Early Growth Patterns Research Articles

Early childhood body mass index growth and school readiness: A longitudinal cohort study.

Child growth influences future health and learning. School readiness refers to a child's ability to meet developmental expectations at school entry. The association of early growth rate and patterns with school readiness remains unknown. To determine the association of child body mass index (BMI) growth with school readiness in a cohort of young children. A prospective cohort study (2015-2022) was conducted in children 0-6 years enrolled in the TARGet Kids! research network in Toronto, Canada. Two analytical approaches were used to measure growth using child weight and height/length data between 0 and 4 years: (i) age- and sex-standardised BMI (zBMI) growth rate per year using a piecewise linear model; and (ii) distinct zBMI trajectories using latent class mixed models. School readiness (4-6 years) was measured using teacher-completed Early Development Instrument (EDI). Robust Poisson models and marginal linear models using generalised estimating equations were used adjusting for confounders identified a priori. In this study of 1077 children (mean age at EDI completion: 4.8 years; 52.6% male) with 6415 zBMI measurements, mean growth rate was 0.65 zBMI units/year (0-2 years) and -0.11 zBMI units/year (2-4 years). Two distinct zBMI trajectories were identified: the stable trajectory and the catch-up trajectory. There was insufficient evidence that zBMI growth rates (risk ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.78, 1.55 for 0-2 years; risk ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.32, 1.57 for 2-4 years) or trajectories (risk ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.82, 1.35, catch-up trajectory vs. stable trajectory) were associated with school readiness. No association was found between BMI growth and school readiness. School readiness may be more impacted by factors directly related to obesity or adiposity at the time of EDI measurement rather than growth.

Infant BMI trajectories as early risk markers of poor psychosocial health in preadolescence

BackgroundCommon mental disorders often emerge during childhood and adolescence, and their prevalence is disproportionately elevated among those affected by obesity. Early life growth patterns may provide a useful target for primordial prevention; however, research is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify distinct body mass index (BMI) trajectories during the first year of life and to assess their associations with psychosocial outcomes in preadolescence (9–13 years).MethodsData were obtained from n = 1778 Greek children (9–13 years). Infant anthropometric data were obtained from paediatric health records and BMI trajectories during the first year of life were estimated using group-based trajectory modelling. Preadolescent emotional functioning, self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction and dieting behaviours were self-reported via validated questionnaires. Associations were estimated using binary and ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for key confounders.ResultsFour BMI trajectories were identified: low (26.7%), average (41.8%), high (25.2%), and very high (6.4%). Children belonging to the very high trajectory had greater odds of body image dissatisfaction (OR: 1.62, 95%CI: 1.11, 2.38), dieting behaviour (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.20) and restrained eating (OR: 1.69 95%CI: 1.14, 2.52) than children belonging to the average trajectory. Body image dissatisfaction was also greater in children belonging to the high trajectory (OR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.76). However, infant BMI trajectories did not significantly predict childhood emotional functioning or self-esteem status.ConclusionInfants with BMI growth in the high reference ranges had poorer psychosocial outcomes in preadolescence. Whilst further research is needed to replicate these findings, monitoring early infant growth trajectories may allow for early stratification of infants at risk of poor psychosocial outcomes.

Patterns of early embryogenesis and growth in the olfactory system of chick (Gallus gallus domesticus) based on iodine-enhanced micro-computed tomography.

The vertebrate olfactory system entails a complex set of neural/support structures that bridge morphogenetic regions. The developmental mechanisms coordinating this bridge remain unclear, even for model organisms such as chick, Gallus gallus. Here, we combine previous growth data on the chick olfactory apparatus with new samples targeting its early embryogenesis. The purpose is to illuminate how early developmental dynamics integrate with scaling relationships to produce adult form and, potentially, evolutionary patterns. Olfactory structures, including epithelium, turbinate, nerve, and olfactory bulb, are considered in the context of neighboring nasal and brain structures. Axonal outgrowth from the olfactory epithelium, which eventually connects receptor neurons with the brain, begins earlier than previously established. This dynamic marks the beginning of a complex pattern of early differential growth wherein the olfactory bulbs scale with positive allometry relative to both brain volume and turbinate area, which in turn scale isometrically with one another. The mechanisms driving observed patterns of organogenesis and growth remain unclear awaiting experimental evidence. We discuss competing hypotheses, including the possibility that broad-based isometry of olfactory components reflects constraints imposed by high levels of functional/structural integration. Such integration would include the frontonasal prominence having a strong influence on telencephalic patterning.

