Bottle Feeding Research Articles

Türkiye’nin Kuzeydoğu Anadolu Bölgesinde Buzağı Yetiştirme Uygulamaları: Erzurum İli Horasan İlçesi Örneği

The aim of this study was to assess calf rearing methods applied in 500 cattle farms in the Horasan district of Erzurum province. Data used in this study were obtained through face-to-face interviews with cattle breeders. In 69.5% of the enterprises operating within Horasan county, the exact quantity of milk consumed by calves could not be determined due to the fact that they are fed by nursing from their mothers. On the other hand, the proportions of farms feeding calves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 liters of milk per day were determined as 0.4%, 0.6%, 5.7%, 3.6%, 8.9%, and 11.3%, respectively. In 38.4% of cattle enterprises in the county, calves were fed with milk while their mothers were being milked, whereas in 27.6% of cattle farms, calves were weaned at 4 months of age, and in 24.3% at 5 months. Furthermore, it was also observed that the most of breeders (72.7%) considered the birth weight of calves as a criterion to decide on the quantity of milk to be provided to them. On these farms, the methods of feeding colostrum to calves were by sucking their mothers with a percentage of 54.3%, followed by bottle feeding with a percentage of 45.5% and the bucket method with a very low percentage of 0.2%. Furthermore, calves in Horasan County usually begin to be given calf starter feed either at the age of 2 weeks (28.3%) or 3 weeks (28.1%), while dry hay is generally introduced to the most of calves (42.0%) at the age of 2 weeks. In conclusion, some inaccuracies in calf rearing practices were identified in Horasan county of Erzurum province and solutions were proposed to address these problems.

Investigation of the foodborne pathogen inactivation efficacy of commercial baby bottle and knife sterilizers

Investigation of the foodborne pathogen inactivation efficacy of commercial baby bottle and knife sterilizers

Determination of ultrasructural changes in the enamel of primary teeth in starting phases of early childhood caries, with and without local fluoride therapy

Early childhood caries is often found under the name connected with the manner of feeding nutrition of children such as “Baby bottle Syndrome” or “Baby bottle caries”. The aim of the study was to determine ultrastructural changes in the enamel of primary teeth in starting phases of early childhood caries, with and without local fluoride therapy, because it has of great influence in the preventive aspect of the disease. The investigation was done on laboratory tests on tree groups extracted primary teeth: one of 20 healthy mandibular incisors, as control group and two more groups of primary tested teeth: 10 maxillary incisors with initial lesion and 10 maxillary incisors with superficial form. The all dental samples were observed with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and we made comparative analyzes in ultrastructural changes of enamel between untreated and treated teeth, and control group teeth. After that, we have analysis with SEM photo attachments. In some dental samples with initial lesion after local treatmant we managed to get almost healthy enamel, i.e. complete remineralization process. Once again, we have confirmation of one of the many benefits of fluoride in dentistry which is long been known.

Impact Of Number Of Prenatal Visits On Breast Feeding Practices

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of several prenatal visits on breastfeeding practices during the first six months of infant life. METHODOLOGY: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Darulsehat Hospital Karachi from August 2021 to August 2022 among pregnant females (36-40 weeks of gestation) regardless of their parity. Multiple pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death and medical disorders were excluded. A Convenient Non-probability sampling technique is used for the selection of participants. Participants were divided into three groups according to their number of prenatal visits. <4, 4-8, >8 and followed three times after childbirth to assess their breastfeeding practices. The first follow-up was done within 48 hours of delivery, the second at three months, and the third after six months of delivery. Each visit is assessed for three breastfeeding practices: exclusive, mixed, or bottle feeding. SPSS version 23 was used for analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred ten participants were interviewed. 78.6% were well-informed about breastfeeding during antenatal visits. Mean antenatal clinic visits of studied samples were 6 (6 - 8).7.1% were found with less than four antenatal visits, 68.1% with 4-8 visits, and only 24.8% had more than eight antenatal clinic visits. The percentage of exclusive feeding is highest in group 3 (>8 visits) i,e; 52.3%, followed by 43% in 4-8 visits and lowest at 4.7% in < 4 antenatal clinic visits samples. CONCLUSION: A more significant number of antenatal visits favorably influence BF practices regarding the commencement and continuation of breastfeeding. KEYWORDS: Prenatal visits, antenatal care, breastfeeding practices, lactation, exclusive breastfeeding, frequency of ANC

Effect of Disinfection Method and Testing Methodology on the Performance of a Breath-Enhanced Jet Nebulizer.

