Global burden of childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea

A study on viruses and bacteria with particular interest on Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children with exacerbation of asthma from a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka

Asthma is a significant public health concern, particularly in children with severe symptoms. Exacerbation of asthma (EOA) is life-threatening, and respiratory infections (RIs) play a crucial role. Though viruses play a significant role in EOA, patients are empirically treated with antibiotics, contributing to antibiotic resistance development. Although there are widely reported associations of EOA with viral or Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections, there are no published data for Sri Lanka. The present study aimed to identify the association of common respiratory viruses, typical respiratory bacterial pathogens and M. pneumoniae in children with EOA and relate them with the compatibility of antimicrobial use. A case-control study was conducted in the paediatric unit of North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka, involving two groups of children between 5 and 15 years of age. Group 1 is children with EOA and Group 2 is children with stable asthma (SA). Each group consisted of 100 children. Sputum/throat swabs were tested for common respiratory viruses using virus-specific fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), bacteria by routine culture, and M. pneumoniae by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae was detected using conventional PCR and sequencing specific genetic mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. M. pneumoniae was genotyped using nested multilocus sequence typing, which targeted eight housekeeping genes (ppa, pgm, gyrB, gmk, glyA, atpA, arcC and adk). There was no significant difference in age, gender, demographic or geographical location between the two groups. In children with EOA, antibiotics were used in 66 % (66/100) and macrolides in 42 % (42/100). Samples comprised 78 % (78/100) sputum and 22 % (22/100) throat swabs. Adenovirus was the most common virus identified, and it was significantly higher in children with EOA compared to those with SA. Still, the two groups had no significant difference in typical bacteria findings. M. pneumoniae was detected in one patient with EOA, but none was detected in the SA group. The M. pneumoniae was macrolide-sensitive and ST14 by multilocus sequence typing. This study showed that the empiric use of antibiotics in children with asthma might be better targeted with prior pathogen screening to inform appropriate treatment to minimize antibiotic resistance.

Graphene oxide/Cu-MOF-based electrochemical immunosensor for the simultaneous detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila antigens in water

The combination of copper-metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) with graphene oxide (GO) has received growing interest in electrocatalysis, energy storage and sensing applications. However, its potential as an electrochemical biosensing platform remains largely unexplored. In this study, we introduce the synthesis of GO/Cu-MOF nanocomposite and its application in the simultaneous detection of two biomarkers associated with lower respiratory infections, marking the first instance of its use in this capacity. The physicochemical properties and structural elucidation of this composite were studied with the support of XRD, FTIR, SEM and electrochemical techniques. The immunosensor was fabricated by drop casting the nanocomposite on dual screen-printed electrodes followed by functionalization with pyrene linker. The covalent immobilization of the monoclonal antibodies of the bacterial antigens of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae; M. p.) and Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila; L. p.) was achieved using EDC-NHS chemistry. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) signals of the developed immunosensor platform demonstrated a robust correlation across a broad concentration range from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL. The immunosensor platform has shown high degree of selectivity against antigens for various respiratory pathogens. Moreover, the dual immunosensor was successfully applied for the detection of M. pneumoniae and L. pneumophila antigens in spiked water samples showing excellent recovery percentages. We attribute the high sensitivity of the immunosensor to the enhanced electrocatalytic characteristics, stability and conductivity of the GO-MOF composite as well as the synergistic interactions between the GO and MOF. This immunosensor offers a swift analytical response, simplicity in fabrication and instrumentation, rendering it an appealing platform for the on-field monitoring of pathogens in environmental samples.

Intracellular Streptococcus pneumoniae develops enhanced fluoroquinolone persistence during influenza A coinfection

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen responsible for severe complications in patients with prior influenza A virus (IAV) infection. We have previously demonstrated that S. pneumoniae exhibits increased intracellular survival within IAV-infected cells. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are widely used to treat pneumococcal infections. However, our prior work has shown that S. pneumoniae can develop intracellular FQ persistence, a phenomenon triggered by oxidative stress within host cells. This persistence allows the bacteria to withstand high FQ concentrations. In this study, we show that IAV infection enhances pneumococcal FQ persistence during intracellular survival within pneumocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. This enhancement is partly due to increased oxidative stress induced by the viral infection. We find that this phenotype is particularly pronounced in autophagy-proficient host cells, potentially resulting from IAV-induced blockage of autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Moreover, we identified several S. pneumoniae genes involved in oxidative stress response that contribute to FQ persistence, including sodA (superoxide dismutase), clpL (chaperone), nrdH (glutaredoxin), and psaB (Mn+2 transporter component). Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of antibiotic persistence promoted by viral infection within host cells. This underscores the importance of considering this phenomenon when using FQs to treat pneumococcal infections, especially in patients with concurrent influenza A infection.

Reliability of anthropometric measurements of a digi-board in comparison to an analog height board in Namibian children under 5 years

Poor measurement quality has set back the utility of anthropometry in defining childhood malnutrition, prompting calls for alternative measurement techniques. This study aimed to assess the reliability of anthropometric measurements using a digital height board in comparison to an analog height board in Namibian children under 5 years of age. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted (n = 425) between the age of 6 and 59 months, using anthropometric measurements of weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference. Two trained enumerators each collected four height measurements of each child: two using an analog height board and two using a digi-board. The repeated height measurements between and within the enumerators were used to determine intra- and interobserver reliability. Reliability of the digi-board was assessed using the technical error of measurement (TEM), relative TEM (%TEM), intraclass correlation and a Bland-Altman analysis to assess the agreement between the two methods. In all these assessments, the analog height board was considered as the gold standard and used for comparison. The digi-board showed superiority to the analog height board in terms of reliability (analog TEM = 0.22, digi-board TEM = 0.16). Although the digi-board has potential to improve child anthropometry, further clinical and large survey studies are needed to validate the used of this tool in routine population-based surveys.

Understanding the outcome and management of children aged 2-59 months with chest indrawing pneumonia: a study protocol for an observational study in Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Uganda and Zambia

INTRODUCTION

Childhood pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children aged 2-59 months, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare providers face significant challenges in diagnosing and treating childhood pneumonia. Many LMICs have taken steps to address this issue by revising their national policies and aligning them with WHO's revised guidelines for pneumonia management. These revised guidelines aim to facilitate the outpatient management of children aged 2-59 months chest indrawing pneumonia. Despite these efforts, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the management and outcomes of these children in primary-level healthcare settings. This study aims to assess the survival status of children aged 2-59 months with chest indrawing pneumonia presenting at primary healthcare facilities.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A prospective, observational cohort study will be conducted in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, India and Pakistan on children aged 2-59 months presenting at selected primary-level healthcare facilities with chest indrawing pneumonia. Eligible participants will be enrolled and managed by facility healthcare providers who are trained in Integrated Management of Childhood Illness and will be followed up on day 15 to record the treatment-related information and vital status, including conducting verbal autopsies in case of child death. The sample size for each site will be 310. The analysis will involve exploring site-specific trends before conducting a pooled analysis of de-identified data from all sites. The first data collection started at the Ethiopian site in September 2022, followed by other sites. The data collection will continue until June 2025.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol, enrolment forms and consent forms will undergo ethical review by the Institutional Review Boards of the University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; the INCLEN Trust International Independent Ethics Committee, New Delhi, India; Ethical Review Committee of the University of Ibadan, Ethical Review Committees of Lagos State and Ethical Review Committee of University College London, UK; Institutional Review Board, International Research Force, Islamabad, Pakistan; Institutional Review Board, People's Primary Healthcare Initiative-Sindh, Karachi and National Bioethics Committee, Islamabad, Pakistan; Makerere University School of Biomedical Sciences Research Ethical Committee, Kampala, Uganda; University of Zambia Biomedical Research Ethics committee, Lusaka, Zambia and Ethical Review Committee of WHO, Geneva, Switzerland. Ethical procedures include WHO and local review board evaluations, parental consent in the local/national language, permits enrolment, follow-up, and, if required, clinical video recording for children with chest indrawing pneumonia, ensuring their eligibility. Adherence to local regulations encompasses precollection ethical approvals, risk management strategies and secure, de-identified data storage. Findings will be disseminated through seminars, publications and meetings, engaging diverse stakeholders to foster collaborations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN12687253.

Statistical Analysis of Factors Associated with Diarrhea in Yemeni Children under Five: Insights from the 2022-2023 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey

Diarrheal disease remains a significant cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, particularly among children below five years of age. Although the occurrence of diarrheal episodes is on the decline, its impact continues to escalate at a concerning rate among children under the age of five, especially in developing countries. The objective of this paper is to investigate the factors associated with diarrhea in Yemeni children younger than five years, drawing on data from the latest edition of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) Yemen conducted in 2022-2023. To identify factors associated with the prevalence of childhood diarrhea, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were utilized. The findings of this study suggest that age group 6-23, unimproved sanitation, and low-income households are associated with high risk of diarrhea in children under five years of age in Yemen. The study contributes additional evidence regarding factors that should be prioritized in public health strategies geared towards reducing diarrheal prevalence among Yemeni children.

