Child Health
Using Machine Learning to Make Ventilator Support Safer for Children
Robinder Khemani, MD, MsCI, Attending Physician in Pediatric Intensive Care at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has received a $3.4 million grant from the National Institute of Health to examine to improve outcomes of children put on ventilators.
« Using Machine Learning to Make Ventilator Support Safer for Children
Newswise — LOS ANGELES — Critically ill children on ventilator support can experience a mismatch between their breathing efforts and) the rhythm delivered by the ventilator. This mismatch, called patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), is difficult to detect and can worsen patient outcomes. PVA is commonly associated with longer stays on a ventilator for adults and can raise the risks of infection, lung injury and brain damage. However, little is known about PVA in children, where it could be just as, if not more, common. Robinder Khemani, MD, MsCI, Attending Physician in Pediatric Intensive Care at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, is using machine learning to improve the outcomes of children put on ventilators.
A CHLA research team led by Dr. Khemani has received a $3.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to examine the frequency and risk factors for common types of PVA in critically ill children. Working with hospitals in Canada and the Netherlands, the researchers will investigate whether PVA is independently associated with poor clinical outcomes and determine the effects on the body when breathing doesn’t match the flow of air provided by the ventilator.
Children can need ventilator support for multiple reasons, including severe pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), when infection or trauma causes swelling, inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. The body’s response to the initial injury can harm the lungs even more than the infection or trauma itself.
“Many of these very sick patients can develop unexpected complications from the very procedures that we use to help them,” says Dr. Khemani. Ventilator-induced lung injury can lead to heart and kidney damage, or can increase vulnerability to future lung disease, asthma or sleep-disordered breathing.
“Brain function can also be impaired by all the medications, anesthetics and sedation patients receive to help them to tolerate the ventilator,” says Dr. Khemani. “We weigh the risks and benefits to minimize potential harms and hopefully get them off the ventilator as soon as they are ready.”
Measuring patient-ventilator mismatch
“There are many types of PVA, but we still don’t know which PVA subtypes are most harmful or are the most frequent,” says Dr. Khemani. “We need to develop a common set of definitions and measurements, especially for pediatric patients.”
Mismatches between patient breathing and the rhythm the ventilator provides can occur in different ways, as children’s breathing varies according to their weight, size and age. Respiration patterns can also change during the course of a child’s stay in the pediatric intensive care unit. But existing studies use different definitions for PVA subtypes and no study so far has been large enough to evaluate the relationship between different types of PVA and patient outcomes, or has yet focused on the highest-risk patients.
Automating ventilator-patient breathing
“It takes a very highly trained human to recognize PVA,” says Dr. Khemani. “But computers can do this very well. Our colleagues at the Virtual Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (vPICU) here at CHLA have been working with us on this project for a few years and have developed machine-learning algorithms that can identify different types of breathing asynchronies in children on ventilators.”
The study team will collect measurements from 200 children and combine this data with the analysis of 350 children in other studies, including a clinical trial that is testing a novel ventilator strategy. “By the end of this project, we hope to have developed these algorithms and validate that they work in three different hospitals using data from many different children,” says Dr. Khemani. “Simultaneously we will build a tool to automatically detect PVA by analyzing ventilator data through machine-learning algorithms. We will test how well the tool helps providers to identify the minute-to-minute changes in patients and potentially alert the bedside team that an adjustment to the ventilator may be needed.”
To minimize the risks of ventilator support, medical teams want to keep patients participating in breathing for themselves as much as possible. “So that’s where this study really comes into play, by constantly tracking the interaction between the child and the ventilator to ask if the ventilator is supplying just the right amount of help, precisely when needed,” says Dr. Khemani.
About Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Founded in 1901, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is the largest provider of hospital care for children in California. Renowned pediatric experts work together across disciplines to deliver inclusive and compassionate health care to one of the world’s most diverse populations, driving advances that set child health standards across the nation and around the globe. With a mission to create hope and build healthier futures for children, the hospital consistently ranks in the top 10 in the nation, No. 1 in California and No. 1 in the Pacific U.S. region on U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll of Best Children’s Hospitals. The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles supports the full continuum of child health research and is among the top 10 pediatric academic medical centers for National Institutes of Health funding, meaning physicians and scientists translate discoveries into treatments and bring answers to families faster. Home to one of the largest pediatric training programs in the United States, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles graduates a new class of physicians each year who have learned world-class children’s health care at the forefront of medicine. And as an anchor institution, the hospital strengthens the economic health of surrounding communities by fighting food insecurity, enhancing health education and literacy, and introducing early careerists to health care. To learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter, and visit our blog at CHLA.org/blog.
Source: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
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Food and Beverage
Halloween candy binges can overload your gut microbiome – a gut doctor explains how to minimize spooking your helpful bacteria
Christopher Damman, University of Washington
Each October, as the days shorten and the air grows crisp, millions of Americans prepare for the beloved – and often sugar-fueled – tradition of Halloween. From jack-o’-lanterns glowing on porches to costumes ranging from the whimsical to the gory, Halloween is a time of playful scares, childhood memories and, of course, candy.
But as the wrappers pile up and the sugar rush hits, there’s something far more sinister brewing beneath the surface: the negative effects of candy on your gut health.
Sugar and other ingredients in Halloween treats can cast a sickly spell on the trillions of microorganisms that reside in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome. As a gastroenterologist and gut microbiome researcher at the University of Washington School of Medicine, I have dedicated my career to decoding the cipher of how food affects this microbial community within your gut.
While no candy is truly healthy, some options are better for your gut than others. And there are ways you can help wake your gut from its sugar “spell” after holiday indulgence.
Gut-busting treats
What does all this candy do to your gut?
In a healthy state, your gut microbiome acts like a microbial factory. It digests nutrients your body can’t – such as fiber and colorful, health-conferring plant compounds called polyphenols – and produces important molecules called metabolites that protect against infection and support brain health. It also regulates metabolism, or the transformation of food into useful components that power and grow cells.
A balanced diet keeps your gut’s microbial cauldron churning smoothly. But the concentrated sugar, saturated fat and additives in candy can throw things into disarray by feeding inflammatory microbes that weaken your gut barrier – the protective lining that separates your microbiome from the rest of the body.
Once the gut barrier is breached, even friendly microbes can stir up inflammation, causing health issues ranging from overweight to obesity, infections to autoimmune disease, and mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s.
Sugar and inflammation impair your microbiome’s ability to digest food and regulate metabolism. Instead of producing healthy byproducts – such as butyrate from fiber and urolithin A from polyphenols – candy lacking these nutrients may trick your system into storing more fat, providing less energy for your muscles and brain.
Too much candy can also affect your immune system. A healthy gut microbiome helps your immune system distinguish between friend and foe, reducing the risk of infections and autoimmune disorders. Sugar and inflammation undermine the microbiome’s role in training the immune system to distinguish between harmful invaders and harmless substances. Without a carefully calibrated immune system, your body may not effectively clear infections or may strongly react to its own cells.
Neurologically, excess sweets can also affect the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication between the gut and brain. A healthy microbiome normally produces neurotransmitters and metabolites, such as serotonin and butyrate, that influence mood and cognitive performance. Sugar and inflammation adversely affects the microbiome’s role in mental health and cognitive function, contributing to depression, anxiety and memory troubles.
The candy conundrum
Not all Halloween treats are created equal, especially when it comes to their nutritional value and effects on gut health. Sugar-coated nuts and fruit such as honey-roasted almonds and candy apples rank among the top, offering whole food benefits just beneath the sugary coating. Packed with fiber and polyphenols, they help support gut health and healthy metabolism.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are chewy treats such as candy corn, Skittles, Starbursts and Twizzlers. These sugar-laden confections are mostly made of high fructose corn syrup, saturated fat and additives. They can increase the unsavory bacterial species in your gut and lead to inflammation, making them one of the least healthy Halloween choices.
