Preparation and Electrochromic Properties of MnO2/PPy Composite Films with Coral-like Structures.

MnO2/polypyrrole (PPy) composite films were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive glasses by a two-step wet-chemical method, including electrochemical deposition and chemical bath deposition (CBD). The porous MnO2 films were first grown on FTO glasses by an electrodeposition method. Second, polypyrrole nanoparticles were polymerized by the oxidation-reduction reaction between MnO2 and pyrrole, using the presynthesized MnO2 as the skeleton. Then, MnO2/PPy composite films with coral-like structures were obtained. The electrochemical and electrochromic (EC) properties of the prepared films were investigated. The results show that, compared to the single MnO2 or PPy film, the MnO2/PPy composite film has a larger optical modulation (67.3% at a wavelength of 900 nm), faster response times (4 s for coloration and 3 s for bleaching), and a higher coloration efficiency (218.16 cm2·C-1). The high coloration efficiency attests to the exceptional performance of the composite film in converting electrical signals into vivid color changes. The electrochemical stability test results show that the composite film maintains a stable EC performance after 200 coloration/bleaching cycles. The coral-like structures of the composite film are responsible for the better EC properties.

Near Zero-Threshold Voltage P-N Junction Diodes Based on Super-Semiconducting Nanostructured Ag/Al Arrays.

Semiconductor devices are currently one of the most common energy consumption devices. Significantly reducing the energy consumption of semiconductor devices with advanced energy-efficient technologies is highly desirable. The discovery of super-semiconductors (SSCs) based on metallic bi-layer shell arrays provides an opportunity to realize ultra-low-power consumption semiconductor devices. As an example, the achievement of near zero-threshold voltage in p-n junction diodes based on super-semiconducting nanostructured Ag/Al arrays is reported, realizing ultra-low-power p-n junction diodes: ≈3 W per trillion diodes with a working voltage of 1 V or 30 mW per trillion diodes with an operating voltage of 0.1 V. In addition, the p-n junction diodes exhibit a high breakdown field of ≈1.1 × 106  V cm-1 , similar to that of SiC and GaN, due to a robust built-in field driven by infrared light photons. The SSC p-n diodes with near zero-threshold voltage and high breakdown field allow access to ultra-low-power semiconducting transistors, integrated circuits, chips, etc.

Polymorphisms in MicroRNA Target Sites of TGF-ß Signaling Pathway Genes and Susceptibility to Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: The polymorphisms inside microRNA target sites locating in the 3'-UTR region may introduce the micro-RNA-binding changes, which may regulate the gene expression and correlate with the potential diseases. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether the polymorphisms in microRNA target sites of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) signaling pathway genes are associated with the susceptibility of mite-sensitized allergic rhinitis (AR) in a Han Chinese population. METHODS: In this case-control study, 454 AR patients and 448 healthy controls were recruited. Three HapMap single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were mapped to putative microRNA recognition sites and genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. RESULTS: The genotype and allele frequencies of 3 SNPs (rs1590 in TGFBR1; rs1434536 and rs17023107 in BMPR1B) showed lack of significant association with AR. However, in the subgroup analysis, the TG, GG, and TG/GG genotypes of rs1590 exhibited significantly increased risk of AR in the male subgroup (TG: adjusted OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.08-2.31; GG: adjusted OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.09-2.86; TG/GG: adjusted OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.13-2.33). The CT genotypes of rs17023107 might have potential to protect against AR in the patients age of <15 years (adjusted OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.14-0.95) and the males (adjusted OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.25-0.95). No significant association was found between SNPs and the total serum IgE level. CONCLUSIONS: In a Han Chinese population, stratified by age and gender, susceptibility to mite-sensitized AR may be associated with 2 SNPs (rs1590 and rs17023107) in microRNA target sites of TGF-ß signaling pathway genes.

Facile preparation of MoS2@Kaolin composite by one-step hydrothermal method for efficient removal of Pb(II).

