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Photoelectric responses of ZnO to dry air and formaldehyde under visible light illumination were studied in this work. ZnO film was prepared on Al 2 O 3 substrate by screen printing. Fundamental characteristics of ZnO film were examined through XRD, FE-SEM and PL spectra measurements. Time-dependent photocurrent properties of ZnO were tested in dry air and formaldehyde under the illumination of white light, respectively. The results revealed that, in comparison with dry air, ZnO in formaldehyde exhibited an enhanced photocurrent response. To illustrate it, explanations based on the double Schottky barrier model were proposed. In addition, to demonstrate the authenticity of the proposed mechanism, experiments on the time-dependent photocurrent of ZnO under white light illumination in the light-on and light-off conditions were also carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectric responses of pure TiO 2 and CdS/TiO 2 nanocomposite devices to dry air and formaldehyde under visible light irradiation at room temperature were investigated in this work. The pure TiO 2 film was firstly prepared by screen printing and CdS/TiO 2 nanocomposite film by the subsequent SILAR process. XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM and UV–vis DRS analysis were employed to examine the fundamental characteristics of as-prepared samples. Photoelectric responses of pure TiO 2 device displayed that no obvious photocurrent was observed upon turning the visible light on either in dry air or in formaldehyde. But in contrary to pure TiO 2 device, the photoelectric response of CdS/TiO 2 nanocomposite device has been obviously enhanced. It is the adding of CdS, which works as a sensitizer, that accounts for the enhanced response and makes the CdS/TiO 2 device sensitive to the visible light. Moreover, the CdS/TiO 2 nanocomposite device exhibits excellent stability to formaldehyde. The present work does not only shed light on the photoelectric gas sensing properties of TiO 2 and CdS/TiO 2 , but also suggests that the CdS/TiO 2 nanocomposite may be a promising material for fabricating visible-light-induced photoelectric gas sensors working at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, nanocrystalline ZnO film with porous structure was successfully prepared on alumina substrate by the technology of screen printing and the subsequent heat treatment. The fundamental characteristics of the as-prepared sample were examined through XRD, FE-SEM, EDX and PL spectra measurements. Meanwhile, photoelectric responses of it were tested under UV and white light irradiation, respectively. Different photocurrent curves were obtained. Under UV light, the photocurrent with comparatively high amplitude of each cycle could mostly recover upon the light off. While for white light, the photocurrent with low amplitude just partially recovered when the light was turned off. This phenomenon indicated that, after the white light off, a large number of free electrons still remained within the materials. To calculate the amount of the remained free electrons, three photocurrent parameters, which are related to the density of free electrons in ZnO, were defined for the first time. Furthermore, the explanations for the different photoelectric responses of ZnO based on the double Schottky barrier model were also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A material library of TiO2/CeO2/Bi2O3,which consists of 66 samples, is designed. [•] Ball milling and sintering are used to obtain TiO2/CeO2/Bi2O3 composite material. [•] The photocatalytic efficiencies of the samples are evaluated upon visible light. [•] The best sample, which the ratio of TiO2/CeO2/Bi2O3 is 2/5/3, is screened out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the CdS/ZnO nanocomposite film with enhanced photoelectric response to UV or white lights at low bias was demonstrated. The pure ZnO film was firstly fabricated by the technology of screen printing, and the CdS/ZnO film was prepared by the subsequent successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction process. XRD, UV–vis DRS, FE-SEM and EDX analysis confirmed the successful growth of CdS on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. The photoelectric responses of ZnO and CdS/ZnO were tested under different illumination and by application of a series low bias in the gas phase. The CdS/ZnO nanocomposite film exhibited a tremendous enhancement on the photocurrent amplitude by application of a 0.01V bias, which gave 13.3 and 153 times higher than that of the pure ZnO film under UV and white light irradiation, respectively. The mechanism for the enhanced response is attributed to the special interface between CdS and ZnO, which can efficiently suppress the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and in turn resulting in a large increase of the photocurrent in the external circuit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied plain TiO and CdS/TiO nanocomposite photoelectrode by testing their photocurrent response in gas phase. The CdS/TiO nanocomposite photoelectrode was prepared by the technology of screen printing and the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction process. In comparison with the plain TiO photoelectrode, the CdS/TiO nanocomposite photoelectrode showed an extraordinary enhancement on the photocurrent amplitude. Under the irradiation of UV light and under 1, 5, and 10 V bias, respectively, the photocurrent amplitude of CdS/TiO nanocomposite photoelectrode was 37, 95, and 151 times higher than that of the plain TiO. To explain these distinctive phenomenon, we conclude that CdS not only acts as a sensitizer in the CdS/TiO nanocomposite, but also acts as a hole capturer. This conclusion was clearly demonstrated by the subsequent reproducible photocurrent response experiments of the on-off cycles of illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive biomarker of airway inflammation. Our aim was to analyze the interrelationship and differentiate the predicting effects of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) on the FeNO levels in children from mainland China. Methods. A case-control study with age- and gender matched 1:1 was designed based on a larger cross-sectional survey on asthma, AR, and AD in Shanghai. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on children’s health information. Children with positive reports on physician-diagnosed asthma and/or AR and/or AD were recruited as cases, and children with no report of any of the diseases were designated as controls. The FeNO measurement was performed online, using the NIOX MINO® instrument (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden) at 50 ml/min. Results. A total of 130 subjects (65 cases and 65 controls, average age = 10 years) were recruited in this study. The average FeNO level was significantly higher in the cases (29.8 ± 1.9 ppb) than that in the controls (13.3 ± 1.7 ppb) (p < .001). Using multiple linear regression analysis controlling for confounding factors, including parental asthma/allergic diseases and home exposure, asthma (β = 0.330, p < .001) and AR (β = 0.157, p = .006) showed significant predicting effects for high FeNO levels, whereas AD was not related to the FeNO levels. Conclusions. Both asthma and AR could independently increase the FeNO levels in Chinese schoolchildren. Other diseases besides asthma should be considered when applying FeNO as a screening tool for asthma in Chinese children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Findings for impacts of outdoor air pollutants on birth outcomes were controversial. We performed a retrospective observational study in 2527 preschoolers of Shanghai, China and investigated associations of duration-averaged concentrations of outdoor sulphur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM 10) in different months and trimesters of gestation, with preterm birth (PB), low birth weight (LBW), term low birth weight (T-LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA). Daily concentrations of outdoor air pollutants were collected in each residence-located district. Parents reported health information. