Incidence Of Upper Respiratory Infections Research Articles

Effect of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation of the air on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in kittens in a nursery.

To evaluate the effect of UV germicidal irradiation of the air on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in kittens in a nursery. 4- to 8-week-old kittens admitted to a kitten nursery in 2016 and 2018. 2 UV germicidal irradiation systems (1 within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system and 1 attached to the ceiling) were installed in a kitten nursery. Data were collected on the number of kittens in which a URI was diagnosed by means of a physical examination. The incidence of URIs was compared between 2016, when no UV systems were used, and 2018, when the UV systems were used. The overall incidence of URIs in 2016 was 12.4 cases/100 kitten admissions and in 2018 was 1.6 cases/100 kitten admissions, a significant decrease of 87.1% between the years. A significant reduction in the incidence of URIs in kittens in a nursery was noted when the UV germicidal irradiation systems were used. Therefore, airborne transmission of feline respiratory pathogens may be more important than has been previously recognized. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation systems that disinfect the air may be an effective adjunct to standard infection prevention and control protocols in reducing the risk of the transmission of respiratory pathogens among kittens in nurseries and shelters. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the findings reported here.

Aspects of physical training related with upper respiratory tract infections: a review

The upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are characterized by symptoms present, mainly, in the nose and pharynx. Physical exercise is one of the factors that can lead to development of URTI, causing a state of immunosuppression during a small-time interval, making the athlete susceptible to development of acute infectious states. Besides its influence in athlete’s quality of life and healthy, the progression of URTI seems to be associated with overtraining state, inducing reduction on physical performance. Several authors have been discussing how the variables of exercise training can alter the incidence and prevalence of URTI, and the present study was developed to present the current knowledge about this tissue, discussing how the modulation in the exercise training variables may interfere in the URTI. Methods: This is a review study. Results: Athletes with different levels of training and different categories in most diverse modalities seem to suffer from symptoms of URTI in training and competitive periods. Increasing of URTI symptoms seems to be related to internal training load and evidence has pointed out that suppression of serum and salivary immunoglobulin concentrations appear to be a factor which influences appearance of these symptoms and may even be used as markers of immune status of athlete. Conclusion: In point of view of reviewed articles, athletes with different levels of training and different categories in most diverse modalities seem to suffer from symptoms of URTI in training and competitive periods. Increasing of URTI symptoms seems to be related to internal training load and evidence has pointed out that suppression of serum and salivary immunoglobulin concentrations appear to be a factor which influences appearance of these symptoms and may even be used as markers of immune status of athlete. However, studies that verify and provide “cutoff points” that indicate a higher risk for URTI onset is still needed.

The Relationship Between Physical Parameters of Quality in the Home and the Occurrence of Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) in Toddler in Pontianak, West Kalimantan

Environmental factors are the biggest determinant of the incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI). Physical parameters of a house that do not meet the requirements increase the risk of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, especially in children under five. This study aims to analyze the physical parameters of air quality (temperature, lighting, humidity, and ventilation) in the house with the incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in infants in the Regional Technical Implementation Unit of North Pontianak Public Health Center in 2018. The method used is analytic observation using the Cross-Sectional approach. The population in this study was 2884 children under five with a sample of 93 children under five. The analysis was performed with the Chi-Square test with a 95% confidence level. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between temperature and the incidence of URIs (p-value = 0.002 OR values ​​= 6.648), humidity with URI events (p-value 0.035 OR values ​​= 3.625), lighting with URI events (p-value = 0,000 OR value = 15.037), and there is no significant relationship between ventilation and the incidence of URI (p-value 0.383 OR value = 2.112).

Can not touching the nose or eyes help cold prevention? Possibility of application using a smartwatch and self-checking.

More than 200 virus strains have been implicated in common colds, thereby thwarting vaccination efforts. However, the most common causes of colds are human rhinoviruses, which infect the epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. Moreover, after decades of research, the best documented method of preventing infection remains to be handwashing. However, stopping people from inadvertently touching or rubbing one's nose and eyes is difficult, and the effectiveness of preventing such habits has not been validated. Here, we reported the results of a randomized controlled trial (n = 120) performed over 50 days. We examined the effectiveness of using smartwatches equipped with a sensor and a vibration alert, as well as the self-checking of behavior, in preventing subjects from touching their nose or eyes. Participants were randomly assigned to either the smartwatch group or the handwashing group (control). Subjects in the handwashing group were requested to wash their hands after going out, whereas subjects in the smartwatch group were requested to wash their hands and in addition wear a smartwatch that vibrates to remind them not to excessively touch their nose or eyes. The daily frequency of nose and eye touching was also recorded by the smartwatches. The first incidence of an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was the primary endpoint. In the smartwatch group, compared with the control group, the incidence of URTIs was significantly lower by 53% (p < 0.05) and was associated with a decrease in the mean frequency of nose or eye touching (p < 0.05).