National guidelines for cystic fibrosis recommend cleaning and disinfecting nebulizers after each use. We tested two groups of five reusable breath-enhanced nebulizers after 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 sterilization (baby bottle sterilizer) or cleaning cycles. The nebulizers were operated for 7 min (6 L/min) after loading albuterol (2.5 mg/3 mL), and they were evaluated with and without breathing simulation after cleaning/sterilization (0-180 and 0-60 cycles, respectively). Over the course of 180 cleaning/sterilization cycles, the mean (SD) solution output was 1.33 mL (0.12 mL)/1.29 mL (0.08 mL); the nebulizer mass remaining in the nebulizer was 61.5% (5.2%)/63% (4%); sputtering time was 4.7 min (0.8 min)/4.8 s (0.6 min); inspiratory filter was 19% (3%)/18.5% (2.4%); expiratory filter was 6.7% (1.1%)/6.7% (0.8%); and difference in drug output calculated using the solution output and nebulizer mass was 6.8% (4%)/5.2% (2.9%). Thermal disinfection with a baby-bottle sterilizer did not alter the performance of a reusable breath-enhanced nebulizer. The nebulizer test performed without breathing simulation underestimated its performance. The calculation of the drug output based on the solution output resulted in its overestimation.

Social predictors of breastfeeding and the impact of interventions on breastfeeding of preterm infants: A longitudinal study.

The multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants include enhanced neurodevelopment and immune function in preterm infants. However, more research is needed to understand the unique factors affecting breastfeeding practices in preterm infants. This study aimed to identify key social predictors of breastfeeding in preterm infants and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions on their feeding practices during the first six months postpartum. A prospective, monocentric, longitudinal study involving a cohort of 201 preterm infants was executed at the Neonatology Department, Ceske Budejovice Hospital, Czech Republic, from January 2020 to January 2023. The STROBE guidelines were used. The study results elucidated a transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding and formula within the infants' first six months. Notable social predictors of breastfeeding encompassed factors such as the number of children in the household, the mother's marital status, and the nature of housing. Certain interventions, including immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, and initiation of nutritive feeding within the first half-hour post-birth, significantly influenced the probability of breastfeeding. The data underscored that social predictors and nursing interventions substantially shape the breastfeeding practices of preterm infants during the first six months postpartum. Inequities in health outcomes among premature infants can be effectively curbed through comprehensive care models that account for socioeconomic factors influencing breastfeeding.

The Effectiveness of Slightly Thick Liquids for Improving Swallowing in Bottle-Fed Children With Aerodigestive Concerns.

Strategies for facilitating safe and functional bottle feeding in children with dysphagia include selecting nipples that reduce flow rate, pacing, altered positioning, and thickening liquid consistencies. We aimed to determine the impact of slightly thick liquids on swallowing through retrospective review of a convenience sample of clinical videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) from 60 bottle-fed children (21 boys and 39 girls, mean age of 9.9 months) referred due to suspected aspiration. Eligible VFSS exams were those in which the child swallowed both thin and slightly thick barium (40% w/v Varibar barium) using the same nipple. VFSS sequences (i.e., uninterrupted portions of the VFSS recording) were randomly assigned in duplicate for rating by trained raters; discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Parameters measured included number of swallows/sequence, sucks/swallow, swallow and sequence duration, number and timing of penetration or aspiration events, laryngeal vestibule closure integrity, and pharyngeal residue. Chi-square tests, linear mixed-model analyses of variance, and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests identified consistency effects. There were no aspiration events in these recordings. Slightly thick liquids resulted in significantly fewer penetration events (p < .05), increased sucks/swallow, fewer swallows/sequence, and longer swallow and sequence durations. The number of children with ≥ 1 sequence showing pyriform sinus residue was significantly higher with slightly thick liquids. Slightly thick liquids can be effective in reducing penetration in bottle-fed children with dysphagia. However, slightly thick liquids may also lead to a safety-efficiency trade-off, with increased risk of pyriform sinus residue. Thickening for children with dysphagia should be considered only when other approaches are not effective. Overthickening should be avoided to limit negative impact on swallowing efficiency.