Chocolate-based candies, however, stand out as a more microbiome-friendly option. While varieties such as Twix, Three Musketeers and Milky Way contain only a small amount of chocolate, pure chocolate bars – especially dark chocolate – are rich in fiber and polyphenols. In moderation, dark chocolate with at least 80% to 85% cacao may even benefit your gut microbiome and mood by encouraging beneficial bacterial species to grow.
Chocolates with whole nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, offer a boost of fiber, protein and omega-3 fats, making them a healthier choice. Dark chocolate with nuts is best. But when sorting through Halloween treats, Peanut M&Ms, 100 Grands and Almond Joys may be better options over Rolos, Krackels and Crunches. Even candies with processed nuts, such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Butterfingers, retain small amounts of fiber and protein, making them preferable to nut-free options.
At the bottom of the list, along with chewy sugar candies, are pure sugar candies such as lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, gummies and Smarties. These sweets lack nutritional value, and their high sugar content can contribute to the growth of unhealthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.
In the end, all candies are high in sugar, which can be harmful when consumed in large quantities. Moderation and an otherwise balanced diet is key to enjoying Halloween treats.
Rebalancing after indulgence
If the microbiome is critical for health, and candy can disrupt its balance, how can you restore gut health after Halloween?
One simple strategy is focusing on the four F’s of food: fiber, phytochemicals, unsaturated fats and fermented foods. These food components can help support gut health.
Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, fruits and vegetables regulate digestion and nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Polyphenol-rich foods such as dark chocolate, berries, red grapes, green tea and extra virgin olive oil help reduce inflammation and encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fats, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon can also support a healthy microbiome.
Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir and miso help replenish beneficial bacteria and restore gut balance.
To make tracking your diet easier, consider using a food calculator to measure how well your meals align with the four F’s and microbiome friendly options. Like a virtual “spellbook,” an online tool can help ensure your food choices support your gut health and ward off the effects of sugar overload.
As my daughters often remind me, it’s perfectly fine to indulge every now and then in a few tricks and treats. But remember, moderation is key. With a balanced diet, you’ll keep your gut healthy and strong long after the Halloween season ends.
Christopher Damman, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Premier Family-Friendly Entertainment Launches State-of-the-Art Technology Feature, Intellibands, in Two Parks With Additional Roll-Outs Coming Soon
DALLAS /PRNewswire/ — Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, announced today its exclusive partnership with Intelliplay, Inc., a brand that is revolutionizing the indoor family entertainment industry with a patented smart wristband and gamification platform. This partnership will introduce Intellibands to Altitude Trampoline Park locations, offering cutting-edge technology designed to elevate the park experience for guests and improve overall park management for operators.
The Intelliplay system, featuring the Intelliband, aims to increase satisfaction for both guests and franchisees. Intellibands are advanced rubber wristbands equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Key benefits of this technology include immediate identification of guests with expired jump time, gathering precise location and tracking data, increasing guest engagement through leaderboards and other gamified elements, and providing a convenient method to make purchases that grow overall revenue.
Replacing standard paper wristbands, Altitude staff will now perform check-ins through Intelliplay, scanning the Intelliband to link it to each guest’s ticket. This process ensures guests’ Intelliband lights up appropriately, allowing for seamless entry into the park. Staff can also monitor guest locations in real-time through a park map view.
Guests can look forward to several exciting features, including leaderboards. These allow kids to compete and earn points, making each visit to Altitude more engaging. Additionally, parents receive text notifications when their child’s time is about to expire, with a simple process to extend the time via phone. Intellibands also alert staff and parents if a child attempts to leave the facility, further ensuring safety and security in the park.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Intellibands to our parks. Altitude has been a trailblazer in the family entertainment industry, but this partnership with Intelliplay allows us to enhance our system by creating a new cornerstone for innovative technology, indoor activity, and fun that makes visits to our parks even more appealing and convenient,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Altitude Trampoline Park. “We are committed to continually improving the guest experience and look forward to seeing the positive impact Intellibands will have at our parks.”
The first Altitude Trampoline Park to officially roll-out this technology will be in Mason, Ohio, followed by Richardson, Texas. Prior to the official launch in Mason, Altitude tested this technology among customers and received great initial feedback. Customers found the wristband to be very secure and comfortable to wear, and overall felt the wristbands made for a better experience.
