Comparison of "hock-a-loogie" saliva versus nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs for detecting common respiratory pathogens.

Self-collection of saliva samples has attracted considerable attention in recent years, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. However, studies investigating the detection of other common respiratory pathogens in saliva samples are limited. In this study, nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), oropharyngeal swabs (OPS), and "hock-a-loogie" saliva (HLS) were collected from 469 patients to detect 13 common respiratory pathogens. Overall positivity rates for NPS (66.1 %), HLS (63.5 %), and OPS (57.8 %) were statistically different (P = 0.028), with an overall concordance of 72.7 %. Additionally, detection rates for NPS (85.9 %) and HLS (83.2 %) for all pathogens were much higher than for OPS (73.3 %). Coronavirus and human rhinovirus were most frequently detected pathogens in NPS (P < 0.001). Mycoplasma pneumoniae was significantly more prevalent in the HLS group (P = 0.008). In conclusion, NPS was a reliable sample type for detecting common respiratory pathogens. HLS was more easily collected and can be used in emergencies or specific conditions. Mixed NPS/OPS and NPS/HLS specimens have the potential to improve detection rates, although OPS testing alone has a relatively high risk for missed detection.

Isolation and identification of Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus and evaluation of their pathogenicity and immune protective effects in pigs.

Swine influenza (SI) is a severe disease affecting pigs, with a huge economic impact on pig farmers. Currently, available SIV vaccines do not meet the requirements for Swine influenza prevention and control, indicating the need for vaccine development using predominant strains. Here, we isolated and identified the swine influenza virus in farms and slaughterhouses in nine provinces in China to determine the most prevalent strain. A total of 8383 samples were collected between 2013 and 2022, from which 87 swine influenza virus strains were isolated. Genome sequencing identified 62 strains of the H1N1 subtype, three strains of the H1N2 subtype, and 22 strains of the H3N2 subtype. The 521# strain virus possesses the viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) and matrix (M) genes from the pdm/09 lineage, the HA, NA from the original Eurasian avian-like (EA) H1N1 lineage, and the nonstructural (NS) gene from the triple-reassortant (TR) lineage. The 431# strain was also a TR, except its M-gene was derived from the original EA H1N1 lineage. The pathogenicity of two 431# strains and one typical 521# strain was evaluated in mice, and the 431# strain exhibited higher pathogenicity. Therefore, a new 521# strain was selected for vaccine production because it is the current circulating strain. The vaccine produced using the 521# strain and pre-evaluated adjuvants was effective against the homologous H05 strain, as evidenced by the normal body temperature of vaccinated pigs and low virus titer of nasal swabs. In contrast, infection with the H05 strain significantly increased the body temperature of unvaccinated pigs and increased the virus titer of nasal swabs. Notably, vaccination with the 521#-based vaccine conferred some level of protection against the heterologous B15 strain (H3N2 subtype), thus reducing the viral load in pigs.

A thermochromic poplar-based tetradecyl ester/methyl composite encapsulated with PEG400-SiO2 (PS-R-PTC) for improving thermal energy storage.

Thermochromic wood is an important research direction for wood modification in recent years, and a red poplar-based thermochromic composite (R-PTC) had been prepared in our previous study by compositing a mixture of phase change reagents (tetradecyl ester: C28H56O2 and methyl red: C15H15N3O2) and full poplar wood. In order to improve the heating storage ability of R-PTC and encapsulating phase change reagents to prevent leakage, a new R-PTC composite (PS-R-PTC) was prepared by encapsulated R-PTC with polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400)-SiO2 in this work. Compared to the original R-PTC samples, the cell walls of PS-R-PTC were not significantly changed by the SiO2 film and we also found that PS-R-PTC with PEG400 (90%)-silica solutions (10%) mixture had better heat storage performance and PS-R-PTC (90%) has better enthalpy change value (R-PTC: 43.01 J g-1; PS-R-PTC (90%): 71.82 J g-1). The PS-R-PTC can show the function of thermal energy storage, which is used in wooden buildings and can be a feasible insulating material for reducing thermal energy losses and hence reducing energy usage. In PS-R-PTC, SiO2 combines with the -OH of the R-PTC and the -OH of PEG400 (HO(CH2CH2O) n H), and these -OH lose hydrogen ions too.