Branching response to stem density and its impact on yield in hybrid potato grown from true seeds and seedling tubers

ContextHybrid potato crops can be grown from true potato seeds or from seedling tubers. True-seed-grown plants produce lower marketable tuber yield than seedling-tuber-grown plants, because of their low early vigour and distinct growth and development patterns, notably in term of main stem number and stem branching. These differences are pivotal for yield formation but their impacts on crop performance and yield are not well understood. ObjectivesWe quantified the differences between the propagule types (true seeds vs seedling tubers) in their branching responses to stem density and assessed to what extent these differences contribute to differences in crop development and tuber production. MethodsTwo field experiments were conducted in different years, planting transplants from true seeds and pre-sprouted seedling tubers from the same genotype, while controlling their stem density per unit area. Responses in stem branching and biomass partitioning to stem density were quantified on individual main stems, followed by an evaluation of the impact of these responses on crop performance. ResultsOn individual main stems in both propagule types, higher stem density decreased branch development, decreased the number of branches above- and belowground, resulted in shifts in aboveground branch distribution towards lower branching orders, and led to smaller tuber sizes. However, such branching responses were stronger in true-seed-grown plants than in seedling-tuber-grown plants. At crop level, differences between propagule types were significant in canopy duration, number of tubers, tuber size distribution and marketable yield, but there was no stem density effect. ConclusionOur results emphasized the differences between propagule types in branching and its impact on crop development and tuber yield, due to the absence of stem density effects. Propagule type effects could be attributed to intrinsic differences between propagule types in branching control, growth habit and source-sink relations. These effects are relevant for hybrid potato breeding and require further research. Management practices were partly responsible for year-to-year differences in branching and yield formation, which highlights their significance for hybrid potato production.

Retrospective analysis of early growth patterns in children diagnosed growth hormone deficient during childhood.

Retrospective analysis of early growth patterns in children diagnosed growth hormone deficient during childhood.

Determinants of Anishinabeck infant and early childhood growth trajectories in Northwestern Ontario, Canada: a cohort study

BackgroundThe Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) paradigm emphasizes the significance of early life factors for the prevention of chronic health conditions, like type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity, which disproportionately affect First Nations communities in Canada. Despite increasing DOHaD research related to maternal health during pregnancy, early childhood growth patterns, and infant feeding practices with many populations, data from First Nations communities in Canada are limited. In partnership with Sandy Lake First Nation, the aims of this project were to characterize birthweights and growth patterns of First Nations infants/children over the first 6 years of life and to study the impact of maternal and infant social and behavioral factors on birthweight and growth trajectories.MethodsWe recruited 194 families through community announcements and clinic visits. Infant/child length/height and weight were measured at 1 and 2 weeks; 1, 2, 6, 12, and 18 months; and 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years. Maternal and infant/child questionnaires captured data about health, nutrition, and social support. Weight-for-Age z-score (WAZ), Height-for-Age z-score (HAZ), and BMI-for-Age z-score (BAZ) were calculated using WHO reference standards and trajectories were analyzed using generalized additive models. Generalized estimating equations and logistic regression were used to determine associations between exposures and outcomes.ResultsWAZ and BAZ were above the WHO mean and increased with age until age 6 years. Generalized estimating equations indicated that WAZ was positively associated with age (0.152; 95% CI 0.014, 0.29), HAZ was positively associated with birthweight (0.155; 95% CI 0.035, 0.275), and BAZ was positively associated with caregiver’s BMI (0.049; 95% CI 0.004, 0.090). There was an increased odds of rapid weight gain (RWG) with exposure to gestational diabetes (OR: 7.47, 95% CI 1.68, 46.22). Almost 70% of parents initiated breastfeeding, and breastfeeding initiation was modestly associated with lower WAZ (-0.18; 95% CI -0.64, 0.28) and BAZ (-0.23; 95% CI -0.79, 0.34).ConclusionsThis work highlights early life factors that may contribute to T2DM etiology and can be used to support community and Indigenous-led prevention strategies.

