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Simulated drinking water distribution system (DWDS) treated with O 3 -BAC-Cl 2 (ozone-biological activated carbon-chlorine) was constructed to study its effects on the regrowth of five typical opportunistic pathogens (OPs). It was found that O 3 -BAC-Cl 2 could significantly reduce the regrowth of target OPs in the effluents of DWDS compared with Cl 2 and O 3 -Cl 2 with the same residual chlorine levels. However, the effect of O 3 -BAC-Cl 2 on the average numbers of target OPs gene markers in the biofilms of DWDS was not apparent, suggesting that OPs in the biofilms of DWDS were tolerant to the upstream disinfection process. The quantification of target OPs in the BAC-filter column demonstrated that OPs decreased with the increase of depth, which was likely due to the organic nutrient gradient and microbial competition inside the BAC-filter. Increase in the ozone dose could further reduce the OPs at the bottom of the BAC-filter. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that some significant correlations existed between target microorganisms, suggesting potential microbial ecological relationships. Overall, our results demonstrated that the BAC-filter may act as a "battlefield" suppressing the OPs through microbial competition. O 3 -BAC-Cl 2 could be an effective multi-barrier process to suppress the proliferation of OPs in the bulk water of DWDS. However, OPs protected by the biofilms of DWDS should receive further attention because OPs may be detached and released from the biofilms., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

γ-MnO 2 , SmMnO 3 , and γ-MnO 2 /SmMnO 3 catalysts were prepared by facile methods, wherein the SmMnO 3 (SMO) perovskite was synthesized through one-step calcination and the γ-MnO 2 /SmMnO 3 was formed by an in situ growth of γ-MnO 2 on the surface of SMO. These materials ware characterized by XRD, SEM-mapping, N 2 -adsorption, XPS and H 2 -TPR to investigate their textural properties. Compared with that of SMO and γ-MnO 2 , the γ-MnO 2 /SMO shows better performance for catalytic oxidation of aromatic VOCs in wet air (10 vol.%), which may be attributed to its higher surface molar ratio of lattice oxygen to adsorbed oxygen (O latt /O ads ) and better low-temperature reducibility. Besides, for γ-MnO 2 /SMO catalyst, a successive oxidation route and the inner principle of BETX (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and o-xylene) oxidation were also revealed via various tests and a comprehension of dynamics investigation. Meanwhile, the experiments under simulated realistic exhaust conditions displayed that the γ-MnO 2 /SmMnO 3 is also a good catalyst with high stability for aromatic VOCs oxidation, and fulfilled endurability to high humidity (20 vol.%)., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The effects of O 3 /Cl 2 disinfection on corrosion and the growth of opportunistic pathogens in drinking water distribution systems were studied using annular reactors (ARs). The corrosion process and most probable number (MPN) analysis indicated that the higher content of iron-oxidizing bacteria and iron-reducing bacteria in biofilms of the AR treated with O 3 /Cl 2 induced higher Fe 3 O 4 formation in corrosion scales. These corrosion scales became more stable than the ones that formed in the AR treated with Cl 2 alone. O 3 /Cl 2 disinfection inhibited corrosion and iron release efficiently by changing the content of corrosion-related bacteria. Moreover, ozone disinfection inactivated or damaged the opportunistic pathogens due to its strong oxidizing properties. The damaged bacteria resulting from initial ozone treatment were inactivated by the subsequent chlorine disinfection. Compared with the AR treated with Cl 2 alone, the opportunistic pathogens M. avium and L. pneumophila were not detectable in effluents of the AR treated with O 3 /Cl 2 , and decreased to (4.60±0.14) and (3.09±0.12) log 10 (gene copies/g corrosion scales) in biofilms, respectively. The amoeba counts were also lower in the AR treated with O 3 /Cl 2 . Therefore, O 3 /Cl 2 disinfection can effectively control opportunistic pathogens in effluents and biofilms of an AR used as a model for a drinking water distribution system., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