Visfatin is a multifaceted molecule that exerts regulation effects on inflammation and apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells and mice immune organs.

Visfatin, a multifunctional adipocytokine, is particularly important in the regulation of apoptosis and inflammation through an unidentified mechanism. Clarifying the control mechanisms of visfatin on inflammation and apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells and mice immunological organs was the goal of the current investigation. In order to create a pathophysiological model, the RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with 200 ng/mL visfatin and 20 µg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS), either separately or combined. The effects of exogenous visfatin on inflammation and apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells were investigated by flow cytometry assay, RNA-seq analysis and fluorescence quantitative PCR. According to the findings, exogenous visfatin exhibits dual effects on inflammation by modulating the expression of IL-1α, TNFRSF1B, and LIF as well as taking part in various signaling pathways, including the MAPK and Rap1 signaling pathways. By controlling the expression levels of Bcl2l1, Bcl2a1a, and Fas and primarily participating in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and Hippo signaling pathway, exogenous visfatin can inhibit apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells. The visfatin inhibitor FK866 was used to further confirm the effects of visfatin on inflammation and apoptosis in mice immune organs. Subsequently, mice spleen and thymus were collected. It is interesting to note that in LPS-treated mice, suppression of endogenous visfatin might worsen the immune system's inflammatory response and even result in rapid mortality. Additionally, endogenous visfatin promotes the apoptosis in mice immune organs by regulating the expression levels of Bcl2l1, Fas, Caspase 3, Bcl2a1a, and Bax. Together, these results imply that visfatin is a multifaceted molecule that regulates inflammation and apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells and mice immunological organs by taking part in a variety of biological processes and regulating the amounts of associated cytokines expression. Our findings offer additional understandings of how visfatin affects apoptosis and inflammation.

The teaching content of Shanghai style furniture design for Chinese art design speciality.

Shanghai style furniture (SSF) was the classic case of Chinese furniture culture, we have researched on the teaching content of SSF design for the furniture design course in Chinese art design speciality, and carried out the teaching practice of SSF design for some students. According to this teaching practice, the students' design attitude towards SSF was summarized, which will provide a basis for inheriting SSF design and developing SSF design teaching. In our teaching practice, 132 students had learned the design experiences of SSF, carried on the design practice of SSF, and summarized their SSF design. In the process of students' redesign of SSF, generally speaking, the SSF style was characterized by the combination of China and the European and modern simplicity. Modern elements were added to the SSF design, and fine works were refined in the traditional Chinese modeling, so as to make SSF more in line with the trend of modern design and better carry forward the concept of design service life. After studying this course, these students had basically mastered the design method of SSF. Excavating the practical value of SSF culture and designing new SSF, which are not to copy traditional art style, but the recreation and redesign basing on modern cultures.

Interaction between gut microbiota dysbiosis and lung infection as gut-lung axis caused by Streptococcus suis in mouse model.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important zoonotic pathogen threatening the global pig farming industry. It causes respiratory and digestive tract infections simultaneously in pigs. The balanced gut microbiota not only affects the local mucosal immune response but also involves the regulation of the immune status of the distant lung tissues that is termed as "gut-lung" axis. Whether S. suis affects the gut during lung infection and how does the intestinal microbial disturbance play role in the development of lung infection during S. suis exposure is not clear yet. Therefore, in the current study, we constructed the animal model using six-week-old mice (N = 48) divided into four groups with S. suis serotype 2 (SS2)-induced lung infection and the antibiotic treated gut microbiota dysbiosis. By means of various techniques (like HE staining, RT-qPCR, Western Blot and ELISA and viability detection) we explored that S. suis can concurrently cause intestinal tissue damage and inflammation after lung infection. Moreover, gut microbiota dysbiosis changes the balance of Th1/Th2 cells that aggravates lung injury during the infection. Thus, "gut-lung" axis of the communication between the gut microbiota and lung infection was established through the spleen and blood. In addition, intestinal dysbacteriosis can affect alveolar macrophage activity for a long time and the balance of gut microbiota plays an important role in lung infection caused by S. suis. Hence, this study clarified the pulmonary infection caused by SS2 from the perspective of the intestinal microbiota providing novel theoretical basis for the treatment of related lung diseases.