Growth and development of syphilis-exposed and -unexposed uninfected children during their first 18 months of life in Suzhou, China: a nested case-control study with propensity score matching.

With the successful implementation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) policies, the proportion of infants with exposure to both syphilis and antibiotic medication in utero has increased in China, but there is limited evidence about the early growth and development of such infants. We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study based on data from the China PMTCT program conducted in Suzhou from 2016 to 2021. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to extract 826 syphilis-exposed but uninfected (SEU) infants and 1,652 syphilis-unexposed uninfected (SUU) infants from a total of 712,653 infants. Maternal characteristics were collected through questionnaires, such as parity, age, education level, smoking and drinking habits during pregnancy. Infantile characteristics were retrieved from medical records or via questionnaires, such as gestational age, gender, mode of delivery, Apgar scores, birth weight and length, outdoor time, vitamin D intake, and feed pattern. Mixed effects models, adjusting for potential influencing factors, were used to investigate the early infantile growth pattern of SEU and SUU infants. All statistical analysis were conducted using R (version 4.2.0). Length and weight were slightly higher in SEU infants than in the SUU infants at some time points (months 0 and 18 for length, p-values <0.05; months 0, 6, and 18 for weight, p < 0.05). In the mixed effects model, SEU group was found to be associated with higher weight [exponentiated beta exp.(β) = 1.15, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.06, 1.25], length [exp(β) = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.77], and BMI z-score [exp(β) = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.19]. With the effective prevention of congenital syphilis under the PMTCT program, SEU infants have non-inferior growth patterns during their first 18 months of life compared with SUU controls in Suzhou, China.

Birth outcomes and early growth patterns associated with age at adiposity rebound: the Ma’anshan birth cohort (MABC) study

ObjectiveEarly onset of adiposity rebound (AR) is considered an early indicator of obesity risk. Our objective was to investigate the association of birth outcomes and early physical growth patterns with early AR in children.MethodsStudy subjects (n = 2705) were enrolled from the Ma’anshan birth cohort (MABC). The body mass index (BMI), head circumference, waist circumference, and body fat were collected. Rapid weight gain (RWG) was defined by the change in weight standard-deviation score in the first two years of life. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to determine children’s physical growth trajectories. The age of AR was fitted using fractional polynomial function models.ResultsChildren with very high BMI trajectories (RR = 2.83; 95% CI 2.33 to 1.40), rising BMI trajectories (RR = 3.15; 95% CI 2.66 to 3.72), high waist circumference trajectories (RR = 4.17; 95% CI 3.43 to 5.06), and high body fat trajectories (RR = 3.01; 95% CI 2.62 to 3.46) before 72 months of age were at a greater risk of experiencing early AR. Low birth weight (LBW) (RR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.28 to 2.51), preterm birth (PTB) (RR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.93), and small for gestational age (SGA) (RR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.64) associated with increased risk of early AR. Moreover, infants experiencing RWG (RR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.40 to 1.83), low BMI trajectories (RR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.53) and rising BMI trajectories (RR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.84) in the first two years were at higher risk of developing early AR subsequently. Compared to the group with non-early AR, the BMI of children with early AR tended to be lower first (from birth to 6 months of age) and then higher (from 18 to 72 months of age).ConclusionsChildren with overall high BMI, high waist circumference, and high body fat before 72 months of age are more likely to experience early AR, but infants with low BMI trajectories, rising BMI trajectories and infants experiencing RWG in the first two years of life similarly increase the risk of early AR. These results can help to understand the early factors and processes that lead to metabolic risks.