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, exposures to outdoor NO 2 were consistently associated with the higher odds of LBW and T-LBW. These associations were generally stronger for early months than for later months of the gestation. Adjusted odds ratios generally were larger in multi-pollutant model than in single-pollutant model. Exposure to NO 2 in the first month of the gestation was significantly associated with T-LBW (adjusted OR, 95%CI: 1.91, 1.02–3.58 for increment of interquartile range (18.5 μg/m3); p -value = 0.044) in multi-pollutant model. This association was stronger in girls, renters, and children whose mothers ≥30 years-old, with household dampness-related exposures, and with parental smoking during pregnancy. Our results indicate that exposure to NO 2 during gestation perhaps is a risk factor for LBW and T-LBW, and effects of NO 2 exposures could be greater during early periods than during later periods of gestation. • A retrospective observational study in 2527 preschoolers was conducted. • Exposures to outdoor NO 2 consistently associated with LBW and T-LBW. • These associations were stronger for early months than for later months. • Adjusted ORs were larger in multi-pollutant than single-pollutant model. • No significant associations were found of SO 2 and PM 10 with all outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first report the PTB7-Th:PC 70 BM:PC 60 BM TPSCs whose active layer is capable of forming the self-assembled nano-ridged (SANR) structures, and the SANR-active layer coupled with the textured-ZnO is able to form the double ridge superimposed system with broad spectrum light trapping characteristic, offering a promising way for the efficiency enhancement of the devices. • Self-assembled nano-ridged (SANR) structures was observed in TPSCs. • SANR can significantly enhances the light absorption of the active layer. • SANR coupled with textured-ZnO is able to form double ridge superimposed system (DRSS). • DRSS shows the characteristics of broad spectrum light trapping. • TPSCs with DRSS gives a optimal PCE of 10.68%. Ternary blend polymer solar cells (TPSCs) comprising one donor and two fullerene acceptors is efficient method for improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this paper, the PTB7-Th-based TPSCs which is incorporating PC 70 BM and PC 60 BM as mixed acceptors are fabricated and investigated. Impressively, the remarkable self-assembled nano-ridged (SANR) structures are discovered in the active layer with the weight ratio of 50% PC 60 BM in fullerenes. Thanks to the enlarged interface area, enhanced light absorption and balanced carrier transport, the PTB7-Th:PC 70 BM:PC 60 BM TPSCs with the SANR active layer gives an optimal PCE of 9.68%. In addition, it is worth emphasizing that by combining the textured-ZnO with the SANR active layer, a double ridge superimposed system (DRSS) with broad spectrum light trapping characteristic is constructed, which can further enhance the light absorption of the devices. Finally, benefiting from the further increase in short circuit current density (J sc), the PTB7-Th:PC 70 BM:PC 60 BM TPSCs with the DRSS gives an optimal PCE of 10.68%. This work provides a feasible ternary strategy to increase the devices performances and is proved be a simple and efficient strategy for fabricating PTB7-Th:PC 70 BM:PC 60 BM TPSCs with SANR active layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ipomoea plants possess important commercial, medicinal, and ornamental value. Molecular and morphological studies have confirmed that most species of this genus exhibit similar phenotypes but complex phylogenetic relationships. To date, limited information is available on these evolutionary relationships. In this study, systematic analysis of diverse species from Ipomoea was used to elucidate the relationships in this genus. To this end, we employed the concept of codon usage bias (CUB) to analyze the codon usage bias of five Ipomoea species such as effective number of codons (ENC) and GC content at the third synonym codon position (GC3s). Three types of plots including ENC-GC3s, parity rule 2 (PR2) and neutrality plots were employed to discover the factors determining CUB, and the frequency of hydrogen bonds and nucleotide were calculated to dissect changes in GC content at the 5′-end of the coding sequence. Our results showed little distinctness in CUB among the five species, with a reduction of hydrogen bonds content at the 5′-end (with similar changes in cytosines). In addition, optimal codons of Ipomoea aquatica ended with G or C, different from those of the other four species, which ended in A or T. These results may be useful for exploring the evolutionary relationships among this group, and for understanding the reasons for the variation among Ipomoea species. • The number of hydrogen bonds in each codon at the 5′-end of CDS both exhibited a decline trend among five Ipomoea species. • Natural selection plays a dominant role in the codon usage bias pattern of five Ipomoea species. • The optimal codons in Ipomoea aquatica ended with G or C, but other four species ended with A or T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor radon exposure is thought to be associated with adverse health effect as lung cancer. Lung cancer incidences in China have been the highest worldwide during the past two decades. It is important to quantitively address indoor radon exposure and its health effect, especially in countries like China. In this paper, we have conducted a meta‐analysis based on indoor radon and its health effect studies from a systematic review between 2000 and 2020. A total of 8 studies were included for lung cancer. We found that the relative risk (RR) was 1.01 (95% CI: 1.01–1.02) per 10 Bq/m3 increase of indoor radon for lung cancer in China. The subgroup analysis found no significant difference between the conclusions from the studies from China and other regions. The health effect of indoor radon exposure is relatively consistent for the low‐exposure and high‐exposure groups in the subgroup analysis. With a better understanding of exposure level of indoor radon, the outcomes and conclusions of this study will provide supports for next phase of researches on estimation of environmental burden of disease by indoor radon exposures in countries like China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color-tunable emission from semiconductor nanostructures holds promising applications in developing multi-color/color-tunable nano-devices. Herein, we reported the growth of In-doped CdS nanowires with various dopant concentrations via a thermal evaporation method. Optical measurement revealed the photoluminescence of these doped nanowires consists of a narrow bandedge emission and a broad trap-state emission, and the intensity ratio between them is tunable depending on excitation laser intensities and trap-state concentrations. On the basis of this variable intensity ratio, a tunable photoluminescent color from red to green was demonstrated. Our work indicates that trap-state emission from doped nanostructures might be useful for color-tunable emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have reported that childhood prevalence of eczema has been increasing worldwide. However, none study quantitatively evaluated prevalence trends of eczema among children and adults in the last 30 years in China.Methods and Findings: Via a systematic review of literature databases in English and Chinese, we summarized all studies reporting eczema prevalences from 1985 to 2015 in China as well as diagramed prevalence and eczematous population trends against year for different age groups. A total of 93 studies and 17 studies (16 for children and one for adults) were selected for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Childhood lifetime-ever eczema prevalences ranged from 10.0% to 30.0%. Prevalences among 3-12-year-olds children showed increasing trends in most specific cities, but national lifetime-ever eczema prevalences among 13-14-year-olds children decreased from 10.6% in 2001 to 8.6% in 2009 in mainland China. We estimated that about 1.5 million children aged 13-14-year-olds in 2009 and 15.5 million children aged 3-6-year-olds in 2012 had lifetime-ever eczema in mainland China. Similar studies were too few to ascertain time-trends of eczema prevalence among adults. About 39.4, 20.0, and 11.6 million adults aged 15-86-year-olds in 2010 had contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis in the mainland China, respectively.Conclusions: The burden of eczema became heavier in young children, whereas perhaps had been reduced in adolescent in China. More studies for eczema prevalence in adults are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing an economical, superior activity, excellent stability, and earth-rich catalysts is of crucial significance in the progress of electrochemical water splitting and still remains huge challenge to overcome. In this work, amorphous MoO2 with a porous nanostructure as a novel bifunctional electrocatalyst has been prepared by the hydrothermal method. This nanostructure has excellent HER/OER properties, in which the amorphous and porous states have a large number of vacancies and active sites exposed to the electrolyte. The as-prepared sample has been researched in detail via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical experiments show that when the current density reaches − 10 mA cm−2, the as-prepared samples need an overpotential of only about − 0.930 V (vs. RHE) in 1 M H2SO4 and − 0.777 V (vs. RHE) in 1 M KOH for HER, respectively. Furthermore, MoO2 exhibits an extremely overpotential of 2.414 V (vs. RHE) at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH for OER. It is believed that the amorphous and porous nanostructure remains a promising and efficient hydrolytic electrocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The photocurrent