Increase In Dosage Research Articles

Testing of acute and sub-acute toxicity profile of novel naproxen sodium nanoformulation in male and female mice

Nanodrugs offer promising alternatives to conventionally used over the counter drugs. Compared to its free form, therapeutic benefits, and gastric tissue safety of naproxen sodium nanoformulation (NpNF) were recently demonstrated. Essential regulatory safety data for this formulation are, however, not available. To address this, male and female BALB/c mice were subjected to acute and 14-day repeated-oral dose assessments. Our data indicate that NpNF was well tolerated up to 2000 mg/kg b.w. A 14-day subacute toxicity testing revealed that the oral administration of low dose (30 mg/kg) NpNF did not produce any adverse effects on blood profile and serum biochemical parameters. Levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes neared normal. Histology of selected tissues also showed no evidence of toxicity. In contrast, a ten-fold increase in NpNF dosage (300 mg/kg), demonstrated, irrespective of gender, mild to moderate toxicity (p < 0.05) in the brain, stomach, and heart tissues, while ROS, LPO, CAT, SOD, POD, and GSH levels remained unaffected in the liver, kidney, spleen, testis, and seminal vesicles. No effect on serum biochemical parameters, overall indicated a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) is 300 mg/kg. Further increase in dosage (1000 mg/kg) significantly altered all parameters demonstrating that high dose is toxic.

Effect of fly ash and gypsum on drying shrinkage and mechanical properties of one‐part alkali‐activated slag mortar

AbstractOne‐part alkali‐activated materials can be processed into semi‐finished products by mixing a solid activator with the powder. They only require the addition of water, which greatly improves their commercial feasibility. So, we used one‐part alkali‐activated slag mortar to investigate the effects of the dosages of the activator (sodium metasilicate), fly ash (FA), and gypsum on its fluidity, flexural strength, compressive strength, and drying shrinkage. The microscopic mechanisms of the mortar were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction. The below conclusions were drawn. First, the drying shrinkage and compressive strength of the mortar gradually increased with the increase of the activator dosage. Second, the drying shrinkage of the mortar initially decreased and then increased as increasing FA substitution, while the compressive strength decreased gradually in the early stage and then increased and decreased in the later stage. Lastly, by increasing the gypsum dosage, the drying shrinkage of the mortar was significantly reduced. However, the compressive strength gradually decreased. Besides, when adding 20% of FA and 2.4% of gypsum, it was found that ettringite, which underwent expansion, formed in the system. This not only reduced the drying shrinkage by 25.3% but also increased the compressive strength by 1.3%. Furthermore, our investigation has led to the development of a low‐shrinkage one‐part alkali‐activated slag and FA mortar, which not only facilitates the recycling of solid waste materials but also presents commendable environmental and economic advantages.

Efficacious application of data-driven machine learning models for predicting and optimizing the flexural tensile strength of fiber-reinforced concrete

In the literature, a limited number of studies have utilized the random forest (RF) technique to model the flexural tensile strength (FTS) of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). This study established modeling of the FTS of SFRC containing mono-fibrous (exclusively crimped and hooked) systems. A comprehensive database of 193 records was used from 18 published studies (including 30 documents sampled by authors). Machine-learning numerical models were developed and evaluated. Partial dependence plots were constructed to visualize the relationship between the model parameters and rank the parameters based on their importance. It has been found that the RF model can be rationally used to predict and optimize the FTS of SFRC, as most of the predicted–tested results were close to the ± 80% accuracy range. The model showed of underestimation nature for SFRC with high FTS values. The Gini index-based importance analysis showed that the fiber’s content and tensile strength had the highest significance among the other variables. A drastic increase in the FTS by an increase in the fibrous dosage was achieved. However, no major SFRC’s tensile strength enhancement for dosages was more than 1.5%, while its optimum diameter was 0.5–0.7 mm. The results also illustrated that the effect of the fiber’s length is quite similar to that of the fiber content. However, no significant increase can be achieved by increasing the fiber’s length from 40 to 60 mm.

