Early Period Of Life Research Articles

Head-to-Head Study of Developmental Neurotoxicity and Resultant Phenotype in Rats: α-Hexabromocyclododecane versus Valproic Acid, a Recognized Model of Reference for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Evidence is now growing that exposure to environmental pollutants during the critical early-life period of brain development may contribute to the emergence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study seeks to compare the developmental neurotoxicity of the α-isomer of hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCDD), a persistent brominated flame retardant, to the valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD in rodents. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, α-HBCDD (100 ng/kg/day p.o., GD0-PND21) and VPA (600 mg/kg i.p., GD12). Male offspring were tested for their neuromotor development from PND2-21. At PND21, brain functionality was assessed by measuring cytochrome oxidase activity (CO). Modifications in neuroglia and synaptic plasticity were evaluated in the cortex. Similar subtle behavioural changes related to neuromotor maturation and noise reaction were observed in both treated groups. At PND21, a reduction in CO activity was measured in the VPA group only, in specific areas including auditory nuclei, visual cortex, cingulate and frontal cortices. At the same age, α-HBCDD pointed out significant overexpression of cortical markers of synaptic plasticity while both treated groups showed a significant under expression of astrocyte proteins (S100-β and GFAP). Early-life exposure to a low dose of α-HBCDD may trigger neurobehavioural alterations in line with ASD.

The Long-Term Labor Market Effect of Drought Exposure: Evidence from Nigeria

This study shows that women’s labour market outcomes in adulthood vary depending on the circumstance that prevails in the early stages of their lives. Exploiting the variation in drought incidences across Nigerian states with a nationally representative household survey for the periods 2008 and 2013, the result shows that women exposed to the drought at early periods of life see adverse labor market outcomes (including the probability of working and the standard of such work). Educational outcomes also declined with exposure to the drought, suggesting that poor human capital formation is a potential channel for these effects. Impacts on a related supplementary outcome, age at marriage entry, is also a consistent operative channel of impact. These findings further shed light on potential labor supply deficits for women from early life exposure to adverse climatic conditions.

Associations Between Maternal Distress During Early Life Periods and Offspring Respiratory Infections and Allergic Outcomes.

BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that maternal distress is a risk factor for development of respiratory infections and allergic diseases in the offspring. We aim to evaluate the link between maternal distress during critical periods in early life, namely the preconception, pregnancy and postnatal periods, and development of respiratory infections and allergic diseases in the offspring from the Singapore PREconception Study of long Term maternal and child Outcomes (S-PRESTO) cohort.MethodsMaternal perceived distress was evaluated using validated questionnaires including Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) administered during three time periods: preconception (three months apart at four timepoints), pregnancy (during each trimester) and postnatal (3 and 6 months post-delivery). Child eczema, rhinitis and wheeze outcomes were evaluated using a modified ISAAC questionnaire at ages 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Child allergic sensitization was determined by skin prick testing at 18 months.ResultsAmong 332 mother-child pairs studied, higher maternal distress during preconception and pregnancy increased the risks of wheeze development in the first 18 months; for example, preconception and pregnancy BDI-II scores ≥20 were associated with increased risks of wheeze by 18 months [adjusted risk ratios 3.2 (95%CI 1.1–9.4) and 2.5 (1.0–5.9), respectively]. Emotional and practical support from family during preconception decreased the risks of offspring wheeze. No associations were observed between maternal distress and offspring eczema, rhinitis and allergic sensitization.ConclusionMaternal distress during critical early life periods was associated with offspring wheeze in the first 18 months of life. Supporting maternal mental health even before pregnancy could reduce the risk of offspring wheeze.

In Silico Predictions on the Productive Life Span and Theory of Its Developmental Origin in Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryDairy cows are susceptible to a range of welfare factors, which lead to worsening health problems and shorten their productive life span. The health and welfare status of dairy cows could be improved if unwanted abnormalities and risk factors are detected in a timely manner, i.e., before diseases start to occur. Therefore, in addition to veterinary monitoring, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of culling rate in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by registration of the reciprocal relative disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death). This indicator represents the viability index, which has a maximal value at the first lactation and decreases in subsequent lactations with an inverse exponential trend. According to available scientific information, the structural prerequisites for this index are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life; therefore, it is necessary to create a system of continuous monitoring of the physiological status of mothers and young animals.Animal welfare includes health but also concerns the need for natural factors that contribute to the increase in viability. Therefore, quantitative parameters are necessary to predict the risks of early culling of cows. In the study of the age dynamics of the disposal rate (culling for sum of reasons + death) in dairy cow populations, it was found that the average productive life span can be predicted by the value of the reciprocal culling/death rate (reciprocal value of Gompertz function) at the first lactation. This means that this potential of viability is formed during the developmental periods preceding the onset of lactation activity. Therefore, taking into account current data in the field of developmental biology, it can be assumed that the structural prerequisites for viability potential are laid down during prenatal development and in the early periods of postnatal life. To prevent unfavorable deviations in these processes due to negative welfare effects, it is advisable to monitor the physiological status of mothers and young animals using biosensors and Big Data systems.