Efficacy of Montelukast for Prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Children: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Upper Respiratory tract infection (URTI) or common cold is very prevalent in children particularly in young children. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) like montelukast are effective drugs in asthma and some other respiratory diseases. Our purpose was to study preventive effects of montelukast on pediatric URTI. Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled, and double blind trial was performed on 450 healthy children aged 1-5 year in Amir Kabir Hospital, Arak, Iran. Children were randomized 1:1 to placebo group or montelukast group for 12 weeks. Number of URTI episodes and duration were the primary end points and were compared at baseline and after termination of treatment. Results: Mean age was 28 ± 12.3 months. Mean of URTI episodes was 0.7 ± 0.57 in children treated with montelukast and 1.27 ± 0.72 in children treated with placebo, respectively. Differences were statistically significant (P =0.01). A significant difference was seen in URTI duration between two study groups (6.3 ± 6.1 vs 4.1 ± 3.9, P = 0.05). In addition, duration of fever was shorter in children receiving montelukast (P=0.001). Conclusion: Our study indicates that 3 month treatment with montelukast is effective for reducing the incidence of URTI in young children. This treatment has an acceptable safety without any serious concern.

A randomized controlled trial of different young child formulas on upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections in Chinese toddlers.

Bioactive proteins and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), important ingredients in breast milk, that protect against infections are lacking in young child formula (YCF). This study investigated the effects of new YCFs on respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in toddlers. Four hundred and sixty one healthy Chinese children aged 1-2.5years were recruited in this randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial of different YCFs. They were randomly assigned to either standard milk formula (YCF-Ref) or one of three new YCFs containing bioactive proteins and/or the HMO 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and/or milk fat for six months. Primary outcomes were incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and duration of gastrointestinal tract infections (GITI). There were no significant between-group differences in primary outcomes. For secondary outcomes, subjects receiving 2'-FL-supplemented YCF had longer URTI. Subjects receiving YCF supplemented with milk fat and intact bioactive proteins, and 2'-FL at levels found in breast milk, had more GITI episodes and shorter time to first GITI but similar effects on URTI duration than YCF-Ref recipients. No effects on URTI and GITI were observed in toddlers receiving YCF with bioactive proteins at lower levels than breast milk. Occurrence of adverse events and anthropometry were similar in all groups. All three YCFs supplemented with different combinations of intact bioactive proteins, 2'-FL, and milk fat are safe in toddlers. No difference is detected among YCFs on URTI incidence and GITI duration. Further studies are needed to verify these findings especially in infants who may benefit most from the immune-boosting effects of bioactive proteins and HMOs.

Use of a probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Enterococcus faecium L3 as prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of acute gastroenteritis and upper respiratory tract infections in children.

For healthy children, attending communities such as nurseries, kindergartens or schools, exposes them to the risk of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and/or upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). We therefore evaluated whether the use of a well-documented probiotic formula could act as prophylaxis for AGE and URTIs, reducing the risk of occurrence. In a randomized study, we tested a probiotic mixture containing Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12 and Enterococcus faecium L3 on 94 healthy children, comparing the incidence and duration of episodes of AGE and the incidence of URTIs to those of a control group of 109 healthy, untreated subjects. In a subgroup consisting of 34 healthy, treated children, we also evaluated salivary IgA levels. The use of the probiotic formula significantly reduced the incidence and duration of episodes of AGE by 82% and 45%, respectively, and the incidence and duration of episodes of URTIs by 84% and 50%. Salivary IgA levels significantly increased three-fold after 90 days of probiotic treatment. The probiotic formula was well tolerated and no side effects occurred. According to our results, use of the probiotic strains BB-12 and L3 statistically reduced the risk of AGE and URTIs in healthy children and increased levels of salivary IgA.

Appraisal of Preventive and Curative Outcome of Yasad Bhasma in Anemic Children.