of NiO/TiO2 porous films in methanol is much higher than usual. [•] A quantitative formula confirms the synergistic effect between the p–n junction and methanol. [•] A new insight into gas molecule photooxidation on the coupling catalyst is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) have been identified to be associated with children's health. Present study was conducted to assess associations between PAEs in household dust and childhood rhinitis. Methods: Based on phase II of CCHH study (China, Children, Home, Health) conducted in Shanghai, China, 266 indoor dust samples were collected from participants' families. Concentrations of PAEs in dust samples were measured by chemical treatment and gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer. Information about individuals and residences was surveyed by questionnaires. Logistic regression models were applied to obtain the associations between PAEs and childhood rhinitis. Results: Higher concentrations of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) were found in those families with children who had diagnosed rhinitis. Significantly higher concentrations of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and PAEs with high molecular weight (HMW-PAEs) were found in the positive group of lifetime rhinitis. Using the multiple and ordinal logistic regression models adjusted by covariates, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), DEHP, and HMW-PAEs were found to be significantly associated with diagnosed rhinitis. Boys who exposure to higher concentrations of DBP, DEHP, HMW-PAEs, and total PAEs have significant associations with diagnosed rhinitis compared with girls who exposure to lower concentration of PAEs. Conclusions: Present observational study indicated that exposure to high concentrations of DBP, DEHP, and HMW-PAEs in house settled dust was a risk factor for rhinitis for children, especially for boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's profoundly rapid modernization in the past two decades has resulted in dramatic changes in indoor environmental exposures. Among these changes, exposure to phthalates has attracted increasing attention. We aimed to characterize indoor phthalate exposure and to estimate the disease burden attributable to indoor phthalate pollution from 2000 to 2017 in China. We integrated the national exposure level of indoor phthalates from literature through systematic review and Monte Carlo simulation. Dose‐response relationships between phthalate exposure and health outcomes were obtained by systematic review and meta‐analysis. Based on existing models for assessing probabilities of causation and a comprehensive review of available data, we calculated the disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) among the general Chinese population resulting from exposure to indoor phthalate pollution. We found that DnBP, DiBP, and DEHP were the most abundant phthalates in indoor environments of residences, offices, and schools with medians of national dust phase concentration from 74.5 µg/g to 96.3 µg/g, 39.6 µg/g to 162.5 µg/g, 634.2 µg/g to 1,394.7 µg/g, respectively. The national equivalent exposure for children to phthalates in settled dust was higher than that of adults except for DiBP and DnOP. Dose‐response relationships associated with DEP, DiBP, DnBP, BBzP, and DEHP exposures were established. Between 2000 and 2017, indoor phthalate exposure in China has led to 3.32 million DALYs per year, accounting for 0.90% of total DALYs across China. The annual DALY associated with indoor phthalate pollution in China was over 2000 people per million, which is about 2~3 times of the DALY loss due to secondhand smoke (SHS) in six European countries or the sum of the DALY loss caused by indoor radon and formaldehyde in American homes. Our study indicates a considerable socioeconomic impact of indoor phthalate exposure for a modernizing human society. This suggest the need for relevant national standard and actions to reduce indoor phthalate exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After decades of development, the indoor environment in China has changed. A systematic review was conducted from peer‐reviewed scientific papers with field test data of indoor radon in China from 2000 to 2020 for three types of buildings. The mean concentrations of indoor radon for dwellings, school buildings, and office buildings are 54.6, 56.1, and 54.9 Bq/m3. The indoor radon concentration was related to seasons, climate regions, ventilation, decoration, and other factors such as soil and outdoor air. Colder seasons, especially in severe colder areas of China, newer decorated buildings, closed windows, and doors were all associated with higher indoor radon concentrations. Variables like climate region and ventilation showed statistical significance in the correlation analysis. Regarding the increasing trend of indoor radon concentration in China during the last two decades, further study of indoor radon is necessary especially for school buildings and office buildings, and will help access its environmental burden of disease in China more accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor ammonia (NH3) pollution has been paid more and more attention in view of its health risk. However, few studies have investigated the exposure level in the non‐occupational environment in China. This study systematically reviewed the indoor ammonia exposure level in different regions, the equivalent exposure concentration of different populations, and the factors that influence indoor air ammonia in residences, offices, and schools in China. The literature published in 1980–2019 from main databases was searched and detailed screened, and finally, 56 related studies were selected. The results illustrated that the median concentration of indoor air ammonia in residences, offices, and school buildings was 0.21 mg/m3, 0.26 mg/m3, and 0.15 mg/m3. There were 46.4%, 71.4%, and 40% of these samples exceeding the NH3 standard, respectively. The national concentrations and the equivalent exposure levels of adults and children were calculated and found to be higher than 0.20 mg/m3. The concentration of ammonia varied greatly in different climate zones and economic development regions. Higher concentrations were found in the severe cold zone and the regions with higher economic level. This review reveals a high exposure risk of indoor air ammonia and the crucial impact of human emission, indoor air temperature, new concrete, and economic level, suggesting further investigation on indoor air ammonia evaluation and health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the amorphous Ge NPs film which is fabricated at room-temperature by PECVD method. The uniform, compact and smooth film is formed by orderly packing of the Ge NPs in the longitudinal direction, resulting in the formation of columnar structures in the Ge NPs film. The electrical, optical properties and energy levels of the Ge NPs film meet the requirements of the OSCs for ETL, and the PTB7:PC 70 BM OSCs with the Ge NPs ETL shows the PCE of 7.38%. [Display omitted] • The amorphous Ge NPs film is fabricated by using the PECVD method at room temperature. • The compact and orderly packing of the NPs in the longitudinal direction leads to the formation of columnar structures in the Ge NPs film. • The electrical, optical properties and energy levels of the Ge NPs film meet the requirements of the OSCs for ETL. • The PTB7:PC 70 BM OSCs with the Ge NPs ETL shows the PCE of 7.38%. The performances of the organic solar cells (OSCs) largely depends on the selection and preparation of the electron transport layer (ETL). In this paper, the uniform and compact Ge nanoparticles (NPs) film was fabricated by using the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method at room temperature. The Ge NPs film is formed by close packing of amorphous Ge particles with an average diameter of 6.05 nm, and the film shows a fairly smooth surface with a root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of 0.6419 nm. The results shows that Ge NPs film exhibits n-type characteristics, and the longitudinal conductivity of the film is 1.90 × 10−5 S/cm, which is better than that of the ZnO NPs film. The excellent longitudinal charge transport characteristics is attributed to the existence of the columnar structures in the Ge NPs. In addition, the Ge NPs film shows a visible light transmittance comparable to that of the ZnO NPs film. More importantly, the energy levels of the Ge NPs film meets the requirements of the PTB7:PC 70 BM OSCs for the ETL, and the devices with the Ge NPs ETL shows the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.38%. The characteristic of room temperature preparation make the Ge NPs ETL may become a reliable choice for the flexible devices in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2010‐2012, we surveyed 40,010 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children in seven Chinese cities (Beijing, Taiyuan, Urumqi, Shanghai, Nanjing, Changsha, and Chongqing). Their parents