Adverse childhood experiences and severity levels of inflammation and depression from childhood to young adulthood: a longitudinal cohort study

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with depression and systemic inflammation in adults. However, limited longitudinal research has tested these relationships in children and young people, and it is unclear whether inflammation is an underlying mechanism through which ACEs influence depression. We examined the longitudinal associations of several ACEs across different early-life periods with longitudinal patterns of early-life inflammation and depression in young adulthood and assessed the mediating role of inflammation. The data came from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (N = 3931). ACEs from the prenatal period through to adolescence were operationalised using cumulative scores, single adversities, and dimensions derived through factor analysis. Inflammation (C-reactive protein) was measured on three occasions (9–18 years) and depressive symptoms were ascertained on four occasions (18–23 years). Latent class growth analysis was employed to delineate group-based trajectories of inflammation and depression. The associations between ACEs and the inflammation/depression trajectories were tested using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Most types of ACEs across all early-life periods were associated with elevated depression trajectories, with larger associations for threat-related adversities compared with other ACEs. Bullying victimisation and sexual abuse in late childhood/adolescence were associated with elevated CRP trajectories, while other ACEs were unrelated to inflammation. Inflammation was also unrelated to depression and did not mediate the associations with ACEs. These results suggest that ACEs are consistently associated with depression, whereas the associations of inflammation with ACEs and depression are weak in young people. Interventions targeting inflammation in this population might not offer protection against depression.

Peningkatan Keterampilan Kader Posyandu dalam Memantau Pertumbuhan Anak Balita pada Masa Pandemi Covid 19

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the cessation of implementing the Integrated Healthcare Center (Posyandu) program in Wonokromo 1, Wonokromo, Pleret Bantul. In contrast, the early period of life, including infancy and children, is a critical period of body and brain growth. Any nutritional problems could lead to serious nutritional problems and low intelligence. Therefore, this service program aims to optimize posyandu activities by arranging the training for cadres to support toddlers’ growth in the Covid-19 pandemic era. The training included anthropometric measurements and analysis of growth charts for children under five for posyandu’s cadres. This activity was attended by 15 posyandu cadres and delivered by using discussion, simulation, and demonstration methods. It was found that the cadres still made some mistakes in measuring weight, body length, height, and head circumference, so they were given a demonstration of the correct measurement methods. The cadres are also trained to interpret the data in growth charts and explain their follow-up. The result of this activity is the enhancement in knowledge and skills in anthropometric measurements and growth charts interpretation by Posyandu’s cadres obtained from written tests and direct observations of the anthropometric measurements process and growth charts interpretation. It is expected that this activity will assist cadres in getting the correct measurement results to detect nutritional problems in toddlers quickly and accurately. Thus, they can be handled immediately and not cause severe dietary issues.

Design of a robotic zebra finch for experimental studies on developmental song learning.

Birdsong learning has been consolidated as the model system of choice for exploring the biological substrates of vocal learning. In the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), only males sing and they develop their song during a sensitive period in early life. Different experimental procedures have been used in the laboratory to train a young finch to learn a song. So far, the best method to achieve a faithful imitation is to keep a young bird singly with an adult male. Here, we present the different characteristics of a robotic zebra finch that was developed with the goal to be used as a song tutor. The robot is morphologically similar to a life-sized finch: it can produce movements and sounds contingently to the behaviours of a live bird. We present preliminary results on song imitation, and other possible applications beyond the scope of developmental song learning.