To help produce hypoallergenic food, this study investigated reducing the allergenicity and improving the functional properties of bovine β-lactoglobulin (βLG) by covalent conjugation with (-)-epigallo-catechin 3-gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid (CA). The covalent bond between the polyphenols and the amino acid side-chains in βLG was confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS and SDS-PAGE. Structural analysis by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated that the covalent conjugate of EGCG and CA led to the changed protein structure of βLG. Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that conjugation of βLG with these polyphenols was effective in reducing the IgE-binding capacity of βLG. The conjugates maintained the retinol-binding activity without denaturation the protein and enhanced the thermal stability with high antioxidant activity. The study provides an innovative approach to producing hypoallergenic food., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs) are important bioactive polyphenolic compounds that are widely distributed in plants. In this paper, the inhibitory effects of four selected PPGs against trypsin were investigated. The interactions between these PPGs and trypsin were further investigated by multiple spectroscopic methods and molecular docking studies. The results showed that the binding of each of these PPGs to trypsin induced changes in the natural conformation of trypsin, which inhibited the enzyme in the following order: acteoside>syringalide A 3'-α-l-rhamnopyranoside>lipedoside A-I>osmanthuside B. The binding constant (K a ) values followed the same trend. The hydrogen bond force played an important role in the interaction between each PPG and trypsin. Interestingly, the binding affinity and inhibitory effect increased as the number of phenolic hydroxyl groups increased. In addition, the effect of the phenolic hydroxyl group on the A ring had a greater effect than one on the B ring., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Synthetic biology is an emerging interdisciplinary research field. By designing and constructing new or re-designing the existing natural systems, it confers them novel functions, which do not exist in nature. Owing to the predictability and controllability, synthetic biology attracts more and more interest from biologists, physicists, and engineers. Synthetic biology approaches not only can be widely used for biotechnological applications but also can be used to study complex biological systems to address fundamental questions. Here, we reviewed the recent studies following the concept of "build-to-understand", particularly, the studies to understand intracellular network structure, cell physiology, the behavior of multicellular populations, and ecosystems.

Objective: To explore the regulatory role of COX-2 and aggregation of EOS in the pathogenesis of Aspirin triad syndrome., Method: There were 34 patients with ST (group 1), 30 patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps and asthma (group 2), 30 patients with sinusitis (control group). Nasal polyps of 94 patients were obtained in endoscopic sinus surgery,HE staining and immunohistochemical SP staining were performed to detect the distribution of eosinophils(EOS) and the expression of COX-2. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software and then the relationship between their expression and distribution with clinical pathology and pathogenesis was analyzed., Result: EOS infiltrated extensively in nasal polyps, and EOS counts in these groups were 80.02 +/- 6.11, 76.62 +/- 5.22, 65.97 +/- 4.78,respectively. The difference between ST group, ATA group and control group are significant (P < 0.05), no significant difference between ST group and ATA group. COX-2 in the nasal polyps was mainly expressed in submucosal glands, glandular epithelial cells, epithelial cells, endothelial cells and EOS in interstitium. The positive cell count were 88.13 +/- 6.26, 89.46 +/- 5.97, 91.22 +/- 4.11, respectively. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) between ST group and control group. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between ATA group and control group,ST group and ATA group., Conclusion: The difference of EOS infiltration in patients with ST may be associated with an inflammatory response underlying specific clinical manifestations after exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the difference of COX-2 expression in patients with ST may be related to the conversion of metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid and the formation of nasal polyps.

Objective: To review the progress of autologous fat grafting of the face and outline different arguments in this field., Methods: Recent literature concerning autologous fat grafting of the face was reviewed and analyzed., Results: The applications and techniques for autologous fat grafting have been matured increasingly. It not only can adjust the proportion of facial contours, restore tissue volume, but also can improve the local skin texture. Reliable clinical results have achieved in facial augmentation and rejuvenation. Although there are arguments about donor site, harvesting technique, processing technique, and grafting technique, the basic principle is the same., Conclusion: From the perspective of evidence-based medicine, clinicians are rich in clinical experience, but objective evidence is insufficient. So further researches should be carried to look for scientific evidences.

Periodic stripe patterns are ubiquitous in living organisms, yet the underlying developmental processes are complex and difficult to disentangle. We describe a synthetic genetic circuit that couples cell density and motility. This system enabled programmed Escherichia coli cells to form periodic stripes of high and low cell densities sequentially and autonomously. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that the spatial structure arises from a recurrent aggregation process at the front of the continuously expanding cell population. The number of stripes formed could be tuned by modulating the basal expression of a single gene. The results establish motility control as a simple route to establishing recurrent structures without requiring an extrinsic pacemaker.