Altitude Trampoline Park is owned by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts. This year, Indoor Active Brands launched its latest brand, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant and bar – Crave Social Eatery, as well as yard and social games for all ages. Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes industry experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to support and assist its franchisees.
The brand is actively seeking qualified candidates to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S. in Kansas City, MO, Raleigh-Durham, NC, Denver, CO, among others. To learn more about franchise opportunities and upcoming store openings, contact Mike Stout at Mike.Stout@ATPHQ.COM or visit www.altitudefranchise.com.
About Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is a premier indoor adventure park offering cutting edge trampolines, games, programs, and celebrations for all ages. Altitude is the home for active family fun! The brands successful $10 Endless Jumps pass, is where members get the max. Guests can, infact, Jump Happy! with unlimited use of trampolines, soft play, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games and more providing a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long. Nearing 100 locations worldwide, Altitude parks are centrally located and easily accessible, making it the convenient, budget friendly choice for families in 2024. More information can be found at altitudetrampolinepark.com.
SOURCE Altitude Trampoline Park
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As summer winds down, the buzz of back-to-school preparations begins. It’s a time filled with shopping for school supplies, adjusting to earlier bedtimes, and setting up kids for a successful school year. While we often think of pencils, notebooks, and new backpacks, there’s another crucial aspect to consider—your child’s health. Ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared is just as important as having the right school supplies. Here’s a comprehensive health checklist parents should consider to ensure their children are set up for a healthy school year.
Annual Physicals and Required Paperwork
A yearly physical exam is essential to assess your child’s health and development. It’s a perfect time to update any necessary medication plans with the school nurse and handle all the required health paperwork. These exams are vital for catching health issues before they become problematic, ensuring your child is in the best shape to start the school year.
Up-to-Date Vaccinations
Make sure your child’s vaccinations are current. This not only includes the standard childhood vaccines but also the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccinations, and possibly the HPV vaccine. Checking in with your pediatrician can help clarify what vaccinations your child needs before heading back to school.
Focus on Mental Health
The transition back to school can be a stressful time for children and teens, potentially triggering anxiety and depression. Observing your child’s behavior for signs of stress and discussing any concerns with health professionals can help manage these issues early. Regular conversations about their feelings can also make a big difference.
Sports Physicals
For children involved in sports, a specific physical examination is necessary to ensure they can safely participate in physical activities. This physical includes assessments of overall health with a focus on cardiac and pulmonary functions, which are crucial for preventing emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrests in young athletes.
Concussion Awareness
Parents and young athletes should be informed about the risks and signs of concussions—common in sports like football, soccer, and cheerleading. Knowing what symptoms to look for and how to respond if a concussion occurs is essential for every parent and coach.
Proper Sleep Habits
Adequate sleep is foundational for academic success and overall health. Establishing a solid bedtime routine that allows for enough sleep is crucial. This might also mean making the bedroom a screen-free zone to avoid the sleep-disrupting effects of blue light from electronics.
Backpack Safety
Choose a lightweight backpack and ensure that it does not exceed 20% of your child’s body weight to avoid back problems. Opting for designs with padded shoulder straps and a waist belt can distribute weight more evenly.
Regular Eye Exams
Vision problems can significantly affect a child’s learning ability. An annual eye exam can detect issues that might impair their ability to see clearly, which is vital for optimal learning. Even if your child has passed a school screening, a comprehensive eye exam by a professional can catch problems that screenings might miss.
Navigating Screen Time and Online Safety
As technology becomes more engrained in learning, managing screen time and understanding online safety becomes more important. Creating a media plan that balances educational and recreational screen time can help prevent sleep disruption and exposure to inappropriate content.
By integrating these health checks into your back-to-school preparations, you can help ensure your child has a healthy, productive year ahead. Remember, readiness for school isn’t just about having the right supplies—it’s also about being mentally and physically prepared for the challenges of a new academic year.
Source: Hackensack Meridian Health via Newswise
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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