Search

Abstract: Epitaxial single crystalline Cu2O thin films were synthesized by thermal oxidation of Cu films, which were deposited on InN/sapphire using electron beam evaporation. Cu2O on InN shows a better crystalline quality than that on GaN due to a 30° in-plane rotation between Cu2O and InN, which results in a smaller lattice mismatch. As-oxidized Cu2O on GaN or on InN shows an n-type conducting behavior, however, as-oxidized Cu2O on InN presents a higher resistance and a lower electron concentration. A transition from n- to p-type is found after the Cu2O thin films are annealed at 500°C in vacuum. A less Cu2+ absorption of the Cu2O/InN plays an important role to determine the conductive type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: It is well-accepted that antihypertensive therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients with hypertension. Direct-acting vasodilators were used in the treatment of hypertension by directly relaxing vascular smooth muscle but may have destructive effects on the aortic wall by activating the renin-angiotensin system axis. Their roles in AAA disease remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used hydralazine and minoxidil, two classical direct-acting vasodilators, to investigate their influence and potential mechanisms on AAA disease. Methods and results: In this study, we investigated the plasma renin level and plasma renin activity in AAA patients. Simultaneously, age and gender ratio-matched patients diagnosed with peripheral artery disease and varicose veins were selected as the control group using a ratio of 1:1:1. Our regression analysis suggested both the plasma renin level and plasma renin activity are positively associated with AAA development. In view of the well-established relationship between direct-acting vasodilators and increased plasma renin concentration, we established a porcine pancreatic elastase-infused AAA mouse model, followed by oral administration of hydralazine (250 mg/L) and minoxidil (120 mg/L) to investigate effects of direct-acting vasodilators on AAA disease. Our results suggested both hydralazine and minoxidil promoted the progression of AAA with increased aortic degeneration. Mechanistically, the vasodilators aggravated aortic inflammation by increased leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Conclusion and relevance: The plasma renin level and plasma renin activity are positively associated with AAA development. Direct vasodilators aggravated experimental AAA progression, which raised cautionary concerns about their applications in AAA disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Liu, Liu, Zhao, Wu, Xu and Wang.)