Breastfeeding can protect infants from the risk of asthma due to antibiotic exposure, according to a new study led by Dr. Stuart Turvey, a UBC professor in the department of pediatrics and investigator at BC Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Stuart Turvey
The study, published recently in the journal Med, found that children who were not breastfed while taking antibiotics had three times the risk of developing asthma compared to those who were breastfed while taking antibiotics.
Asthma affects around one in seven children around the world and is the leading cause of pediatric emergency room visits and missed school days. It can also lead to lifelong poor lung health.
The community of gut microbes, or microbiota, early in life supports immune development to help prevent asthma, however, antibiotic exposure seems to disrupt this delicate microbial balance.
“Increasingly, we have come to understand the enormous influence infant gut health has on overall health,” says Dr. Turvey. “While strides have been made to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, we realize they are still an important treatment for babies when warranted. According to our findings, breastfeeding may be one of the most influential factors in protecting these babies when they require antibiotics.”
Darlene Dai
Dr. Turvey and his team used data collected from children who participated in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study to examine whether breastfeeding could promote a healthy gut and potentially reduce the risk of asthma due to antibiotic exposure.
The CHILD study is the largest multidisciplinary, longitudinal, population-based birth cohort study in Canada, where investigators have tracked the health, growth and environments of kids from birth into school age, and made important discoveries about how asthma and allergies develop.
“Working with the CHILD study, we had access to the microbiota composition within stool samples from infants as well as the makeup of their mother’s milk,” says Darlene Dai, a PhD candidate in UBC’s Experimental Medicine program and co-author of the study. “We were able to identify which beneficial microbes contributed to protection and pinpoint the components in the milk that nurture these beneficial microbes.”
Dr. Charisse Petersen
These components are called human milk oligosaccharides, which make up around 20 per cent of carbohydrates in human breast milk and are mostly indigestible by infants. Instead, their main purpose is to support the colonization of beneficial infant bacteria.
“We realize that breastfeeding is not always an option for infants who have been exposed to antibiotics,” says Dr. Charisse Petersen, research associate in UBC’s department of pediatrics and another co-author of the study. “We are hopeful that supplementation of the beneficial microbes and the necessary prebiotics identified in the study may be able to provide protection. Our findings could greatly improve how we treat and care for infants who need antibiotics and further reduce the burden of asthma both for these children and society.”
Scientists are working on determining the cause behind one of the most distinctive side effects of earlier strains of COVID-19—losing one’s sense of smell.
Although this symptom has become less common as newer variants spread, back in 2020 a sudden loss of smell was an immediate sign to go get tested for COVID-19.
And although this loss of smell has been temporary for many, for others that sense never properly returned, leaving millions struggling with loss of smell for months or even years. In order to find out the mechanisms behind this, a new study looked at olfactory epithelial samples collected from 24 people, including nine people experiencing long-term loss of their sense of smell due to a case of COVID-19.
"One of the first symptoms that has typically been associated with COVID-19 infection is loss of smell," Bradley Goldstein, associate professor in Duke's Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences and the Department of Neurobiology and senior author of the new research, said in a press release.
"Fortunately, many people who have an altered sense of smell during the acute phase of viral infection will recover smell within the next one to two weeks, but some do not. We need to better understand why this subset of people will go on to have persistent smell loss for months to years after being infected with SARS-CoV2.”
According to a study published earlier this year, as many as five per cent of COVID-19 survivors have long-lasting struggles with loss of smell, coming out to estimated 15 million people. And it’s still happening, even if the rate has gone down—around 17 per cent of people lost their sense of smell due to the Omicron variant when it became dominant in 2021.
In this recent study, researchers found that among those suffering from chronic loss of smell following COVID-19 infection, there was inflammation in the tissue of the nose where the smell nerve cells are located, and that there were also fewer olfactory neurons within the nose overall compared to control groups, which researchers suspect could be due to damage from the inflammation.
