Preparation and characterization of carboxymethyl chitosan/pullulan composite film incorporated with eugenol and its application in the preservation of chilled meat.

To solve the problem of easy spoilage of chilled meat during storage, we fabricated a novel composite film using carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/pullulan (Pul)/eugenol (E) by casting method. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the films were better when the CMCS/Pul ratio was 2.5/2.5. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that intermolecular hydrogen bonds were formed among E, CMCS, and Pul, which was consistent with the rheological test results. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images showed that eugenol was well dispersed in the CMCS/Pul matrix. The addition of eugenol significantly increased the antibacterial properties and antioxidant properties. Moreover, when 5% eugenol was added, the water vapor permeability (WVP) of the film reduced to 2.41 × 10-11 g/m·s·Pa. Finally, the freshness of the chilled meat wrapped with the eugenol-containing composite film was prolonged, thereby offering a potential alternative to synthetic materials.

Prevalence and indoor environment risk factors of otitis among preschool children in Urumqi, China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the indoor environmental risk factors to provide measures for the prevention and control of otitis in preschool children. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was administered to preschool children aged 2-7 years from 60 kindergartens in six districts of Urumqi City in August 2019. Multiple regression was run to predict influence factors for otitis media in preschool children. RESULT: A total of 8153 valid questionnaires were collected. After adjusting for age, the prevalence of otitis among preschool children in Urumqi was 13.1%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that previous antibiotic treatment, treatment with one to two antibiotics before 1 year of age, presence of walls with aqueous or latex paint, use of carpet floor bedding in rooms, newly decorated homes of mothers before pregnancy, purchase of new furniture for homes of children at 0-1 year of age, and presence of flowering plants in the residence of children at 0-1 years of age were all identified as risk factors for the development of otitis in children. CONCLUSION: Parents should also pay attention to indoor living environments, and reduce indoor renovation in the homes of children during their growth and development, which can positively improve children's indoor living environment, thus effectively preventing otitis in preschool children.

Prevalence and indoor environment risk factors of otitis among preschool children in Urumqi, China

Abstract Objective To investigate the indoor environmental risk factors to provide measures for the prevention and control of otitis in preschool children. Method In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was administered to preschool children aged 2-7 years from 60 kindergartens in six districts of Urumqi City in August 2019. Multiple regression was run to predict influence factors for otitis media in preschool children. Result A total of 8153 valid questionnaires were collected. After adjusting for age, the prevalence of otitis among preschool children in Urumqi was 13.1%. Multivariate logistic regression showed that previous antibiotic treatment, treatment with one to two antibiotics before 1 year of age, presence of walls with aqueous or latex paint, use of carpet floor bedding in rooms, newly decorated homes of mothers before pregnancy, purchase of new furniture for homes of children at 0-1 year of age, and presence of flowering plants in the residence of children at 0-1 years of age were all identified as risk factors for the development of otitis in children. Conclusion Parents should also pay attention to indoor living environments, and reduce indoor renovation in the homes of children during their growth and development, which can positively improve children's indoor living environment, thus effectively preventing otitis in preschool children.