Cell population growth kinetics in the presence of stochastic heterogeneity of cell phenotype

Recent studies at individual cell resolution have revealed phenotypic heterogeneity in nominally clonal tumor cell populations. The heterogeneity affects cell growth behaviors, which can result in departure from the idealized uniform exponential growth of the cell population. Here we measured the stochastic time courses of growth of an ensemble of populations of HL60 leukemia cells in cultures, starting with distinct initial cell numbers to capture a departure from the uniform exponential growth model for the initial growth (“take-off”). Despite being derived from the same cell clone, we observed significant variations in the early growth patterns of individual cultures with statistically significant differences in growth dynamics, which could be explained by the presence of inter-converting subpopulations with different growth rates, and which could last for many generations. Based on the hypothesis of existence of multiple subpopulations, we developed a branching process model that was consistent with the experimental observations.

Relationship of early brain growth pattern measured by ultrasound with neurological outcome at two years of age in very low birth weight infants

The purpose of this study is to define the impact of early brain growth trajectory in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) on neurological prognosis at 2 years, assessed using sequential ultrasound (US) scans. This is a prospective cohort study with consecutive inclusion of VLBWI ≤ 32 weeks gestational age and ≤ 1500 g at birth. Total brain volume (TBV) was assessed using sequential 3D-US from birth to discharge. Prognosis at 2 years (corrected age) was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition. TBV showed slower growth with postmenstrual age (PMA) in those VLBWI who had an adverse cognitive prognosis compared to those with good cognitive prognosis (mean difference in TBV between prognostic groups from 4.56 cm3 at 28 weeks to 42.58 cm3 at 43 weeks) as well as in those with adverse language prognosis (mean difference in TBV from 2.21 cm3 at 28 weeks to 26.98 cm3 at 43 weeks) although other variables showed more impact than TBV on language prognosis (gestational age at birth, brain injury at term, and socioeconomic status). No association was found between TBV and motor prognosis. Brain growth rate was also significantly higher in those VLBWI who presented good cognitive scores (18.78 + (0.33 × (PMA-33)) cm3/week) compared to those with adverse cognitive outcome (13.73 + (0.64 × (PMA-33)) cm3/week). Conclusion: Early altered brain growth is associated with poor cognitive prognosis at 2 years of age. Using sequential US monitoring, we can detect early brain growth deviation in patients who will have adverse cognitive outcomes.What is known:• The prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome of VLBWI is mostly based on the presence of brain injury in US and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term. • Some studies have related brain volume measured on MRI at term with neurodevelopment outcome.What is new:• VLBWI with adverse cognitive prognosis at two years of age present smaller brain volumes detectable by sequential US during NICU admission.• Brain volume can be estimated from 2D and 3D US and has prognostic value in VLBWI.

Soilless Culture Applications for Early Development of Soybean Crop (Glycine max L. Merr)

Soilless cultivation systems in a controlled environment are increasingly being used due to several global issues such as climate change, pest and disease problems, declining soil fertility quality and limited agricultural land. Soybean is one of the potential crops that can be grown using the soilless planting system in a controlled environment. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of nutrient concentrations on the early development of two soybean varieties. Four different nutrient concentrations (0%, 50%, 100% and 150%) were applied, and two soybean varieties (Martina and Johanna) were tested. This study was designed in a split-plot experimental design where the nutrient concentration was the main plot and the variety was the sub-plot. The data record was started after fertilization. The plant growth data were collected for five weeks. All the data were analyzed statistically using SPSS V.23 software. The results of the study found that the nutrient concentration affected the number of leaves and leaf area. The number of leaves was higher in the treatment using 100% and 150% nutrients. Meanwhile, the leaf area increased with increasing nutrient concentration from 0% to 150%. The nutrient concentration then interacted with the variety in influencing the plant height. The plant height of the Martina variety was higher than the Johanna variety when 0% and 100% nutrients were applied. The variety also affected the leaf area and interacted with the number of weeks in affecting the SPAD readings and number of leaves. Thus, the two tested varieties (Johanna and Martina) have distinct early growth patterns that differ from one another as affected by the nutrient concentrations and plant age (number of weeks).