In a paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine in mid-December, researchers describe how they didn’t find any detectable SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the subjects, but ongoing inflammation was persisting nonetheless in those with chronic smell issues.
Researchers obtained additional samples from those who had been suffering from chronic loss of smell for at least four months since contracting COVID-19. None of the patients were acutely ill with COVID-19 at the time of sampling, nor had they previously had medical interventions such as intubation.
One big issue was that in the affected patients who previously had COVID-19, part of the immune system had been thrown off balance—T-cells in the olfactory samples were working overtime, driving the inflammation.
The job of T-cells is to attack specific foreign particles in order to help the body fight a virus, but in these patients, the virus was long gone.
"The findings are striking," Goldstein said. "It's almost resembling a sort of autoimmune-like process in the nose.”
It’s important research into an issue that has left some without the ability to smell anything, a condition called anosmia, and others with a distorted sense of smell that impacts their ability to eat food without nausea. Parosmia is the term for when a person’s sense of smell is thrown off to the point where many things smell rancid or have a chemical cast.
Previous research on the topic has largely focused on autopsies of patients who died after having COVID-19, meaning they weren’t able to ask patients about their experiences of smell or have them take smell tests as researchers did in this new study.
Although this research answers some questions, more needs to be done to truly nail down the reason for long-term loss of smell in COVID-19 patients. The study notes that there are still several possibilities for the cause of the long-term damage, one being that the initial cell damage of the acute illness may have overwhelmed the ability of stem cells within the olfactory area to rebuild the cells responsible for smelling.
A theory seemingly disproved by this new research is that long-term loss of smell was driven by ongoing infection, which researchers found no sign of.
There were signs of hope—researchers observed neurons attempting to repair themselves even after long-term damage.
"We are hopeful that modulating the abnormal immune response or repair processes within the nose of these patients could help to at least partially restore a sense of smell," Goldstein said.
His lab is currently working on studying this aspect of the issue. Researchers acknowledged that their current study is limited by its smaller scope.
Summary:Study finds a link between poor hydration in adults and an increased risk of chronic health conditions and advanced biological aging.
Source:NIH
Adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, and live longer than those who may not get sufficient fluids, according to a National Institutes of Health study published in eBioMedicine.
Using health data gathered from 11,255 adults over a 30-year period, researchers analyzed links between serum sodium levels – which go up when fluid intake goes down – and various indicators of health.
They found that adults with serum sodium levels at the higher end of a normal range were more likely to develop chronic conditions and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with serum sodium levels in the medium ranges. Adults with higher levels were also more likely to die at a younger age.
“The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life,” said Natalia Dmitrieva, Ph.D., a study author and researcher in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of NIH.
The study expands on research the scientists published in March 2022, which found links between higher ranges of normal serum sodium levels and increased risks for heart failure. Both findings came from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which includes sub-studies involving thousands of Black and white adults from throughout the United States. The first ARIC sub-study started in 1987 and has helped researchers better understand risk factors for heart disease, while shaping clinical guidelines for its treatment and prevention.
For this latest analysis, researchers assessed information study participants shared during five medical visits – the first two when they were in their 50s, and the last when they were between ages 70-90. To allow for a fair comparison between how hydration correlated with health outcomes, researchers excluded adults who had high levels of serum sodium at baseline check-ins or with underlying conditions, like obesity, that could affect serum sodium levels.
They then evaluated how serum sodium levels correlated with biological aging, which was assessed through 15 health markers. This included factors, such as systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, which provided insight about how well each person’s cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, renal, and immune system was functioning. They also adjusted for factors, like age, race, biological sex, smoking status, and hypertension.
They found that adults with higher levels of normal serum sodium – with normal ranges falling between 135-146 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) – were more likely to show signs of faster biological aging. This was based on indictors like metabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function, and inflammation.