Introduction: In Ayurveda, lot of drugs have been mentioned to treat Anemia (Pandu roga) and is supposed to treat the disease relatively early and more rationally. Yashad Bhasma is considered as one of the drug to treat anemia disease of children in terms of improvement in hemoglobin, serum iron etc. Aim: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Yashada Bhasma in anemic children when given with or without iron salt (ferrous Ascorbate) as well as in diseased children. Methodology: All the cases were registered from the O.P.D./I.P.D. of department of Kaumarbhritya/Bal Roga, FOA, IMS, BHU, after getting written informed consent from either parents or guardian of the baby/ child. The study protocol was approved by the PG Medical Board of FOA, IMS, BHU and ethical committee of IMS, BHU. Observation and Result: Mean serum iron level was seems to be increased in group –‘A’ after first follow up and on final follow up but on inter group comparison increase in serum iron level was more consistent and significant (t value of group A &amp; B =4.6 Vs 12.43 and 7.53 Vs 8.78 respectively) in group B than others. Discussion: Serum iron has better improvement in, when give iron along with Yashad bhasma rather than only iron. The present study also clarifies that incidence of URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), diarrhea associated with fever is found reduced at first follow up and maximum reduced in group-C. After final follow up patients of A, B &amp; C do not show onset of any sign and symptoms of any disease.

Clinical considerations for managing dermatology patients on systemic immunosuppressive or biologic therapy, or both, during the COVID-19 pandemic

Clinical considerations for managing dermatology patients on systemic immunosuppressive or biologic therapy, or both, during the COVID-19 pandemic

HUBUNGAN SANITASI FISIK RUMAH DENGAN KEJADIAN INFEKSI SALURAN PERNAPASAN AKUT PADA BALITA DI PUSKESMAS KARO KELURAHAN KARO PEMATANGSIANTAR

The objective of this research is to find out the environment health housing that influencing the numbers of upper respiratory tract infection incidence in children under 5 years old in puskesmas karo. The research was 67 children under 5 years old. Result of this study showed the upper respiratory tract infection incidence in children under 5 years old was 52,2 percent. Over crowed of the room, type of wall and room ventilation had the significant influence to the upper respiratory tract infection incidence of the children under 5 years.

The effect of probiotics on prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in the paediatric community - a systematic review.

Prevention of acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) is becoming an increasingly important concept in public health application due to the increase in antibiotic resistance. Probiotics have been shown to have some effect on prevention in various reviews. In this study we aimed to re-asses the effect of probiotics as there has been a substantial increase in literature regarding the effects and safety of probiotics in the paediatric population. Two major databases were systematically searched to identify clinical trials eligible for inclusion. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by two reviewers. This review comprises 33 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) applied to a paediatric population with high-quality methodology. The primary outcome for this review was the incidence of respiratory tract infections. Secondary outcomes were severity of symptoms, missed days of school, incidence of antibiotic use and safety of prebiotic use. This review showed that probiotics have an impact on decreasing the incidence of URTIs and the severity of symptoms. The use of probiotics is extremely safe and as studies increase in evaluation of the effect of probiotics more and more show a significant beneficiary effect. Although still a long way from becoming a unanimous treatment modality, the small positive changes that probiotics have on URTIs is important to consider and the use of probiotics should be encouraged more.

Add-on or alone? Inhaled nebulized immunoglobulin reduces upper airway infections: 24 months of real-life experience.

Background: Patients with antibody deficiencies might suffer from acute/chronic upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), despite apparently adequate levels of replacement IgG. This pilot study aimed to ascertain whether inhaled nebulized immunoglobulin (INHIG) could reduce the number of URTI episodes. Methods: Three young, male sibling patients with antibody deficiency who, despite ongoing treatment, were suffering from frequent URTI and recurrent otitis media. INHIG consisted of 4ml intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG; 5%) nebulized with the eFLOW® nebulizer, twice daily. Data from meticulous infection symptoms diaries were used for analysis. Results: The patients tolerated the INHIG well; no adverse events were registered. The number of URTI was significantly decreased. Conclusion: In antibody deficient patients with URTI, INHIG reduces the incidence of URTI and may serve as a valuable physiological prophylaxis in the prevention of infections.