Patterns of early life somatic growth in infants and children with a history of chronic lung disease of prematurity.

Preterm infants, and especially those with additional comorbidities, are at risk of early life growth failure, which may impact postnatal lung growth and attainment of peak lung function. However, little is known about the early life growth patterns of those with chronic lung disease. The goal of this study was to describe the patterns appreciated in this population and their association with certain clinical characteristics. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and somatic growth parameters between birth and 3 years were retrospectively reviewed for a cohort of children (n = 616) recruited from an outpatient pulmonary clinic. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify unique longitudinal trajectories for each growth parameter. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using nonparametric analysis. Four distinct trajectories were appreciated in all three somatic growth domains (weight, length, and weight-for-length), which demonstrated a sizable proportion of subjects with a z-score below zero at 36 months of age, suggesting that the traditional preterm paradigm of "catch-up" growth may not be accurate for this population. Children with a history of chronic lung disease begin life with somatic growth measurements well below their term peers and display heterogeneous patterns of weight and length growth through the first 3 years of life. Future studies should focus on further understanding the relationship between somatic growth and respiratory outcomes in this population, which will ideally allow for the use of somatic growth measures as surrogate markers to identify individuals at the highest risk of postnatal growth failure and poor respiratory outcomes.

Four-dimensional mapping of dynamic longitudinal brain subcortical development and early learning functions in infants

Brain subcortical structures are paramount in many cognitive functions and their aberrations during infancy are predisposed to various neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, making it highly essential to characterize the early subcortical normative growth patterns. This study investigates the volumetric development and surface area expansion of six subcortical structures and their associations with Mullen scales of early learning by leveraging 513 high-resolution longitudinal MRI scans within the first two postnatal years. Results show that (1) each subcortical structure (except for the amygdala with an approximately linear increase) undergoes rapid nonlinear volumetric growth after birth, which slows down at a structure-specific age with bilaterally similar developmental patterns; (2) Subcortical local area expansion reveals structure-specific and spatiotemporally heterogeneous patterns; (3) Positive associations between thalamus and both receptive and expressive languages and between caudate and putamen and fine motor are revealed. This study advances our understanding of the dynamic early subcortical developmental patterns.

Dynamic changes in postnatal growth predict adolescent mental health problems in survivors of extremely low birth weight (ELBW).

Although individuals born at extremely low birth weight (ELBW; ≤1000 g) are known to be at greater risk for mental health problems than individuals born at normal birth weight (NBW; ≥2500 g), contributions of postnatal growth to these relations have not been fully explored. We compared individual differences in the Ponderal Index [(PI; weight(kg)/height(m3)] and head circumference (HC) in predicting internalizing and externalizing behaviors in childhood and adolescence in a cohort of ELBW survivors (N = 137) prospectively followed since birth. Baseline models indicated that infants who were born thinner or with smaller HC showed greater PI or HC growth in the first 3 years. Latent difference score (LDS) models showed that compensatory HC growth in the first year (ΔHC = 20.72 cm), controlled for birth HC, predicted ADHD behaviors in adolescence in those born with smaller HC. LDS models also indicated that the PI increased within the first year (ΔPI = 1.568) but decreased overall between birth and age 3 years (net ΔPI = -4.597). Modeling further showed that larger increases in the PI in the first year and smaller net decreases over 3 years predicted more internalizing behaviors in adolescence. These findings suggest early growth patterns prioritizing weight over height may have negative effects on later mental health in ELBW survivors, consistent with developmental programming theories.

Early Growth Patterns of Bacillus cereus on Potato Substrate in the Presence of Low Densities of Black Soldier Fly Larvae.