Microbial Contamination of Infant Feeding Bottles and Caregiver Compliance to Disinfection and Sterilization Techniques, Pediatric Hospital, Libya

Introduction: Microbial contamination of infant feeding bottles imposes a big health issue that cause increase in the infant morbidity and mortality rate, and this infection can be resulted from poor hygiene practices and using inadequate cleaning and disinfection methods of feeding bottles.&#x0D; Aim: to evaluate the rate of bacterial infection of infant feeding bottles of infants who were admitted to pediatric hospital.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The data were collected by filling questionnaires from the mothers and taking swabs from feeding bottles of infants who were admitted to pediatric hospital. The data included 24 questionnaires and 60 swabs; which 3 swabs were taken from three different area of the same bottle for each 24 children separately. then the swabs were tested in a laboratory to detect the types of isolated bacteria.&#x0D; Results: This study found that 91.7% of the bottles were infected, and the isolated bacteria from these bottles were staphylococcus, Klebsiella, E. coli and salmonella. Moreover, it found a slight elevation in the bacterial infection rate in plastic bottles more than glass bottles. Besides, it found a positive relationship between bottle body infection and the educational level of mothers. On the other hand, it did not indicate any statistical association between infection of teats, bottles body and covers and occupational status of mothers.&#x0D; Conclusion: The microbial bottles contamination is caused due to unsuitable cleaning and sterilization methods of feeding bottles and this leads to increase gastrointestinal infection as well as increase the morbidity and mortality rate among infants.

BPA induces hepatotoxicity in zebrafish through oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways.

BPA is so ubiquitous that 27 million tons of BPA-containing plastic, including mineral water bottles and baby bottles, is produced worldwide each year. The potential toxicity of BPA to humans and aquatic organisms has been the subject of intense research. In this study, a zebrafish model system was used to assess BPA-mediated hepatotoxicity. Zebrafish larvae at 72-144 hpf were exposed to BPA at different concentrations (0,1, 3 and 5mg/L). For example, BPA-treated zebrafish larvae showed increased mortality, delayed uptake of nutrients in yolk sac, shortened body length, smaller liver area, abnormal expression of genes related to liver development, and pathological changes in the liver tissue. Mechanistically, BPA exposure induced excessive oxidative stress in the liver of zebrafish and increased the level of hepatocyte apoptosis in zebrafish larvae, and the antioxidant astaxanthin could rescue the BPA-mediated liver toxicity.

Associations of Plastic Bottle Exposure with Infant Growth, Fecal Microbiota, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids.