A randomised controlled study shows supplementation of overweight and obese adults with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria reduces bodyweight and improves well-being

In an exploratory, block-randomised, parallel, double-blind, single-centre, placebo-controlled superiority study (ISRCTN12562026, funded by Cultech Ltd), 220 Bulgarian participants (30 to 65 years old) with BMI 25–34.9 kg/m2 received Lab4P probiotic (50 billion/day) or a matched placebo for 6 months. Participants maintained their normal diet and lifestyle. Primary outcomes were changes in body weight, BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), blood pressure and plasma lipids. Secondary outcomes were changes in plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), the diversity of the faecal microbiota, quality of life (QoL) assessments and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Significant between group decreases in body weight (1.3 kg, p < 0.0001), BMI (0.045 kg/m2, p < 0.0001), WC (0.94 cm, p < 0.0001) and WtHR (0.006, p < 0.0001) were in favour of the probiotic. Stratification identified greater body weight reductions in overweight subjects (1.88%, p < 0.0001) and in females (1.62%, p = 0.0005). Greatest weight losses were among probiotic hypercholesterolaemic participants (−2.5%, p < 0.0001) alongside a significant between group reduction in small dense LDL-cholesterol (0.2 mmol/L, p = 0.0241). Improvements in QoL and the incidence rate ratio of URTI (0.60, p < 0.0001) were recorded for the probiotic group. No adverse events were recorded. Six months supplementation with Lab4P probiotic resulted in significant weight reduction and improved small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) profiles, QoL and URTI incidence outcomes in overweight/obese individuals.

Prevention of Acute Upper Respiratory Infections by Consumption of Catechins in Healthcare Workers: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Catechins, phytochemicals contained mainly in green tea, exhibit antiviral activity against various acute infectious diseases experimentally. Clinical evidence supporting these effects, however, is not conclusive. We performed a placebo-controlled, single-blind, randomized control trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of consumption of catechins-containing beverage for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Two hundred and seventy healthcare workers were randomly allocated to high-catechin (three daily doses of 57 mg catechins and 100 mg xanthan gum), low-catechin (one daily dose of 57 mg catechins and 100 mg xanthan gum), or placebo (0 mg catechins and 100 mg xanthan gum) group. Subjects consumed a beverage with or without catechins for 12 weeks from December 2017 through February 2018. The primary endpoint was incidence of URTIs compared among groups using a time-to-event analysis. A total of 255 subjects were analyzed (placebo group n = 86, low-catechin group n = 85, high catechin group n = 84). The URTI incidence rate was 26.7% in the placebo group, 28.2% in the low-catechin group, and 13.1% in the high-catechin group (log rank test, p = 0.042). The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)) with reference to the placebo group was 1.09 (0.61–1.92) in the low-catechin group and 0.46 (0.23–0.95) in the high-catechin group. These findings suggest that catechins combined with xanthan gum protect against URTIs.

Incidence of Serious Adverse Events, Pneumonitis, Infection and Sepsis in Patients with Relapsed and Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/ Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Treated with Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) Inhibitors