MoS2@Kaolin was prepared by facile one-step hydrothermal method for the efficient adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. XRD, TG, SEM, BET, XPS and FTIR were used to characterize the phase and structure of composite before and after the adsorption of Pb(II). The results showed that MoS2 nanosheets were successfully assembled on kaolinite surface to form MoS2@Kaolin, and the adsorption capacity of the MoS2@Kaolin is 1.74 and 16.95 times than that of single MoS2 and kaolinite, respectively. MoS2@Kaolin composite exhibited a fast adsorption rate for Pb(II) and an excellent adsorption efficiency for Pb(II) in a wide pH range (2-5.5). The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model and maximum adsorption capacity was 280.39 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics of MoS2@Kaolin composite to Pb(II) fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetics models, which showed that the adsorption process was controlled by chemical sorption. MoS2@Kaolin showed excellent regeneration and maintained high selectivity adsorption with co-existence metal ions. The adsorption mechanism was that the Pb(II) reacted with the S atoms on surface of MoS2@Kaolin under oxidation conditions provided by molybdenum disulfide to form the insoluble compound ß-Pb3O2SO4 in aqueous solution. MoS2@Kaolin was an adsorbent for Pb(II) in aqueous solution with excellent adsorption properties and application potential.

Polymorphism -509C/T in TGFB1 Promoter Is Associated With Increased Risk and Severity of Persistent Allergic Rhinitis in a Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphism -509C/T in the promoter of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFB1) gene is implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. This polymorphism might also act to regulate the development of allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether -509C/T is associated with AR susceptibility and severity in a Han Chinese population. METHODS: The study enrolled 263 patients with persistent AR and 249 healthy controls. AR patients were classified as mild or moderate/severe AR groups according to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma classification. TGFB1 gene polymorphism -509C/T was genotyped with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Serum total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE levels were determined using an ImmunoCAP. RESULTS: Significant difference was found in the allele frequency of TGFB1 -509C/T between AR patients and healthy controls (P = .027) but not in the genotype frequency (P =.051). However, the genotype frequency of TGFB1 -509C/T showed significant difference between the mild AR group, the moderate/severe AR group, and the control group (P = .012); between the moderate/severe AR group and the control group (P =.036); between the mild AR group and the moderate/severe AR group (P = .038); but not between the mild AR group and the control group (P =.075). CONCLUSION: TGFB1 promoter polymorphism -509C/T may be associated with the susceptibility and the severity of persistent AR of Han Chinese, but the functional relationship still needs clarification.

Synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes-FePO4 composite from phosphate residue and its application as effective Fenton-like catalyst for dye degradation.

Phosphate residue is regarded as a hazardous waste, which could potentially create significant environmental and health problems if it is not properly treated and disposed of. In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes-FePO4 (NCNTs-FePO4) composite was successfully synthesized from phosphate residue, and its application as an effective catalyst was explored. Firstly, an effective method was developed to recover FePO4 from phosphate residue, achieving an impressive FePO4 mass recovery rate of 98.14%. Then, the NCNTs-FePO4 catalyst was synthesized from the recovered FePO4 by two main reactions, including surface modification and chemical vapor deposition. Finally, the synthesized NCNTs-FePO4 was applied to photo-degrade 15 mg/L Rhodamine B (RhB) in a Fenton-like system. The results showed that 98.9% of RhB could be degraded in 60 min, closely following the pseudo-first-order kinetics model. It was found that even after six consecutive cycles, NCNTs-FePO4 still retained a high catalytic capacity (>50%). Moreover, •OH radicals participating in the RhB degradation process were evidenced using quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, and a rational mechanism was proposed. It was demonstrated that the materials synthesized from hazardous phosphate residue can be used as an effective catalyst for dye removal.

Chinese Society of Allergy Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem that causes major illnesses and disabilities worldwide. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of AR has increased progressively over the last few decades in more developed countries and currently affects up to 40% of the population worldwide. Likewise, a rising trend of AR has also been observed over the last 2-3 decades in developing countries including China, with the prevalence of AR varying widely in these countries. A survey of self-reported AR over a 6-year period in the general Chinese adult population reported that the standardized prevalence of adult AR increased from 11.1% in 2005 to 17.6% in 2011. An increasing number of Journal Articles and imporclinical trials on the epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, management and comorbidities of AR in Chinese subjects have been published in international peer-reviewed journals over the past 2 decades, and substantially added to our understanding of this disease as a global problem. Although guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AR in Chinese subjects have also been published, they have not been translated into English and therefore not generally accessible for reference to non-Chinese speaking international medical communities. Moreover, methods for the diagnosis and treatment of AR in China have not been standardized entirely and some patients are still treated according to regional preferences. Thus, the present guidelines have been developed by the Chinese Society of Allergy to be accessible to both national and international medical communities involved in the management of AR patients. These guidelines have been prepared in line with existing international guidelines to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AR in China.

