the peak TNF-α (r = 0.677, P < 0.001), the peak IL-6 (r = 0.706, P < 0.001), the peak IL-8 (r = 0.584, P < 0.001) and the peak IL-10 (r = 0.565, P < 0.001).Conclusion: We found that plasma mtDNA might play a key role in CPB-induced post-operative inflammatory responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]