Cost-effectiveness of nasal high-flow in children with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure

AIM

A pilot randomised controlled trial assessed the early application of nasal high-flow (NHF) therapy compared with standard oxygen therapy (SOT), in children aged 0 to 16 years presenting to paediatric emergency departments with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF). The study estimated the need to escalate therapy and hospital length of stay in the NHF group compared with SOT. This sub-study then assessed the subsequent cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

A decision tree-based model was developed, alongside the clinical study, to estimate cost-effectiveness, from the healthcare sector perspective. The primary health economics outcome is measured as incremental cost per length of hospital stay avoided. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICER) measuring change in cost per change in length of stay, were obtained for four samples, depending on responder status and obstructive airways disease. These were (1) obstructive and responder, (2) non-obstructive and responder, (3) obstructive and non-responder and (4) non obstructive and non-responder. Bootstrapping of parameters accounted for uncertainty in estimates of cost and outcome.

RESULTS

The ICER for patients randomised to NHF, indicated an additional A$367.20 for a lower hospital length of stay (in days) in the non-obstructive/non-responder sample. In the bootstrap sample, this was found to be cost effective above a willingness to pay threshold of A$10 000. The ICER was A$440.86 in the obstructive/responder sample and A$469.56 in the non-obstructive/responder sample - but both resulted in a longer length of stay. The ICER in the obstructive/non-responder sample was A$52 167.76, also with a longer length of stay, mainly impacted by a small sample of severe cases.

CONCLUSION

As first-line treatment, NHF is unlikely to be cost-effective compared with SOT, but for non-obstructive patients who required escalation in care (non-obstructive non-responder), NHF is likely to be cost-effective if willingness-to-pay per reduced hospital length of stay is more than A$10 000 per patient.

Efficacy of Lactose-Free Milk in Treating Acute Gastroenteritis in Vietnamese Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Low lactase levels in Asian children appear to be genetically determined or rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis. Consuming lactose-free formula in children with acute gastroenteritis may shorten diarrhea's duration and increase weight gain. This study aims to determine whether lactose-free milk will change the duration of diarrhea and weight gain in Vietnamese children aged 2-24 months with acute gastroenteritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized control trial was performed on 66 children under 24 months of age with acute gastroenteritis at the Gastroenterology Department of Can Tho Children's Hospital. In adjunction to oral rehydration solution, they received either a lactose-free formula (n=33) or a lactose-containing formula (n=33).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Diarrhea duration, weight gain, treatment failure, and days of hospitalization were all studied.

RESULTS

A total of 66 children participated in this trial, with a mean age of 13.4 ± 5.1 months, and 38 participants (57.6%) were male. There were no significant differences between the lactose-free formula group and the lactose-containing formula group in the duration of diarrhea (2.2±0.8 days versus 2.4±0.9 days; P=0.321), percentage of weight gain (1.96 [IQR:1.35-2.36] percent vs. 2.29 [IQR:1.81-2.40] percent; P=0.131), treatment failure rate (33.3% vs. 36.4%; P= 0.796), and days of hospitalization (5.8±1.7 vs. 6.5±2.5 days; P=0.158).

CONCLUSIONS

It may not be necessary to use lactose-free milk routinely in Vietnamese children under 24 months with acute gastroenteritis as the duration of diarrhea, weight change, treatment failure rates, and hospital stay are similar to those of children fed lactose-containing milk.

Treatment outcome of pneumonia and its associated factors among pediatric patients admitted to Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia

Background

Pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Despite its substantial impact, there exists a dearth of evidence regarding treatment outcomes and related factors, particularly within the Ethiopian context. This study endeavors to address these critical gaps by examining the treatment outcome of pneumonia among pediatric patients hospitalized in the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 children (≤14 years of age) diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital. An interview using a structured questionnaire accompanied by a review of medical records was used to collect data from the parents/guardians. A binary logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated factors with the outcome variable. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis.

Result

Among the 204 children (≤14 years) included in the study, 119 (93.6%, 95% CI: 90.2-96.9) patients with pneumonia survived whereas 13 (6.4%, 95% CI: 3.1-9.7) died. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustments for potential confounders, revealed that children who had malnutrition (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.37-12.44), were unvaccinated (AOR =  3.41, 95% CI: 2.25-11.87), had altered mental states during admission (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.28-17.85), and had complicated types of pneumonia (AOR = 5.70, 95% CI: 2.98-15.09) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Poor treatment outcome was 6.4% among pediatric patients admitted with pneumonia in this study setting. Being unvaccinated, malnourished, and admitted with a complicated type of pneumonia as well as having altered consciousness at the time of admission were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes. These findings underscore the critical need to prioritize preventative measures against malnutrition and unvaccinated status in children. Early identification of such children and proper interventions are imperative to reducing such outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

A comparative study of general and severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children

OBJECTIVES

The increasing prevalence of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) poses a significant threat to the health of children. This study aimed to characterise and assess the outcomes in children with SMPP.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed children hospitalised for M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) between January and December 2022. Retrospectively, demographic, clinical, underlying diseases, laboratory and radiological findings, and treatment outcomes were collected and analysed. Disease severity was defined as severe or general according to the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in children (2019 version).

RESULTS

Over a 12-month observation period, 417 children with MPP were enrolled, 50.6% (211/417) of whom had SMPP, with the peak incidence observed in winter. Of the 211 children with SMPP, 210 were treated and discharged with improvement, while one child with congenital heart disease died of cardioembolic stroke. A significantly higher proportion of patients with SMPP had underlying diseases, extrapulmonary complications (myocardial and digestive system involvement), and bacterial co-infection. A total of 25 (12%) children with SMPP received mechanical ventilation. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 3 days. All children were treated with macrolide antibiotic. A significantly higher proportion of patients with SMPP received antibiotic other than macrolides, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, intravenous immunoglobulin and anticoagulation, compared with patients with general MPP (GMPP). Children with SMPP had significantly higher levels of white blood cells, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and significantly lower percentages of lymphocytes, monocytes, and natural killer cells, compared with GMPP group.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that severely ill children have more pronounced inflammatory reaction and extrapulmonary complications. For effective management of children with SMPP, hormonal, prophylactic, anticoagulant therapy, as well as the use of antibiotics other than macrolides for bacterial co-infections, could be incorporated into treatment regimens.

In silico exploration of phenolics as modulators of penicillin binding protein (PBP) 2× of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae remain the leading cause of pneumonia-related deaths in children < 5 years globally, and mutations in penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 2 × have been identified as the major cause of resistance in the organism to beta-lactams. Thus, the development of new modulators with enhanced binding of PBP2x is highly encouraged. In this study, phenolics, due to their reported antibacterial activities, were screened against the active site of PBP2x using structure-based pharmacophore and molecular docking techniques, and the ability of the top-hit phenolics to inhibit the active and allosteric sites of PBP2x was refined through 120 ns molecular dynamic simulation. Except for gallocatechin gallate and lysidicichin, respectively, at the active and allosteric sites of PBP2x, the top-hit phenolics had higher negative binding free energy (ΔGbind) than amoxicillin [active site (- 19.23 kcal/mol), allosteric site (- 33.75 kcal/mol)]. Although silicristin had the best broad-spectrum effects at the active (- 38.41 kcal/mol) and allosteric (- 50.54 kcal/mol) sites of PBP2x, the high thermodynamic entropy (4.90 Å) of the resulting complex might suggest the need for its possible structural refinement for enhanced potency. Interestingly, silicristin had a predicted synthetic feasibility score of < 5 and quantum calculations using the DFT B3LYP/6-31G+ (dp) revealed that silicristin is less stable and more reactive than amoxicillin. These findings point to the possible benefits of the top-hit phenolics, and most especially silicristin, in the direct and synergistic treatment of infections caused by S. pneumoniae. Accordingly, silicristin is currently the subject of further confirmatory in vitro research.

Effect of housing construction material on childhood acute respiratory infection: a hospital based case control study in Bangladesh

Despite several studies conducted to investigate housing factors, the effects of housing construction materials on childhood ARI symptoms in Bangladesh remain unclear. Hence, the study aimed to measure such a correlation among children under the age of five. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, involving 221 cases and 221 controls from January to April 2023. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to measure the degree of correlation between housing construction materials and childhood ARI symptoms. Households composed of natural floor materials had 2.7 times (95% confidence interval 1.27-5.57) and households composed of natural roof materials had 1.8 times (95% confidence interval 1.01-3.11) higher adjusted odds of having under-five children with ARI symptoms than household composed of the finished floor and finished roof materials respectively. Households with natural wall type were found protective against ARI symptoms with adjusted indoor air pollution determinants. The study indicates that poor housing construction materials are associated with an increased risk of developing ARI symptoms among under-five children in Bangladesh. National policy regarding replacing poor housing materials with concrete, increasing livelihood opportunities, and behavioral strategies programs encouraging to choice of quality housing construction materials could eliminate a fraction of the ARI burden.

WHO's essential medicines and AWaRe: recommendations on first- and second-choice antibiotics for empiric treatment of clinical infections

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) prioritizes medicines that have significant global public health value. The EML can also deliver important messages on appropriate medicine use. Since 2017, in response to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotics on the EML have been reviewed and categorized into three groups: Access, Watch, and Reserve, leading to a new categorization called AWaRe. These categories were developed taking into account the impact of different antibiotics and classes on antimicrobial resistance and the implications for their appropriate use. The 2023 AWaRe classification provides empirical guidance on 41 essential antibiotics for over 30 clinical infections targeting both the primary health care and hospital facility setting. A further 257 antibiotics not included on the EML have been allocated an AWaRe group for stewardship and monitoring purposes. This article describes the development of AWaRe, focussing on the clinical evidence base that guided the selection of Access, Watch, or Reserve antibiotics as first and second choices for each infection. The overarching objective was to offer a tool for optimizing the quality of global antibiotic prescribing and reduce inappropriate use by encouraging the use of Access antibiotics (or no antibiotics) where appropriate. This clinical evidence evaluation and subsequent EML recommendations are the basis for the AWaRe antibiotic book and related smartphone applications. By providing guidance on antibiotic prioritization, AWaRe aims to facilitate the revision of national lists of essential medicines, update national prescribing guidelines, and supervise antibiotic use. Adherence to AWaRe would extend the effectiveness of current antibiotics while helping countries expand access to these life-saving medicines for the benefit of current and future patients, health professionals, and the environment.

