Association between Dental Caries and Influenza Infection in Children: A Japanese Nationwide Population-Based Study

Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease. Recent studies have suggested that dental caries harbor respiratory infections in adults. We investigated the association between dental caries and influenza in children. In this study, 42,812 children aged 2.5 years, 38,540 children aged 5.5 years, and 34,124 children aged 10 years were included in the analysis from the Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in the 21st Century in Japan, which targeted all children born during a certain period in 2001. We used information on dental caries treated at hospitals and clinics in the past year as exposure and influenza as outcome during the observation periods (1.5–2.5, 4.5–5.5, and 9–10 years of age). We performed a log-binomial regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, and stratified analysis according to previous dental caries status. The presence of dental caries increased the incidence of influenza in all three target ages compared with the absence of dental caries. The incidence of influenza increased with the presence of current dental caries, regardless of the presence of past dental caries. These associations were observed irrespective of household income. Early detection and treatment of dental caries may reduce the risk of influenza in children.

Pharmacology Update: Emergency and Controller Medications for Treatment of Asthma

Asthma is the most common noncommunicable chronic childhood disease, affecting more than 5 million children in the United States. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. Treatments for asthma are divided into fast-acting medications that are used to relieve symptoms and slower acting (controller) medications that prevent symptoms. Albuterol is the most common fast acting medication for asthma, and it exists in multiple forms, including metered-dose inhaler and nebulized therapy. The use of spacers and holding chambers can further improve medication deposition in the airway. The cornerstone controller therapy for asthma is inhaled corticosteroid. Other medications for asthma include long-acting beta agonists, long-acting antimuscarinics, and antileukotrienes. The newest agents for controller asthma therapies are biologics.

Getting to Hope: Perspectives from Patients and Caregivers Living with Chronic Childhood Illness

Promoting hope was identified in our prior work as the top priority research question among patients and caregivers with diverse childhood-onset chronic conditions. Here, we aimed to construct a conceptual model to guide future research studies of interventions to improve hope. We conducted eight monthly virtual focus groups and one virtual workshop with patients, caregivers, and researchers to explore key constructs to inform the model. Discussions were facilitated by Patient Co-Investigators. Participants developed a definition of hope and identified promotors and inhibitors that influence the experience of hope. We utilized qualitative methods to analyze findings and organize the promotors and inhibitors of hope within three strata of the socio-ecologic framework: structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Participants identified three types of interventions to promote hope: resources, navigation, and activities to promote social connection. The hope conceptual model can be used to inform the selection of interventions to assess in future research studies aimed at improving hope and the specification of outcome measures to include in hope research studies. Inclusion of the health care system in the model provides direction for identifying strategies for improving the system and places responsibility on the system to do better to promote hope among young patients with chronic illness and their caregivers.

Driving Benefits of Virtual Reality in Cerebral Palsy: a narrative review

Introduction: Chronic childhood encephalopathy (CCE),still called cerebral palsy worldwide, is defined as a set ofmotor disorders caused by non-progressive disorders of thecentral nervous system, resulting in changes in muscle toneand posture. These changes are established in the pre, peri orpostnatal period and numerous physical therapy modalitieshave been suggested for the management of these changes.Virtual reality (VR) has been used as an innovative therapeutictool, with a motor approach that involves the individualand a computerized interaction field, with the simulationof exercises capable of stimulating movements in real time,motivation and sensory feedback. Objective: To evaluate the motor benefits of VR as a therapeutic modality in childrenwith CCE. Materials and methods: A narrative review was carried out, with articles found in the Bireme database (BVS)and in the virtual library Scientific Eletronic Library Online(SciELO). The descriptors used were: physiotherapy, virtualreality, children and CCE. Results: Only five articles wereselected. Conclusion: The articles consulted suggest that theuse of VR influences the improvement mainly of the child’sbalance, helping kinesiotherapeutic treatment. However,with a small number of publications focused on the pediatricphysiotherapeutic approach through VR, further studies areneeded for better scientific proof of this tool.

AESTHETIC RESTORATION OF SEVERELY DECAYED PRIMARY INCISORS WITH FIBRE POSTS AND STRIP CROWNS; A CASE REPORT

Early childhood caries is the most common chronic childhood disease. It usually begin on labial surfaces of all anteriors and advance rapidly as a turgid demineralization causing gross destruction of all anterior primary teeth. This case presents the clinical sequence of rehabilitation of maxillary anterior primary teeth. Endodontic treatment was followed by the placement of a new fibre post; glass fibre reinforced composite resin post. The crown reconstruction was done with strip crowns. Keywords: Early childhood caries, Glass fibre post, Strip crowns

Lung Function, Dietary Intake, and Weight Status in Children with Persistent Asthma from Low-Income, Urban Communities

Objective: Asthma and obesity are prevalent chronic childhood diseases that commonly co-occur in youth from low-income, minority backgrounds. Diet is a known risk factor for obesity; however, its role in asthma/obesity comorbidity is not well established. This analysis examined the association between diet and lung function and effect modification by weight status. Methods: Lung function (FEV1 % predicted), anthropometric, and dietary data were collected from 95 children, ages 7–9 years old with persistent asthma, from low-income, urban communities in the United States. Associations between lung function, diet and weight status were examined using multivariable linear regression. Results: There were no significant differences in dietary intake between children with persistent asthma with and without obesity; however, >85% of participants did not meet recommendations for fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intake for their age and sex. Only intake of fruit (whole fruit and juice) was significantly associated with FEV1 % predicted (−3.36; 95% CI: −6.5 to −0.2). Conclusions: Diet quality was poor in this sample, independent of weight status. More research is needed to understand the relationship between diet, lung function, and weight status, so that interventions can be developed to concurrently address obesity and weight.