Three-Dimensional Lupinus-like TiO2 Nanorod@Sn3O4 Nanosheet Hierarchical Heterostructured Arrays as Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance.

A novel photoelectrode of three-dimensional (3D) lupinus-like TiO2 nanorod@Sn3O4 nanosheet hierarchical heterostructured arrays (TiO2@Sn3O4 HHAs) on a transparent F-doped SnO2 glass substrate was designed and fabricated by a two-step solvothermal growth process. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements showed that the 3D lupinus-like TiO2@Sn3O4 HHAs photoelectrode displayed enhanced photocurrent density (3-fold increase with respect to that of pure TiO2), improved conversion efficiency, more negative onset potential (from -0.13 to -0.33 V vs normal hydrogen electrode), and higher light on/off cycle stability. The improved PEC properties may be ascribable to the enhancement of light harvesting and large contact area with the electrolyte by increased surface area as well as improvement of charge transfer and collection through the synergistic effects between band structures and morphology.

Influences of Ni Doping on the Morphology, Optical and Magnetic Properties of ZnO Nanostructures Synthesized by Solvothermal Process.

Pure and Ni-doped ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized by a solvothermal process. The structure, morphology and properties of as-synthesized samples have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), UV-vis spectrometer as well as by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD and EDS studies indicated that the as-prepared products were well-crystallized wurtzite hexagonal structure. The SEM and TEM images show that the individual Zn0.96Ni0.04O nanostructure is composed of several nanorods with average diameter of 200 nm and lengths of 500 nm. The structure and morphology analyses show that Ni doping can influence the nanostructures morphology, but cannot change the crystal structures of ZnO samples. The UV-vis spectra showed that Ni dopant can result in an appreciable blue-shift for the absorption edge of the Ni-doped ZnO samples. The band gap energy of the Zn0.96Ni0.04O nanostructure was about 3.23 eV. By magnetic measurements, it was observed that the pure ZnO nanostructure exhibits diamagnetic property while the sample of 4% Ni shows an obvious ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature due to the formation of solid solution Zn0.96Ni0.04O, sp-d and d-d carrier exchange interactions, and the presence of abundant defects and oxygen vacancies.

Association study on ADAM33 polymorphisms in mite-sensitized persistent allergic rhinitis in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: The ADAM33 gene has been identified as a potentially important asthma candidate gene and polymorphisms in this gene have been shown to be associated with asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the ADAM33 polymorphisms are associated with persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) due to house dust mites in a Chinese population. METHODS: In a hospital-based case-control study of 515 patients with mite-sensitized PER and 495 healthy controls, we genotyped seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADAM33. Serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein, total IgE and allergen-specific IgE against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were measured by the ImmunoCAP assays. RESULTS: In the single-locus analysis, three polymorphisms, rs3918392 (F1), rs528557 (S2) and rs2787093, were significantly associated with mite-sensitized PER. SNP S2 was associated with significantly increased risk both of asthmatic and nonasthmatic mite-sensitized PER. In the combined genotypes analysis, individuals with 2-4 risk alleles had a significantly higher risk of mite-sensitized PER (adjusted OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.50-2.62) than those with 0-1 risk alleles. Haplotype-based association analysis revealed that the ACAGCCT haplotype might have potential to protect against mite-sensitized PER (adjusted OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.49-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Polymorphisms in the ADAM33 gene may contribute to susceptibility of mite-sensitized PER in this Chinese population.