Clinical predictors of hypoxic pneumonia in children from the Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea: secondary analysis of two prospective observational studies

Background

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in young children globally and is prevalent in the Papua New Guinea highlands. We investigated clinical predictors of hypoxic pneumonia to inform local treatment guidelines in this resource-limited setting.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2020, two consecutive prospective observational studies were undertaken enrolling children 0-4 years presenting with pneumonia to health-care facilities in Goroka Town, Eastern Highlands Province. Logistic regression models were developed to identify clinical predictors of hypoxic pneumonia (oxygen saturation <90% on presentation). Model performance was compared against established criteria to identify severe pneumonia.

Findings

There were 2067 cases of pneumonia; hypoxaemia was detected in 36.1%. The strongest independent predictors of hypoxic pneumonia were central cyanosis on examination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.14; 95% CI 3.47-7.60), reduced breath sounds (aOR 2.92; 95% CI 2.30-3.71), and nasal flaring or grunting (aOR 2.34; 95% CI 1.62-3.38). While the model developed to predict hypoxic pneumonia outperformed established pneumonia severity criteria, it was not sensitive enough to be clinically useful at this time.

Interpretation

Given signs and symptoms are unable to accurately detect hypoxia, all health care facilities should be equipped with pulse oximeters. However, for the health care worker without access to pulse oximetry, consideration of central cyanosis, reduced breath sounds, nasal flaring or grunting, age-specific tachycardia, wheezing, parent-reported drowsiness, or bronchial breathing as suggestive of hypoxaemic pneumonia, and thus severe disease, may prove useful in guiding management, hospital referral and use of oxygen therapy.

Funding

Funded by Pfizer Global and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Nasopharyngeal Dysbiosis Precedes the Development of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Young Infants, a Longitudinal Infant Cohort Study

Background

Infants suffering from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) have distinct nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiome profiles that correlate with severity of disease. Whether these profiles precede the infection or are a consequence of it, is unknown. In order to answer this question, longitudinal studies are needed.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of NP samples collected in a longitudinal birth cohort study of Zambian mother-infant pairs. Samples were collected every two weeks from 1-week through 14-weeks of age. Ten of the infants in the cohort who developed LRTI were matched 1:3 with healthy comparators. We completed 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the samples each of these infants contributed and compared the NP microbiome of the healthy infants to infants who developed LRTI.

Results

The infant NP microbiome maturation was characterized by transitioning from Staphylococcus dominant to respiratory-genera dominant profiles during the first three months of life, similar to what is described in the literature. Interestingly, infants who developed LRTI had distinct NP microbiome characteristics before infection, in most cases as early as the first week of life. Their NP microbiome was characterized by the presence of Novosphingobium, Delftia, high relative abundance of Anaerobacillus, Bacillus, and low relative abundance of Dolosigranulum, compared to the healthy controls. Mothers of infants with LRTI also had low relative abundance of Dolosigranulum in their baseline samples compared to mothers of infants that did not develop an LRTI.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that specific characteristics of the NP microbiome precede LRTI in young infants and may be present in their mothers as well. Early dysbiosis may play a role in the causal pathway leading to LRTI or could be a marker of underlying immunological, environmental, or genetic characteristics that predispose to LRTI.

Post-mortem investigation of deaths due to pneumonia in children aged 1-59 months in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia from 2016 to 2022: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network programme undertakes post-mortem minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), together with collection of ante-mortem clinical information, to investigate causes of childhood deaths across multiple countries. We aimed to evaluate the overall contribution of pneumonia in the causal pathway to death and the causative pathogens of fatal pneumonia in children aged 1-59 months enrolled in the CHAMPS Network.

METHODS

In this observational study we analysed deaths occurring between Dec 16, 2016, and Dec 31, 2022, in the CHAMPS Network across six countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South Africa) and one in South Asia (Bangladesh). A standardised approach of MITS was undertaken on decedents within 24-72 h of death. Diagnostic tests included blood culture, multi-organism targeted nucleic acid amplifications tests (NAATs) of blood and lung tissue, and histopathology examination of various organ tissue samples. An interdisciplinary expert panel at each site reviewed case data to attribute the cause of death and pathogenesis thereof on the basis of WHO-recommended reporting standards.

FINDINGS

Pneumonia was attributed in the causal pathway of death in 455 (40·6%) of 1120 decedents, with a median age at death of 9 (IQR 4-19) months. Causative pathogens were identified in 377 (82·9%) of 455 pneumonia deaths, and multiple pathogens were implicated in 218 (57·8%) of 377 deaths. 306 (67·3%) of 455 deaths occurred in the community or within 72 h of hospital admission (presumed to be community-acquired pneumonia), with the leading bacterial pathogens being Streptococcus pneumoniae (108 [35·3%]), Klebsiella pneumoniae (78 [25·5%]), and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (37 [12·1%]). 149 (32·7%) deaths occurred 72 h or more after hospital admission (presumed to be hospital-acquired pneumonia), with the most common pathogens being K pneumoniae (64 [43·0%]), Acinetobacter baumannii (19 [12·8%]), S pneumoniae (15 [10·1%]), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15 [10·1%]). Overall, viruses were implicated in 145 (31·9%) of 455 pneumonia-related deaths, including 54 (11·9%) of 455 attributed to cytomegalovirus and 29 (6·4%) of 455 attributed to respiratory syncytial virus.

INTERPRETATION

Pneumonia contributed to 40·6% of all childhood deaths in this analysis. The use of post-mortem MITS enabled biological ascertainment of the cause of death in the majority (82·9%) of childhood deaths attributed to pneumonia, with more than one pathogen being commonly implicated in the same case. The prominent role of K pneumoniae, non-typable H influenzae, and S pneumoniae highlight the need to review empirical management guidelines for management of very severe pneumonia in low-income and middle-income settings, and the need for research into new or improved vaccines against these pathogens.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Effect of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Pneumonia Incidence Rates among Children 2-59 Months of Age, Mongolia, 2015-2021

Starting in June 2016, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was introduced into the routine immunization program of Mongolia by using a 2+1 dosing schedule, phased by district. We used prospective hospital surveillance to evaluate the vaccine's effect on pneumonia incidence rates among children 2-59 months of age over a 6-year period. Of 17,607 children with pneumonia, overall adjusted incidence rate ratios showed decreased primary endpoint pneumonia, very severe pneumonia, and probable pneumococcal pneumonia until June 2021. Results excluding and including the COVID-19 pandemic period were similar. Pneumonia declined in 3 districts that introduced PCV13 with catch-up campaigns but not in the 1 district that did not. After PCV13 introduction, vaccine-type pneumococcal carriage prevalence decreased by 44% and nonvaccine-type carriage increased by 49%. After PCV13 introduction in Mongolia, the incidence of more specific pneumonia endpoints declined in children 2-59 months of age; additional benefits were conferred by catch-up campaigns.

Preventing and Controlling Zinc Deficiency Across the Life Course: A Call to Action

Through diverse roles, zinc determines a greater number of critical life functions than any other single micronutrient. Beyond the well-recognized importance of zinc for child growth and resistance to infections, zinc has numerous specific roles covering the regulation of glucose metabolism, and growing evidence links zinc deficiency with increased risk of diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders. Zinc nutriture is, thus, vitally important to health across the life course. Zinc deficiency is also one of the most common forms of micronutrient malnutrition globally. A clearer estimate of the burden of health disparity attributable to zinc deficiency in adulthood and later life emerges when accounting for its contribution to global elevated fasting blood glucose and related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Yet progress attenuating its prevalence has been limited due, in part, to the lack of sensitive and specific methods to assess human zinc status. This narrative review covers recent developments in our understanding of zinc's role in health, the impact of the changing climate and global context on zinc intake, novel functional biomarkers showing promise for monitoring population-level interventions, and solutions for improving population zinc intake. It aims to spur on implementation of evidence-based interventions for preventing and controlling zinc deficiency across the life course. Increasing zinc intake and combating global zinc deficiency requires context-specific strategies and a combination of complementary, evidence-based interventions, including supplementation, food fortification, and food and agricultural solutions such as biofortification, alongside efforts to improve zinc bioavailability. Enhancing dietary zinc content and bioavailability through zinc biofortification is an inclusive nutrition solution that can benefit the most vulnerable individuals and populations affected by inadequate diets to the greatest extent.

Comprehensive childhood vaccination and its determinants: Insights from the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS)

BACKGROUND

Immunization is the most effective intervention for reducing morbidity and mortality rates associated with vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite the Indonesian government's inclusion of several childhood vaccinations in the national immunization program (NIP), the number of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children remains high. This observational study aimed to determine the completeness of childhood immunization and the factors influencing it in Indonesia.

METHODS

Data were extracted from the fifth wave of the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS). The sample (n = 16,236) consists of children residing in 13 provinces, representing over 80% of Indonesia's population. The difference between groups was tested using the chi-square test. Logistic regression was performed to identify the variables associated with the completeness of basic immunization. Immunization is categorized as complete when children have received all the mandatory vaccines recommended by the Ministry of Health. We examined and compared the results using complete case analysis, inverse probability weighting, and multiple imputations.