reported information on household renovation, including the timing of renovation and the choice of materials for walls and floors in the child's room, and the incidence of their child's rhinitis. Multivariate and two‐level (city‐child) logistic regression analyses yielding adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals were performed. Sensitivity analyses stratifying data for location and economic level were also performed. About 48.0% of the children had ever had allergic rhinitis, 41.2% had current allergic rhinitis, and 9.0% had had doctor‐diagnosed rhinitis. Exposure to household renovation during early lifetime (birth to 1‐year‐old) had an AOR of 1.43 (1.04‐1.9) for allergic rhinitis. The incidence of allergic rhinitis was significantly different in children exposed to different floor and wall covering materials. Floor or wall covering material composed of organic materials significantly increased the risk of childhood allergic rhinitis compared with tile flooring or lime wall covering. Oil paint had an AOR of 1.66 (1.28‐2.14) for diagnosed rhinitis compared with lime wall covering. Adding new furniture the year before pregnancy was associated with an AOR of 1.18 (1.10‐1.27) and 1.18 (1.11‐1.25) for lifetime and current rhinitis. Solid wood or tiles/ceramic as floor materials, and using wallpaper, oil paint, or emulsion panels as wall materials were risk factors for doctor‐diagnosed rhinitis. Sensitivity analyses showed that children living in southern or higher economic level China cities were more likely to have allergic rhinitis with household renovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous research reports have demonstrated that the supply air volumes of cleanrooms areusuallyover-designed to satisfy air cleanliness classes, which may lead to enormous energy waste. In this study, five well-recognised international mathematical models for calculating cleanroom particle concentration were analysed, which are all based on uniform particle distribution in the cleanroom, indoor particle conservation, and mass airflow balance, and an improved and more general model has been established for calculating the minimum air change rates according to the expected air cleanliness class. Following the introduction of non-dimensional concentration correction factors, based on the least-squares method, the average relative error between the model-predicted and measured particle concentration is approximately 13.5%. Based on the improved model with correction factor, the test results demonstrate that the particle concentration depends mainly on the air change rate, particle emission rate and return airflow patterns, among others. When the air change rate per hour and ratio of particle concentrations between the return airflow and room average were varied from 40 h−1 to 120 h−1 and 0.7–1.3, respectively, the concentration consequently decreased by approximately 65% and 46%. The particle deposition caused by gravity can be neglected for small particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed 40 010 three‐ to six‐year‐old children in seven Chinese cities (Beijing, Taiyuan, Urumqi, Shanghai, Nanjing, Changsha, and Chongqing) during 2010‐2012 so as to investigate possible links between home renovation and childhood eczema. Their parents responded to questions on home renovation and childhood eczema. Multivariate and two‐level (city‐child) logistic regression analyses yielding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were performed. Sensitivity analyses stratifying data for region, climate, and income level were also performed. The prevalences of childhood eczema in children with different floor and wall covering materials were significantly different and were significantly higher with home renovation during early lifetime. Exposure to synthetic materials significantly increased the risk of childhood eczema by 20%‐25%. The risks (AOR, 95% CI) of current eczema among children in families with solid wood flooring and oil paint wall covering were 1.25 (1.04‐1.49) and 1.35 (1.14‐1.60), respectively. Home renovation during pregnancy was related to children's lifetime and current eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Few studies can be found on phthalate exposure in relation to childhood asthma and allergic symptoms from Mainland China, where a persistent increase in prevalence of childhood asthma and allergic disease has been observed. Objectives This study aimed to assess the exposure levels to phthalates and its relationship with asthmatic and allergic symptoms among children in Shanghai, which has the highest prevalence of childhood asthma in Mainland China. Methods A follow-up study (2013–2014) of 434 children aged 5–10 years was conducted, based on the China, Children, Homes, Health (CCHH) study (2011−2012) in Shanghai, China. Information on asthmatic and allergic symptoms (wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema) were collected using validated questionnaires. Ten phthalate metabolites in morning urine samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between symptoms and urinary phthalate metabolites controlling for demographics, family history of allergic diseases and other covariates. Results Nine out of 10 phthalate metabolites were detected in all subjects (average detection rate of 93.2%). By multivariable logistic regression analyses, the 4th quartile of Mono‑ n ‑butyl phthalate (MnBP) (reference: 1st quartile) had adjusted prevalence odds ratios (aPOR S) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of 2.27(1.06–4.88), 2.14(1.02–4.46) and 2.98(1.19–7.50) for wheeze, rhinitis and eczema, respectively, while those of Mono‑isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) were 2.23(1.08–4.62) and 2.96(1.02–8.60) for rhinitis and eczema, respectively. The highest quartile of mono‑2‑ethyl‑5‑hydroxyhexyl phthalate(MEHHP) and mono‑2‑ethyl‑5‑oxohexyl phthalate(MEOHP) had aPOR S and 95%CIs of 3.10(1.10–8.74) and 2.63(1.02–6.80) for eczema, respectively. By summing up the 4 low molecular weight metabolites (∑ 4 LMWP) and all 9 metabolites (∑ 9 Total), the highest quartiles of ∑ 4 LMWP and∑ 9 Total were significantly associated with all symptoms. In most of the above associations, a significantly increasing trend from the 1st to the 4th quartile was observed. Subjects with 2 or 3 concomitant symptoms (reference: no symptoms) had significant positive associations with a higher level (the 4th quartile) of phthalate metabolites. Conclusions Low MW metabolites such as MnBP and MiBP, high MW DEHP and the total amount of phthalate metabolites might have adverse health effects on asthma and allergic symptoms in Chinese children. Highlights • Urinary MiBP and MnBP were associated with childhood asthma and allergic symptoms. • A dose-effect relationship were found in urinary MiBP, MnBP and∑ 4 LMWP. • Urinary MEHHP, MEOHP and MBzP were associated with eczema and rhinitis in children. • Phthalates exposure might increase the risk of allergies in Chinese children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the relationship between outdoor air pollution and sick building syndrome (SBS) symptoms, the CCHH (China, Children, Home, Health) group in Shanghai conducted a cross-sectional survey on the current incidence of SBS symptoms among residents in five districts of Shanghai during April 2011–April 2012. It also collected the related outdoor air pollutants data from Shanghai environmental monitoring center (SEMC), including nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm (PM 10 ). The logistic regression models were used in this paper to study the associations between air pollutants and SBS symptoms. Results were found that the daily mean concentrations of NO 2 and SO 2 met standard requirement, but that of PM 10 exceeded the limit values of the standard in China during this survey. The significant differences were found between the pollutants concentration in urban and suburban area. In addition, the incidences of three categories of SBS symptoms among residents were 79.1% for general symptoms (GS), 65.2% for mucous membrane symptoms (MS) and 35.7% for skin symptoms (SS), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis by two case studies illustrated that three outdoor air pollutants, both their concentration quartiles and equal increment, were all associated to and taken as the risk factors for SBS symptoms, for GS OR NO2  = 1.62 (1.18–2.22), MS OR NO2  = 1.58 (1.21–2.06) and SS OR PM10  = 1.21 (1.09–1.35). Furthermore, the new pollutants expressed as the mixtures of their combination were also significantly associated with part of the SBS symptoms. The synthetic air quality indexes of all surveyed residents were calculated as III-level, which represented mild pollution. Therefore, it would be an effective way to decrease the incidence of SBS symptoms in residence to reduce the outdoor air pollution and control the penetration from outdoor to indoor environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Childhood asthma is prevalent in China. However, there is a lack of