Introduction: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a kinase protein involved in downstream signaling for multiple pathways in B cells and is important for B cell survival, proliferation and metabolism. Hence, PI3K inhibitors have become an attractive therapeutic option for treatment of B cell malignancies. Two prominent PI3K inhibitors, (PI3Kδ-selective inhibitor) and duvelisib (PI3Kδ/γ-combinatorial inhibitor), are currently being studied in relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and have shown to improve survival in recent trials with notable toxicities. We analyzed phase 3 trials to assess the incidence of serious adverse events, pneumonitis, infection and sepsis associated with PI3K inhibitors in this susceptible population. Methods: We systematically conducted a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE databases and meeting abstracts from inception through June 2019. Phase 3 RCTs utilizing PI3K inhibitors in patients with relapsed and refractory CLL/SLL that mention serious adverse events, pneumonitis, infection and sepsis as adverse effects were incorporated in the analysis. Mantel-Haenszel (MH) method was used to calculate the estimated pooled risk ratio (RR), and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q- statistic. Random effects model was applied. Results: Four phase 3 RCTs with a total of 1,216 patients with relapsed and refractory CLL/SLL were included in analysis. Studies compared ofatumumab vs idelalisib+ofatumumab, rituximab vs idelalisib+rituximab, bendamustine+ rituximab vs idelalisib+bendamustine+rituximab and ofatumumab vs duvelisib. The randomization ratio was 2:1 in Jones et al. study and 1:1 in other studies. The I2 statistic for heterogeneity was 49, suggesting some heterogeneity among RCTs. The incidence of serious adverse events was 479 (73.69%) in study group vs 252 (44.92%) in control group (RR, 1.58; 95% CI: 1.37 - 1.83; P &amp;lt; 0.0001 and RD, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.13 - 0.40; P = 0.0002). Pneumonitis was noted in 20 (3.07%) vs 1 (0.18%) in control group with RR of 6.53 (95% CI: 1.74 -24.53; P = 0.005) and RD of 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01 - 0.04; P = 0.0004). The incidence of any-grade pneumonia was 107 (16.46%) in study group vs 54 (9.63%) in control group (RR, 1.61; 95% CI: 1.00 - 2.58; P = 0.05). High-grade pneumonia was reported in 81 (12.46%) in idelalisib arm versus 35 (6.24%) in control group with RR of 1.84 (95% CI: 0.82 - 4.13; P = 0.14). Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) rate was 2.24% higher in study group compared to control arm (RR, 3.87; 95% CI: 1.22 - 12.29; P = 0.02). Any-grade upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was 14% in study group versus 7.84% in control arm (RR, 1.65; 95% CI: 1.17 - 2.34; P = 0.005). Sepsis rate was 2.88% higher in idelalisib group compared to control arm and the pooled RR was statistically significant at 2.68 (95% CI: 1.19 - 6.04, P = 0.02). Treatment-related deaths were 64 (11.85%) in study arm vs 28 (6.17%) in control arm according to analysis of 3 trials. The pooled RR was also statistically significant at 1.87 (95% CI: 1.21 -2.88; P = 0.005). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis showed that the incidence of serious adverse events, pneumonitis, PJP pneumonia, any-grade URTI and sepsis was significantly higher in PI3K inhibitors group with RR of 1.58 for serious adverse events, RR of 6.53 for pneumonitis, RR of 3.87 for PJP pneumonia and RR of 2.68 for sepsis respectively. Moreover, patients on PI3K inhibitors experienced 5.68% higher incidence of treatment-related deaths with RR of 1.87, compared to control arm. Since treatment-related serious toxicities and deaths are higher amongst patients treated with these agents, extra caution should be observed and recommended with their use. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effects of Seasonal Training Load on Performance and Illness Symptoms in Water Polo.

Brisola, GMP, Claus, GM, Dutra, YM, Malta, ES, de Poli, RAB, Esco, MR, and Zagatto, AM. Effects of seasonal training load on performance and illness symptoms in water polo. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 406-413, 2020-The purpose of the study was to describe the training load distribution of a young female water polo team in different cycles of the season and verify its subsequent effects on specific fitness measured by the repeated sprints ability (RSA) test, aerobic endurance measured by the lactate minimum test, incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms, and muscle damage markers. The training load (i.e., rating of perceived exertion × session duration) of 20 young female water polo players (mean ± SD: age = 15.65 ± 1.3 years; body mass = 60.93 ± 11.0 kg; height = 1.62 ± 0.1 m) was monitored, and the incidence and severity of URTI was assessed during part of the season. In addition, we assessed the lactate minimum speed (LMS), RSA, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) blood concentration during the season. The level of significance set was p < 0.05. The training loads were higher in the specific period (p < 0.01), whereas a high incidence of URTI was observed in the general cycle. The LMS was greater in the general cycle (p < 0.05), whereas total time and best time in the RSA test were greater in the competitive cycle (p < 0.05). The CK and LDH concentrations were significantly lower during the competitive cycle (p < 0.01). The general cycle of a female water polo team is critical regarding URTI and muscle damage, even with smaller training loads than the specific period.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Mucosal Immunity in Young Ice Hockey Players During the Pretournament Training Period.