For example, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had a 10-15% associated increased odds of being biologically older than their chronological age compared to ranges between 137-142 mEq/L, while levels above 144 mEq/L correlated with a 50% increase. Likewise, levels of 144.5-146 mEq/L were associated with a 21% increased risk of premature death compared to ranges between 137-142 mEq/L.
Similarly, adults with serum sodium levels above 142 mEq/L had up to a 64% increased associated risk for developing chronic diseases like heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease, as well as chronic lung disease, diabetes, and dementia. Conversely, adults with serum sodium levels between 138-140 mEq/L had the lowest risk of developing chronic disease.
The findings don’t prove a causal effect, the researchers noted. Randomized, controlled trials are necessary to determine if optimal hydration can promote healthy aging, prevent disease, and lead to a longer life. However, the associations can still inform clinical practice and guide personal health behavior.
“People whose serum sodium is 142 mEq/L or higher would benefit from evaluation of their fluid intake,” Dmitrieva said. She noted that most people can safely increase their fluid intake to meet recommended levels, which can be done with water as well as other fluids, like juices, or vegetables and fruits with a high water content.
They found that adults with serum sodium levels at the higher end of a normal range were more likely to develop chronic conditions and show signs of advanced biological aging than those with serum sodium levels in the medium ranges. Image is in the public domain
The National Academies of Medicine, for example, suggest that most women consume around 6-9 cups (1.5-2.2 liters) of fluids daily and for men, 8-12 cups (2-3 liters).
Others may need medical guidance due to underlying health conditions. “The goal is to ensure patients are taking in enough fluids, while assessing factors, like medications, that may lead to fluid loss,” said Manfred Boehm, M.D., a study author and director of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine.
“Doctors may also need to defer to a patient’s current treatment plan, such as limiting fluid intake for heart failure.”
The authors also cited research that finds about half of people worldwide don’t meet recommendations for daily total water intake, which often starts at 6 cups (1.5 liters).
“On the global level, this can have a big impact,” Dmitrieva said. “Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, which is why the results suggest that staying well hydrated may slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease.”
Funding: This research was supported by the Division of Intramural Research at NHLBI. The ARIC study has been supported by research contracts from NHLBI, NIH, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
About this aging and neuroscience research news
Author:Press Office Source:NIH Contact: Press Office – NIH Image: The image is in the public domain
Middle-age high normal serum sodium as a risk factor for accelerated biological aging, chronic diseases, and premature mortality
Background
It is known that some people age faster than others, some people live into old age disease-free, while others develop age-related chronic diseases. With a rapidly aging population and an emerging chronic diseases epidemic, finding mechanisms and implementing preventive measures that could slow down the aging process has become a new challenge for biomedical research and public health. In mice, lifelong water restriction shortens the lifespan and promotes degenerative changes. Here, we test the hypothesis that optimal hydration may slow down the aging process in humans.
Methods
We performed a cohort analysis of data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study with middle-age enrollment (45–66 years, n = 15,752) and 25 years follow-up. We used serum sodium, as a proxy for hydration habits. To estimate the relative speed of aging, we calculated the biological age (BA) from age-dependent biomarkers and assessed risks of chronic diseases and premature mortality.
Findings
The analysis showed that middle age serum sodium >142 mmol/l is associated with a 39% increased risk to develop chronic diseases (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.18–1.63) and >144 mmol/l with 21% elevated risk of premature mortality (HR = 1.21, 95% CI:1.02–1.45). People with serum sodium >142 mmol/l had up to 50% higher odds to be older than their chronological age (OR = 1.50, 95% CI:1.14–1.96). A higher BA was associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases (HR = 1.70, 95% CI:1.50–1.93) and premature mortality (HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.39–1.83).
Interpretation
People whose middle-age serum sodium exceeds 142 mmol/l have increased risk to be biologically older, develop chronic diseases and die at younger age. Intervention studies are needed to confirm the link between hydration and aging.