evidence on whether household renovation, including the materials used and the periods, are associated with the disease. Objectives To investigate the associations between household decoration materials and renovation periods, and childhood asthma and its related symptoms. Methods During 2010–2012, a retrospective cohort study was initiated in seven cities of China, and 40,010 children, aged 3–6 years, were recruited. Data on demographics, health status, and home decoration conditions were collected using a parent-administered questionnaire. Two-level (city-child) logistic regression analyses with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed to show the target associations. Sensitivity analysis was performed by stratifying data for children in the southern and northern cities. Results Children whose homes underwent renovation or the addition of new furniture within 1 year before pregnancy, during pregnancy, at age 0–1 year, and after age 1 year had significantly ( p  < 0.05) higher prevalence of childhood asthma and its related symptoms. The use of solid wood floors and wallpaper had significant associations (cement: AOR, 95% CI: 1.59, 1.17–2.17; lime: AOR, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.00–1.71) with an increased risk of lifetime asthma. Household renovation and the addition of new furniture during pregnancy had significant associations with lifetime asthma (renovation: AOR, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.01–1.51); lifetime wheeze (renovation: AOR, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.05–1.39; furniture: AOR, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.14–1.36), current wheeze (renovation: AOR, 95% CI, 1.21 1.05–1.40; furniture: AOR, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.12–1.34), and current dry cough (renovation: AOR, 95% CI: 1.41, 1.23–1.63; furniture: AOR, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.17–1.41). Similar associations were found between the addition of new furniture during early childhood and lifetime asthma and its related symptoms. Except for the association between lifetime wheeze and flooring materials, the studied associations were generally stronger among children from the northern cities. Conclusions We confirmed that using cellulose based materials in home decoration and renovation, and adding new furniture during early childhood and pregnancy could be risk factors for childhood asthma. The association between household decoration during early childhood and childhood asthma may be stronger in the northern cities of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to household phthalates has been reported to have adverse effects on children's health. In this paper, we used phthalate metabolites in the first morning urine as indicators of household phthalate exposures and examined their associations with residential characteristics, lifestyles and dietary habits among young children. During 2013–2014, we collected morning urines from children aged 5–10 years in Shanghai, China and obtained the related information about analyzed factors in this study by questionnaires. Urinary phthalate metabolites were analyzed by isotope dilution-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-heated electrospray ionization source (HESI) coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. ANOVA, the Mann-Whitney or Kruskai-Wallis rank tests, and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to examine the target associations. Ten metabolites of seven phthalates in 434 urine samples were analyzed. The detection rates of eight metabolites (MiBP, MnBP, MEHP, MECPP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MEP, and MMP) were > 90%, except for MBzP (51.2%), and MCHP with < 10.0% of detection rate was not included in analyses. By multivariate linear regression analyses, factors significantly associated with higher concentrations of metabolites included non-usage household air cleaners (MEP and MEHP), changing the child's pillowcase less than one time a week (DEHP metabolites), dusting furniture in the child's bedroom less than three times a week (MMP and MnBP), using more plastic toys (DEHP metabolites and MEP), often having soft drinks (DEHP metabolites) and candies (MiBP). Our results indicated that phthalate exposures were common among Shanghai children and residential characteristics had less significant associations with urinary phthalate metabolites compared with lifestyles and dietary habits. Using less plastic toys, having less candies and soft drinks, using household air cleaner, as well as frequently changing the child's pillowcase and dusting furniture in the child's bedroom could reduce phthalate exposures among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have reported that certain aspects of the household environments are associated with adverse birth outcomes, but associations have been inconsistent. Few of these studies have been conducted in China. During 2011–2012, we conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study and collected 13,335 parents-reported questionnaires for 4–6-year-olds children in Shanghai, China. We investigated associations of household environmental factors (environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), cooking fuel, dampness, pet-keeping, and home renovation) during gestation with preterm birth (PTB, gestational age < 37 weeks), low birth weight (LBW, birth weight < 2500 g), term low birth weight (T-LBW, LBW when the gestational age was ≥ 37 weeks), and small for gestational age (SGA, birth weight < 10th percentile of birth weight for gestational age). A total of 4.1% children were premature; 2.9% had LBW and 1.6% had T-LBW; 8.1% were SGA. In the multiple logistic regression analyses, home renovation during gestation was associated with PTB (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.68, 1.11–2.54) and LBW (1.64, 0.99–2.72). Paternal smoking was associated with PTB (1.18, 0.98–1.43). No significant associations were found for SGA. Neither household dampness nor cooking fuel were significantly associated with birth outcomes. For boys, paternal smoking was associated with PTB (1.31, 1.02–1.69); home renovation during gestation was associated with PTB (2.14, 1.27–3.61) and LBW (2.19, 1.09–4.43). Among children whose mothers were ≥ 34-year-olds during gestation, paternal smoking (1.73, 1.04–2.76) and home renovation during gestation (1.80, 1.18–2.76) was associated with PTB. Our findings demonstrate that home renovation and ETS during gestation may be risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. Associations of these factors with adverse birth outcomes appear to be stronger in boys and among mothers older than 34 years during gestation. Home renovation and ETS exposure should be avoided during gestation, especially for pregnancies with male fetuses and older pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We investigated patterns of multimorbidities among asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses in preschool children. We investigated multimorbidities of lifetime asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, food allergy, pneumonia, and ear infections; and multimorbidities of current (in the last year before the survey) wheeze, dry cough, rhinitis, eczema, and common cold during childhood. We further analyzed whether prevalences of these multimorbidities were due to chance.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 72 kindergartens of Shanghai, China. Parents of preschool children were surveyed with a modified ISAAC questionnaire. Observed prevalences (OPs), expected prevalences (EPs), absolute excess comorbidities (AECs), and relative excess comorbidities (RECs) of various combinations of illnesses were calculated to indicate whether the combined illnesses were related.Results: We analyzed questionnaires for children aged 4–6 years, whose 13,335 questionnaires were the majority of the total 15,266 returned questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%). The studied illnesses were common. For children who had more than three lifetime or current illnesses, OPs tended to be higher than EPs. Most OPs and EPs were higher in boys than in girls, and were higher in children with a family history of atopy (FHA) than in children without FHA. AECs and RECs between boys and girls as well as between children with and without FHA were substantially different.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that multimorbidities among childhood asthma, allergies, and respiratory illnesses are likely not random, but rather share etiology. Specific patterns of childhood asthma multimorbidities perhaps differ between boys and girls and between children with and without FHA. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: We investigated associations of breastfeeding (BF) durations and patterns and of timing of other dietary introductions with prevalence of asthma, wheeze, hay fever, rhinitis, pneumonia, and eczema among preschool children.Methods: During April 2011-April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 72 kindergartens from five districts of Shanghai, China and obtained 13,335 questionnaires of children 4–6-years-old. We used multiple logistic regression models to evaluate the target associations.Results: Compared to children who were never BF, children who were exclusively breastfed 3–6 months had the lowest risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 0.81, 0.72–0.91) and wheeze (0.93, 0.87–0.99); and exclusive BF >6 months was significantly associated with a reduced risk of hay fever (0.93, 0.89–0.97), rhinitis (0.97, 0.94–0.99), pneumonia (0.97, 0.94–0.99), and eczema (0.96, 0.93–0.99). No significant associations were found between time when fruits or vegetables were introduced and the studied diseases. Associations were independent of the child's sex and parent's ownership of the current residence. Longer duration BF was only significantly protective when there was no family history of atopy.Conclusions: This study suggests that heredity, but not sex and socioeconomic status, may negatively impact the effect of BF on childhood airway and allergic diseases. Our findings support China's national recommendation that mothers provide exclusive BF for the first four months, and continue partial BF for more than 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: We aim to investigate associations of the child's individual characteristics, building characteristics, home environmental exposures, family lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits on childhood eczema during lifetime-ever and in the last year before the survey. Methods: During April 2011-April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study and collected 13,335 parents-reported questionnaires of 4-6-year-old children from 72 kindergartens in Shanghai, China. Logistic regression model was used to investigate associations. Results: After adjusted for sex, age, family history of atopy, and questionnaire reporter, the factors which were strongly associated (increased odds >30% and p value <0.05) with lifetime-ever eczema included mother employed during pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.33), residence renovated during pregnancy (1.49) and in the child's first year of life (1.31), using laminate (1.58) and solid (1.42) wood as material of floor covering (compared to using cement), residence located in urban district (1.38), and dampness-related exposures in the early residence (mold spots/stains: 1.41; mold odor: 1.41) and in the current residence (water damage: 1.33; damp stains: 1.34; mold spots: 1.32; and windows pane condensation: 1.31). Parental smoking, pet-keeping, and incense-burning had no significant associations with childhood eczema. Similar associations were found for eczema in the last year before the survey. Families with sick children likely changed lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits. Conclusions: Childhood eczema could be influenced by many household environmental and non-environmental factors. Exposures during early lifetime likely have greater impact on childhood eczema than current exposures. Associations of lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits with childhood eczema could be modified by family avoidance behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether ambient air pollution is associated with childhood atopic eczema is controversial. In this paper, we selected 3358 preschool children who had not altered residences since pregnancy from a cross-sectional study during 2011–2012 in Shanghai, China, and obtained parent-reported data regarding childhood atopic eczema using an improved ISAAC questionnaire. We recorded daily concentrations of SO 2 , NO 2 , and PM 10 throughout the child's lifetime (2006–2012), and calculated period-averaged concentrations for each district where the child lived to represent the child's exposure levels of these pollutants during different periods. In the multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders as well as for the other pollutants in the same periods, childhood atopic eczema was significantly associated with increments of NO 2 in the approximate interquartile range (20 μg/m 3 ) during gestational period (adjusted OR, 95% CI for eczema lifetime-ever: 1.80, 1.29–2.49; for eczema in the year prior to the survey: 2.32, 1.57–3.43) and during the first year of life (2.00, 1.40–2.84; 2.16, 1.43–3.28). Exposure to elevated NO 2 in the first two years, three years and total lifetime, as well as exposure to mixtures containing NO 2 in each of these periods, were consistently associated with increased likelihood of childhood eczema. The highest odds ratios were found between exposure to a mixture of SO 2 and NO 2 during total lifetime (increment: 35 μg/m 3 ) and childhood eczema (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.80, 1.75–4.48; 3.50, 1.98–6.19). No significant associations were found between childhood eczema and ambient SO 2 and PM 10 individually or in mixtures. This study indicates that gestational and lifetime exposures to ambient NO 2 are risk factors for atopic eczema in childhood. Exposure to ambient SO 2 and PM 10 may enhance the effect of NO 2 exposure on childhood eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies were conducted for associations of home environment with childhood health by on-site inspection in China. During 2013–2014, we conducted a case-control study with home inspection among 454 children (186 asthma children and 268 non-asthma children) in Shanghai, China. In this paper, we detailedly described the inspected methods and analyzed the preliminarily collected data. Except in winter, most residences meet the national standard for indoor temperature and relative humidity. Most living rooms had ≤1000 ppm CO 2 , whereas over half of the child's bedrooms had slightly >1000 ppm CO 2 during night. Most residences had notably lower than 2500 cfu/m 3 airborne culturable fungi and ≤100 μg/m 3 formaldehyde. More than 70% of the child's bedrooms had ≤75 μg/m 3 PM 2.5 and ≤150 μg/m 3 PM 10 . Indoor and outdoor concentrations of particulate matters had strong linear correlations ( r =0.891–0.922; p -value <0.001). Most differences between cases and controls were not significant with respect to CO 2 , culturable fungi, formaldehyde, and particulate matters. Before and after adjusted for potential confounders, indoor averaged concentration of CO 2 and particulate matters generally had negative associations with childhood history of doctor-diagnosed asthma in spring, summer, and autumn. Only in winter, indoor CO 2 concentration was significantly associated with the increased odds of childhood asthma. Our results indicated that air quality among most residences in Shanghai could meet the national standard for indoor air quality in warm seasons; but household air quality and ventilation status in winter should be greatly improved. We suspected that those “unexpected” negative associations could exist due to changes in lifestyle behaviors regarding indoor air quality after the child being diagnosed asthma by a doctor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous questionnaire-based studies were conducted to investigate associations of home environment with childhood health, whereas few studies confirmed validity of parents-reported questionnaire regarding dwelling characteristics and dampness-related indicators. According to data obtained by standard questions regarding these items via on-site inspection in 454 residences with young children during 2013–2014, and data collected for these items from their parents-reported questionnaires in cross-sectional survey during 2011–2012 in Shanghai, China, this paper validated consistencies of information for these items between the two phases, thus to confirm validity of parents-reported questionnaire regarding these items. According to Kappa ( k ) values, parents and inspectors had moderate/substantial consistencies regarding dwelling characteristics ( k = 0.212–0.894), but had slight consistencies regarding dampness-related indicators and indoor odors (absolute k = 0.019–0.144). However, according to the observed, positive, and negative proportional agreement (P o , P pos , and P neg ), parents and inspectors had substantial/prefect consistencies in most of the studied items (P o = 0.45–0.96). These trends of consistencies for different items had no notable differences, regardless of father or mother as the questionnaire-reporter, and among the residences inspected in different seasons. This study suggests parents-reported questionnaire could be a reliable and valid method to indicate the overall status of dwelling characteristics and home dampness-related exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Associations of ambient air pollutants with respiratory health are inconsistent. Objectives We analyzed the associations of gestational and early life exposures to air pollutants with doctor-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, and pneumonia in children. Methods We selected 3358 preschool children who did