Murine models show that plastics, via their chemical constituents (e.g., phthalates), influence microbiota, metabolism, and growth. However, research on plastics in humans is lacking. Here, we examine how the frequency of plastic bottle exposure is associated with fecal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and anthropometry in the first year of life. In 442 infants from the prospective Nurture birth cohort, we examined the association of frequency of plastic bottle feeding at 3 months with anthropometric outcomes (skinfolds, length-for-age, and weight-for-length) at 12 months of age and growth trajectories between 3 and 12 months. Furthermore, in a subset of infants (n = 70) that contributed fecal samples at 3 months and 12 months of age, we examined plastic bottle frequency in relation to fecal microbiota composition and diversity (measured by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of V4 region), and fecal SCFA concentrations (quantified using gas chromatography mass spectrometry). At 3 months, 67.6% of infants were plastic bottle fed at every feeding, 15.4% were exclusively breast milk fed, and 48.9% were exclusively formula fed. After adjustment for potential confounders, infants who were plastic bottle fed less than every feeding compared to those who were plastic bottle fed at every feeding at 3 months did not show differences in anthropometry over the first 12 months of life, save for lower length-for-age z-score at 12 months (adjusted β = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.76, -0.13). Infants who were plastic bottle fed less than every feeding versus every feeding had lower fecal microbiota alpha diversity at 3 months (mean difference for Shannon index: -0.59, 95% CI: -0.99, -0.20) and lower isovaleric acid concentration at 3 months (mean difference: -2.12 μmol/g, 95% CI: -3.64, -0.60), but these results were attenuated following adjustment for infant diet. Plastic bottle frequency was not strongly associated with microbiota diversity or SCFAs at 12 months after multivariable adjustment. Frequency of plastic bottle use was associated with differential abundance of some bacterial taxa, however, significance was not consistent between statistical approaches. Plastic bottle frequency at 3 months was not strongly associated with measures of adiposity or growth (save for length-for-age) over the first year of life, and while plastic bottle use was associated with some features of fecal microbiota and SCFAs in the first year, these findings were attenuated in multivariable models with infant diet. Future research is needed to assess health effects of exposure to other plastic-based products and objective measures of microplastics and plastic constituents like phthalates.

Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties in Children with Down Syndrome

Background: Feeding and swallowing difficulties are prevalent in children with Down Syndrome, significantly affecting their health and developmental outcomes. However, detailed understanding, particularly in developmental progression, remains limited. Objective: To evaluate the feeding and swallowing difficulties in children with Down Syndrome across different ages, assessing the challenges and caregiver awareness levels. Methods: In this observational study, 36 children with Down Syndrome, aged 1-5 years, were evaluated. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire administered to caregivers, covering aspects like feeding methods, difficulties, and developmental history. The questionnaire encompassed variables such as method of feeding across different ages, types of feeding difficulties encountered, and progression of these issues. The study employed consecutive sampling and included children diagnosed with Down Syndrome having Karyotyping, excluding those with other developmental disorders. Statistical analysis utilized descriptive techniques and Chi-Square tests to assess the data. Results: Only 14% of caregivers reported being aware of feeding problems before birth, while 86% became aware postnatally. Initial feeding predominantly involved bottle feeding (69%), transitioning to spoon and cup feeding by age 2. Sucking difficulty was highest in the 1-2 year age group (69%), decreasing with age. Persistent issues like drooling were noted across all ages. Younger children commonly faced challenges such as choking and poor coordination between suck/swallow and breathing. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for early, ongoing feeding support and intervention in children with Down Syndrome. It emphasizes the crucial role of prenatal counseling and caregiver education, alongside the development of age-appropriate, tailored feeding strategies. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the feeding challenges in Down Syndrome, advocating for proactive management approaches.

A cross-sectional study of feeding practice status in children (6–23 months), association with malnutrition, and impacts of maternal determinants

Background: Inadequate complementary feeding practices lead to poor cognition, stunting, and increased rate of infections. Insight into deficiencies of complementary feeding practices could help in planning and implementing newer approaches at various levels of intersection. Aims and Objectives: The aim and purpose of the study were to determine the complementary feeding practices, to identify maternal determinants of each practice, and to analyze the associations between complementary feeding practices with malnutrition. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, of a tertiary hospital over a 14-week period. All children aged 6–23 months were included in the study. Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire based on the World Health Organization Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) indicators for assessing IYCF practices. Results: A total of 400 mothers participated in the study. The mean age of children was 12.58 20±5.02 months, male: female = 1.6:1. The mean age of starting complementary feeding was 6.81±1.79 months. Semisolid food was introduced in 90.2% of children, minimum dietary diversity was received by 61.0%, minimum meal frequency by 83.8%, and minimum acceptable diet by 58.2%, eggs and flesh by 14.2% and 3.5% children, respectively; only 9.2% received vitamin A rich fruits and 38.5% did not receive any vegetable or fruit. Bottle feeding was present in 55.5% of population. Maternal parameters (education, employment access to media) and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with feeding practices (P&lt;0.05). A significant difference was found in the nutritional status (wasting and stunting) of children who did not receive minimum dietary diversity (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Wide gap exists in feeding practices even in urban settings and was significantly associated with child’s nutritional status.