Seroprevalence and mutations in the major hydrophilic region of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women in Huzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is the main cause of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in China. However, there is a paucity of information on seroprevalence and mutations in HBV surface genes among pregnant women in Huzhou, China. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, serum markers of 31 681 pregnant women were collected and analysed. The surface genes were amplified and directly sequenced. Mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) were analysed in 171 randomly selected subjects. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of HBV infection was 3.32% (1053/31 681). The predominant HBV genotypes were B (57.4%) and C (42.6%). Pregnant women ≥30 y of age exhibited a higher hepatitis B surface antigen-positive rate than those <30 y of age. MHR mutations were found in 42.6% (72/169) of the subjects, several of which were escape mutations. The mutational frequencies in the a-determinant and first loop (AA124-137) were higher in genotype C than genotype B. Pregnant women with MHR mutations showed increased alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels and decreased HBV loads. CONCLUSIONS: The HBV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Huzhou was intermediate. MHR mutations occur and the risk of MTCT still persists. Therefore, early screening, intervention and care for HBV-infected pregnant women should be strengthened to minimize or prevent MTCT of HBV.

Green sulfidated iron oxide nanocomposites for efficient removal of Malachite Green and Rhodamine B from aqueous solution.

A green and facile pathway was described using Viburnum odoratissimum leaf extract in the presence of sodium thiosulfate for the synthesis of sulfidated iron oxide nanocomposites (S-Fe NCs) adsorbents. The prepared S-Fe NCs can be used for the efficient removal of Malachite Green (MG) and Rhodamine B (RhB) from aqueous solution. Analytical techniques by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied to understand the morphologies and compositions of S-Fe NCs. The stability of the adsorption capacity on S-Fe NCs was studied. Results from the characterization studies showed that S-Fe NCs were mainly composed of iron oxides, iron sulfides and biomolecules. The S-Fe NCs displayed high adsorption capacity for a wide range of pH values. The Koble-Corrigan isotherm model and Elovich model well described the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity for MG and RhB was 4.31 mmol g-1 and 2.88 mmol g-1 at 303 K, respectively. The adsorption mechanism may be attributed to the electrostatic interaction, the hydrogen bonding, the π-π stacking interactions, the inner-sphere surface complexation or the cation bridging among the S-Fe NCs and dye molecules.

Poplar-based thermochromic composites that change colour at 38 °C to 46 °C.

The red thermochromic dye (R-TD) is the tetradecanoic acid tetradecyl ester (C28H56O2) and methyl red (C15H15N3O2) mixture that has better permeability enabling its infiltration into wood and better thermochromic properties changing its colour at above 30 °C after about 0.5 min. Thicker poplar-based thermochromic composite specimens (R-PTC, thickness: 5.0 mm) were prepared by filling the R-TD into pre-treated poplar veneer (thickness: 5.0 mm) thus allowing better penetration after pre-treatment. After R-TD infiltration, the R-PTC samples were covered by polypropylene wax for preventing R-TD from overflowing from R-PTC under the action of phase-change temperature. This R-PTC, whose colour can change from light-red to dark-red at 38 °C to 46 °C, can recover to light-red at below 38 °C after about 14 h, and the peak of colour change is at about 42 °C. R-PTC will be suitable for materials used in thermochromic furniture that can indicate the surface temperature to potential users, thus allowing assessment of likely scalded pain when used the furniture.

Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Controlling Nutritional Status Score for Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have explored the prognostic value of the pretreatment Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score of patients with pancreatic cancer. However, the results of those studies were inconsistent. We used meta-analysis to investigate the impact of the CONUT score on the prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS: We thoroughly searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant articles from inception to November 19, 2021. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to estimate the prognostic value of the CONUT score with respect to survival duration. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were used to estimate the correlation between the CONUT score and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The database search found seven studies with 2,294 patients for inclusion in this meta-analysis. A high CONUT score was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.13-2.16, p = 0.007), but not with recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.97-2.23, p = 0.072) of patients with pancreatic cancer. Moreover, there was a significant association between an elevated CONUT score and male patients (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.03-1.75, p = 0.029). However, there was no significant association between the CONUT score and the clinical stage (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.46-2.71, p = 0.576), lymph node metastasis (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.39-1.36, p = 0.323), lymphatic vessel invasion (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.55-1.28, p = 0.411), invasion of the portal vein system (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.51-2.13, p = 0.915), and nerve plexus invasion (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.83-1.80, p = 0.318) in patients with pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our meta-analysis indicate that a high CONUT score predicts a poor OS in patients with pancreatic cancer. The CONUT score may be an effective prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer in clinical practice.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus infection in Huzhou City, eastern China, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is involved in cervical cancer development, and hence understanding its prevalence and genotype distribution is important. However, there are few reports on the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in the city of Huzhou in China. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 11,506 women who visited Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital between January 2018 and October 2019 were enrolled. The results of HPV genotyping and cytology tests were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 15.5%. The rate of high-risk (HR) HPV infection (13.5%) was higher than that of single low-risk (LR) HPV infection (2.0%) (p<0.05). The five most common HPV genotypes were HPV52 (3.3%), 16 (1.9%), 58 (1.7%), 53 (1.5%), and 81 (1.2%). The infection rate of HPV peaked in women aged 16-24 and women aged ≥55. The infection rate of HPV58 or HPV81 appeared as a single peak in women aged ≥55. The rates of HR-HPV and LR-HPV infection were higher in subjects with abnormal cytology (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HPV infection is high in Huzhou, and HPV53 and HPV81 are the prevalent genotypes. HPV infection rate is associated with age and cytology. Regional HPV surveillance is essential to optimize current HPV prevention and vaccine development.

Characterization of mutations in the reverse transcriptase region of hepatitis B virus in treated and untreated chronic hepatitis B patients.

BACKGROUND: The reverse transcriptase (RT) region of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the target of antiviral treatment. However, the discrepancy in RT mutations between nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-treated and -untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is un clear. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 119 NA-treated and 135 NA-untreated patients. The sampling time was decided by the clinician. Full-length HBV RT regions were amplified using nest polymerase chain reaction. The mutations within the RT region were analysed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: The incidence of RT mutations in treated patients was higher than that in untreated patients (p<0.05). The classic drug-resistant mutations were detected in 44.5% (53/119) of treated patients, which was significantly higher than in untreated patients (6.7% [9/135]) (p<0.05). The non-classical mutations showed their complexity and diversity in both patient groups. Multiple mutations (three or more) were more frequent in treated patients than in untreated patients (p<0.05). Several novel mutations might be related to NA resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The selection pressures of NAs accelerated the development of RT mutations, especially within the functional domain. Mutations in the RT region occurred not only at classical sites, but also at other non-classical sites, which might be related to drug resistance and/or viral replication. The biological function and fitness of HBV isolates harbouring these novel mutations need further in vitro and in vivo verification experiments.

