Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Areas where it is most prevalent also have some of the highest rates of childhood malnutrition. We examined the relationship between both acute and chronic malnutrition and clinical trachoma. We also explored whether malnutrition alters the clinical manifestations of the disease. Children with chronic malnutrition, but not acute malnutrition, were more likely to have clinical trachoma. Stunted children are 1.96 times more likely to have clinical trachoma than nonstunted children (95% CI: 1.12–3.43), even after controlling for age, gender and infection status of other household members. Host factors including malnutrition may play a role in determining disease manifestations.

Dr. Green’s Top 10 Organic Foods - Part 2
Part 2 of 2-part series:Dr. Alan Greene, pediatrician and organic advocate with Horizon Organic Dairy, sits down with our editors at Natural Foods Expo West in Anaheim and reveals the top 10 foods one should prioritize when thinking about eating organic.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Visceral Leishmaniasis
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), is a systemic disease caused by the dissemination of protozoan parasite Leishmania throughout the reticuloendothelial system. It may mimic or lead to several types of hematological disorders including hemophagocytosis. Infection associated hemophagocytic syndrome implicating Leishmania is very rare and often difficult to diagnose. Here, we describe a child with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) associated with VL.

Daily health Tip: Dangerous dieting
Fad or quick weight-loss diets can lead to health problems

Halt seasonal allergies with these anti-inflammatory foods
Looking for something to ease your Spring allergies? You may be surprised to learn that a few minor dietary changes could make all the difference. In this edition of DL Radio, we explore ‘Allergy Aggravators’ vs. ‘Allies Against Allergies’

For Your health: Nutritional Support for healthy Nerves
Your nervous system is responsible for sending, receiving and processing nerve impulses throughout your body. Optimal nerve function is important to many areas of health, including cardiovascular, muscle and joint, respiratory, vision and hearing and more. To keep your nerves healthy, your body requires proper nutrition, including adequate amounts of vitamin B12. Recent studies suggest that benfotiamine, a B vitamin, along with antioxidant alpha lipoic acid, may also help support nerve function.

Montelukast vs. Inhaled Low-Dose Budesonide as Monotherapy in the Treatment of Mild Persistent Asthma: A Randomized Double Blind Controlled Trial
Background: Guidelines recommend daily controller therapy for mild persistent asthma. Montelukast has demonstrated consistent benefit in controlling symptoms of asthma and may be an alternative, orally administered, nonsteroidal agent for treating mild asthma. Aim: To determine whether montelukast is as effective as budesonide in controlling mild persistent asthma as determined by FEV1. Methods: Between November 2003 to October 2005, participants aged 5–15 years with recently diagnosed mild persistent asthma (n = 62) were randomized to oral montelukast (5 mg daily) [N1 = 30] or inhaled budesonide (400 g per day in two doses) [N2 = 32] in a single center, double-blind study. Results: Baseline demographic and spirometric parameters were comparable. The median (95% confidence interval) percentage predicted FEV1 was similar in the two groups after 12 weeks of treatment (budesonide: 76.70 (67.96–90.53%), montelukast: 75 (67.40–88.47)%; p = 0.44). There was similar improvement in spirometric parameters and clinical symptom scores in both the groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the need for rescue drugs as well as side effects reported by parents. Conclusion: Montelukast is as effective as inhaled budesonide in the treatment of mild persistent asthma in children aged 5–15 years. Montelukast may be used as an alternative to low dose inhaled corticosteroids for management of mild persistent asthma.

For Your health: Vitamin D: Most Americans Aren’t Getting Enough
In the spotlight once again, vitamin D continues to show health benefits beyond supporting healthy bones. A recent review article in the New England Journal of Medicine notes that in addition to bone health, vitamin D may play a part in immune health, muscle health and more. Unfortunately, most Americans aren’t getting enough of this important nutrient. In fact, it’s estimated that one billion people worldwide are deficient in vitamin D. Find out how much you should be getting, as well as the proper form to take.

Daily health Tip: Handling Stress Properly Increases Good Cholesterol
And that can help protect your arteries, study suggests

Seven tips for tranquility
In this edition of DL Radio, we explore ways for you to manage stress and subdue anger more effectively

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