Production and Characterization of Activated Carbon Derived from Costus Afer Leaves (C. afer) for the Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye from an Aqueous Solution

In this work, Costus afer leaves (C. after) was utilized as an agricultural waste material for the synthesis of activated carbon (AC) used for the adsorption of methylene blue dye from its aqueous solution. The raw material was prepared, chemically activated using KHCO3 with an impregnation ratio of 1:3, and later carbonized at a temperature of 700℃ in an inert N2 atmosphere for 1hour to produce activated carbon. The proximate analysis of the biomass revealed the percentage of ash content, moisture content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon present in the waste biomass. The raw and activated carbon produced were characterized using various tests such as: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared-(FTIR) Spectrometry, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The results revealed that the SBET of the biomass increased from 400m2/g to 600m2/g after activation. Adsorption studies were carried out in batch mode to determine the influencing factors of adsorption with varying adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH values. The adsorption experiment revealed high adsorption efficiency at an optimum parameter of dosage (0.2g), contact time (10 min), and pH (8) with a 70.58% removal of methylene blue dye. An increase in dosage, contact time, and pH above the optimum parameter leads to a decrease in percentage removal. The adsorption capacity was achieved using adsorption isotherm models like Langmuir and Freundlich. Adsorption of methylene blue validated the Langmuir model with an R2 of 0.999 and a Qm of 11.83 mg/g. These results show that activated carbon prepared from Costus afer leaves constitutes an effective low-cost material for the adsorption of Methylene dye from wastewater.

Monoclinic α-Bi2O3 nanorods by microwave-assisted synthesis: Photocatalytic and antioxidant properties

Nanotechnology has emerged as a new route for addressing most environmental and medical challenges, hence this field of research continues to generate research interest. Herein, Bi2O3 was synthesized by a microwave-assisted thermal process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) result confirmed that a nanocrystalline monoclinic crystal structure of the α-phase was formed, and both the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed that the synthesized α-Bi2O3 were rod-like in shape. The length of the nanorods was in the range of 60–160 nm, with an average dimension of 101.5 nm, while the width has an average value of 23 nm. A band gap energy value of 2.75 eV was obtained from the absorption spectroscopy, and they absorbed light in the UV to visible range, with an absorption maximum of around 345 nm. Photocatalytic activity of the nanorods under UV irradiation was investigated by assessing the degradation of Bromocresol green (BG) as a model pollutant. The degradation process of the dye molecules was studied at different concentrations (20–80 mg/L), varied photocatalyst dosage (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 1.0 g), and a range of solution pH (3, 6, 9, and 12). About 75 % optimum photocatalytic efficiency was achieved at pH 6 after 3 h. In addition, the results showed that an increase in catalyst dosage and concentration of dye molecules contributed to promoting the degradation effect. Moreover, the photocatalyst was found to be stable after 4 consecutive cycles, with negligible loss of efficiency. The antioxidant potency of the nanorods was assessed by evaluating their free radical scavenging capabilities across 4 different assays: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH), Nitric oxide (NO), Hydrogen peroxide (HP) radical inhibition, and Reducing power (RP). The results from the IC50 values indicated the sample exhibited better inhibition of HP (25.22 µg/mL), followed by RP (28.22 µg/mL), NO (29.37 µg/mL), and DPPH (32.72 µg/mL) respectively. However, the standard Ascorbic acid exhibited IC50 values of 16.25, 24.50, 25.07, and 28.40 µg/mL for DPPH, RP, HP, and NO, respectively. These unique properties of the nanorods showed that they have good antioxidant potential that is comparable with that of Ascorbic acid used as the standard.