Etiological analysis of virus, mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia pneumoniae in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in Huzhou.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections are a common disease in children with high mortality and morbidity. Multiple pathogens can cause acute respiratory infections. A 2-year survey of hospitalized children was conducted to understand the epidemic situation, seasonal spread of pathogens and the improvement of clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in Huzhou, China. METHODS: From September 2017 to August 2019, 3121 nasopharyngeal swabs from hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections were collected, and real-time PCR was used to detect various pathogens. Then, pathogen profiles, frequency and seasonality were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 3121 specimens, 14.45% (451/3121) were positive for at least one pathogen. Of the single-pathogen infections, RSV (45.61%, 182/399) was the most frequent pathogen, followed by PIVs (14.79%, 59/399), ADV (14.54%, 58/399), MP (10.78%, 43/399), and IAV (5.26%, 21/399). Of the 52 coinfections, RSV + PIVs viruses were predominantly identified and accounted for 40.38% (21/52) of cases. RSV was the most frequent pathogen in all four groups. The highest positive rate of the pathogens occurred in the winter (21.26%), followed by autumn (14.98%), the summer (14.11%) and the spring (12.25%). CONCLUSION: Viruses are the main pathogens in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in Huzhou city, Zhejiang Province, China. Among the pathogens, RSV had the highest detection rate, and MP is also a common pathogen among children with acute respiratory infections. This study provided a better understanding of the distribution of pathogens in children of different ages and seasons, which is conducive to the development of more reasonable treatment strategies and prevention and control measures.

Prevalence of Potential Resistance Related Variants Among Chinese Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Not Receiving Nucleos(T)ide Analogues.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Potential drug resistance (DR) related variants in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) region may be associated with the effectiveness of antiviral drugs and disease progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of potential DR-related variants in Chinese CHB patients not receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and six untreated CHB patients from Huzhou Central Hospital in eastern China were recruited for this study. The serum DNA was extracted and the HBV RT region was amplified using nest polymerase chain reaction (nest-PCR). The 42 potential DR-related variants were analyzed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Among these CHB patients, HBV genotype B and genotype C were identified in 121 (58.7%) and 85 (41.3%) patients, respectively. Potential DR-related variants were detected in 42.7% (88/206) of patients. Primary and secondary DR variants were found in 7.3% (15/206) of patients, including rtL80I/V, rtI169T, rtV173L rtL180M, rtA181T/V, rtM204I/V, and rtN236T. The variants at rt53, rt82, rt221, rt233, rt237, and rt256 were specific for genotype B, and those at rt38, rt84, rt126, rt139, rt153, rt191, rt214, rt238, and rt242 were specific for genotype C. Moreover, the variation frequency in the A-B interdomain (3.96%) was significantly higher than that in the functional domains (1.17%) and non-A-B interdomains (1.11%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower HBV-DNA load (<106 IU/mL) was an independent factor associated with potential DR-related variants in untreated CHB patients (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Potential DR-related variants were frequent and complex in untreated Chinese CHB patients. Furthermore, the variants may contribute to decreased serum HBV-DNA loads. However, the effects of potential DR-related variants on the antiviral therapy and liver disease progression require further study.

Green synthesis of stable Fe,Cu oxide nanocomposites from loquat leaf extracts for removal of Norfloxacin and Ciprofloxacin.

Mass production of nanomaterials to remove pollutants from water still faces many challenges, mainly due to the complexity of the synthesis methods involved and the use of dangerous reagents. The green method of preparation of nanomaterials from plants can effectively solve these problems. Fe,Cu oxide nanocomposites (Fe-Cu-NCs) were synthesized by a green and single-step method using loquat leaf extracts, and were used as an adsorbent for removal of Norfloxacin (NOR) and Ciprofloxacin (CIP) from aqueous solution. The synthesized adsorbent showed excellent adsorption properties for NOR and CIP. The experimental equilibrium data fitted the Redlich-Peterson and Koble-Corrigan models well and the maximum adsorption capacities of Fe-Cu-NCs calculated by the Langmuir model for NOR and CIP were 1.182 mmol/g and 1.103 mmol/g, respectively, at 293 K. Additionally, the morphologies and properties of Fe-Cu-NCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and the adsorption mechanism of NOR and CIP onto Fe-Cu-NCs was discussed. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. This study indicated that Fe-Cu-NCs are a potential adsorbent and provide a simple and convenient strategy for the purification of antibiotics-laden wastewater.