Bacillus cereus is a common and ubiquitous bacterium that can cause foodborne illnesses in humans and other animals. Common methods of contact between foodborne pathogens and their victims include exposure through contaminated food or food containment products. Using larvae of black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens, for biological conversion of wastes into components of animal feeds is a rapidly growing technology. However, contamination of larval biomass with pathogenic microorganisms may challenge its use on an industrial scale. We conducted laboratory experiments to test the effects of the black soldier fly larvae developing on simulated potato waste substrate on B. cereus abundance. We observed a general increase in the number of colony-forming units and concentration of hblD - gene when the larvae were present in the substrate, although the effect was modulated by larval densities and time since inoculation. It is possible that starch breakdown by black soldier fly larvae may provide a beneficial environment for B. cereus. Our results differ from the suppression in the presence by black soldier fly larvae reported for several other bacterial species and highlight the importance of taking proper food safety measures when using this technology.

Influence of Gestational Age Correction and Shape-Based Trajectories in the Identification of Children’s Growth Patterns From Birth to 11 Years

ObjectivesChildhood growth reflects nutritional status such as under- or overnutrition and is a determinant of life health. Thus, early detection of sub-optimal growth patterns can help identify modifiable risk factors. Current approaches rely on the trajectory intercept and struggle to capture differences in trajectory shape, which better reflects change over time. This study implemented a novel approach to identify shape-based growth patterns in children from birth to 11 years of age. MethodsWe used anthropometric measures from 3,945 children at postnatal age 3 months, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 11 years from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort (Brazil). Weight-, height- and BMI-for-age Z-scores were calculated using INTERGROWTH21st and WHO growth standards. The impact of gestational age-correction (CA) in preterm-born children (n = 461) was tested, and trajectories were either baseline anchored at zero or not. This produced 4 analytical pipelines for pattern detection (k-means, Frechet’s distance): 1) no CA–no baseline anchoring; 2) no CA–with baseline anchoring; 3) with CA–no baseline anchoring; 4) with CA–with baseline anchoring. ResultsWe found 3 patterns for each Z-score, with “High” (increasing), “Middle” (stable) and “Low” (declining) trajectories. The use of both CA and baseline anchoring highlighted sub-groups of children with specific patterns related to early growth (first 3 months of life). In the non-anchored approach, CA influenced the mean trajectories detected by increasing the intercept and reducing the slope between birth and 3 months. Baseline anchoring identified mean trajectories with steeper slopes during this period, thus, capturing differential growth patterns in early life. ConclusionsDepending on the question, incorporating CA with or without baseline anchoring when analyzing growth patterns can better highlight aspects of early growth versus overall patterns across childhood and can improve growth analyses standardization in population-based studies. Funding SourcesJoannah and Brian Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition, Lawson Family Chair in Microbiome Nutrition Research, CONACyT scholarship, Wellcome Trust, World Health Organization, National Support Program for Centers of Excellence, Brazilian National Research Council, Brazilian Ministry of Health, and Children’s Pastorate.

Comparative early growth patterns across four dominant fish species in a marine protected area in the East China Sea

Multiple marine protected areas have been established to protect spawning and recruitment fish stocks in the East China Sea. However, inadequate knowledge on early life histories for most species could be the main limiting factor for the effectiveness of these marine protected areas. To address the knowledge gap, the juvenile specimen of four dominant species (Amblychaeturichthys hexanema, Engraulis japonicus, Pampus argenteus and Trachurus japonicus) were collected in the Wentai marine protected area. Comparative analysis was carried out to explore the early growth patterns of these species. Through otolith microstructure analysis, we estimated daily age for 319 individuals and reconstructure the hatching pattern. The result helps more accurately identify hatching time of the four species, and hatching time of P. argenteus was found to shift to an earlier time. Consistent with the differing ecological characteristics, significant differences in growth rate and response pattern to SST were detected among the four species. The revealed early life characteristics and adaptive pattern to experienced thermal conditions could contribute to ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the early brain growth pattern in very low birth weight infants.