P655 Early life mebendazole exposure increases the risk of adult-onset ulcerative colitis: a population-based cohort study

Abstract Background According to the hygiene hypothesis, exposure to parasites may promote immune tolerance and protect against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The early life period, considered to extend from prenatal life to up to 5 years of age, is important towards immune maturation; exposures during this period are especially relevant towards IBD risk. We examined the impact of exposure to mebendazole, a broad-spectrum anthelminthic agent, during childhood and adolescence, on the risk of IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods We used prospectively collected historical data of all individuals born in Denmark between 1995 and 2018 from national registers to conduct a population-based cohort study. Using the National Prescription Register, we identified mebendazole exposure at <18 years of age, as well as at <5 years of age. Using ICD8/10 codes in the cross-linked National Patient Register, we identified individuals who were subsequently diagnosed with UC or CD at <16 or ≥16 years of age. We performed adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to determine the risk of IBD, UC and CD with mebendazole exposure after adjusting for potential confounders, which included calendar period, number of siblings and half-siblings, antibiotic prescription, sex, socio-economic status, degree of urbanization and parental IBD status. Results Of 1,520,290 individuals in the cohort, 615,794 had childhood mebendazole exposure. 1,555 and 1,499 individuals were subsequently diagnosed with pediatric- and adult-onset IBD, respectively. On multivariable analysis, mebendazole exposure at <18 years of age did not impact pediatric- or adult-onset IBD risk (aHR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87, 1.07 and 1.08, 95% CI 0.97, 1.19, respectively) (Table). On limiting mebendazole exposure to age <5 years, while there was no association with pediatric-onset IBD (aHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.87, 1.11), adult-onset IBD risk was increased (aHR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04, 1.31). This increase in risk was driven by UC (aHR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12, 1.55), but not CD (1.03, 95% CI 0.87,1.22) (Figure) Table: Crude and adjusted estimates for outcome with exposure to mebendazole in early life (<5 years of age) Figure: Cumulative incidence curves for (a) ulcerative colitis and (b) Crohn’s disease Conclusion Early life, but not later in childhood or adolescence, mebendazole exposure is associated with increase in the risk of adult-onset UC. Mebendazole exposure does not impact pediatric-onset IBD risk or CD risk. These findings emphasize the importance of early-life exposures in shaping the risk of IBD later in life, may indicate differences between UC and CD risk factors and pathways, and may call for re-evaluation of risks and benefits of large-scale helminth eradication programs.

Robust relationship between ambient air pollution and infant mortality in India

BackgroundAmbient exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the top global health concerns. We estimate the associations between in-utero and perinatal exposure to PM2.5 and infant, neonatal and postneonatal mortality in India. We evaluate the sensitivity of this association to two widely-used exposure assessments. MethodWe linked nationally representative anthropometric data from India's 2015–2016 Demographic and Health Survey (n = 259,627 children under five across 640 districts of India) with satellite-based PM2.5 concentrations during the month of birth of each child. We then estimated the associations between PM2.5 from each dataset and child mortality, after controlling for child, mother and household factors including trends in time and seasonality. We examined if factors: urban/rural, sex, wealth quintile and state modified the associations derived from the two datasets using Wald tests. ResultsWe found evidence that PM2.5 impacts infant mortality primarily through neonatal mortality. The estimated association between neonatal mortality and PM2.5 in trimester 3 was OR: 1.016 (95% CI: 1.003, 1.030) for every 10 μg/m3 increase in exposure. This association was robust to the exposure assessment used. Child sex was a significant effect modifier, with PM2.5 impacting mortality in infant girls more than boys. ConclusionsOur results revealed a robust association between ambient exposure to PM2.5 in the latter period of pregnancy and early life with infant and neonatal mortality in India. Urgent air pollution management plans are needed to improve infant mortality in India.

What Brecht experienced at the Plärrer in Augsburg.

The article deals with important biographical aspects in the work of Bertolt Brecht.The main focus of the study is on the early period of the writer's life in Augsburg.The influence of folk street celebrations on the formation of aesthetic views of theyoung artist is considered. Bertolt Brecht's unknown or little-known publicationsin the Augsburg newspapers of 1914-1921 on the peculiarities of moderntheatrical art are analyzed. A detailed analysis of Bertolt Brecht's theatricalreviews gives an idea of the formation of the future playwright, as well asexpands the idea of the spheres of influence on his creative personality in hisyouth. The decisive importance for the author-beginner of folk street celebrationsas a platform for observation of the peculiarities of human behavior, for the studyof different types of people. The influence of sport as a popular and massspectacle on the formation of Bertolt Brecht's ideas about a new kind of theatricaland dramatic art that will be popular with modern audiences is also considered.The article offers the reader new, still unknown facts from the life and work of thefamous German playwright and poet.

