Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for pediatric burns: a case–control study in underdeveloped minority areas in China

BackgroundPediatric burns are common, especially in underdeveloped countries, and these can physically affect the children involved and have an impact on their mental health. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of pediatric burns in underdeveloped minority areas of China.MethodsCase information from 192 children was collected from outpatient and inpatient clinics using a survey questionnaire. These included 90 pediatric burn cases and 102 controls who were children without burns. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for pediatric burns in order to establish a model. The goodness-of-fit for the model was assessed using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test as well as receiver operating characteristic and internal calibration curves. A nomogram was then used to analyze the contribution of each influencing factor to the pediatric burns model.ResultsSeven variables, including gender, age, ethnic minority, the household register, mother’s employment status, mother’s education and number of children, were analyzed for both groups of children. Of these, age, ethnic minority, mother’s employment status and number of children in a household were found to be related to the occurrence of pediatric burns using univariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). After a collinearity diagnosis, a multivariate logistic regression analysis of variables with tolerances of >0.2 and variance inflation factor <5 showed that age was a protective factor for pediatric burns [odds ratio (OR) = 0.725; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.665–0.801]. Compared with single-child parents, those with two children were at greater risk of pediatric burns (OR = 0.389; 95% CI: 0.158–0.959). The ethnic minority of the child and the mother’s employment status were also risk factors (OR = 6.793; 95% CI: 2.203–20.946 and OR = 2.266; 95% CI: 1.025–5.012, respectively). Evaluation of the model used was found to be stable. A nomogram showed that the contribution in the children burns model was age > mother’s employment status > number of children > ethnic minority.ConclusionsThis study showed that there are several risk factors strongly correlated to pediatric burns, including age, ethnic minority, the number of children in a household and mother’s employment status. Government officials should direct their preventive approach to tackling the problem of pediatric burns by promoting awareness of these findings

The Effectiveness and Safety of Probiotic Supplements for Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Preclinical Trials

Background. Patients with psoriasis need long-term medication to control their condition. Recent studies suggest that changing the intestinal flora may be a potential treatment. Methods. The databases were utilized to search the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and preclinical trials about probiotic supplement in the treatment of psoriasis. The retrieval time is from the establishment of these databases to December 2020. RevMan5.3 was used for the risk assessment of bias and meta-analysis. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021232756). Results. A total of 3 RCTs involving 164 participants were included. Two RCTs showed that probiotics can improve PASI and thereby improve the condition. For inflammation-related indicators, only one RCT showed that probiotics can improve the levels of CRP and TNF-α but have no obvious improvement effect on IL6. One RCT demonstrated the total effective rate of probiotics in the treatment of psoriasis. For adverse events, one RCT showed that the incidence of adverse events of probiotic treatment was low. Preclinical studies showed that continuous intervention with oral probiotics can significantly improve the progression of psoriasis and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors. The meta-analysis showed that the PASI between two groups was of no statistical significance (SMD 1.83 [-0.41, 4.07], P=0.11). Meanwhile, probiotics may improve skin thickness (SMD -5.87 [-11.34, -0.41], P=0.04) in animal model. Conclusion. Prebiotics may have a positive effect on alleviating the clinical symptoms of psoriasis, but a large sample of RCTs is still needed to support its therapeutic effect in psoriasis

Interfacial engineering of nickel/vanadium based two-dimensional layered double hydroxide for solid-state hydrogen storage in MgH₂