Utilization of high fly ash dosage to reduce cement consumption in concrete formulations

The concrete production is responsible for high proportion of total carbon dioxide emission due to enormous consumption of Portland cement. This traditional binder system is due to high autogenous emission during calcination the main carrier of such negative environmental impact. The effective way to reduce the use of Portland cement is to replace that this binding material exhibiting lower energy demandingness. This paper deals with the utilization of fly ash as Portland cement replacement, which is frequently applied in concrete industry. The paper deals the highest replacement level in accordance with valid regulations. The experimental program was focused on the properties of fresh concrete mixture and basic physical and mechanical properties of hardened concrete. The attained results confirmed good potential of this approach, however the increase of plasticizer dosage was necessary to maintain a similar consistency of fresh mixture. That is why the fresh mixture exhibited lower level of air content.

Preimplantation development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos treated with hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a safe antimalarial drug but its overdosage or inappropriate use, such as during the pandemic, may cause adverse effects once this drug is considered a potent inhibitor of autophagy. Information about HCQ's effects on the reproductive field, including gametes and initial embryos, is limited. In this study, we evaluated the effect of HCQ (1, 6, 12, and 24 μM) on pre-implantation embryo development, autophagy, and apoptosis of bovine embryos produced in vitro. A dose-response experiment showed a reduction (p < 0.05) in cleavage only at the highest concentration. Blastocyst rate was gradually reduced (p < 0.05) with the increase of HCQ dosage starting at 6 μM, with no embryo formation occurring at 24 μM. Further analysis showed that embryos treated with 12 μM of HCQ had a higher (p < 0.05) accumulation of acidic autophagic vesicles on Days 5 and 7 of development and a higher (p < 0.01) apoptotic index on Day 7. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of HCQ on embryo pre-implantation development in mammals. The results contribute with more information related to the study of autophagy in embryology as well as add some discussion on HCQ toxicology and its effects on reproductive cells.

Effect of steel slag as alkaline exciter on the properties of supersulfated cement

In order to investigate the feasibility of steel slag as an alkaline exciter for supersulfated cement, the effects of different steel slag dosages on the properties of supersulfated cement were studied. The results show that when steel slag is used as alkaline exciter, the compressive strength and softening coefficient of supersulfate cement increase and then decrease with the increase of steel slag dosage, and the increase of steel slag dosage accelerates the hydration of slag, forming more hydration products of Ettringite and C-S-H gel. Steel slag dosage in 10% of the best results, excessive steel slag will generate expansion of Ettringite, resulting in expansion of the cement matrix structure cracking, is not conducive to the development of strength.

Experimental study on mechanical and hydraulic properties of xanthan gum improved low liquid limit silty soil

The low liquid limit silty soil in the North China plain area is generally unsuitable for direct use as roadbed and slope soil. In order to improve the performance of low liquid limit silty soil, xanthan gum was used as an improver. Through a series of tests, the improvement effect of xanthan gum on low liquid limit silty soil was studied. The test results showed that Xanthan gum as an improver could significantly improve the unconfined compressive strength of silty soil. With the increase in dosage and curing age, the unconfined compressive strength of improved silty soil continued to improve and eventually tended to stabilize. The optimal dosage and curing period were 2% and 7 days, respectively. In addition, Xanthan gum could greatly improve the permeability and disintegration of low liquid limit silty soil. The permeability coefficient of improved silty soil with a content of 0.75% Xanthan gum and a 7-day curing period was 4.73 × 10−4 m·s−1, which was only 1.10% of that of plain silty soil at the same curing period. After immersion in water for 12 h, the soil only experienced slight disintegration. The scanning electron microscope image showed that the gel generated by the hydration reaction of Xanthan gum could improve the compactness and integrity of the soil by filling the voids, thus significantly improving the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the low liquid limit silty soil.

Synthesis of Controllable Superparamagnetic Nano Fe3O4 Based on Reduction Method for Colloidal Clusters of Magnetically Responsive Photonic Crystals.