RESULTS

The highest percentages of complete vaccinations were polio, tuberculosis, and DPT. Children who live in Sumatera and Kalimantan were more likely to be fully immunized, with ORs of 0.6 (95%CI 0.48-0.74) and 0.54 (0.37-0.80), respectively. Children who live in urban areas, have mothers who received the tetanus vaccine during pregnancy, have mothers with a higher level of education and health insurance, have fathers aged 41-50, and live with a large number of family members were more likely to be fully immunized (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Socioeconomic determinants were strongly correlated with the completeness of childhood vaccination in Indonesia.

A Viral Protein 4-Based Trivalent Nanoparticle Vaccine Elicited High and Broad Immune Responses and Protective Immunity against the Predominant Rotaviruses

The current live rotavirus (RV) vaccines show reduced effectiveness in developing countries, calling for vaccine strategies with improved efficacy and safety. We generated pseudovirus nanoparticles (PVNPs) that display multiple ectodomains of RV viral protein 4 (VP4), named S-VP4e, as a nonreplicating RV vaccine candidate. The RV spike protein VP4s that bind host receptors and facilitate viral entry are excellent targets for vaccination. In this study, we developed scalable methods to produce three S-VP4e PVNPs, each displaying the VP4e antigens from one of the three predominant P[8], P[4], and P[6] human RVs (HRVs). These PVNPs were recognized by selected neutralizing VP4-specific monoclonal antibodies, bound glycan receptors, attached to permissive HT-29 cells, and underwent cleavage by trypsin between VP8* and VP5*. 3D PVNP models were constructed to understand their structural features. A trivalent PVNP vaccine containing the three S-VP4e PVNPs elicited high and well-balanced VP4e-specific antibody titers in mice directed against the three predominant HRV P types. The resulting antisera neutralized the three HRV prototypes at high titers; greater than 4-fold higher than the neutralizing responses induced by a trivalent vaccine consisting of the S60-VP8* PVNPs. Finally, the trivalent S-VP4e PVNP vaccine provided 90-100% protection against diarrhea caused by HRV challenge. Our data supports the trivalent S-VP4e PVNPs as a promising nonreplicating HRV vaccine candidate for parenteral delivery to circumvent the suboptimal immunization issues of all present live HRV vaccines. The established PVNP-permissive cell and PVNP-glycan binding assays will be instrumental for further investigating HRV-host cell interactions and neutralizing effects of VP4-specific antibodies and antivirals.

Rotavirus and adenovirus infections in children with acute gastroenteritis after introducing the Rotasiil® vaccine in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo

BACKGROUND

Although rotavirus vaccination has reduced the global burden of the virus, morbidity and mortality from rotavirus infection remain high in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rotavirus and adenovirus infections in children under five years with acute gastroenteritis and to identify factors associated with rotavirus infection after the introduction of the Rotasiil® vaccine in 2019 in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

METHODS

This study consisted of a cross-sectional hospital-based survey conducted from May 2022 to April 2023 in four health facilities in Kisangani, using a fecal-based test (rapid antigenic immuno-chromatographic diagnostic test, BYOSYNEX adenovirus/rotavirus BSS, Biosynex SA, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France) of rotavirus and adenovirus infections among children under five years of age with acute gastroenteritis.

RESULTS

A total of 320 children under five years of age with acute gastroenteritis were included. The prevalence of rotavirus infection was 34.4%, that of adenovirus was 6.3%, and that of both rotavirus and adenovirus coinfection was 1.3%. The prevalence of rotavirus was significantly higher in unvaccinated children than in vaccinated children (55.4% versus 23.1%; P < 0.001). This difference was observed only in children who received all three vaccine doses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that the rate of rotavirus infection was significantly reduced in vaccinated children (adjusted OR: 0.31 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.19-0.56]; P < 0.001) and those whose mothers had an average (adjusted OR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.25-0.91]; P = 0.018) or high level (adjusted OR: 0.34 [95% CI: 0.20-0.64]; P < 0.001) of knowledge about the rotavirus vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of rotavirus infection remains high in Kisangani despite vaccination. However, the prevalence of adenovirus infections was low in our series. Complete vaccination with three doses and mothers' average and high level of knowledge about the rotavirus vaccine significantly reduces the rate of rotavirus infection. It is, therefore, essential to strengthen the mothers' health education, continue with the Rotasiil® vaccine, and ensure epidemiological surveillance of rotavirus infection.

Sex differences in growth and neurocognitive development in infancy and early childhood

Undernutrition in early life remains a significant public health challenge affecting millions of infants and young children globally. Children who are wasted, stunted or underweight are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Undernutrition at critical periods also impacts on aspects of neurodevelopment, with longer-term consequences to educational performance and mental health outcomes. Despite consistent evidence highlighting an increased risk of neonatal and infant mortality among boys, a common assumption held across many disciplines is that girls are more vulnerable with respect to early-life exposures. In relation to undernutrition, however, recent evidence indicates the reverse, and in contexts of food insecurity, boys are at increased risk of undernutrition in early life compared to girls, with sex-specific risks for neurodevelopmental deficits. These effects appear independent of social factors that may favour boys, such as gender disparities in infant feeding practices and health-seeking behaviours. The observed vulnerability among boys may therefore be underpinned by biological processes such as differential energy requirements during periods of rapid growth. As boys have greater needs for growth and maintenance, then, in times of nutritional hardship, these needs may not be met resulting in risk of undernutrition and subsequent health consequences. In view of this emerging evidence, a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind this vulnerability among boys is needed and policy considerations to protect boys should be considered. This review will explore sex differences in risk of undernutrition and consider these in the context of existing programmes and policies.

RNA therapeutics for respiratory diseases

It has become increasingly common to utilize RNA treatment to treat respiratory illnesses. Experimental research on both people and animals has advanced quickly since the turn of the twenty-first century in an effort to discover a treatment for respiratory ailments that could not be accomplished with earlier techniques, specifically in treating prevalent respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections caused by viruses, and asthma. This chapter has provided a comprehensive overview of the scientific evidence in applying RNA therapy to treat respiratory diseases. The chapter describes the development of this therapy for respiratory diseases. At the same time, the types of RNA therapy for respiratory diseases have been highlighted. In addition, the mechanism of this therapy for respiratory diseases has also been covered. These insights are indispensable if this therapy is to be developed widely.

Gastroenteritis Rehydration Of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (GASTROSAM): A Phase II Randomised Controlled trial: Trial Protocol

Background

Children hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are frequently complicated (>50%) by diarrhoea ( ≥3 watery stools/day) which is accompanied by poor outcomes. Rehydration guidelines for SAM are exceptionally conservative and controversial, based upon expert opinion. The guidelines only permit use of intravenous fluids for cases with advanced shock and exclusive use of low sodium intravenous and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) for fear of fluid and/or sodium overload. Children managed in accordance to these guidelines have a very high mortality. The proposed GASTROSAM trial will reappraise current recommendations with mortality as the primary outcome. We hypothesize that liberal rehydration strategies for both intravenous and oral rehydration in SAM children with diarrhoea may reduce adverse outcomes.

Methods

An open Phase II trial, with a partial factorial design, enrolling children in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Niger aged 6 months to 12 years with SAM hospitalised with gastroenteritis (>3 loose stools/day) and signs of moderate and severe dehydration. In Stratum A (severe dehydration) children will be randomised (1:1:2) to WHO plan C (100mls/kg Ringers Lactate (RL) with intravenous rehydration (IV) given over 3-6 hours according to age including boluses for shock), slow rehydration (100 mls/kg RL over 8 hours (no boluses)) or WHO SAM rehydration regime (ORS only (boluses for shock (standard of care)). Stratum B incorporates all children with moderate dehydration and severe dehydration post-intravenous rehydration and compares (1:1 ratio) standard WHO ORS given for non-SAM (experimental) versus WHO SAM-recommended low-sodium ReSoMal. The primary outcome for intravenous rehydration is mortality to 96 hours and for oral rehydration a change in sodium levels at 24 hours post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes include measures assessing safety (evidence of pulmonary oedema or heart failure); change in sodium from post-iv levels for those in Stratum A; perturbations of electrolyte abnormalities (severe hyponatraemia <125 mmols/L or hypokalaemia.

Discussion

If the trial shows that rehydration strategies for non-malnourished children are safe and improve mortality in SAM this could prompt revisions to the current treatment recommendations or may prompt future Phase III trials.

In-house environmental factors and childhood acute respiratory infections in under-five children: a hospital-based matched case-control study in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five globally, particularly in regions like South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Bangladesh has made substantial progress in reducing child mortality, yet pneumonia remains a significant contributor to under-five deaths. This study aimed to investigate the association between in-house environmental factors and childhood ARI, considering factors such as household crowding, smoking, and sanitation facilities.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted at a tertiary-level children's hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March to September 2019. The study included children aged 6-59 months. Cases were children with ARI symptoms, while controls were children without such symptoms. Rigorous matching by age and gender was employed to ensure comparability. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, and bivariate and conditional logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Several household environmental factors were significantly associated with childhood ARIs. Children from overcrowded households (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.52-4.71; p < 0.001), those using unclean cooking fuels (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.56, 3.73; p = < 0.001), those exposed to in-house smoking (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.01, 3.05; p = 0.04) and those with unimproved sanitation facilities faced higher odds (AOR = 4.35, 95% CI = 2.14-9.26) of ARIs. Additionally, preterm birth and higher birth order were associated with an increased risk of ARI. In contrast, exclusive breastfeeding was a protective factor.