As a high-density solid-state hydrogen storage material, magnesium hydride (MgH2) is promising for hydrogen transportation and storage. Yet, its stable thermodynamics and sluggish kinetics are unfavorable for that required for commercial application. Herein, nickel/vanadium trioxide (Ni/V2O3) nanoparticles with heterostructures were successfully prepared via hydrogenating the NiV-based two-dimensional layered double hydroxide (NiV-LDH). MgH2 + 7 wt% Ni/V2O3 presented more superior hydrogen absorption and desorption performances than pure MgH2 and MgH2 + 7 wt% NiV-LDH. The initial discharging temperature of MgH2 was significantly reduced to 190 °C after adding 7 wt% Ni/V2O3, which was 22 and 128 °C lower than that of 7 wt% NiV-LDH modified MgH2 and additive-free MgH2, respectively. The completely dehydrogenated MgH2 + 7 wt% Ni/V2O3 charged 5.25 wt% H2 in 20 min at 125 °C, while the hydrogen absorption capacity of pure MgH2 only amounted to 4.82 wt% H2 at a higher temperature of 200 °C for a longer time of 60 min. Moreover, compared with MgH2 + 7 wt% NiV-LDH, MgH2 + 7 wt% Ni/V2O3 shows better cycling performance. The microstructure analysis indicated the heterostructural Ni/V2O3 nanoparticles were uniformly distributed. Mg2Ni/Mg2NiH4 and metallic V were formed in-situ during cycling, which synergistically tuned the hydrogen storage process in MgH2. Our work presents a facile interfacial engineering method to enhance the catalytic activity by constructing a heterostructure, which may provide the mentality of designing efficient catalysts for hydrogen storage.The authors appreciatively acknowledge the financial supports from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51801078)

Enhanced hydrogen storage properties of Mg by the synergistic effect of grain refinement and NiTiO3 nanoparticles

As a promising hydrogen storage material, the practical application of magnesium is obstructed by the stable thermodynamics and sluggish kinetics. In this paper, three kinds of NiTiO3 catalysts with different mole ratio of Ni to Ti were successfully synthesized and doped into nanocrystalline Mg to improve its hydrogen storage properties. Experimental results indicated that all the Mg-NiTiO3 composites showed prominent hydrogen storage performance. Especially, the Mg-NiTiO3/TiO2 composite could take up hydrogen at room temperature and the apparent activation energy for hydrogen absorption was dramatically decreased from 69.8 ± 1.2 (nanocrystalline Mg) kJ/mol to 34.2 ± 0.2 kJ/mol. In addition, the hydrogenated sample began to release hydrogen at about 193.2 °C and eventually desorbed 6.6 wt% H2. The desorption enthalpy of the hydrogenated Mg-NiTiO3-C was estimated to be 78.6 ± 0.8 kJ/mol, 5.3 kJ/mol lower compared to 83.9 ± 0.7 kJ/mol of nanocrystalline Mg. Besides, the sample revealed splendid cyclic stability during 20 cycles. No obvious recession occurred in the absorption and desorption kinetics and only 0.3 wt% hydrogen capacity degradation was observed. Further structural analysis demonstrates that nanosizing and catalyst doping led to a synergistic effect on the enhanced hydrogen storage performance of Mg-NiTiO3-C composite, which might serve as a reference for future design of highly effective hydrogen storage materials

Effects of Multi-Bacteria Solid-State Fermented Diets with Different Crude Fiber Levels on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Microbial Flora of Finishing Pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of multi-bacteria solid-state fermented diets with different crude fiber (CF) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and microbial flora of finishing pigs. The multi-bacteria solid-state fermented diets were made up of Lactobacillus amylovorus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida utilis. According to a 2 (factors) × 2 (levels) design, with the two factors being multi-bacteria solid-state fermentation (fed non-fermented diet or multi-bacteria fermentation) or CF levels (fed a basal diet containing 2.52% CF or 7.00% CF), a total of 36 finishing pigs (70.80 ± 5.75 kg) were divided into 4 treatments with 9 barrows per group: (1) pigs fed a diet containing 7.00% CF (HF), (2) pigs fed a multi-bacteria fermentation diet containing 7.00% CF (HFM), (3) pigs fed a diet containing 2.52% CF (LF), and (4) piglets fed a multi-bacteria fermentation diet containing 2.52% CF (LFM). This experiment lasted 28 days. The multi-bacteria solid-state fermented diet increased the backfat thickness (p p p Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, and Coprococcus (p p p p Streptococcaceae (p p p p Clostridiaceae_Clostridium and Coprococcus (p p p p p Akkermansia and Oscillospira (p p < 0.05). The 7.00% CF had a negative effect on the digestion of nutrients, but multi-bacteria solid-state fermentation diets could relieve this negative effect and increase backfat thickness. High-fiber diets and multi-bacteria solid-state fermentation improved the diversity and abundance of fecal microorganisms in finishing pigs