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of genistein on proliferation inhibition and onset of apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE., Method: Antiproliferative effect of genistein against CNE was tested by MTT method. Apoptotic phenotype of CNE was observed by electron microscope. Cell apoptosis percentage and cell cycle phase distribution of CNE were measured by flow cytometric assay., Result: A time dependent and dose dependent proliferation inhibition was demonstrated in CNE, the high potency has the obvious suppression on tumor growth function; Genistein induces nasopharyngeal cancer cell early apoptosis rate but to strengthen along with the density increase, 200 micromol/L group is highest, is 49.9%; and genistein induced a G2/ M cell cycle arrest. The characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis in CNE cells was observed after treated by genistein., Conclusion: The time dependent and dose dependent proliferation inhibitory effect of genistein on nasopharyngeal cancer cells. Genistein's mechanism on suppressing effect is probably associated with inducing the cell apoptosis and intervening the cell circle of carcinoma cell. The results provide evidence for the potential usefulness of genistein in the prevention and treatment of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Objective: To analyze the hearing loss profiles in patients with tinnitus, and then provide clinical foundation for further studying the etiology and examination methods of tinnitus., Method: Ear specialist examination, acoustic impedance test,normal frequency pure tone audiometry and extended high frequency audiometry were applied to 200 patients with chief complaint of subjective tinnitus., Result: Among the 200 tinnitus cases, 123 (61.5%) patients were diagnosed with unilateral tinnitus, 77 (38.5%) patients with bilateral tinnitus and 46 (23.0%) cases with normal hearing. In those patients with unilateral tinnitus, by comparing the hearing threshold of affected side and contralateral side (0.125-8 kHz), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but in extended high frequency (> 10 kHz), the difference between two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was significant difference in hearing threshold between tinnitus patients with normal and abnormal hearing in normal frequency (P < 0.05), meantime the detection rate in abnormal hearing group was lower than the normal group., Conclusion: Tinnitus can occur in people with normal hearing. Early in tinnitus,further study need be undertaken on whether the audiometry extended high frequency can offer the early evidence of hearing loss for tinnitus patients or not.

Objective: To explore the influence of adult craniofacial structures on obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)., Method: This study compared the measurements of the height, body weight,neck circumference, the mallampati oropharyngeal score grading, thyromental distance, thyromental angle, lobule-mental distance, mental-lower lip distance of 50 patients with OSAHS with those of 50 controls., Result: Statistical findings showed that OSAHS patients were different from controls in the following ways: (1) higher neck circumference; (2) larger thyromental angle; (3) higher Mallampati scores; (4) higher body mass index; (5) shorter mental-lower lip distance., Conclusion: A crowded posterior oropharynx and a steep thyromental plane are associated with OSAHS. The adult craniofacial structures of bony and soft tissue determine the dimension of upper airway during sleep andpaly an important role in the development of OSAHS.

Objective: To research the restoration characteristics of epithelia in nasal cavity and nasal sinuses with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery,and to provide basis for improving the treatment after operation., Method: Twenty patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery were observed. The "Vesicle tissues" situated ostiomeatal complex (OMC) were observed with light and transmission electron microscopy after operation of 7-14 days., Result: (1) The "Vesicle tissues" were off white or buff, some contained liquid, and some were parenchyma under the endoscopy. (2) The epithelia of "Vesicle tissues" were pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (16/20), and some were stratified squamous epithelium (2/20), some were squamous metaplasia in pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium (2/20). Lamina propria were edema. Inflammation cells infiltrated epithelial lining and subepithelial lining. We found mucous gland, mixed gland and glandular duct under subepithelial lining,and small vascular ectasia under light microscopy. (3) Transmission electron microscope: epithelia were pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium, cilia were in good order, microvilli located between cilia. The cross section of majority cilia were 9 + 2 form microtubule, but in some cilia we could not find microtubule and could only find one central microtubule. Golgi complex were up growth, and endoplasmic reticulum expand, and multi-mitochondrion were coagulation degeneration in epithelial cells. Some mitochondrion were 1-2 degree swelling and the lysosome increased. Inflammation cells infiltrated epithelial lining. Majority were neutrophil and lymphocyte, but we also found eosinophil and plasmacyte., Conclusion: "Vesicle tissues" is the manifestation of active epithelia regeneration in nasal cavity and nasal sinuses after endoscopic sinus surgery, it's the earlier period of imbalance regeneration of the epithelization in postoperative cavity. "Vesicle tissues" is similar to the nasal polyp histopathology, and it is phenomena of limited pathological rebuilding in earlier period. Cleaning "Vesicle tissues" can effectively control the nasal polyps relapse and impel the postoperative cavity to epithelization.

Objective: To investigate whether there are differences on the diagnose of sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome between automatic analysis and manual analysis of respiration events in polysomnogram., Method: Sixty snoring human was selected randomly and monitored separately by sleep monitor in seven hour at night, sleep monitor would produce a poly sonogram, firstly polysomnogram was analysis by the software of sleep monitor and then by the manual operation. Finally data were processed by statistical analysis., Result: There were significant differences between automatic analysis and manual analysis of polysomnogram on apnea hypopnea index,apnea index, hypopnea index and long apnea. Data of manual analysis were more consistent with clinic symptoms of patients than automatic analysis., Conclusion: The result of automatic analysis of polysomnogram had a deviation to the diagnosis of pathogenetic, in order to improve the accuracy of clinic diagnosis, polysomnogram should be analysis by manual operation generally.