CONCLUSION

In-house environmental factors, including sanitation, crowding and in-house smoking, significantly influence childhood ARIs. Additionally, birth order and preterm birth play a crucial role. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a lower ARI risk among under-five children in Bangladesh. These findings can guide interventions to reduce ARIs in low-income regions, particularly in South Asia.

Is the impact of paid maternity leave policy on the prevalence of childhood diarrhoea mediated by breastfeeding duration? A causal mediation analysis using quasi-experimental evidence from 38 low-income and middle-income countries

OBJECTIVES

Quasi-experimental evidence suggests that extending the duration of legislated paid maternity leave is associated with lower prevalence of childhood diarrhoea in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This could be due to a variety of mechanisms. This study examines whether this effect is mediated by changes in breastfeeding duration.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Difference-in-difference approach and causal mediation analysis were used to perform secondary statistical analysis of cross-sectional data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) in 38 LMICs.

PARTICIPANTS

We merged longitudinal data on national maternity leave policies with information on childhood diarrhoea related to 639 153 live births between 1996 and 2014 in 38 LMICs that participated in the DHS at least twice between 1995 and 2015.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Our outcome was whether the child had bloody stools in the 2 weeks prior to the interview. This measure was used as an indicator of severe diarrhoea because the frequency of loose stools in breastfed infants can be difficult to distinguish from pathological diarrhoea based on survey data.

RESULTS

A 1-month increase in the legislated duration of paid maternity leave was associated with a 34% (risk ratio 0.66, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.91) reduction in the prevalence of bloody diarrhoea. Breast feeding for at least 6 months and 12 months mediated 10.6% and 7.4% of this effect, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Extending the duration of paid maternity leave appears to lower diarrhoea prevalence in children under 5 years of age in LMICs. This effect is slightly mediated by changes in breastfeeding duration.

Retrospective database analysis for clinical diagnoses commonly associated with pneumococcal diseases in the Malaysian healthcare system over a 3-year period (2013-2015)

BACKGROUND

Pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of morbidity and mortality across all ages, particularly in younger children and older adults. Here, we describe pneumococcal disease hospitalizations at Ministry of Health (MoH) facilities in Malaysia between 2013 and 2015.

METHODS

This was a retrospective databases analysis. Tabular data from the Malaysian Health Data Warehouse (MyHDW) were used to identify microbiologically confirmed, pneumococcal disease hospitalizations and deaths during hospitalization, using hospital-assigned ICD-10 codes (i.e., classified as meningitis, pneumonia, or non-meningitis non-pneumonia). Case counts, mortality counts, and case fatality rates were reported by patient age group and by Malaysian geographic region.

RESULTS

A total of 683 pneumococcal disease hospitalizations were identified from the analysis: 53 pneumococcal meningitis hospitalizations (5 deaths and 48 discharges), 413 pneumococcal pneumonia hospitalizations (24 deaths and 389 discharges), and 205 non-meningitis non-pneumonia pneumococcal disease hospitalizations (58 deaths and 147 discharges). Most hospitalizations occurred in children aged < 2 years. Crude mortality was highest among children aged < 2 years (for all three disease categories), among adults aged ≥ 65 years (for pneumococcal pneumonia), or among adults aged 65-85 years (for non-meningitis non-pneumonia pneumococcal disease). The case fatality rate, all ages included, was 5.8% for pneumococcal pneumonia, 9.1% for pneumococcal meningitis, and 28.3% for non-meningitis non-pneumonia pneumococcal disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is the first to document pneumococcal disease hospitalizations and deaths during hospitalization in Malaysia. Although this database analysis likely underestimated case counts, and the true disease burden could be even greater, the study demonstrates a substantial burden of pneumococcal disease. Public health measures, including vaccination, would significantly contribute to the prevention of hospitalizations and deaths associated with pneumococcal disease in Malaysia.

Prevalence and predictors of diarrhea among children under five in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Globally, childhood diarrhea is a major public health concern. Despite numerous interventions that have been put in place to reduce its incidence over the years, childhood diarrhea remains a problem and is the fourth leading cause of child mortality in Ghana. This study examined the predictors of diarrhea among children under the age of five in Ghana.

METHODS

Data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health survey, a cross-sectional survey, was used for the purpose of this study. A total of 2,547 children under the age of five were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the factors associated with childhood diarrhea and ascertain explanatory variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diarrhea was 11.7%. Male children (13.4%) and those living in rural areas (12%), particularly in the Brong Ahafo region (17%) recorded the highest prevalence of diarrhea. Children aged 6 to 35 months of age, maternal age and education, sex of children and region of residence were the predictors of diarrhea among children under the age of five years in this study.

CONCLUSION

To lessen the prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in Ghana, existing interventions must be evaluated in the context of the predictors identified. Based on observations deduced from this study, the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service and other health regulatory agencies should intensify monitoring and awareness in the various regions, particularly in the transition and savannah zones on the causes, risk factors, and methods of preventing diarrhea in children under five. Various stakeholders including government and non-governmental organizations should take into account the predictors of diarrhea identified in the design of interventions to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality associated with childhood diarrhea.

Prevalence and determinants of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections among children aged under five years in West Africa: evidence from demographic and health surveys

BACKGROUND

Diarrhoea and pneumonia are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children aged <5 y (under five) globally. This study sought to investigate the prevalence and determinants of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among children under five in West Africa.

METHODS

The most recent demographic and health survey (DHS) standard for 13 West African countries was used in the study. We calculated the prevalence of diarrhoea and ARIs (2 wk prior to the survey) and performed multivariable complex logistic regression analysis to identify possible predictors of diarrhoea and ARIs.

RESULTS

The weighted prevalence of diarrhoea and ARI was 13.7% and 15.9%, respectively. The prevalence of comorbid diarrhoea and ARI was 4.4%. Children aged <2 y (p<0.001), mothers aged <30 y (p<0.003), mothers without formal education (p<0.001), poor households (p<0.001) and poor nutritional status, wasting (p=0.005) and underweight (p<0.001), were the independent predictors of diarrhoea. The independent predictors of ARIs were children with no childhood vaccinations (p=0.002), use of solid fuel in the household (p=0.007), being underweight (p=0.05) and diarrhoea (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings imply the need for holistic public health interventions such as increased vaccination coverage, population-based nutritional programmes and campaigns on the use of cleaner cooking fuel targeted at high-risk subgroups in the population to reduce the burden and adverse effects of diarrhoea and ARIs in the West African region.

Additional Bicarbonate Infusion Complements WHO Rehydration Therapy in Children with Acute Diarrhea and Severe Dehydration Presenting with Severe Non-anion Gap Metabolic Acidemia: An Open Label Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of bicarbonate infusion in children with Acute Diarrhea and Severe Dehydration (ADSD) having severe Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidemia (sNAGMA).

METHODS

Children (aged 1-144 mo) with ADSD and sNAGMA (pH ≤7.2 and/or serum bicarbonate ≤15 mEq/L) were enrolled in an open-label randomized design. Controls (n = 25) received WHO-recommended rehydration therapy with Ringer Lactate, while intervention group (n = 25) received additional bicarbonate deficit correction. Primary outcome was time taken to resolve metabolic acidemia (pH >7.30 and/or bicarbonate >15 mEq/L). Secondary outcome measures were adverse outcome [composite of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transfer and deaths], acute care area free days in 5 d (ACAFD5), hospital stay, and adverse effects.

RESULTS

Time taken to resolve metabolic acidemia was significantly lesser with intervention [median (IQR); 8 h (4, 12) vs. 12 h (8, 24); p = 0.0067]. Intervention led to acidemia resolution in significantly more children by 8 h and 16 h (17/25 vs. 9/25, p = 0.035 and 23/25 vs. 17/24, p = 0.018, respectively). Patients with fluid refractory shock needed lesser inotropes in intervention group [median Vasoactive Inotrope Score (VIS), 10.5 vs. 34]. Intervention led to significantly lesser adverse outcome (0/25 vs. 5/25, p = 0.049), and noticeably more ACAFD5 [median (IQR); 2 (1, 2) vs. 1 (1, 2); p = 0.12]. Two patients died in the control group while none in the intervention group. No adverse effect was documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional calculated dose of bicarbonate infusion led to significantly early resolution of metabolic acidemia, lesser utilization of critical care facilities, and lesser adverse outcome in children with ADSD and sNAGMA, compared to standard therapy, with no adverse effect.

Global health economics: The Equitable Impact Sensitive Tool (EQUIST) - development, validation, implementation and evaluation of impact (2011 to 2022)

Background

The Equitable Impact Sensitive Tool (EQUIST) was developed to address the limitations of the traditional cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) in global health, which often overlooked equity considerations. Its primary aim was to create more effective and efficient health systems by explicitly incorporating equity as a key driver in health policy decisions. This was done in response to the recognition that, while CEA helped reduce mortality rates through interventions like childhood vaccinations, it was insufficient in addressing growing inequalities in health, especially in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

The development of EQUIST involved a multi-stage process which began in 2011 with the recognition of the need for a more nuanced approach than CEA alone. This led to a proposal for creating a tool that balanced cost-effectiveness with equity. The conceptual framework, developed between March and May 2012, included assessments of intervention efficiency by equity strata, effectiveness, impact, and cost-effectiveness. Key to EQUIST's development was its integration with other data science platforms, notably the Lives Saved Tool and the Marginal Budgeting for Bottlenecks tool, allowing EQUIST to draw on comprehensive data sets and thus enabling a more detailed analysis of health interventions' impacts across different socio-economic strata.