Funding
This work was funded by Intramural Research program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The ARIC study has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the NHLBI; the National Institutes of Health (NIH); and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Healthy diet: Although losing weight is not an easy process, it can be made a little easier if you know what to do and how to do it. It might be difficult to decide which diet to follow because so many of them promise rapid and dramatic weight loss. We must realise that every sort of diet is unique and will work best on individual body types. A diet for losing weight that worked for your friend might not be the right one for you.
Deciding to start a new diet is fundamental. You'll change your eating patterns, add new things, and maybe get rid of some old ones. However, if losing weight is your objective, you want to start with the finest diet for weight loss. We have 5 top and solid diets which have proved to be useful and offer good results.
Mediterranean diet
In Portugal, Mediterranean-style diets contain plenty of beans, fruit, leafy greens, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, almonds, and fish at least twice a week. They also include a daily glass of red wine. Cheese can be consumed in moderation, but red meat should only be eaten once or twice each week.
If you keep your calorie consumption at 1,500 or less per day, it can also result in weight loss.
DASH diet
Although some guides have adopted the low-sodium Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet as the foundation for a weight-loss diet, it was created to assist people in controlling their blood pressure without the use of medications. DASH prioritises fresh produce, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy, and it restricts dietary cholesterol and saturated fat.
This diet can undoubtedly enhance your health, and if you limit calories while adhering to the heart-healthy DASH guidelines, you can reduce your blood pressure and lose weight.
Vegan diet
Vegans avoid all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey, going beyond the usual vegetarian diet. Many people chose this way of life for ethical or environmental reasons, but some also use it to lose weight.
Intermittent fasting
The intermittent fasting diet can be implemented in a few different ways: Some people limit their eating to an 8-hour window each day, while others allow themselves to eat anything they want five days a week and follow a very low-calorie diet (often around 500 calories) on the other two. Consider fasting for 16 hours in between eating as much as you like between 8 and 4 o'clock in the morning.
You can lose the additional weight by consuming fewer calories overall.
Volumetrics diet
The approach here is straightforward: Eat a lot of the foods that are highest in nutrition and lowest in calories. People who eat their meals include as many of the lower-density foods as possible. Foods are categorised into four groups, from least energy-dense (fruits, non-starchy vegetables, broth-based soups) to most energy-dense (crackers, cookies, chocolate, nuts, and butter).
There is no complicated maths involved here; the fewer calories you consume, the more weight you will lose.
Before opting for any diet consult your healthcare professional or a dietician/ nutritionist.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on general information and a syndicated feed and does not substitute for an expert's advice. Zee News does not confirm this.)
Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS): There have been at least 20 million illnesses, 210,000 hospitalisations, and 13,000 deaths from flu so far this season in the US, according to the latest estimates released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Seasonal influenza activity remains high but continues to decline in most areas, according to the CDC on Friday.
More than 18,800 people were hospitalised due to flu in the US in the latest week ending December 24, CDC data showed.
Fourteen influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week, for a total of 61 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season, Xinhua news agency reported.
The CDC urged the public to get flu shot annually to prevent infection and serious outcomes.
Earlier this month, Quebec public health director Dr. Luc Boileau expressed concern about a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, but so far, the number of COVID-19 patients has also been on the decline.
For the week ending Dec. 24, the province reported 700 COVID-19 hospitalizations, down from 900 the seven days prior. On Thursday, officials said there were 2,059 patients in hospital with COVID-19, including 711 people who were admitted because of the virus.
And as for RSV, the institute reported 374 infections for the week ending Dec. 24, down from 455 reported the week prior.
In November, health officials recommended that the public wear masks in crowded indoor places because hospitals were battling the trio of respiratory viruses. And in October, the head of the pediatric emergency department at Sainte-Justine hospital in Montreal said his emergency rooms were “completely jammed with patients” with respiratory viruses, largely driven by RSV.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2022.
——
This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