Preterm infants develop smaller brain volumes compared to term newborns. Our aim is to study early brain growth related to perinatal factors in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Manual segmentation of total brain volume (TBV) was performed in weekly 3D-ultrasonographies in our cohort of VLBWI. We studied the brain growth pattern related to term magnetic resonance image (term-MRI). We found different brain growth trajectories, with smaller brain volumes and a decrease in brain growth rate in those VLBWI who would later have an abnormal term-MRI (mean TBV 190.68 vs. 213.9 cm3; P = 0.0001 and mean TBV growth rate 14.35 (±1.27) vs. 16.94 (±2.29) cm3/week; P = 0.0001). TBV in those with normal term-MRI was related to gestational age (GA), being small for gestational age (SGA), sex, and duration of parenteral nutrition (TPN) while in those with abnormal term-MRI findings it was related to GA, SGA, TPN, and comorbidities. We found a deceleration in brain growth rate in those with ≥3 comorbidities. An altered brain growth pattern in VLBWI who subsequently present worst scores on term-MRI is related to GA, being SGA and comorbidities. Early ultrasonographic monitoring of TBV could be useful to detect deviated patterns of brain growth. We describe the brain growth pattern in very low birth weight infants during their first postnatal weeks. Brain growth may be affected in the presence of certain perinatal factors and comorbidities, conditioning a deviation of the normal growth pattern. The serial ultrasound follow-up of these at-risk patients allows identifying these brain growth patterns early, which offers a window of opportunity for implementing earlier interventions.

Classification of early age facial growth pattern and identification of the genetic basis in two Korean populations

Childhood to adolescence is an accelerated growth period, and genetic features can influence differences of individual growth patterns. In this study, we examined the genetic basis of early age facial growth (EAFG) patterns. Facial shape phenotypes were defined using facial landmark distances, identifying five growth patterns: continued-decrease, decrease-to-increase, constant, increase-to-decrease, and continued-increase. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for 10 horizontal and 11 vertical phenotypes. The most significant association for horizontal phenotypes was rs610831 (TRIM29; β = 0.92, p-value = 1.9 × 10−9) and for vertical phenotypes was rs6898746 (ZSWIM6; β = 0.1103, p-value = 2.5 × 10−8). It is highly correlated with genes already reported for facial growth. This study is the first to classify and characterize facial growth patterns and related genetic polymorphisms.

Anthropometry, body composition, early growth and chronic disease risk factors among Zambian adolescents exposed or not to perinatal maternal HIV.

Early life exposures and growth patterns may affect long-term risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD). We followed up in adolescence two Zambian cohorts (n 322) recruited in infancy to investigate how two early exposures - maternal HIV exposure without HIV infection (HEU) and early growth profile - were associated with later anthropometry, body composition, blood lipids, Hb and HbA1c, blood pressure and grip strength. Although in analyses controlled for age and sex, HEU children were thinner, but not shorter, than HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU) children, with further control for socio-demographic factors, these differences were not significant. HEU children had higher HDL-cholesterol than HUU children and marginally lower HbA1c but no other biochemical or clinical differences. We identified three early growth profiles - adequate growth, declining and malnourished - which tracked into adolescence when differences in anthropometry and body fat were still seen. In adolescence, the early malnourished group, compared with the adequate group, had lower blood TAG and higher HDL, lower grip strength (difference: -1·87 kg, 95 % CI -3·47, -0·27; P = 0·02) and higher HbA1c (difference: 0·5 %, 95 % CI 0·2, 0·9; P = 0·005). Lower grip strength and higher HbA1c suggest the early malnourished children could be at increased risk of NCD in later life. Including early growth profile in analyses of HIV exposure reduced the associations between HIV and outcomes. The results suggest that perinatal HIV exposure may have no long-term effects unless accompanied by poor early growth. Reducing the risk of young child malnutrition may lessen children's risk of later NCD.