[Anti-allergic effects of the probiotic preparations of enterococcus on experimental allergic rhinitis in mice].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-allergic effects of lysozyme/heat-treated Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 (LFK) and heat-treated Enterococcus faecium sp. TN-3 (TN) on experimental allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: A total of twenty-four BALB/c mice were divided into four groups randomly: (1) positive control group, (2) LFK-fed group, (3) TN-fed group, and (4) negative control group. To establish the murine AR model, intraperitoneal injection and nasal drip with ovalbumin (OVA) were performed. Saline was used instead of OVA for negative control. Probiotic preparations of LFK and TN were orally administrated for 42 days [60 mg (0.5 ml)/d] in LFK-fed and TN-fed mice, respectively. The positive and negative control mice received saline orally for 42 days. Nasal rubbing and sneezing were monitored on d 21, d 27, and d 35. After the final challenge, mice were sacrificed on d 42, and eosinophilic infiltration into the nasal mucosa was quantified (H&E stain). IFN-gamma, IL4 and OVA-specific IgE levels in the sera and splenocyte culture supernatants were determined by ELISA kits. RESULTS: Nasal rubbing of LFK-fed mice was significantly reduced compared to the positive control group on day 27 (t = 2.95, P = 0.028). Both in the LFK-fed and TN-fed mice, nasal rubbing (t value was 3.75 and 3.06, P value was 0.005 and 0.011, respectively) and sneezing (t value was 2.56 and 3.35, P value was 0.038 and 0. 01, respectively) were significantly decreased compared to the positive control group on d 35. The H&E strain section of nasal tissue showed that eosinophil influx into the nasal mucosa decreased significantly both in the LFK-fed and TN-fed mice compared to the positive control group on day 42 (t value was 3.44 and 2.97, P value was 0.014 and 0.025, respectively); however, the LFK-fed mice and TN-fed mice had significant eosinophil influx into the nasal mucosa than that in the negative control group (t value was 2.54 and 3.39, P value was 0.044 and 0.015, respectively). There were no significant differences in the serum levels of IL-4 and OVA-specific IgE, as well as the levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in splenocyte culture supernatants between the LFK-fed group and positive control group on d 42 (all P > 0.05). Interestingly, the TN-fed mice had significantly higher serum levels of IFN-gamma compared to the LFK-fed mice [TN-fed mice: (27.07 +/- 3.83) pg/ml, LFK-fed mice: (14.83 +/- 0.99) pg/ml; Z = 2.49, P = 0.016], but not the negative control group [negative control group: (37.12 +/- 1.65) pg/ml; Z = 1.18, P = 0.343] on day 42. The serum levels of IL-4 were significantly lower in the TN-fed mice than those in the positive control group [TN-fed mice: (34.48 +/- 7.53) pg/ml, positive control group: (58.68 +/- 6.59) pg/ml; Z = 2.11, P = 0.035]; however, the levels were significantly higher in the TN-fed mice than those in the negative control group [negative control group: (20.22 +/- 1.75) pg/ml; Z = 2. 31, P = 0.021]. The TN-fed mice had significantly higher levels of IFN-gamma in splenocyte culture supernatants compared to the LFK-fed mice (Z = 2.72, P = 0.03) and the positive control group (Z = 2.30, P = 0.029), whilst the splenocyte culture supernatant levels of IL-4 (Z = 2.12, P = 0.034) and the serum levels of OVA-specific IgE (Z = 2.31, P = 0.021) were significantly lower in the TN-fed mice compared to the positive control mice. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that oral administration of probiotic LFK or TN may alleviate nasal symptoms and reduce nasal eosinophilia in the murine AR model. TN supplementation has obviously regulatory effects on the cytokine levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4, and significantly inhibitory effects on antigen-specific IgE levels.

Porous fluorine-doped γ-Fe2O3 hollow spheres: synthesis, growth mechanism, and their application in photocatalysis.

Porous fluorine-doped maghemite(γ-Fe2O3) hollow spheres have been prepared by facile route based on solvothermal reaction and sequential calcinations. The composition and morphology of the as-prepared samples were characterized by various techniques. The SEM and TEM results showed that the as-synthesized products exhibited a spherical morphology with porous hollow structures. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflectance spectra display that the optical performance of γ-Fe2O3 products are related to their structure and the fluorine concentrations. The porous hollow structured fluorine-doped γ-Fe2O3 spheres exhibit ferromagnetic properties with relatively high saturation magnetization at room temperature. According to the experimental results, a formation mechanism of the fluorine-doped γ-Fe2O3 hollow spheres has been presented. Under UV light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation activities of the as-synthesized fluorine-doped γ-Fe2O3 samples for RhB dye were 2-5 times higher than that of the undoped sample. The prepared fluorine-doped γ-Fe2O3 hollow spheres will also aroused great interest for their application in catalysis, separation technology, sensors, nanotechnology, and biomedical fields.

