Utilization of peanut hull hydrochar /beta cyclodextrin/FeO magnetic composite for lead ion removal from water solution.

This study involves synthesizing peanut hull hydrochar (PHH) and a PHH/β-CD/FeO magnetic composite through hydrothermal and chemical precipitation methods, respectively, to use as effective adsorbents for Pb removal. Vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses revealed that the magnetic saturation value and specific active surface area of PHH/β-CD/FeO are 31.543 emu/g and 32.

Efficient removal of RR2 dye by electro- Ce(III) process with its elegant arts and attractive charm in performance, energy consumption and mechanism.

Reactive red 2 (RR2) azo dye wastewater poses a serious hazard to the water environment health, so using a novel and efficient Electro- Ce(III) (E- Ce(III)) process takes on a critical significance in treating RR2 dye wastewater. In this study, the effects of a variety of single-factor conditions on RR2 removal efficiency were evaluated in depth. The results indicated that the optimal experimental conditions are as reaction temperature of 25 °C, NaSO concentration of 25 mM, Ce(III) concentration of 0.

Improved neural network with least square support vector machine for wastewater treatment process.

This research offers a unique interval by using the predicting approach for discharge indicators of water quality data such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). This is considered one of the significant quality metrics in wastewater treatment plants for water quality management as well as surveillance. To begin, the effluent information for BOD/NH3-N and their supplementary parameters are gathered.

Ambulatory arterial stiffness index correlates with ambulatory pulse pressure but not dipping status in patients with grade 1/grade 2 essential hypertension.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and other parameters derived from ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, including dipping status, in patients with grade 1/grade 2 hypertension.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included baseline data from Chinese outpatients enrolled into a previous study, who had clinic diastolic BP of 90-109 mmHg and systolic BP <180 mmHg, had undergone 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and routine blood chemistry investigations, and had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data.

Results: Out of 120 patients screened, 87 were included.

Efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil/amlodipine fixed-dose combination for hypertensive patients uncontrolled with monotherapy.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil (OM)/amlodipine (AML) 20/5 mg fixed-dose combination tablet in Chinese mild to moderately hypertensive patients with inadequate blood pressure (BP) control on monotherapy. Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, parallel group clinical trials were conducted. After screening and a 2-week placebo run-in period, patients with 95 mmHg ≤ seated diastolic blood pressure (SeDBP) < 110 mmHg received monotherapy with OM 20 mg (in Study 1) or AML 5 mg (in Study 2), once daily for 4 weeks.

Darapladib for preventing ischemic events in stable coronary heart disease.

Background: Elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity promotes the development of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, and elevated plasma levels of this enzyme are associated with an increased risk of coronary events. Darapladib is a selective oral inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2.

Methods: In a double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 15,828 patients with stable coronary heart disease to receive either once-daily darapladib (at a dose of 160 mg) or placebo.

Residual macrovascular risk in 2013: what have we learned?

Cardiovascular disease poses a major challenge for the 21st century, exacerbated by the pandemics of obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. While best standards of care, including high-dose statins, can ameliorate the risk of vascular complications, patients remain at high risk of cardiovascular events. The Residual Risk Reduction Initiative (R3i) has previously highlighted atherogenic dyslipidaemia, defined as the imbalance between proatherogenic triglyceride-rich apolipoprotein B-containing-lipoproteins and antiatherogenic apolipoprotein A-I-lipoproteins (as in high-density lipoprotein, HDL), as an important modifiable contributor to lipid-related residual cardiovascular risk, especially in insulin-resistant conditions.

Preloading with atorvastatin before percutaneous coronary intervention in statin-naïve Asian patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes: A randomized study.

Background: Data on atorvastatin pretreatment in Asian patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are limited. However, there have been studies in other populations in Asia which demonstrated that statins can reduce the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods And Results: Statin-naïve patients with non-ST-segment-elevation (NSTE)-ACS scheduled for PCI were randomized to usual care or atorvastatin preloading groups.

[Ultraviolet-initiated synthesis and characterization of anionic polyacrylamide].