Nursing discharge teaching of hospitalized postpartum women in China: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundPostpartum women encounter a diverse array of physiological challenges following childbirth, and they may also contend with issues such as a lack of self-care knowledge childcare knowledge, and childcare experience. This study aimed to explore the quality of discharge teaching for hospitalized postpartum women. MethodsA total of 292 parturients who gave birth in a tertiary hospital were selected using the convenience sampling method and surveyed using a general data questionnaire and discharge teaching quality scale. ResultsThe total score for the quality of discharge teaching was 111.95 ​± ​28.64. In bivariate analysis, significant differences were identified between postpartum women with differences in postpartum complications, ambulation time, wound pain, infant health status, and infant feeding methods (p ​< ​0.05). Wound pain and infant feeding methods were significant factors in a multiple linear regression model (p ​< ​0.05). ConclusionsNursing staff should focus on psychological nursing care and give more personalized teaching to postpartum women with severe wound pain and who bottle feed their newborns.

Influence of Birth Characteristics and Feeding Practices on Eruption of Primary Teeth in Children: A Preliminary Cross-sectional Observational Study.

The eruption process is under strong genetic control, external environmental factors also significantly contribute to this process. Therefore the present study was undertaken to identify the influence of birth characteristics and feeding practices on the eruption of the first primary tooth among healthy children in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The study was undertaken among 200 children aged 3-24 months. Children with any underlying conditions, those not accompanied by their mother and with neonatal teeth/natal teeth were excluded. The birth weight, gestational age, and type of delivery were obtained from medical records of the child. Data on feeding practices and the age of eruption of the first primary tooth was recorded after a structured interview of the mother followed by oral examination of the child. Gestational age was categorized into >37 weeks and <37 weeks, birth weight was divided into three groups-<1500, 1500-2500, and >2500 gm and four groups according to feeding practice during the first 6 months of life (exclusively breastfed, exclusively bottle fed, combination of breastfeeding and bottle feeding, and spoon-feeding). The mean age of eruption in the study population was 9.17 months. A9.05 months in males and 9.44 in females. A statistically significant correlation was noted with gestational age, birth weight, and feeding practices. Infants with a gestational age of >37 weeks, higher birth weight and those who were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months had an earlier eruption of first primary teeth. External factors seem to influence the eruption of the primary tooth. More longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes and matching confounders are needed to clearly understand the factors affecting the primary tooth eruption. Shetty SS, Mathur A, Gopalakrishnan D, et al. Influence of Birth Characteristics and Feeding Practices on Eruption of Primary Teeth in Children: A Preliminary Cross-sectional Observational Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):724-727.

Mothers' Perceptions and Attitudes About Infantile Colic in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Background Infantile colic is excessive crying in infants who are otherwise healthy and whose origin is unknown. It is closely linked to maternal depression and is a risk factor for shaken baby syndrome and early cessation of breastfeeding. This study aims to assess mothers' knowledge and attitude about infantile colic in the Jazan region, as well as their knowledge of the causes, and the factors that affect their understanding. Methodology This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jazan region, focusing on mothers who met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected using a self-administered Arabic electronic survey following participants' consent. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) using the chi-square tests. Results This study examined mothers' perspectives on various aspects of infantile colic. A total of 215 (75.43%) out of the 285 participating mothers had experienced colic attacks in their infants, revealing statistically significant differences in urban/rural residence, education, birth order, and breastfeeding practices. Approximately half of the mothers agreed that bottle feeding could lead to colic (49.8%), while around half attributed colic to depression or anxiety (50.9%). Most mothers did not relate breastfeeding (69.8%) or smoking (60%) with colic. Around 55.5% believed that milk protein allergy could be a contributing factor. The majority acknowledged the value of massage (63.5%), placing a warm washcloth (59%), and showering the baby (58.6%). Mothers sought advice from diverse sources (56.5%), often family members (36.5%), with minimal doctor consultation (3.9%). Information about colic management was mixed (48.8%); 27.7% got information solely from healthcare staff, 13.7% exclusively depended on the internet, and 9.8% got information from TV and social media. Conclusion This study highlights maternal perspectives and practices regarding infantile colic, showing varying beliefs and approaches that help healthcare providers arrange educational and psychological support to improve infants' and mothers' well-being.