Mycotoxin exposure biomonitoring in breastfed and non-exclusively breastfed Nigerian children

A multi-specimen, multi-mycotoxin approach involving ultra-sensitive LC-MS/MS analysis of breast milk, complementary food and urine was applied to examine mycotoxin co-exposure in 65 infants, aged 1–18 months, in Ogun state, Nigeria. Aflatoxin M1 was detected in breast milk (4/22 (18%)), while six other classes of mycotoxins were quantified; including dihydrocitrinone (6/22 (27%); range: 14.0–59.7 ng/L) and sterigmatocystin (1/22 (5%); 1.2 ng/L) detected for the first time. Seven distinct classes of mycotoxins including aflatoxins (9/42 (21%); range: 1.0–16.2 µg/kg) and fumonisins (12/42 (29%); range: 7.9–194 µg/kg) contaminated complementary food. Mycotoxins covering seven distinct classes with diverse structures and modes of action were detected in 64/65 (99%) of the urine samples, demonstrating ubiquitous exposure. Two aflatoxin metabolites (AFM1 and AFQ1) and FB1 were detected in 6/65 (9%), 44/65 (68%) and 17/65 (26%) of urine samples, respectively. Mixtures of mycotoxin classes were common, including 22/22 (100%), 14/42 (33%) and 56/65 (86%) samples having 2–6, 2–4, or 2–6 mycotoxins present, for breast milk, complementary food and urine, respectively. Aflatoxin and/or fumonisin was detected in 4/22 (18%), 12/42 (29%) and 46/65 (71%) for breast milk, complimentary foods and urine, respectively. Furthermore, the detection frequency, median concentrations and occurrence of mixtures were typically greater in urine of non-exclusively breastfed compared to exclusively breastfed infants. The study provides novel insights into mycotoxin co-exposures in early-life. Albeit a small sample set, it highlights transition to higher levels of infant mycotoxin exposure as complementary foods are introduced, providing impetus to mitigate during this critical early-life period and encourage breastfeeding.

The early spontaneous movements, and developmental functioning and sensory processing outcomes in toddlers born preterm: A prospective study

BackgroundPreterm infants may present sensory processing difficulties as well as developmental disorders. However, studies investigating both early spontaneous movements, and later sensory processing and development functioning are limited. AimsTo examine; (1) early spontaneous movements between the ages of 3 and 5 months, (2) the differences of sensory processing between the ages of 24 and 35 months in infants who had normal and aberrant fidgety movements between 3 and 5 months corrected age, and (3) the relationship between sensory processing and both early spontaneous movements and developmental functioning. Study designA prospective observational study design. SubjectsEighty-eight preterm infants (median gestational age 32 weeks, range 23–36) were included. Outcome measuresEarly spontaneous movements, including fidgety movements, were assessed according to the General Movements Assessment (GMA), which determines the Motor Optimality Score (MOS). Developmental functioning was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third-Edition (Bayley-III) and sensory processing was assessed with Toddler Sensory Profile-2 between the ages of 24 and 35 months. ResultsSixteen preterm infants (18.1%) displayed aberrant fidgety movements. Median MOS was 25. Infants who displayed aberrant fidgety movements had a lower Bayley-III score in cognitive, language, and motor domains (p = 0.001, p = 0.006, p < 0.001, respectively) and showed more atypical movement sensory processing (p = 0.016) and touch sensory processing (p = 0.018). Fidgety movements were related to typical/atypical movement processing (p = 0.004, r = 0.300). ConclusionIn addition to motor assessment, sensory processing assessment in preterm infants might play a crucial role due to sensory processing difficulties from the early-period of life.