APAM was prepared under the action of composite initiator and UV irradiation, using acryl amide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and acrylic acid (AA) as raw materials. The paper studied the effect of proportion between monomers, monomer ratio, initiator concentration and other factors on intrinsic viscosity of the polymer, and optimized preparation conditions. The chemical structure and thermal stability of APAM were characterized by UV, FTIR, SEM and DTA-TGA respectively.

Long-term efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil in Chinese hypertensive patients as assessed by clinic, ambulatory and home blood pressure measurements.

Background And Objectives: There is limited information on the long-term efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil in the management of hypertension in Chinese patients. We therefore conducted the present multicentre, single-arm, prospective, observational study to investigate the 24-week efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

Methods: Eligible patients (diastolic blood pressure [BP] 90-109 mmHg and systolic BP <180 mmHg off antihypertensive medication) were started on olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg once daily, with the possible up-titration to 40 mg once daily during 24 weeks of follow-up, to control clinic BP to the target level (<140/90 and <130/80 mmHg in diabetes mellitus).

Using different methods to evaluate the efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil in Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension according to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil in Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension using different methods according to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Methods: Chinese patients 18-75 years of age with clinic diastolic blood pressure (BP) 90-109 mmHg and systolic BP less than 180 mmHg were treated with olmesartan medoxomil 20-40 mg once daily for 24 weeks to reach the goal BP (< 140/90 and < 130/80 mmHg in diabetes) in a multicenter study. The trough-to-peak ratio (T/P ratio) and the smoothness index (SI) for systolic/diastolic BP were calculated using different methods according to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Reduction of the morning blood pressure surge treated with olmesartan in Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension--a multicenter, open-label, single treatment group clinical study.

Objective: To investigate the morning blood pressure surge (MBPS) in Chinese patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension treated with long-term administration of olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist according to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Materials And Methods: In a multi-center, prospective study, we investigated the long-term efficacy of olmesartan by ABPM in 18-75 years-old Chinese patients with mild to moderate hypertension (clinic diastolic blood pressure [DBP] 90-109 mm Hg and systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 180 mmHg). After a 1 week placebo runin, 87 patients were treated with olmesartan 20 mg once daily in the morning for 24 weeks.

Dronedarone in high-risk permanent atrial fibrillation.

Background: Dronedarone restores sinus rhythm and reduces hospitalization or death in intermittent atrial fibrillation. It also lowers heart rate and blood pressure and has antiadrenergic and potential ventricular antiarrhythmic effects. We hypothesized that dronedarone would reduce major vascular events in high-risk permanent atrial fibrillation.

Efficacy and safety of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, compared with ramipril in Asian patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

This 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study compared the efficacy and safety of aliskiren with ramipril in Asian patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Following a 2- to 3-week placebo run-in period, patients with mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) ≥95 and <110 mm Hg were randomized to receive once daily dose of either aliskiren 75, 150, 300 mg or ramipril 5 mg for 8 weeks. Efficacy variables were the changes in msDBP and mean sitting systolic BP (msSBP) and BP control rates (<140/90 mm Hg).

Efficacy and tolerability of a single-pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan in Asian hypertensive patients not adequately controlled with valsartan monotherapy.

This randomized, double-blind study evaluated efficacy of a single-pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan (Aml/Val) in Asian patients with hypertension not responding to Val 80 mg. Patients with mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90-≤110 mmHg were randomized to Aml/Val 5/80, Val 80, or Val 160 mg for 8 weeks. At week-8 endpoint, significantly greater reductions in BP were seen with Aml/Val 5/80 mg than valsartan monotherapies (p < 0.

Prasugrel versus clopidogrel in Asian patients with acute coronary syndromes: design and rationale of a multi-dose, pharmacodynamic, phase 3 clinical trial.

Background: Prasugrel is a third generation thienopyridine that is more potent, rapid in onset, and consistent in inhibition of platelets than clopidogrel. However, early prasugrel dose-ranging studies and the subsequent phase 3 TRITON-TIMI 38 trial were conducted primarily in Caucasian populations.

Objectives: The current clinical study is designed to confirm superior inhibition of platelet aggregation with prasugrel versus clopidogrel in the treatment of Asian subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Efficacy and safety of a single-pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan in Asian hypertensive patients inadequately controlled with amlodipine monotherapy.