Results

EQUIST was validated in 2012 through applications in five representative countries, demonstrating its ability to identify more equitable and cost-effective health interventions which targeted vulnerable populations, leading to more lives saved compared to traditional methods. It was then used to develop investment cases for the Global Financing Facility, resulting in significant funding being made available for maternal and child health programmes. Consequently, EQUIST directly influenced the development of national health policies and resource allocations in over 26 African countries.

Conclusions

EQUIST has proven to be a valuable tool in developing health policies that are both cost-effective and equitable. In the future, it will be further integrated with other tools and expanded in scope to address broader health issues, including adolescent health and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome programme planning. Overall, EQUIST represents a paradigm shift in global health economics, emphasising the importance of equity alongside cost-effectiveness in health policy decisions. Its development and implementation have had a tangible impact on health outcomes, particularly in LMICs, where it has been instrumental in reducing maternal and child mortality while addressing health inequities.

A chimeric influenza virus vaccine expressing fusion protein epitopes induces protection from human metapneumovirus challenge in mice

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common virus associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome in pediatric patients. There are no HMPV vaccines or therapeutics that have been approved for prevention or treatment. In this study, we constructed a novel recombinant influenza virus carrying partial HMPV fusion protein (HMPV-F), termed rFLU-HMPV/F-NS, utilizing reverse genetics, which contained (HMPV-F) in the background of NS segments of influenza virus A/PuertoRico/8/34(PR8). The morphological characteristics of rFLU-HMPV/F-NS were consistent with the wild-type flu virus. Additionally, immunofluorescence results showed that fusion proteins in the chimeric rFLU-HMPV/F-NS could work well, and the virus could be stably passaged in SPF chicken embryos. Furthermore, intranasal immunization with rFLU-HMPV/F-NS in BALB/c mice induced robust humoral, mucosal and Th1-type dominant cellular immune responses in vivo. More importantly, we discovered that rFLU-HMPV/F-NS afforded significant protective efficacy against the wild-type HMPV and influenza virus challenge, with significantly attenuated pathological changes and reduced viral titers in the lung tissues of immunized mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that chimeric recombinant rFLU-HMPV/F-NS as a promising HMPV candidate vaccine has potentials for the development of HMPV vaccine.

Differentiating the impacts of ambient temperature on pneumonia mortality of various infectious causes: a nationwide, individual-level, case-crossover study

BACKGROUND

It remains unknown how ambient temperature impact pneumonia of various infectious causes.

METHODS

Based on the national death registry covering all counties in Chinese mainland, we conducted an individual-level case-crossover study in China from 2013 to 2019. Exposures were assigned at residential addresses for each decedent. Conditional logistic regression model combined with distributed lag non-linear models were used to estimate the exposure-response associations. The attributable fractions due to non-optimum temperature were calculated after accounting for spatial and temporal patterns for the excess risks.

FINDINGS

The exposure-response curves were inversely J-shaped with both low and high temperature increasing the risks, and the effect of low temperature was stronger. Extremely low temperature was associated with higher magnitude of influenza-related pneumonia [relative risk (RR): 2.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62-3.74], than viral pneumonia (RR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.55-2.30) and bacterial pneumonia (RR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.56-2.09). The magnitudes of RRs associated with extremely high temperature were similar among the three categories of pneumonia. The mortality attributable fraction for influenza-related pneumonia (29.78%) was the highest. The effects were stronger in people of low education level or residence in the north.

INTERPRETATION

This nationwide study presents findings on the varied risk and burden of pneumonia mortality of various infectious causes, and highlights the susceptibility of influenza-related pneumonia to ambient low temperature.

FUNDING

This study is supported by the National Key Research and Development Program (2022YFC3702701), the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission (21TQ015) and Shanghai International Science and Technology Partnership Project (21230780200).

ATP breakdown in plasma of children limits the antimicrobial effectiveness of their neutrophils

Neutrophils (PMNs) require extracellular ATP and adenosine (ADO) to fight bacterial infections, which often have life-threatening consequences in pediatric patients. We wondered whether the ATP and ADO levels in the plasma of children change with age and if these changes influence the antimicrobial efficacy of the PMNs of these children. We measured plasma concentrations of ATP and ADO and the activities of the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of these mediators in plasma samples from healthy children and adolescents (n = 45) ranging in age from 0.2 to 15 years. In addition, using blood samples of these individuals, we compared how effective their PMNs were in the phagocytosis of bacteria. In an experimental sepsis model with young (10 days) and adolescent mice (10 weeks), we studied how age influenced the resilience of these animals to bacterial infections and whether addition of ATP could improve the antimicrobial capacity of their PMNs. We found that plasma ATP levels correlated with age and were significantly lower in infants (< 1 year) than in adolescents (12-15 years). In addition, we observed significantly higher plasma ATPase and adenosine deaminase activities in children (< 12 years) when compared to the adolescent population. The activities of these ATP and ADO breakdown processes correlated inversely with age and with the ability of PMNs to phagocytize bacteria. Similar to their human counterparts, young mice also had significantly lower plasma ATP levels when compared to adolescent animals. In addition, we found that mortality of young mice after bacterial infection was significantly higher than that of adolescent mice. Moreover, bacterial phagocytosis by PMNs of young mice was weaker when compared to that of older mice. Finally, we found that ATP supplementation could recover bacterial phagocytosis of young mice to levels similar to those of adolescent mice. Our findings suggest that rapid ATP hydrolysis in the plasma of young children lowers the antimicrobial functions of their PMNs and that this may contribute to the vulnerability of pediatric patients to bacterial infections.

Association of Maternal Body Mass Index During Early Pregnancy With Offspring Lower Respiratory Infections: A Nationwide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether or to what extent maternal obesity during early pregnancy could increase the risk of offspring lower respiratory infections (LRI).

STUDY DESIGN

This population-based cohort included 688,457 live singleton births born in Denmark between 2004 and 2016. The exposure was maternal body mass index (BMI) during early pregnancy, and the outcome was LRI in offspring. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association. We also performed subanalysis stratified by the LRI onset age, number of infection episodes before the age of 3, infection pathogens, infection sites, duration of hospital stay due to LRI and allergic constitution of children.

RESULTS

A total of 64,725 LRIs in offspring were identified during follow-up. Maternal overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m 2 ), moderate or severe obesity (BMI 30.0-39.9 kg/m 2 ) and very severe obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m 2 ) were associated with a 7% (95% CI: 5%-9%), 16% (95% CI: 14%-19%) and 21% (95% CI: 13%-28%) increased risk of LRI in offspring, respectively. Higher maternal BMI was positively associated with earlier onset age, more episodes before the age of 3, and longer hospital stay of LRI in offspring. In addition, allergic constitution of offspring significantly enhanced the effect of maternal BMI on offspring LRI (44% increased risk, 95% CI: 5%-97% for very severe obesity).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal BMI during early pregnancy might be a risk factor for offspring LRI, especially in children with allergic constitution.

Are the first 1,000 days of life a neglected vital period to prevent the impact on maternal and infant morbimortality of infectious diseases in Latin America? Proceedings of a workshop of experts from the Latin American Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, SLIPE

While the first 1,000 days of life are a critical period in child's development, limited information on the main determinants affecting this period in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is available. Therefore, the Latin American Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (SLIPE) held an ad hoc workshop in May 2022 with an expert panel designed to analyze the main factors impacting the development of childhood in the region during this period and the main causes of maternal infant morbimortality. The aim was to identify priorities, generate recommendations, and advise practical actions to improve this situation. Considerations were made about the challenges involved in bridging the gap that separates the region from more developed countries regarding an optimal early childhood and maternal care. Extensive discussion was conducted to reach consensus recommendations on general strategies intended to reduce maternal and infant mortality associated with infections and immune-preventable diseases during the first 1,000 days of life in LAC.

Asthma and Other Respiratory Diseases of Children in Relation to Personal Behavior, Household, Parental and Environmental Factors in West China

Asthma and other respiratory diseases, which are of great concern in public health, are paid less attention in areas that are less economically developed. This research aimed to study the prevalence of critical respiratory diseases of children living in West China and figure out the potential influencing factors. A total of 575 children under the age of 14 were recruited from Xinjiang, China, to participate in the study in 2022. Information on activity patterns, socioeconomic and parental factors, and household and surrounding environment situations was obtained using a questionnaire survey. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratios of respiratory disease prevalence in relation to behavior patterns, household, parental and environmental factors, respectively. The prevalence of ever doctor-diagnosed asthma, doctor-diagnosed bronchitis and current bronchitis were 4.7%, 19.0% and 14.4%, respectively. The prevalence of doctor-diagnosed pneumonia was 8.2%, which was two times higher in urban than rural areas. Longer annual heating duration was significantly associated with higher risks in children's asthma and bronchitis, with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 3.363 (95% CI: 1.215-9.298) and 1.267 (95% CI: 1.002-1.601), respectively. Opening the window longer in autumn would lead to higher risks of bronchitis, with ORs of 1.165 and 1.133, respectively, for doctor-diagnosed bronchitis and current bronchitis. Residential air pollution and having a residence close to waste incineration plant or garbage station were, respectively, significantly associated with higher risks of doctor-diagnosed bronchitis and asthma. Parental disease history was associated with a higher prevalence of children's asthma and respiratory diseases, whereas breastfeeding and doing physical exercise were, respectively, significantly associated with a lower risk of asthma. A high prevalence of respiratory diseases in children in West China may be partly attributed to longer annual heating time, opening windows longer in autumn, surrounding environmental pollution, as well as parental disease history, whereas promoting physical activity and breastfeeding could be an effective measure to reduce the risk of childhood asthma in West China.