Transparent Cellulose Nanofibrils Composites with Two-layer Delignified Rotary-cutting Poplar Veneers (0°-layer and 90°-layer) for Light Acquisition of Solar Cell.

Our transparent cellulose nanofibrils composites (TCNC) directly from rotary-cutting poplar veneer (RPV) whose lignin can be easily stripped by our treatment. This TCNC is prepared by stripping lignin of original RPV and infiltrating epoxy resin (ER) into delignified RPV. This TCNC with two-layer delignified RPVs whose grains perpendicular (0/90°) to each other, which were solidified on solar cell while infiltrating ER. This TCNC with high transmittance (~90%), high haze (~90%), and equal refractive index fluctuation. Comparing with epoxy resin (ER), this TCNC can enhance open circuit voltage (VOC) from 1.16 to ~1.36 and short circuit density (JSC) from 30 to ~34 for the solar cell, and can enhance test fore from 0.155 kN to ~0.185 kN and displacement from 43.6 mm to ~52.5 mm.

Clinical characteristics and viral etiologies of outpatients with acute respiratory infections in Huzhou of China: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Viruses are commonly found in patients with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). However, the viral etiologies and clinical characteristics of outpatients with ARIs are poorly understood in China. Here, we identified the viral etiologies in outpatients with ARIs in Huzhou, China. RESULTS: Our results indicated that of 426 outpatients, 246 were positive for viruses. Of them, 221 were positive for a single virus, including influenza A, which comprised H3N2 (28.5%) and pandemic H1N1 (2009) (19.0%), enterovirus (10.4%), and influenza B (8.6%). Other single viruses were detected at less than 8.0%. Twenty-five patients were positively coinfected with two viruses. The prevalent viruses in coinfections were rhinovirus and H3N2 virus (28.0%). Viruses were major pathogens in young children (< 5 years) (75.0%). Coinfections were prevalent in older adults (11.9%) and young children (9.5%). Virus-positive outpatients presented higher temperatures and more sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath than virus-negative outpatients. ARIs and most virus detections peaked during the winter, but enteroviruses emerged between April and September. CONCLUSION: Viruses are major agents of ARIs among outpatients in Huzhou, China. There was a variation in the distribution of viruses across different age groups and seasons. These findings are beneficial for planning prevention and treatment services for outpatients with ARIs.

Eco-friendly transparent poplar-based composites that are stable and flexible at high temperature.

Farmed poplar could meet the human demand for transparent wood-based composites to replace glass, avoiding the consumption of natural forest resources. We removed the lignin of poplar using a potassium hydroxide (KOH) and deionized water solution, the waste black liquor could be converted into compound potassium fertilizer after being neutralized by phosphoric acid. Polyurethane (PU) was then added to the lignin-stripped poplar and hardened, the transparent poplar-based composite (TPC) has stable transparency at high temperatures, and flexibility - it elongates (about 15%) before breaking. These properties could provide more uses in hot environments requiring a flexible shape. The TPC PU provides transmittance of 85%, haze of 83%, and anisotropic light diffraction.

A novel activated carbon prepared from grapefruit peel and its application in removal of phenolic compounds.

The most ideal conditions for preparing activated carbon from grapefruit peel (GPAC) were studied using NH4H2PO4 as a chemical activating agent and the obtained material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The adsorption capacity of the resulting material has been checked using three phenolic compounds (pyrocatechol (CA), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP)). The adsorption characteristics of phenolic compounds from aqueous solution by GPAC have been investigated as a function of contact time, pH, initial concentration and temperature. The equilibrium experimental data fitted well with Freundlich and Koble-Corrigan isotherms. The adsorption of the three phenolic compounds on GPAC fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Different thermodynamic parameters were also evaluated and it was found that the adsorption was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic in nature. Adsorbents were regenerated by 0.1 mol/L NaOH and GPAC could be reused in phenolic compounds removal.