In this paper, we designed and investigated a reduction-based method to synthesize controllably monodisperse superparamagnetic nano Fe3O4 colloidal clusters for magnetically responsive photonic crystals. It was shown that the addition of ascorbic acid (VC) to the system could synthesize monodisperse superparamagnetic nano Fe3O4 and avoided the generation of γ-Fe2O3 impurities, while the particle size and saturation magnetization intensity of nano Fe3O4 gradually decreased with the increase of VC dosage. Nano Fe3O4 could be rapidly assembled into photonic crystal dot matrix structures under a magnetic field, demonstrating tunability to various diffraction wavelengths. The nano Fe3O4 modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and silicon coated could be stably dispersed in a variety of organic solvents and thus diffracted different wavelengths under a magnetic field. This is expected to be applied in various scenarios in the field of optical color development.

Study on the mechanical properties and microstructure of recycled concrete reinforced with basalt fibers and nano-silica in early low-temperature environments

Abstract The effects of basalt fibers (BF) and nano-silica (NS) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of recycled concrete (RC) in early low-temperature environments were investigated by placing the BF and NS modified RC specimens in the environments of −20, −10, 0, and 25°C for curing for 6 h, followed by standardized maintenance. The damage morphology and mechanical properties of modified RC were analyzed in such environments. The formulae for the compressive strength of RC, which was affected by BF and NS, were fitted using statistical product and service solutions, and a micromorphological analysis of the modified RC was conducted using scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties of RC decreased owing to the influence of early low temperatures, among which 0°C caused the largest damage crack and the most serious effects. In the early low-temperature environments, the physical properties of RC generally increased and then decreased with the increase in BF dosage; however, increasing NS dosages improved its mechanical properties. The composite doping of BF and NS was more obvious than the single doping of BF or NS to enhance the performance of RC, and the internal pore structure was considerably improved. The preferred doping amounts were 3 kg m−3 of BF and 2% NS.

ADSORPTION OF CATION DYE USING ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM GOLDEN SHOWERSEED POD ( C ASSIA FISTULA)

This study investigated the use of Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) as an adsorbent for the removal of cationic dye in a batch system. The raw material was Carbonized at 600 oC for one hour to obtain a purely carbonized material; then impregnated with NaOH of 0.1M and allowed to stay for 24 hours to obtain the desired GS-AC activated carbon. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) elemental composition analysis. The effects of adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption process were studied in a batch system. The results revealed that, there was good enhancements in pores of the adsorbent GS-AC due to the chemical impregnation. The FTIR spectra showed the presence C-H, NH 2, C-O, and S=O functional groups indicating a favourable surface for adsorption. Batch studies indicated that, the methylene blue uptake decreased with increase in the GS-AC dosage. The amount of Methylene blue adsorbed onto GS-AC increased with time and subsequently remained constant at some point in time with maximum uptake at 500 mg/l. Thus, adsorption capacity of methylene blue increased with longer contact time, indicating a stronger interaction between the adsorbent and the dye. Based on the findings, Golden shower seed pod (cassia fistula) impregnated with NaOH can be used as an alternative and suitable material for cationic dye removal from liquid phase.

Physical, rheological and micro characteristics of ARA/Nano-TiO2 composite modified asphalt before and after short-term aging

This paper aims to investigate the composite application of nanomaterials and natural asphalt in order to enhance the road performance of asphalt pavement. The objective is to develop high-performance modified asphalt that improves the durability, reliability, and load resistance of asphalt roads while reducing resource waste and environmental pollution. The composite modified asphalt was prepared by adding different blends of Albanian natural rock asphalt (ARA) and 1% of nano titanium dioxide (Nano-TiO2), and the basic properties and rheological properties of the asphalt before and after aging were tested by using basic performance tests and temperature scanning tests. Subsequently, the microscopic morphological characteristics of the asphalt were observed by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope, and the number of bee structures, the area share of bee structures, root mean square roughness Rq, and arithmetic mean roughness Ra were used as microscopic quantitative indexes. The results indicate that the complex modulus and rutting coefficient of ARA/Nano-TiO2 composite-modified asphalt increase with an increase in ARA dosage when the dosage of Nano-TiO2 is 1%. The asphalt modified with Nano-TiO2 composite blended with 15% ARA exhibits higher residual needle penetration, composite modulus ratio, rutting coefficient ratio and lower softening point increment compared to 70# asphalt. The bitumen modified with titanium dioxide nanocomposite blended with 15% ARA exhibits higher Rq and Ra and a more stable phase structure before and after aging. 15% of ARA/Nano-TiO2 composite-modified asphalt has higher Rq and Ra before and after aging, and its phase structure is more stable. The results show that ARA/Nano-TiO2 composite-modified asphalt has better high-temperature deformation resistance and aging resistance than 70# and that 15% ARA is recommended as the optimum amount of composite-modified asphalt.