Dietary Tryptophan Levels Impact Growth Performance and Intestinal Microbial Ecology in Weaned Piglets via Tryptophan Metabolites and Intestinal Antimicrobial Peptides

Tryptophan (Trp) plays an important role in piglet growth. However, the effect of dietary Trp on microbial flora is still poorly understood. A total of 40 28-d weaned piglets were allocated to four groups with 10 barrows per group and one pig per replicate. Piglets were fed a corn and soybean meal-based diet with 0.14%, 0.21%, 0.28%, or 0.35% Trp for four weeks. Five piglets from each diet group were euthanized, and blood and tissue samples were collected. The average daily body weight gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, spleen index, pancreas index, longissimus dorsi muscle index, plasma insulin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, kynurenine, and Trp concentrations of weaned piglets increased in a dose-dependent manner (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the 0.14% Trp diet, the adequate-Trp diets (0.21%, 0.28%, or 0.35%) down-regulated the relative abundances of 12 genera including Turicibacter, Prevotella, Mitsuokella, Anaerovibrio, Megasphaera, Succinivibrio, Sutterella, Desulfovibrio, and Methanobrevibacter (p &lt; 0.05); up-regulated the abundances of Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, and Muribaculaceae in the colon (p &lt; 0.05); and augmented the mRNA level and concentration of porcine β-defensin 2 in the small intestinal mucosa (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, Trp-adequate diets increased the abundances of Trp hydroxylase, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, porcine β-defensin 2, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin, and phosphorylated protein kinase B in the small intestinal mucosa (p &lt; 0.05). We noted that a corn and soybean meal-based diet with 0.35% Trp may be a nutritional strategy to improve growth performance, intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, and intestinal microbial ecology in weaned piglets

Effects of Long-Term Low-Protein Diets Supplemented with Sodium Dichloroacetate and Glucose on Metabolic Biomarkers and Intestinal Microbiota of Finishing Pigs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-protein (LP) diets supplemented with sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) and glucose (GLUC) on metabolic markers and intestinal microbiota of finishing pigs. A total of 80 crossbred growing barrows were allocated randomly to one of the five treatments, including the normal protein level diet (CON), the LP diets, LP with 120 mg/kg DCA (LP + DCA) or 1.8% glucose (LP + GLUC), and LP with 120 mg/kg DCA and 1.8% glucose (LP + DCA + GLUC). The LP diet increased the plasma HDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations and reduced the bile acid, urea nitrogen, albumin, and total protein concentrations compared to the CON diet (p p p < 0.05). Moreover, the LP diets with or without DCA and GLUC supplementation increased the relative abundance of colonic microbiota related to carbohydrate fermentation in finishing pigs. In conclusion, 120 mg/kg DCA or 1.8% GLUC supplementation in an LP diet modulated the hepatic lipid metabolism of pigs, while the DCA along with GLUC supplementation likely improved the lipid metabolism by stimulating bile acid secretion

Eplet-Predicted Antigens: An Attempt to Introduce Eplets into Unacceptable Antigen Determination and Calculated Panel-Reactive Antibody Calculation Facilitating Kidney Allocation