Combined Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy and Cesarean Delivery in BRCA1/2 Alteration Carriers : A Case Series.

The cumulative lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 16-68% and 11-30% in female BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene alteration carriers, respectively. Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is the only proven way to reduce ovarian cancer mortality. We report a series of patients who underwent risk-reducing surgery at the time of planned obstetric-indicated cesarean delivery. This is a case series of four women carrying a pathogenic germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alteration who underwent RRSO at the time of cesarean delivery between March 1, 2018, and March 31, 2022. All women were referred during pregnancy to the University College London Hospitals Familial Cancer Clinic for consideration of RRSO at the time of obstetric-indicated cesarean delivery. Women were considered eligible for RRSO if they had a proven pathogenic germline alteration, would have completed childbearing after the cesarean delivery, and were older than age 35 or 40 years with BRCA1 or BRCA2 alterations, respectively. Operating time, blood loss, transfusion requirements, length of hospital stay, complications, and ability to breastfeed were assessed and, where possible, compared with the institutional means for similar patients who underwent cesarean delivery only, to determine whether RRSO was associated with increased morbidity. Women were contacted 11-59 months postprocedure to assess satisfaction. The mean blood loss was 687 mL (range 400-1,000 mL), mean operating time was 68 minutes, mean length of hospital stay was 3 days, and mean change in hemoglobin was -1 g/dL. No patient required a transfusion, had internal organ damage, returned to the operating room, or was readmitted. One of two women with intact breast tissue successfully breastfed, and the other chose to bottle feed. The mean contemporaneous institutional blood loss for cesarean delivery was not significantly different at 681 mL for singleton pregnancies and 872 mL for twin pregnancies. All four women reported a high level of satisfaction with the combined procedure. Our results show that RRSO can be performed at the time of cesarean delivery with high patient satisfaction. This approach can be offered to appropriately counseled individuals, with the benefit of avoiding the need for two separate procedures, with potentially reduced patient morbidity and health care costs.

Infant and young child feeding practices in refugee settings across 203 population-based surveys from 2013-2019.

Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) plays a crucial role in early childhood growth and development. This study summarizes recent IYCF practices in multiple refugee settings and compares them to those in the host countries. We analyzed 203 surveys conducted among refugees residing in 15 countries and 120 unique sites and assessed eight IYCF indicators available from those surveys. A total of 146 surveys were conducted in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) and 50 in Western and Central Africa (WCA) regions. The median prevalence across surveys of all four indicators describing intake of breast milk was relatively high: 96.6% for ever breastfed, 81.2% for initiation of breastfeeding within 1 h of birth, 76.9% for exclusive breastfeeding 0-5 months, and 75.0% for continued breastfeeding 12-23 months. The median prevalence of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding was markedly higher in ESA than in WCA (85.0% vs. 37.5% and 83.5% vs. 56.1%, respectively). Conversely, the overall median prevalence of timely introduction of solid and semisolid foods and flesh food consumption was low: 51.8% and 16.1%, respectively. Flesh food consumption was higher in WCA than in ESA (27.4% vs. 11.6%). The median prevalence of mixed milk feeding at 0-5 months and bottle feeding was very low: 2.4% and 3.8%, respectively. Indicators describing breast milk intake were generally either similar or higher in refugees than in the host country populations, whereas the other indicators were generally higher in the host populations than in refugees. The low prevalence of timely introduction of solids and of flesh food consumption in refugees is concerning and requires substantial improvement.