Smoking Cessation After Initial Treatment Failure With Varenicline or Nicotine Replacement

Most people who smoke do not quit on their initial attempt. To determine the best subsequent strategy for nonabstinence following initial treatment with varenicline or combined nicotine replacement therapy (CNRT). Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential multiple assignment randomized trial, 490 volunteers were randomized to receive 6 weeks of varenicline or CNRT. After 6 weeks, nonabstainers were rerandomized to continue, switch, or increase medication dosage for 6 additional weeks. The study was conducted from June 2015 through October 2019 in a Texas tobacco treatment clinic. The initial treatment was 2 mg/d of varenicline or the combined replacement therapy of a 21-mg patch plus 2-mg lozenge. The rerandomized participants either continued with their initial therapies, switched between varenicline and CNRT, or increased dosages either to 3-mg or more of varenicline or to a 42-mg patch and lozenges. All received weekly brief counseling. Biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence at the end of treatment at 12 weeks. The 490 randomized participants (210 female [43%], 287 non-Hispanic White [58%], mean age, 48.1 years) smoked an average of 20 cigarettes per day. After the first phase, 54 participants in the CNRT group were abstinent and continued their therapy; of the 191 who were not abstinent, 151 were rerandomized, and the 40 who did not return for rerandomization were assigned to continue their initial CNRT condition in phase 2. The end-of-treatment abstinence rate for the 191 phase 1 nonabstainers was 8% (95% credible interval [CrI], 6% to 10%) for the 90 (47%) who continued at the dosage condition, 14% (CrI, 10% to 18%) for the 50 (33%) who increased their dosage, and 14% (95% CrI, 10% to 18%) for the 51 (34%) who switched to varenicline (absolute risk difference [RD], 6%; 95% CrI, 6% to 11%) with more than 99% posterior probability that either strategy conferred benefit over continuing the initial dosage. After the first phase, 88 participants in the varenicline group were abstinent and continued their therapy; of the 157 who were not abstinent, 122 were rerandomized and 35 who did not return for rerandomization were assigned to continue with the varenicline condition. The end-of-treatment abstinence rate for the 157 phase 1 nonabstainers was 20% (95% CrI, 16% to 26%) for the 39 (32%) who increased their varenicline dosage, 0 (95% CrI, 0 to 0) for the 41 (34%) who switched CNRT, and 3% (95% CrI, 1% to 4%) for the 77 (49%) who were assigned to the continued varenicline condition (absolute RD, -3%; 95% CrI, -4% to -1%) with more than 99% posterior probability that continuing varenicline at the initial dosage was worse than switching to a higher dosage. Furthermore, increasing the varenicline dosage had an absolute RD of 18% (95% CrI, 13% to 24%) and a more than 99% posterior probability of conferring benefit. The secondary outcome of continuous abstinence at 6 months indicated that only increased dosages of the CNRT and varenicline provided benefit over continuation of the initial treatment dosages. For individuals who smoked but did not achieve abstinence after treatment with varenicline, increasing the dosage enhanced abstinence vs continuing, whereas for nonabstainers initially treated with CNRT, a dosage increase or switch to varenicline enhanced abstinence and may be viable rescue strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02271919.