(1) Calculated panel-reactive antibody (CPRA) is a measure of sensitization based on unacceptable antigens (UAs). Determination of UAs based on single-antigen bead assays at allele or antigen levels may be inappropriate. We aimed to introduce eplets for better assessment of sensitization; (2) 900 recipients and 1427 donors were enrolled for candidate or donor pools, respectively. Eplets were from the HLA Epitope Registry. UAs were determined by anti-HLA antibodies identified using LIFECODES Single Antigen (LSA) kits. CPRA values were calculated using a simplified method of donor filtering; (3) HLA antigens containing all eplets of an HLA antigen in LSA kits (LSA antigen) were defined as eplet-predicted (EP) antigens, the reactivity of which could be predicted by that LSA antigen. High reactivity concordance was found between LSA and EP antigens. More HLA antigens were covered by EP antigens in the population than LSA antigens. CPRA values at the EP level were higher than at the allele level and lower than at the antigen level. The EP antigens facilitated UA determination for non-LSA antigens and avoided acute rejection; (4) UA determination using EP antigens can lead to more accurate assessment of sensitization, enabling a high probability of compatible organs and a low risk of adverse outcomes

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> on Growth Performance, Organ Weight, Digestive Enzyme Activities, and Serum Biochemical Indices in Broiler

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing Bacillus subtilis and an antibiotic (Zinc bacitracin) in the diet of broilers on growth performance, organ weight, blood metabolites, and digestive enzymes of broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-d Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to five treatments. Each treatment consisted of six replicates with four pens, and each pen had five birds. The chicks were fed (1) the basal diet (control), (2) the basal diet with 500 mg/kg Zinc bacitracin (APZ), (3) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 1 × 108 CFU/g (B.Sut-1), (4) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 3 × 108 CFU/g (B.Sut-3), and (5) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 5 × 108 CFU/g (B.Sut-5). The experiment lasted for 42 days. In this study, the supplementation of diets with B. subtilis (B.Sut-3 and B.Sut-5 groups) increased body weight gain from 1 to 21 days compared with control (p B.Sut-3 group had a significantly heavier bursa of Fabricius than control at 21 days (p B.Sut-5 and APZ groups (p B.Sut-5 and APZ groups at 21 and 42 days (p B.Sut-5 and APZ groups had higher serum lipase, pepsin, and amylase activities (p Bacillus subtilis ATCC19659 at 5 × 108 CFU/g could be applied as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry diets

The Effectiveness and Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 28 Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Chinese databases (such as CNKI and SinoMed) and English databases (such as PubMed and Embase) were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MSCs in the treatment of OA. The retrieval time is from inception to October 10, 2021. The literature was strictly selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data was extracted, and the quality was evaluated. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. STATA was used to evaluate publication bias. The registration number of this systematic review and meta-analysis is CRD42021277145. Results. A total of 28 RCTs involving 1494 participants were included. The primary outcomes showed that MSCs may reduce WOMAC pain and VAS at the 3rd-month follow-up [WOMAC pain: -3.81 (-6.95, -0.68), P=0.02. VAS: -1.11 (-1.53, -0.68), P<0.00001], and the effect lasts for at least 12 months [WOMAC pain: -4.29 (-7.12, -1.47), P=0.003. VAS: -1.77 (-2.43, -1.12), P<0.00001]. MSCs may also reduce WOMAC stiffness and physical function at the 6th-month follow-up [WOMAC stiffness: -1.12 (-2.09, -0.14), P=0.03. WOMAC physical function: -4.40 (-6.84, -1.96), P=0.0004], and the effect lasts for at least 12 months [WOMAC stiffness: -0.99 (-1.95, -0.03), P=0.04. WOMAC physical function: -3.26 (-5.91, -0.61), P=0.02]. The improvement of WOMAC pain, VAS, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC physical function may be clinically significant. Meanwhile, after the MSC injection, Lequesne had been reduced compared with the control group [-4.49 (-8.21, -0.77), P=0.002]. For adverse events, there is no significant difference in the safety of MSC injection and the control group [1.20 (0.97, 1.48), P=0.09]. The quality of WOMAC physical function and adverse events were moderate. Conclusion. Based on current evidence, MSCs may be a safety therapy that have a good curative effect in the treatment of OA, the onset time is no later than 3 months, and the time to maintain the curative effect is no less than 12 months. However, these results should be generalized with caution due to the generally low quality of evidence and RCTs