not alter residences after birth from a cross-sectional study in 2011–2012 in Shanghai, China. Parents reported children's respiratory health history, home environment, and family lifestyle behaviors. We collected daily concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm (PM 10 ) during the child's total lifetime (2006–2012) for each district where the children lived. We analyzed the associations using logistic regression models. Results After adjusting for covariates and the other studied pollutants, we found that exposure to NO 2 (increment of 20 μg/m 3 ) during the first year of life was significantly associated with asthma [odds ratio (OR) = 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–2.43] and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.07–2.61). Exposure to NO 2 during gestation, the first two and three years, and over total lifetimewas all consistently associated with increased odds of allergic rhinitis. Quartiles of NO 2 concentration during different exposure periods showed a slight dose–response relationship with the studied diseases. These diseases had significant associations with pollutant mixtures that included NO 2 , but had no significant association with exposures to SO 2 and PM 10 individually or in mixtures. Conclusions Gestational and early life exposures to ambient NO 2 are risk factors for childhood respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From April 2011 to April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China. A total of 13,335 modified ISAAC questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%) were returned by parents or guardians for 4–6 year-old children. Six dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, visible damp stains, damp bed clothing, water damage, window pane condensation, and moldy odor) were used to evaluate home dampness-related exposures. In the present study, we applied logistic regression model to reveal associations, dose–response relationships, and statistical interaction effects of these dampness-related exposures, with childhood eczema, during lifetime since birth (ever) and in the last 12 months before the questionnaire. The dampness-related indicators were frequently reported in the perinatal and current residences. Prevalences of eczema ever and in the last 12 months were 22.9% and 13.2%, respectively. The dampness-related indicators were robustly associated and dose–response related with increased risk of eczema ever and in the last 12 months in the logistic regression analyses, with adjusted for potential confounders. Specifically, in the perinatal residence, visible mold spots or damp stains could increase 46% (OR, 95% CI: 1.46, 1.29–1.66) odds of childhood eczema (ever); in the current residence, visible mold spots and visible damp stains could increase 34% (1.34, 1.14–1.58) and 38% (1.38, 1.22–1.56) odds of childhood eczema (ever), respectively. Associations were not appreciably different between boys and girls, nor were they different between children with and without parental history of atopy. In conclusion, perinatal and current dampness-related exposures in the residence perhaps are risk factors for childhood eczema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of children allergic rhinitis has been increasing in China and associated factors still are not clear. In the present paper, we selected 13,335 parent-reported questionnaires of 4-6 years-old children, in a cross-sectional study from April 2011 to April 2012 in Shanghai city, and investigated associations of various factors with parent-reported allergic rhinitis (doctor-diagnosed) and rhinitis symptoms in childhood. After adjusted by age, sex, family history of atopy, and respondent of questionnaire, we find that no siblings, mother in older age during pregnancy, shorter breastfeeding, using antibiotics in the first year, and home dampness-related exposures, had significant associations with increased prevalence of the studied diseases. Location, type, building area, decoration materials and construction period of the residence, also had significant associations with these diseases. Current parental smoking and pet-keeping had no significant associations with the studied diseases. Incense-burning and using mosquito coils had significant associations with reduced risk of allergic rhinitis and with increased risk of rhinitis symptoms. Using air cleaner and cleaning the residence in high frequency had associations with increased risk, but eating fast food and ice cream often had associations with the reduced risk, of the studied diseases. Families with children being diagnosed allergic rhinitis likely change their lifestyle behaviors. In conclusion, childhood rhinitis could be influenced by heredity and many "environmental exposures". Avoidance behaviors and reverse causation in parental smoking, pet-keeping, and dietary habits for childhood rhinitis should be carefully considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have synthesized nanographene sheet (NGs) hybrid α-MnO 2 nanotube (MTGs) and α-MnO 2 nanoparticle (MPGs) by a joint method of burn-quench and hydrothermal. The NGs are prepared by directly reverting CO 2 through a burn-quench method. The results indicate that these nano-carbons can easily react with KMnO 4 to produce MPGs even at 40 °C and MTGs at 140 °C, respectively. The electrochemical measurements show the MTGs and MPGs have excellent electrochemical properties as supercapacitor electrode materials. The specific capacitance values for the MPGs and MTGs can get up to about 171.3 and 290.6 F g −1 at current density of 1 A g −1 in 1 M Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte, respectively. Moreover, after 3000 cycles at a rate of 1 A g −1 , the corresponding specific capacitances are 150.6 F g −1 for MPGs and 265.4 F g −1 for MTGs materials, which reveals the good retention of capacity upon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of asthma among Shanghai children has increased over time. This increase might be associated with changes in environmental exposures. Investigation of the time-trend of asthma and current prevalences is essential to understanding the causes. Objective: To estimate the current prevalences of asthma, allergies and other respiratory symptoms among Shanghai preschool children, and to investigate the time-trend of childhood asthma prevalence of from 1990 to 2011. Methods: From April 2011 to April 2012, the CCHH (China, Children, Homes, Health) cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai. Questionnaires were distributed to 17,898 parents or guardians of preschool children from 72 kindergartens in 5 districts. Previous similar studies were also summarized by a systematic literature review. Results: From a total of 14,884 questionnaires for 3–7 year old children, prevalences of the following diseases and symptoms were calculated: asthma 10.2%, wheeze (ever) 28.1%, pneumonia (ever) 33.5%, otitis media 11.0%, rhinitis (ever) 54.1%, hay fever 12.2%, eczema (ever) 22.7%, and food allergy 15.7%. Urban children had higher prevalences of most symptoms than suburban children. The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly, almost five-fold, from 2.1% in 1990 to 10.2% in the present study. The prevalence of asthma in boys was higher than in girls in the present study and in all reviewed studies. Conclusions: Asthma, allergy and airway symptoms are common among preschool children in Shanghai. The prevalence of childhood asthma in Shanghai has increased rapidly from 1990 to 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotube (CNT) is an ideal electrode material for supercapacitors due to its low electronic and ionic charge-transfer resistances. Here we reported the direct synthesis 3D carbon nanotube foam (CNTF) macrostructure by conversing CO 2 through template-directed chemical vapour deposition. Using this unique network structure and outstanding electrical and mechanical properties of the CNTF, as an example, we demonstrate the excellent electrochemical properties of Ni(OH) 2 /CNTF composite. Based on the total mass of the electrode, as high as specific capacitances of 259 and 131 F g −1 are obtained at current densities of 0.5 and 10 A g −1 respectively. Meanwhile, the electrode also exhibits excellent long cycle life along with 94.0% specific capacitance retained after 2000 cycle tests. Moreover, this template-directed CVD technique is versatile and scalable, and can be a general strategy for fabricating a broad class of three-dimensional macroscopic structures of determined shapes with excellent properties and new uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The microstructures in WO3 films were characterized systematically. [•] The photocurrent of WO3 under different light sources irradiation is investigated. [•] Hydrogen-treated WO3 films show superior infrared photoresponse property. [•] The electron trapping effect is proposed to explain the slow decay of photocurrent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether indoor environmental smoke is harmful for preschool