THE INFLUENCE OF RESISTANCE TRAINING VARIABLES ON MUSCLE STRENGTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND Development of muscle strength through resistance training (RT) is associated with health and performance benefits. Prescribing resistance training utilising six different variables (sets × repetitions × exercises × intensity × frequency × duration) is complex to optimise outcomes. It is unclear if, the prescription of these variables to derive a composite variable, RT dosage, influences the development of muscle strength. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate if variations in RT dosage influence muscle strength. METHODS CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched; adults performing RT were compared against non-exercise controls where muscle strength was assessed. Only randomised controlled trials assessing chest and quadriceps muscle strength were considered. The six RT variables were extracted from eligible studies and were multiplied to generate RT dosage. Quadratic non-linear regressions were performed on pooled muscle strength data. Variable importance and model selection were performed to explore different linear combinations of RT variables to determine the most effective variable in developing muscle strength. RESULTS 207 articles were eligible that enabled the calculation of RT dosage. Meta-analyses confirmed a significant effect of RT on muscle strength (SMD ≥ 1.3, CI = 1.1-1.6, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Quadratic non-linear regression models for the chest and quadriceps strength indicated that RT dosage as a continuous variable showed a significant dose-response for muscle strength (SMD = &amp;gt; 1.5, CI = 0.01-3.1, P &amp;lt; 0.05). The individual variables of most importance to develop muscle strength appear to be volume and duration (p &amp;lt; 0.03). CONCLUSIONS As expected, RT significantly influences muscle strength and as RT dosage increases, so too does muscle strength; however, only up to a point (∼1.5 million arbitrary units) before further increases in RT dosage don’t appear to further develop muscle strength. Prescription of RT volume and duration should be prioritised for developing muscle strength.

Optimization of preparation techniques for high-temperature resistant waterborne phenolic-epoxy resin emulsion under low carbon background

In light of escalating global climate change concerns and the pressing need to address industries with high carbon emissions and pollution, enhancing the preparation of phenol-formaldehyde epoxy resins has emerged as a critical research focus. This study seeks to fabricate waterborne phenol-formaldehyde epoxy resins with superior performance by investigating pivotal factors influencing their properties and refining preparation methods. Utilizing tetrabutylammonium bromide as a phase transfer catalyst, the phenol-formaldehyde epoxy resins are synthesized via a two-step alkalization process. Subsequent etherification reactions involve modifying the phenol-formaldehyde epoxy resins using cationic modifier diethanolamine (DEA) and anionic modifier sodium p-amino benzenesulfonate, resulting in waterborne phenol-formaldehyde epoxy resins. Subsequently, in situ synthesis is employed to produce nanoscale silica (SiO2) modified waterborne phenol-formaldehyde epoxy resins. The findings reveal that when the ratio of n1 to n2 falls within the range of 1/3.25 to 1/3, the emulsion displays a moderate particle size and maintains stable storage. Furthermore, an increase in DEA dosage leads to a particle size of less than 324 nm when the ratio of n1 to n2 exceeds 1/3, indicating stability. Moreover, optimal stability and prolonged storage lifespan are achieved when the nano SiO2 content is approximately 1.5%. This study contributes by synthesizing high-quality waterborne phenol-formaldehyde epoxy resin emulsions through optimized methods. The research findings offer a theoretical foundation for this domain and support the practical application of low-carbon and environmentally friendly concepts in the coatings industry.

THE EFFECTS OF OLMESARTAN/AMLODIPINE ADMINISTERED IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT ON NOCTURNAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHINESE PATIENTS WITH MILD-MODERATE ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION (OMAN TRIAL)