[Chemical constituents of stems and leaves of Salvia yunnanensis and their anti-angiogeneic activities].

Present study was focused on the chemical constituents of the stems and leaves of Salvia yunnanensis C . H. Wright and their anti-angiogeneic activities. The compounds were isolated by column chromatography over silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, and other isolation techniques. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis and chemical evidences. Their anti-angiogeneic activities were evaluated by the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) neovascularisation model. Seven compounds were separated and identified as ( + ) -spathulenol( 1), 5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavanone(2) , beta-amyrin(3), 3 beta-hydroxy-12-ursene(4), 2alpha,3 beta-dihydroxyursa-12-en-28-oic acid(5), ursolic acid (6) and 3-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid (7). Compounds 1, 2, 5 and 6 were obtained from this plant for the first time. Compounds 5 (an oleanane compound) and 6 (an ursane compound) could inhibit angiogenesis significantly in a dose-dependent manner.

Optimization of biodiesel production process from soybean oil using the sodium potassium tartrate doped zirconia catalyst under Microwave Chemical Reactor.

A solid base catalyst was prepared by the sodium potassium tartrate doped zirconia and microwave assisted transesterification of soybean oil was carried out for the production of biodiesel. It was found that the catalyst of 2.0(n(Na)/n(Zr)) and calcined at 600°C showed the optimum activity. The base strength of the catalysts was tested by the Hammett indicator method, and the results showed that the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yield was related to their total basicity. The catalyst was also characterized by FTIR, TGA, XRD and TEM. The experimental results showed that a 2.0:1 volume ratio of methanol to oil, 65°C reaction temperature, 30 min reaction time and 10 wt.% catalyst amount gave the highest the yield of biodiesel. Compared to conventional method, the reaction time of the way of microwave assisted transesterification was shorter. The catalyst had longer lifetime and maintained sustained activity after being used for four cycles.

[Correlation of serum eosinophil cationic protein with the severity of allergic rhinitis in childhood].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between the severity of childhood allergic rhinitis (AR) and the peripheral blood eosinophil count, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), total IgE (tIgE), and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) levels. METHODS: A total of 138 children with AR aged 3 to 17 (9.96 ± 3.78, x() ± s) years old were enrolled in the study. All children had persistent AR sensitized to house dust mites with a clinical history of 3 months to 12 (4.21 ± 2.72) years. The disease severity was evaluated using 10 cm-visual analogue scale (VAS), and the serum levels of ECP, tIgE and sIgE were determined using an ImmunoCAP system. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS11.0 software. RESULTS: Among 138 children with AR, the VAS scores for global severity of rhinitis and nasal obstruction symptom were 5.32 ± 2.16 and 4.78 ± 2.45, respectively. Blood eosinophil count was 0.39 [0.24; 0.63] (M[P(25); P(75)]) ×10(9)/ml. Serum levels of ECP and total IgE were 10.60 [3.26; 30.80] µg/L and (2.50 ± 0.53) log kU/L, respectively. Serum levels of allergen-sIgE against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were 58.20[24.75; > 100] kUA/L and 54.95 [24.55; > 100] kUA/L, respectively. The VAS scores of nasal obstruction symptom, but not global severity of rhinitis, were positively related to the duration of AR (r = 0.215, P = 0.011) and the levels of serum ECP (r = 0.196, P = 0.022) in bivariate correlation analysis. There was also a significant correlation between the serum ECP level and the blood eosinophil count (r = 0.295, P = 0.000). No relationships of blood eosinophil count, and serum tIgE and sIgE levels with global severity of rhinitis as well as nasal obstruction symptom were found (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the severity of nasal obstruction was positively correlated with the duration of rhinitis and the levels of serum ECP in childhood persistent AR due to house dust mites, indicating the disease severity might be related to chronic inflammatory process.