Genomic Analysis of Rwandan G9P[8] Rotavirus Strains Pre- and Post-RotaTeq® Vaccine Reveals Significant Distinct Sub-Clustering in a Post-Vaccination Cohort

Although the introduction of rotavirus vaccines has substantially contributed to the reduction in rotavirus morbidity and mortality, concerns persist about the re-emergence of variant strains that might alter vaccine effectiveness in the long term. The G9 strains re-emerged in Africa during the mid-1990s and have more recently become predominant in some countries, such as Ghana and Zambia. In Rwanda, during the 2011 to 2015 routine surveillance period, G9P[8] persisted during both the pre- and post-vaccine periods. The pre-vaccination cohort was based on the surveillance period of 2011 to 2012, and the post-vaccination cohort was based on the period of 2013 to 2015, excluding 2014. The RotaTeq® vaccine that was first introduced in Rwanda in 2012 is genotypically heterologous to Viral Protein 7 (VP7) G9. This study elucidated the whole genome of Rwandan G9P[8] rotavirus strains pre- and post-RotaTeq® vaccine introduction. Fecal samples from Rwandan children under the age of five years (pre-vaccine n = 23; post-vaccine n = 7), conventionally genotyped and identified as G9P[8], were included. Whole-genome sequencing was then performed using the Illumina® MiSeq platform. Phylogenetic analysis and pair-wise sequence analysis were performed using MEGA6 software. Distinct clustering of three post-vaccination study strains was observed in all 11 gene segments, compared to the other Rwandan G9P[8] study strains. Specific amino acid differences were identified across the gene segments of these three 2015 post-vaccine strains. Important amino acid differences were identified at position N242S in the VP7 genome segment of the three post-vaccine G9 strains compared to the other G9 strains. This substitution occurs at a neutralization epitope site and may slightly affect protein interaction at that position. These findings indicate that the Rwandan G9P[8] strains revealed a distinct sub-clustering pattern among post-vaccination study strains circulating in Rwanda, with changes at neutralization epitopes, which may play a role in neutralization escape from vaccine candidates. This emphasizes the need for continuous whole-genome surveillance to better understand the evolution and epidemiology of the G9P[8] strains post-vaccination.

Listening to Caregivers: Narratives of Health Seeking for Children Under Five with Pneumonia and Diarrhea: Insights from the NIGRAAN Trial in Pakistan

Background

Understanding health-seeking behaviors of caregivers is important to reduce child mortality. Several factors influence decision-making related to childhood illnesses.

Objective

The objective of this study was to gather caretaker narratives to develop a comprehensive understanding of the context and process of caregiving at household level during all stages of an episode of diarrhea and pneumonia in children <5.

Methods

Using a narrative interview approach, stories from caregivers of children <5 were collected from a rural district in Sindh Pakistan. Eleven households with children <5 were randomly selected and purposive sampling was done to interview 20 caregivers. All data collection was conducted privately in participants' homes and informed consent taken. Manual content analysis was carried out by three independent researchers and emerging themes drawn.

Results

The role of joint family system is integral in making decisions and the child's paternal grandmother, is an important and trusted source of information regarding child sickness in the household. They often promote home remedies with considerable authority prior to formal consultation with the health care system. Caregivers were generally dissatisfied with doctors in the public sector who were perceived to be providing free consultation with a poor quality of care and long waiting time as compared to private doctors. Financial considerations and child support were favorably addressed in households with a joint family system.

Conclusion

The joint family system provides a strong support system, but also tends to reduce parental autonomy in decision-making and delay first contact with formal health providers. Prevalent home remedies, and authority of elders in the family influence management practices. Interventions for reducing improving child mortality should be cognizant of the context of decision-making and social influences at the household level.

Molecular epidemiology and characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus among hospitalized children in Guangzhou, China

BACKGROUND

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection and hospitalization, especially in children. Highly mutagenic nature and antigenic diversity enable the RSV to successfully survive in human population. We conducted a molecular epidemiological study during 2017-2021 to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of RSV.

METHODS

A total of 6499 nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs were collected from hospitalized children at Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. All NP swab specimens were preliminary screened for common respiratory viruses and then tested for RSV using specific PCR assays. Partial G genes of RSV were amplified for phylogenetic analysis and genetic characterization.

RESULTS

The overall detection rate for common respiratory viruses was 16.12% (1048/6499). Among those, 405 specimens (6.20%, 405/6499) were found positive for RSV. The monthly distribution of RSV and other respiratory viruses was variable, and the highest incidence was recorded in Autumn and Winter. Based on the sequencing of hypervariable region of G gene, 93 RSV sequences were sub-grouped into RSV-A (56, 60.2%) and RSV-B (37, 39.8%). There was no coinfection of RSV-A and RSV-B in the tested samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that RSV-A and RSV-B strains belonged to ON1 and BA9 genotypes respectively, indicating predominance of these genotypes in Guangzhou. Several substitutions were observed which may likely change the antigenicity and pathogenicity of RSV. Multiple glycosylation sites were noticed, demonstrating high selection pressure on these genotypes.

CONCLUSION

This study illustrated useful information about epidemiology, genetic characteristics, and circulating genotypes of RSV in Guangzhou China. Regular monitoring of the circulating strains of RSV in different parts of China could assist in the development of more effective vaccines and preventive measures.

Factors associated with high exclusive breastfeeding rates among preterm infants under 34 weeks of gestation in Da Nang, Vietnam: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Preterm infants have higher mortality than full-term infants. While breastfeeding dramatically reduces preterm death, it is limited by biological and practice barriers, particularly for babies born before 34 weeks gestational age. Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children developed a quality improvement approach to improve breastfeeding of preterm infants by strengthening feeding support, non-separation, and kangaroo mother care (KMC).

Methods

To determine breastfeeding outcomes following discharge and explore factors associated with improved feeding, mothers of infants under 34 weeks gestational age born October 2021 to March 2022 and discharged alive were interviewed at six months and their medical records were reviewed.

Results

Out of 104 preterm infants included, all were exclusively breastfed at discharge and one month, 86.5% at three months, and 63.5% at six months; 47.1% received immediate skin-to-skin contact, 31.7% immediate and continuous KMC, and the remaining 68.3% continuous KMC beginning at a median of three days. Exclusive breastfeeding at six months was associated with the mother antenatally seeking breastfeeding information (odds ratio (OR) = 14.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2-173.6), avoiding bottle-feeding at home (OR = 7.7; 95% CI = 1.7-33.7) and reduced with each day delay between birth and full breastfeeding (OR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.6-0.9).

Conclusions

Hospital environments that limit mother-baby separations and feeding delays, including rooming-in of mothers and infants, KMC, and breastfeeding support from birth, enabled 100% of preterm infants born before 34 weeks gestational age to breastfeed exclusively with continued rates higher than previously reported. Addressing antenatal and post-natal factors limiting practice can further improve longer-term breastfeeding outcomes. The approach can be adapted to achieve high exclusive breastfeeding rates, regardless of gestational age.

Conservative and Surgical Modalities in the Management of Pediatric Parapneumonic Effusion and Empyema: A Living Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for community-acquired childhood pneumonia complicated by empyema remains unclear.

RESEARCH QUESTION

In children with parapneumonic effusion or empyema, do hospital length of stay and other key clinical outcomes differ according to the treatment modality used?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A living systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Eligible RCTs included patients aged < 18 years and compared two of the following treatment modalities: antibiotics alone, chest tube insertion with or without fibrinolytics, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and decortication via thoracotomy. A network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate treatment effects on hospital length of stay (LOS), the primary outcome.

RESULTS

Eleven trials including a total of 590 patients were selected for the network meta-analysis. Compared with a chest tube alone, a chest tube with fibrinolytics, thoracotomy, and VATS were all associated with shorter LOS, with a mean difference of 5.05 days (95% CI, 2.46-7.64), 6.33 days (95% CI, 3.17-9.50), and 5.86 days (95% CI, 3.38-8.35), respectively. No substantial differences in LOS were observed between the latter three interventions. None of the 11 RCTs compared antibiotics alone vs other types of treatment. Most trials reported peri-procedural complications and the need for reintervention, but the descriptions differed significantly between trials, preventing meta-analysis. In trials reporting health care-associated costs, fibrinolytics had cost advantages compared with VATS. Short- and long-term morbidity and mortality were very low, regardless of the treatment modality.

INTERPRETATION

The results of this network meta-analysis showed that a chest tube alone was associated with a longer LOS compared with other treatment modalities. The lower cost associated with a chest tube plus fibrinolytics warrants consideration when choosing between treatment options, given similar LOS and clinical outcomes compared with the other modalities.

Hygienic Disposal of Children's Stools Practices Among Women of Children With Diarrhoea in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background

Diarrhoea stools contain infectious agents and pose a public health threat to children and members of the entire family when exposed to them. Therefore, their hygienic disposal is essential. Empirical data are needed to stir the needed public health interventions to encourage or enforce proper disposal practices to curb associated clinical issues. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of hygienic stool disposal practices by mothers of children with diarrhoea in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

The Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data of 16 sub-Saharan African countries from 2015 to 2021 involving 22 590 mother-child pairs were analysed. Multilevel binary logistic analysis was conducted to assess the individual- and household-level factors associated with the hygienic disposal of stool practices by mothers of children with diarrhoea. The results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) at a statistical significance of P < .05.