Orysiak, J, Witek, K, Malczewska-Lenczowska, J, Zembron-Lacny, A, Pokrywka, A, and Sitkowski, D. Upper respiratory tract infection and mucosal immunity in young ice hockey players during the pretournament training period. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 3129-3135, 2019-The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 17 days of training during preparation for the Ice Hockey Under 18 World Championship of the Polish ice hockey national team on the mucosal immune function and monitor upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) incidence before, during, and after the competition. Twelve male ice hockey players (age, 17.7 ± 0.5 years) were recruited for this study. The first saliva and blood collection took place at the beginning of the training camp (without training at the training camp), the second one was collected on the 9th day of the training camp immediately after the intensification of training, and the third collection was performed on the 13th day of training (4 days before leaving for the World Championship) in the tapering phase. To assess the mucosal immune function, concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), sIgA1, and sIgA2 were analyzed in saliva. Cortisol concentration and creatine kinase activity were determined in blood, as indicators of stress and muscle damage, respectively. The Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21 questionnaire was used to assess URTI symptoms. A significant increase in the sIgA1 and sIgA2 concentrations was observed in the third collection compared with the second time point (114.45 ± 33.00 vs. 77.49 ± 27.29 and 88.97 ± 25.33 vs. 71.65 ± 32.44 U, respectively). There were no statistically significant correlations between the URTI incidence and saliva variables. In conclusion, the tapering period positively affects the mucosal immune function, especially sIgA1 and sIgA2 concentrations, with no significant change in the frequency of URTI in young ice hockey players.

Incidence and clinical picture of upper respiratory infection in children receiving zinc supplement

The National Household Health Survey (1995) reported that the prevalence of upper respiratory infection (URI) in Indonesia was found 25.3% for all ages and 47.1% for the under five children. Reports of studies on the effect of zinc in the reduction of respiratory infection stated inconsistentresults. The objective of this community base study is to evaluate the effect of zinc as the attempt to reduce the incidence of URI. We have studied the effect of daily supplementation of 10 mg elemental zinc in a double blind, randomized, controlled trial consisting of 37 children (zinc group) and 36 children (control group) of 6 months - 5 years old. The distribution of preparation and monitoring of morbidity were performed regularly once a week along 2-month study period. During the 2-month study (February-April 2001) we found 24 URI cases in the zinc group and 24 cases in the control group. Time series analysis concerning the incidence and severity of the zinc group showed a negative slope (Yt: a – bx), while the placebo group showed a positive slope (Yt: a + bx). The evidence and severity of URI in zinc groups within the 1st and 2nd months showedsignificant different, while it was not in the control group. The study obviously showed the benefit of zinc supplementation in the reduction of URI as showed by negative slope in the time series analysis, and significant decreased of the incidence and the severity of URI in zinc group. There was no side effect of zinc supplemented noted. We suggest, therefore regular zinc supplementation to the diet of the children in the low economic level community are needed.

Vitamin D supplementation –Is it the time to stop wasting money on vitamin D?

In recent years, vitamin D has received increased attention, as a number of studies have shown its link to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Apart from its benefits on bone health, vitamin D supplementation has been shown beneficial in reducing risk for many chronic diseases including autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, many cancers and infectious diseases. Vitamin deficiency has been associated with increased risk of elevated blood pressure, heart attack and stroke in studies. The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the increased incidence of upper respiratory infections, asthma and eczema, among children, has been observed in several studies. Recent meta-analyzes showed a relationship between vitamin D administration during the early months of life and a lower incidence of type 1 diabetes later in life. Therefore, it is not surprising that Vitamin D supplementation is used to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases, and the use has increased considerably in the last decade.

Immunoregulatory effect of human β-defensin 1 on neonatal cord blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells and T cells

The relationship between breastfeeding and infant health has been well elucidated in past decades. Our previous study has shown that human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1) in human breast milk plays a protective role in reducing the incidence of upper respiratory infection in infants younger than 6 months. In the present study, we aim to reveal the mechanism underlying the protective role of hBD-1 by focusing on its immunoregulatory function in neonates. Cord blood (CB) from newborns’ umbilical cords, which can simulate many of the neonatal symptoms, was used to study the immunomodulatory role of hBD-1 in neonates in vitro. Our results showed that hBD-1 promotes the GM-CSF- and IL-4-driven differentiation of neonatal umbilical CB monocytes to immature dendritic cells (DCs) and the final maturation of CB monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) induced by LPS but not inflammatory cytokine production. In addition, hBD-1 inhibits apoptosis in neonatal moDCs through CCR6, which might be a possible mechanism of the hBD-1-induced phenotypes in moDCs. Furthermore, we found that hBD-1 promotes the proliferation and activation, but not the maturation, of neonatal CB CD4 + T cells. These results extend the immunoregulatory effects of hBD-1 and provide a potential mechanism for the protective role of hBD-1 in early infants, which will inform the development of infant nutrition, novel vaccines and anti-infective strategies in the future.