HIF-1α inhibition reduces nasal inflammation in a murine allergic rhinitis model.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is an important regulator of immune and inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that nasal allergic inflammation is attenuated by HIF-1α inhibition and strengthened by HIF-1α stabilization. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of HIF-1α in a murine model of allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Mice were pretreated with the HIF-1α inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) or the HIF-1α inducer cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) in an established AR murine model using ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized BALB/c mice. HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in nasal mucosa was measured and multiple parameters of allergic responses were evaluated. RESULTS: HIF-1α and VEGF levels were locally up-regulated in nasal mucosa during AR. Inflammatory responses to OVA challenge, including nasal symptoms, inflammatory cell infiltration, eosinophil recruitment, up-regulation of T-helper type 2 cytokines in nasal lavage fluid, and serum OVA-specific IgE levels were present in the OVA-challenged mice. 2ME2 effectively inhibited HIF-1α and VEGF expression and attenuated the inflammatory responses. Stabilization of HIF-1α by CoCl(2) facilitated nasal allergic inflammation. HIF-1α protein levels in nasal airways correlated with the severity of AR in mice. CONCLUSIONS: HIF-1α is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of nasal allergies, and the inhibition of HIF-1α may be useful as a novel therapeutic approach for AR.

[Comparison of clinical characteristics between patients with non-allergic and allergic rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the differences of clinical characteristics and comorbidities between patients with non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) and allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: A total of 556 out-patients were enrolled from January 2010 to June 2011. The chief complaints of the patients included at least two of the following nasal symptoms: nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching. Based on the results of the disease history, physical examination and allergen skin prick test, the patients were classified into NAR group (n = 206) and AR group (n = 350). Detailed information including general data, nasal symptoms and signs, accompanied symptoms and comorbidities were obtained by questionnaires. A scoring was adopted to estimate the severity of disease. SPSS 13.0 software was applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of NAR patients (31.8 ± 16.7) was older than that of AR patients (26.3 ± 14.8), and the difference was significant (t = 4.01, P = 0.0001). While there was no significant difference on gender distribution between two groups (χ² = 0.12, P = 0.73). The percentage of nasal congestion was not significantly different between NAR and AR patients (89.8% and 92.0%, respectively; χ² = 0.26, P = 0.611). However, the symptoms of rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, eyes itching, lachrymation, wheeze and cough were more popular in AR patients than those in NAR patients (all P < 0.05). Moreover, above symptoms (except cough) were more serious in AR patients, and the symptom scores were significantly higher than those in NAR patients (all P < 0.05). Most of patients with NAR (67.0%) and AR (62.9%) were moderate-severe persistent (χ² = 1.25, P = 0.264). Accompanied asthma were more common in patients with AR (12.6%) compared with NAR (2.4%), while hypertension were more common in patients with NAR (7.3%) compared with AR (1.7%), and the differences were significant (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NAR and AR are two different disease entities, which have different clinical characteristics, as well as different comorbidities. Further clinical study should be done on the rhinitis phenotypes.

Self-assembled 3D porous flowerlike α-Fe2O3 hierarchical nanostructures: synthesis, growth mechanism, and their application in photocatalysis.

In this work, a facile route using a simple solvothermal reaction to synthesize 3D porous flowerlike hierarchical nanostructures (HNs) of α-Fe(2)O(3) without employing templates or matrices for self-assembly is presented. The morphology and compositional characteristics of the 3D HNs were investigated by various techniques. The 3D HNs composed of 2D nanopetals, were intercrossed with each other and constructed from nanobricks with a length of about 100 nm and a diameter of about 30 nm. Influencing factors such as the reaction time, dosage of reactants and the solvents are systematically investigated. A possible formation mechanism for the 3D HNs is proposed. On the basis of characterization results, the growth of such 3D HNs has been proposed as a self-assembly followed by Ostwald ripening process. The specific surface area of the 3D HNs also was investigated by using nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms. The as-prepared α-Fe(2)O(3) HNs have a comparatively large Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of about 52.51 m(2) g(-1). The photocatalytic properties of the as-obtained α-Fe(2)O(3) 3D HNs are systematically investigated, which was evaluated by the degradation of RhB dye under ultraviolet light irradiation. The result shows that photocatalytic activity is greatly affected by the hierarchical and porous structure.