children’s respiratory health in a society where female smoking is rare has not been determined. This study is part of a cross-sectional study (CCHH study-phase one in Shanghai) and investigated associations between parental smoking and incense-burning and respiratory symptoms among 4–6 year old children in Shanghai, China. A number of 13335 valid questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%) were analyzed. A number of 56.1% (as reported by a parent) of preschool children in Shanghai are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). A number of 40.3% of fathers and 0.9% of mothers are smokers. A number of 53.7% and 12.6% of Shanghai residents have used mosquito-repellent incense and incensation respectively. Children exposed to any parental smoking have higher prevalence of wheeze and croup than those not exposed. Current maternal smoking has a significant and positive association with wheeze (in the last 12 months, AOR, 95% CI: 1.83, 1.11–2.99). However, paternal smoking either currently or at child’s birth had only weak associations with wheeze and croup. Incense-burning (mosquito-repellent incense and incensation) had significant and negative association with doctor-diagnosed asthma (AOR, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.73–0.99) and hay fever (AOR, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.70–0.93). The results indicate that maternal smoking perhaps is a stronger risk factor for children’s respiratory health than paternal smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether early pet-keeping is a risk factor for children’s asthma and allergies remains controversial. To investigate associations between asthma, allergies and airway symptoms among children and the indoor environment, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 districts of Shanghai. A number of 13335 questionnaires (response rate: 85.3%) of 4-6 year old children were analyzed. Families in urban areas have more pets except for dogs than families in suburbs. Fish are the most common pets in urban districts. The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed asthma was 10.3%, wheeze (ever) 28.3%, rhinitis (ever) 54.1%, doctor-diagnosed hay fever 12.6% and eczema (ever) 22.9%. In logistic regression analyses, early furred pet-keeping was positively associated with most of the symptoms and significantly with rhinitis (ever, adjusted OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.14–1.76) and doctor-diagnosed hay fever (1.38, 1.02–1.88). Current furred pet-keeping was significantly negatively associated with doctor-diagnosed asthma (0.57, 0.39–0.83). Persistent furred pet-keeping was significantly positively associated with rhinitis on pet or pollen exposure. However, current pet-keeping is not randomly distributed in the population. Children in families with “allergy” or with “pet avoidance behavior” (due to allergies in the family) have more symptoms, but have avoided cats and dogs, leading to the conclusion that such animals are “protective”, namely the “Healthy Pet-Keeping” effect. Moreover, rodents and birds are risks for children’s health. Fish-keeping is also seemingly a risk. This study indicates that early pet-keeping is a risk factor for asthma and allergies in families with a history of allergies, and part of residents in Shanghai have pet-avoidance behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, a smart platform was reported with an ability to rapidly screen the gas sensing properties of metal oxide gas sensors which were loaded on a single material chip with a capability of 36 sensor films. Among the SnO2-based material sensitized with various catalysts (Mo, Pd, Cd, Mn, Pt, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd) in different concentrations, a significant enhancement of sensing performance was observed for the film with surface functionalized La. To intrinsically investigate its sensitization mechanism, the changes in microstructure and surface valence of the SnO2-based materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, XPS, PL, HRTEM and EDX. It is demonstrated that the hydrated lanthanum chloride transformed to La2O3 with an intermediate of LaOCl during the sintering process of the samples. Thus, the sensitization mechanism of La2O3 can be concluded into two items: (1) numerous of oxygen vacancies are newly created on the SnO2 surface through the LaOCl to La2O3 transformation resulted in the enhancement of gas-sensing properties; (2) the chemisorbed peroxide O2 2− on La2O3 surface has the ability to cause an H-abstraction reaction with hydrocarbon, which may account for the decrease of optimum temperature toward formaldehyde. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The calculation of IPCE for heterojunction used in photoconduction is established. [•] A TiO2/SnO2 composite system with 11 ingredient points is fabricated and tested. [•] The sample whose mole ratio is TiO2:SnO2 =2:8 have the best IPCE. [•] The best IPCE is attributed to the match of energy band and the conductive channel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel cobalt-tetraphenylporphyrin/reduced graphene oxide (CoTPP/RGO) nanocomposite was prepared by a π–π stacking interaction and characterized by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The CoTPP/RGO nanocomposite exhibited high electrocatalytic activity both for oxidation and reduction of H2O2. The current response was linear to H2O2 concentration with the concentration range from 1.0×10−7 to 2.4×10−3 molL−1 (R =0.998) at the reductive potential of −0.20V and from 1.0×10−7 to 4.6×10−4 molL−1 (R =0.996) at the oxidative potential of +0.50V. The H2O2 biosensor showed good anti-interfering ability towards oxidative interferences at the oxidative potential of +0.50V and good anti-interfering ability towards reductive interferences at the reductive potential of −0.20V. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photocatalysis is a promising technique to fully decompose toluene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this work, porous TiO2/SiC nanocomposite films were synthesized by ball-milling and screen printing technique. Their photocatalytic properties in the degradation of toluene were carried out in a self-made reactor system. It was found that, in dry condition, the mineralization ratio of toluene by TiO2/SiC nanocomposite increased to 1.61 times comparing with pure TiO2. What is more, when TiO2/SiC nanocomposite was applied in humid condition the mineralization ratio increased to nearly fivefold that of pure TiO2 in dry, up to 100% of mineralization. These results were smoothly explained by the synergistic effect of TiO2–SiC heterojunction and the interaction between water and TiO2 (SiC). Due to the special staggered type energy band structure heterojunction, the photogenerated electrons gathered on TiO2 and holes enriched on SiC. Both of which participated in the degradation of toluene in more efficient ways and owing to the hydrophilicity of TiO2 and hydrophobicity of SiC, the mineralization capacity of photogenerated electrons and holes was largely promoted. The final results indicated that the hydrophilicity (hydrophobicity) of photocatalyst must be taken into account in gas-phase photocatalytic degradation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A polydopamine (PDA)-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite was prepared by a one-step procedure and was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The characterizations confirm the successful reduction of graphene oxide to RGO in the PDA-RGO nanocomposite. The application of PDA-RGO nanocomposite in simultaneous determination of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC) was investigated. The ΔE p between HQ and CC was 103mV, which was wide enough to discriminate the dihydroxybenzene isomers. The peak current of HQ was linear to its concentration in the range of 1.0×10−6 to 2.3×10−4 M and the peak current of CC was linear to its concentration in the range of 1.0×10−6 to 2.5×10−4 M. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

On the basis of combinatorial methodology and the idea of an equilateral ingredient triangle, the TiO2/ZnO/Fe2O3composite system including 66 ingredient points was designed. The photocurrents under different light sources and bias voltages were measured, and the photocurrent amplitude at 300 s was chosen as a parameter to evaluate the photoelectric response of the composite. To appraise the composition effect of the composite compared with pure materials, the quantitative formula of the composition effect has been provided for the first time in this paper. We found that not all the ingredient points demonstrated the enhanced composition effect in the as-designed ingredient triangle material library. The reasons of different composition effect for different ingredient points have been discussed in detail. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to investigate the phase structure and the grain morphology of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]