Results

The overall prevalence of hygienic disposal of children's stools among women of children with diarrhoea was 49.01% (95% CI: 48.40-49.62) and ranged from 15.70% in Liberia to 86.6% in Rwanda. The practice of hygienic disposal of stools of children with diarrhoea was likely to increase among mothers who are working (AOR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.09-1.30), those with partners with primary level of education (AOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.06-1.31), Muslims (AOR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.49-1.91) and widowed/divorced (AOR: 8.94, 95% CI: 3.55-22.53). Again, mothers in the richer (AOR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.08-1.39) wealth index had increased odds of disposing of stools hygienically compared to those in the poorest wealth index. Women who were 20 years and above, to who belonged to Traditional Religions (AOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.43-0.74), and those with unimproved sources of water (AOR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82-0.98) and toilet facilities (AOR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.58-0.69) were less likely to dispose of child's diarrhoea stool hygienically than their counterparts.

Conclusion

The study reveals that the unhygienic disposal of the stool of children with diarrhoea is prevalent in SSA and requires a concerted effort to curb it. Sanitation practices such as educating mothers about hygienic disposal of children's stool and improving water and sanitation facilities are crucial in lowering the high prevalence of unhygienic disposal of the diarrhoeic stool of children. Additional country-level research is needed to assess children's defecation behaviours and the disposal of diarrhoeic stools using different methodologies.

Effect of a Homestead Food Production Program on the Prevalence of Diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection in Children in Sylhet, Bangladesh: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Diarrhea and respiratory illness are leading causes of mortality and morbidity among young children. We assessed the impact of a homestead food production intervention on diarrhea and acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children in Bangladesh, secondary outcomes of the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) cluster-randomized trial. The trial enrolled 2,705 married women and their children 3 years or younger in 96 rural settlements (geographic clusters) in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. The intervention promoted home gardening and poultry rearing alongside child nutrition and health counseling over 3 years (2015-2018). An 8-month food hygiene behavior change component using emotional drivers was delivered beginning in mid-2017. Caregiver-reported diarrhea and symptoms of ARI in the week preceding the survey were recorded every 2 months. We analyzed 32,460 observations of 3,276 children over 4 years and found that 3.9% of children had diarrhea and 3.4% had an ARI in the prior 7 days. There was no overall effect of the intervention on 7-day diarrhea period prevalence (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.71-1.19), diarrhea point prevalence (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.78-1.36), or 7-day ARI period prevalence (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.88-1.60). There was no impact on diarrhea severity or differences in health-seeking behaviors. Our findings suggest that this homestead food production program was insufficient to reduce morbidity symptoms among children in a rural setting. More comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene measures, and behavioral recommendations may be needed to achieve impacts on child health.

Formulation of zinc foliar sprays for wheat grain biofortification: a review of current applications and future perspectives

Agronomic biofortification of wheat grain with zinc can improve the condition of about one billion people suffering from zinc (Zn) deficiency. However, with the challenge of cultivating high-yielding wheat varieties in Zn-deficient soils and the global need to produce higher-quality food that nourishes the growing population, innovation in the strategies to deliver Zn directly to plants will come into play. Consequently, existing foliar formulations will need further refinement to maintain the high agronomic productivity required in competitive global grain markets while meeting the dietary Zn intake levels recommended for humans. A new generation of foliar fertilisers that increase the amount of Zn assimilated in wheat plants and the translocation efficiency of Zn from leaves to grains can be a promising solution. Research on the efficacy of adjuvants and emerging nano-transporters relative to conventional Zn forms applied as foliar fertilisers to wheat has expanded rapidly in recent years. This review scopes the range of evidence available in the literature regarding the biofortification of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) resulting from foliar applications of conventional Zn forms, Zn nanoparticles and novel Zn-foliar formulations. We examine the foliar application strategies and the attained final concentration of grain Zn. We propose a conceptual model for the response of grain Zn biofortification of wheat to foliar Zn application rates. This review discusses some physiological aspects of transportation of foliarly applied Zn that need further investigation. Finally, we explore the prospects of engineering foliar nano-formulations that could effectively overcome the physicochemical barrier to delivering Zn to wheat grains.

Pneumonia in Sudan: Systematic and Scoping Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

In addition to excessive burden of non-communicable diseases, natural and manmade disasters, and internal conflicts, Sudan is predominantly susceptible to communicable diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and pneumonia, which bring about an extra burden of demand for high-quality healthcare. According to the WHO and the Sudan Health Observatory, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in Sudan. This study therefore aimed to illustrate pneumonia literature in Sudan, estimate infection prevalence regardless of the cause among Sudanese children and adults, and demonstrate its related risk factors. A systematic and scoping review of the literature was conducted and regulated in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). After abstract and full-text screening, only 15 articles met our inclusion criteria and passed the quality assessment procedure. Seven included studies determined prevalence of pneumonia; the overall pooled prevalence was around 30%. Furthermore, 12 research articles investigated risk factors related to pneumonia among Sudanese population. Further research with larger sample sizes targeting risk factors of pneumonia among Sudanese population is needed to be conducted.

Clinical features and risk factors analysis for poor outcomes of severe community-acquired pneumonia in children: a nomogram prediction model

Background

Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death among children aged 1-59 months. The early prediction of poor outcomes (PO) is of critical concern. This study aimed to explore the risk factors relating to PO in severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) and build a PO-predictive nomogram model for children with SCAP.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 300 Chinese pediatric patients diagnosed with SCAP who were hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from August 1, 2018, to October 31, 2021. Children were divided into the PO and the non-PO groups. The occurrence of PO was designated as the dependent variable. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors of PO. A nomogram model was constructed from the multivariate logistic regression analysis and internally validated for model discrimination and calibration. The performance of the nomogram was estimated using the concordance index (C-index).

Results

According to the efficacy evaluation criteria, 56 of 300 children demonstrated PO. The multivariate logistic regression analysis resulted in the following independent risk factors for PO: co-morbidity (OR: 8.032, 95% CI: 3.556-18.140, P < 0.0001), requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (OR: 7.081, 95% CI: 2.250-22.282, P = 0.001), and ALB < 35 g/L (OR: 3.203, 95% CI: 1.151-8.912, P = 0.026). Results of the internal validation confirmed that the model provided good discrimination (concordance index [C-index], 0.876 [95% CI: 0.828-0.925]). The calibration plots in the nomogram model were of high quality.

Conclusion

The nomogram facilitated accurate prediction of PO in children diagnosed with SCAP and could be helpful for clinical decision-making.

Sesquiterpene lactones improve secretory diarrhea symptoms by inhibiting intestinal Ca2+-activated Cl- channel activities directly and indirectly

Secretory diarrhea caused by bacteria and viruses is usually accompanied by activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and calcium-activated Cl- channels (CaCCs) in the intestinal epithelium. Inhibition of CFTR and CaCCs activities significantly reduces fluid losses and intestinal motility in diarrheal diseases. For this reason, CFTR and CaCCs are potential targets of therapeutic drug screening. Here, we reported that the sesquiterpene lactones, alantolactone (AL) and isoalantolactone (iAL), significantly inhibited ATP and Eact-induced short-circuit currents in T84, HT-29 and Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells expressing transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) in a concentration-dependent manner. AL and iAL also inhibited the CaCC-mediated short-circuit currents induced by carbachol in the mouse colons. Both compounds inhibited forskolin-induced currents in T84 cells but did not significantly affect mouse colons. In vivo studies indicated that AL and iAL attenuated gastrointestinal motility and decreased watery diarrhea in rotavirus-infected neonatal mice. Preliminary mechanism studies showed that AL and iAL inhibited CaCCs at least partially by inhibiting Ca2+ release and basolateral membrane K+ channels activity. These findings suggest a new pharmacological activity of sesquiterpene lactone compounds that might lead to the development of treatments for rotaviral secretory diarrhea.

Effects of intrauterine and post-natal exposure to air pollution on children's pneumonia: Key roles in different particulate matters exposure during critical time windows

BACKGROUND

Despite mounting evidence linked pneumonia with air pollution, it is unclear what main pollutant(s) exposure in which critical window(s) play a key role in pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE

To examine effects of intrauterine and post-natal exposure to air pollution on children's doctor-diagnosed pneumonia (DDP).

METHODS

A combination of cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study was conducted at Changsha, China during 2019-2020. Personal exposure to outdoor air pollutants at each child's home address was estimated using inverse distance weighted (IDW) method based on data from 10 air quality monitoring stations. Associations between personal air pollution exposure and DDP were evaluated.

RESULTS

Children's DDP was associated with intrauterine and post-natal exposure to PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM10, adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.17 (1.04-1.30), 1.09 (1.01-1.17), and 1.07 (1.00-1.14) for IQR increase in intrauterine exposure and 1.12 (1.02-1.22), 1.13 (1.06-1.21), and 1.28 (1.16-1.41) for post-natal exposure. Intrauterine PM2.5 exposure and post-natal PM10 exposure were associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. We identified the 2nd trimester, 3rd trimester, and first year as critical windows respectively for PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM10 exposure. Daytime exposure to traffic-related air pollution especially during early life increased DDP.

CONCLUSION

Intrauterine and post-natal exposure to particulate matters played a dominant role in children's DDP.