Risk assessment of food contact materials.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is authorised for use as a chemical compound for the production of plastic food contact materials (FCMs) under Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. But according to requirements of the Regulation (EU) No 2018/213, BPA has been banned in the manufacture of polycarbonate drinking cups or feeding bottles intended for infants and young children. Food has been identified as the main source of human exposure to BPA, followed by dermal absorption, air and dust inhalation, revealing ubiquitous and continuous contact with BPA. Considering that BPA is able to enter the food chain through the migration from food packaging into foodstuffs, assessment of dietary exposure is necessary for accurate estimations and identification of potential exposure from food sources. In 2015, EFSA set a temporary tolerable daily intake (TDI) for BPA of 4 μg/kg body weight (bw) per day and concluded that no health concern from BPA exposure for any age group was to be expected. In 2023, EFSA has re-evaluated BPA safety and the new TDI was reduced by a factor of 20,000 resulting in a TDI of 0.2 ng/kg bw per day. In this case, the CEP Panel concluded that there is a health concern from dietary exposure to BPA. Amongst others, the BfR identified several points of criticism which, in the opinion of the BfR, call into question the risk assessment carried out by EFSA. The BfR derived a TDI of 200 ng/kg bw per day and suggests taking this into account for risk assessment. In the proposed EU-FORA programme, the fellow had the opportunity to gain experience in the exposure assessment and then integrate the data together with the BfR hazard assessment to perform a comprehensive risk assessment. As second objective of the work programme, the fellow was in charge of performing a toxicokinetic analysis in an attempt to correlate external exposure with urinary BPA levels.

Perception of Infant Feeding among Urban Educated Women

Introduction: Despite of high prevalence of breast feeding practices among mothers, infant feeding pattern is not ideal in our country. Short duration of exclusive breast feeding and inappropriate feeding for newborn and infant are common in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. Objectives: To explore the perceptions on breastmilk, pre lacteal feeding, complementary feeding and infant feeding among medical and non-medical female students of urban area and to compare their perceptions. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done at Bangladesh Medical College (BMC), Dhanmondi, Dhaka and Hazrat Shah Ali Women University College (HSAWUC), Mirpur, Dhaka from December 2015 to May 2016 and study populations were 100 of which 50 from female medical students of BMC and 50 from female non-medical students of HSAWUC. Data were collected by random sampling as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was compiled manually and analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Results: Majority of study population were unmarried (88%), most of them were in 21-25 years age group (77%) and a high number among them had crossed higher secondary school level (84%). Comparison of perceptions between medical and non-medical students students of both institutions regarding knowledge of first feed of a newborn, pre lacteal feeds and its importance; time of initiation of breast feeding and harmful effect of bottle feeding showed differences which were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). The female medical students had relatively better perceptions regarding infant feeding. Conclusions: Although perceptions on infant feeding were more correct among medical students, incorrect perceptions on infant feeding still present in both medical and nonmedical students which is alarming. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 86-93

Exposure to irregular microplastic shed from baby bottles activates the ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway, causing intestinal inflammation

Irregularly shaped microplastics (MPs) released from infant feeding bottles (PP-IFBs) may exhibit increased cytotoxicity, in contrast to the commonly studied spherical MPs. This study presents an initial analysis of the thermal-oxidative aging process of plastic shedding from feeding bottles, and investigates the inflammatory response induced by these atypical MPs in human intestinal cells (Caco-2). The PP-IFBs' surface displayed non-uniform white patches and increased roughness, revealing substantial structural alteration and shedding, especially during actions such as shaking, boiling water disinfection, and microwave heating. FT-IR and 2D-COS analyses revealed that oxygen targeted the C–H and C–C bonds of polypropylene molecular chain, producing RO· and ·OH, thereby hastening polypropylene degradation. When human intestinal cells were exposed to MPs from PP-IFBs, oxidative stress was triggered, resulting in lowered glutathione levels, augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS), and heightened lipid peroxidation. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα) signified an active inflammatory process. The inflammatory response was notably more intense when exposed to MPs released through boiling water disinfection and microwave heating treatments, primarily due to the larger quantity of MPs released and their higher proportion of smaller particles. Furthermore, the NLRP3 inflammasome was identified as critical in initiating this inflammatory chain reaction due to the mitochondrial ROS surge caused by MPs exposure. This was further validated by inhibitor studies, emphasizing the role of the ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway in in promoting intestinal inflammation. Therefore, swift actions are recommended to protect infants against the potential health effects of MPs exposure.