Objective: The antihypertensive efficacy of amlodipine/valsartan combination has not been evaluated in Asian patients as previous large-scale studies enrolled very few patients. This multicentre, randomised, double-blind study assessed the efficacy and safety of a single-pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan versus amlodipine in Asian hypertensive patients.

Methods: After a 1-4-week washout period, patients (mean sitting diastolic BP [msDBP]: >or=95-<110 mmHg) were treated with amlodipine 5 mg for 4 weeks.

Pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin in healthy Chinese volunteers living in China: a randomized, open-label, ascending single- and multiple-dose study.

Background: Cross-study comparisons suggest that systemic exposure (AUC) to rosuvastatin calcium, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A-reductase inhibitor, may be approximately 2-fold higher in Asian subjects living in Asian countries than in white subjects living in Western countries.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics of rosuvastatin and its metabolites after single and multiple doses of rosuvastatin in healthy Chinese subjects living in China.

Methods: This was an open-label, ascending single- and multiple-dose study.

A short-term, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dronedarone versus amiodarone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: the DIONYSOS study.

Introduction: We compared the efficacy and safety of amiodarone and dronedarone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: Five hundred and four amiodarone-naïve patients were randomized to receive dronedarone 400 mg bid (n = 249) or amiodarone 600 mg qd for 28 days then 200 mg qd (n = 255) for at least 6 months. Primary composite endpoint was recurrence of AF (including unsuccessful electrical cardioversion, no spontaneous conversion and no electrical cardioversion) or premature study discontinuation.

Design and rationale of a study in Asia of atorvastatin pretreatment in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Background: Studies in Western populations have shown the benefits of pretreatment with atorvastatin in preventing cardiovascular events in patients, including those with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, data concerning the value of such therapy in Asian patients are limited. The primary objective of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin in reducing cardiovascular outcomes in Asian patients with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE)-ACS following hospital admission for early PCI (within 72 h of the onset of symptoms).

[Efficacy and safety of the single pill combination of valsartan 80 mg plus amlodipine 5 mg in mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients without adequate blood pressure control by monotherapy].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a once daily valsartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg combination tablet in Chinese mild to moderate hypertensive patients without adequate blood pressure control by monotherapy.

Methods: Two multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double dummy, active-controlled, parallel group trials were conducted. After a washout period (no medication) of 1-4 weeks, patients with Mean Sitting Diastolic Blood Pressure (MSDBP) > or = 95 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.

[Differences in goal attainment in clinical management of dyslipidemia in China evaluated by different guidelines].

Objective: To better understand the similarities and disparities between the newly issued Chinese Guidelines on Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults (CG) and exist relevant guidelines by comparing the actual effect on assessment of current clinical management of dyslipidemia in China, in order to promote the use of CG in clinical practice.

Methods: Study participants included 2094 patients from the Second Multi-center Survey of Dyslipidemia Management in China. The goal attainment rate was defined as the proportion of participants who achieved their target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels specified by CG, the Chinese Expert Recommendations on Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia (CR), the updated Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program (ATP III), respectively.

The association between socioeconomic status of high-risk patients with coronary heart disease and the treatment rates of evidence-based medicine for coronary heart disease secondary prevention in China: Results from the Bridging the Gap on CHD Secondary Prevention in China (BRIG) Project.

Background: In China, low socioeconomic status (SES) may be a barrier for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) to receive adequate treatment because of their inadequate access to health resources. This study aims to evaluate whether and to what extent SES is associated with the treatment of CHD patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,803 CHD outpatients, a representative sample of China.

A randomised study comparing the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin with atorvastatin for achieving lipid goals in clinical practice in Asian patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (DISCOVERY-Asia study).

Background: Most studies investigating the benefits of statins have focused on North American and European populations. This study focuses on evaluating the lipid-lowering effects of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin in Asian patients.

Objectives: The DIrect Statin COmparison of LDL-C Values: an Evaluation of Rosuvastatin therapY (DISCOVERY)-Asia study is one of nine independently powered studies assessing the efficacy of starting doses of statins in achieving target lipid levels in different countries worldwide.