Objective: The clinical evidence of antihypertensive chronotherapy remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the effects of morning and bedtime antihypertensive administration on the nocturnal blood pressure (BP) reduction and the circadian rhythm of hypertensives. Design and method: A randomized, multicenter, open-label clinical trial was conducted in China from March, 2022. Patients aged 18-75, not taking or stopped using antihypertensive drugs for 2 weeks, were recruited. At baseline, all patients received 24-h ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM) and office BP measurement (OBPM), and were randomized to the morning (06:00-10:00 AM, group 1) or the bedtime dosing group (6:00-10:00 PM, group 2). Each patient received one tablet of olmesartan/amlodipine (OA) (20/5 mg) daily for 4 weeks, and then followed up every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. The OA dosage was adjusted based on the ABPM and OBPM. Patients with uncontrolled BP at the first follow-up received an increased dosage to 1.5 tablets, and increased to 2 tablets if BP was uncontrolled after 4 weeks of dosage increase. Results: 700 patients were recruited (mean age 56.54±10.52 years; 45.5% female), with 382 finished the 12-week follow-up and were included in the analysis (follow-ups are continuing). At week 4, the mean BP differences of ABPM and OBPM did not differ significantly between groups. At week 12, compared with group 1, patients in group 2 showed significantly greater reductions from baseline in nighttime systolic BP (SBP) (between-group difference -5.04mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.38 to -1.70), and diastolic BP (DBP) (-3.03mmHg, 95% CI -5.08 to -0.97); with better nocturnal SBP control (67.4% vs. 76.7%, P=0.04), and decrease in nocturnal BP load. The proportion of non-dipper or reverse dipper increased from 52.3% to 54.4% in group 1 (P=0.64), and dropped from 57.9% to 45.5% in group 2 (P&lt;0.01). The incidence of nocturnal hypotension (SBP/DBP&lt;100/90mmHg) did not differ. Conclusions: Compared with morning dosing, bedtime dosing can better control nocturnal BP, and improve the circadian rhythm without increasing the risk of nocturnal hypotension. It represents a reasonable strategy to optimize BP control, especially nocturnal BP control.

Super absorbent polymer (SAP) on water‐salt transport in saline alkali soil: Effects of dosage, height and thickness

AbstractSoil salinisation is a pervasive form of land degradation posing a significant threat to the global environment. Saline soil, covering roughly 10% of the total land area, represents a crucial reserve of land resources. The use of super absorbent polymer (SAP) impacts capillary water movement through the soil because of its exceptional water absorption and retention capabilities. SAP is expected to influence the intricate water‐salt migration processes and their redistribution within soil. This study employed soil column experiments to investigate the impacts of varying SAP dosages (A), heights (B) and thicknesses (C) on soil water and salt transport in the Tianjin Binhai New Area, China. The main findings showed that: (1) average capillary water rise rate decreased with SAP dosage increase. The groundwater recharge trend in time was like that of capillary water rise height; (2) SAP usage increased water and salt content on the application layer and reduced surface soil salt accumulation; (3) the best SAP combination for application was 1.1% SAP at 17–18 cm from the groundwater level. This study provides basic effective SAP application strategies for preventing soil salinisation.

Research on Mechanical Properties of Steel-Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete after High-Temperature Treatments

A mechanical property experiment was carried out on steel-polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete after elevated temperatures by using a 50 mm diameter SHPB apparatus. The regulations of compressive strength, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and other mechanical properties under six heating temperature levels (normal temperature, 100 °C, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C) and three impact pressures (0.3 MPa, 0.4 MPa, 0.5 MPa) were studied. Using ANSYS/LS-DYNA 19.0 numerical simulation software and LS-PrePost post-processing software, numerical simulation analysis was conducted on the dynamic Hopkinson uniaxial impact compression and uniaxial dynamic impact splitting mechanical experiments of C40 plain concrete and steel-polypropylene hybrid fiber concrete. The results show that the dynamic compressive strength of hybrid fiber concrete with the optimal dosage reaches its maximum at a temperature group of 200 °C, and the dynamic compressive strength of hybrid fiber concrete with the optimal dosage increases by 97.1% compared to C40 plain concrete at a temperature group of 800 °C. The impact waveform and stress-strain curve results of the numerical simulation are very similar to the experimental results. The errors in calculating the peak stress and peak strain are within 6%, which can truly and accurately simulate the static mechanical properties and failure process of hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete.

Performance of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete under Different Cooling Methods at High Temperature

Performance of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete under Different Cooling Methods at High Temperature