Multiple metals in children’s deciduous teeth: results from a community-initiated pilot study

BackgroundCharacterizing retrospective exposure to toxicants during multiple early-life developmental periods is challenging, yet critical for understanding developmental effects.ObjectiveTo characterize early-life metal exposure using deciduous teeth in a community concerned about past exposures.MethodsNaturally shed teeth were collected from 30 children ages 5–13 years who resided in Holliston, Massachusetts since conception. We estimated weekly prenatal and postnatal (up to 1 year of age) exposure to 12 metals by measuring dentine concentrations using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to explore sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral correlates of dentine metal concentrations.ResultsTemporal trends in dentine levels differed by metal. Source of milk during the first year of life was associated with dentine barium (Ba) levels, where being fed predominantly breastmilk was associated with 39% (95% CI: –57%, –13%) lower dentine Ba compared to predominantly formula use. Females had higher prenatal and postnatal dentine Mn and Pb, compared to males (e.g., % difference, postnatal Mn: 122% (17%, 321%); postnatal Pb: 60% (95% CI: –8%, 178%)).SignificanceDeciduous teeth provide retrospective information on dose and timing of early-life metals exposure at high resolution. We demonstrate their utility in a community-based study with known past contamination of drinking water.Impact statementWe conducted a community-initiated pilot study in a community concerned with historical exposure to multiple metals. Using deciduous teeth, a novel noninvasive biomarker, we characterized early-life exposure to 12 metals in approximately weekly increments during sensitive developmental periods, thus demonstrating the utility of this biomarker in communities concerned with past exposures.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E with increased mental and physical stress in schoolchildren

Under current conditions of life with its intense rhythm, launch of new technologies, lack of time, both physical and mental workloads on a person increase. In these days, doctors more often report patients’ complaints of undue tiredness: they don’t feel rested even after a holiday and/or sleep. Today we tend to detect such manifestations not only in adults. Children also become less stress-resistant, more irritable due to an overabundance of information, and are prone to frequent infections. How can we help the growing generation cope with the increasing workloads? There’s no question, everyone knows about the need to use vitamins, but the right choice is not always possible. There are currently many single-component vitamin supplements and vitamin-mineral complexes. Some people prefer not to use industrially produced vitamins, but those contained in the natural products - fruits, vegetables, berries. But unfortunately, such a diet does not include the group of fat-soluble vitamins - A, D, E, K. In addition, far from everyone understands the importance of eating fatty acids. This article is devoted to the feasibility of additional intake of fat-soluble vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), their role in the body and deficiency symptoms. It has been established that the polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency in the early period of life may trigger the development of cardiovascular disorders, problems associated with high cholesterol content, visual impairment, a drop of immunity, learning difficulties, and nervous system disorders in children in later years. Particular attention is paid to the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement combined with vitamins (A, E, D3), which enhance the positive effects. In addition, it does not cause negative emotions since it has a fruity taste.

The Programming of Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Lipid Metabolism in Dojo Loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) Larvae Linked to Sodium Chloride and Hydrogen Peroxide Pre-treatment During Egg Hatching.

Non-nutritional stress during early life period has been reported to promote the metabolic programming in fish induced by nutritional stimulus. Sodium chloride (NaCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been widely applied during fish egg hatching, but the influences on health and metabolism of fish in their later life remain unknown. In the present study, H2O2 treatment at 400mg/L but not 200mg/L significantly increased the loach hatchability and decreased the egg mortality, while NaCl treatment at 1,000 and 3,000mg/L showed no significant influences on the loach hatchability nor egg mortality. Further studies indicated that 400mg/L H2O2 pre-treatment significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity and the mRNA expression of genes involved in immune response of loach larvae, accompanied by the increased expression of genes involved in fish early development. However, the expression of most genes involved in lipid metabolism, including catabolism and anabolism of loach larvae, was significantly upregulated after 200mg/L H2O2 pre-treatment. NaCl pre-treatment also increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes; however, only the expression of C1q within the detected immune-related genes was upregulated in loach larvae. One thousand milligram per liter NaCl pre-treatment significantly increased the expression of LPL and genes involved in fish early development. Thus, our results suggested the programming roles of 400mg/L H2O2 pre-treatment during egg hatching in enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune response of fish larvae via promoting fish early development.

The Effect of The Schema Therapy-Based Psycho-Education Program on The Depression and Happiness Levels of Teachers

The Cognitive Therapy Theories focus on cognitive structures based on past experiences called schemas in the treatment of clients. It can be argued that the information organized in the form of schemas can facilitate the lives of individuals enabling the systematic use of the information that already exists in the memory, and the new information can be organized around the existing schemas. However, maladaptive schemas developing in the early period of life cause individuals to make erroneous processes and eventually make wrong decisions. For this reason, it is extremely important to know the maladaptive schemas creating negations for individuals and to make preventive efforts for individuals to overcome the negations caused by these maladaptive schemas. In the present study, the effects of the psychoeducation program prepared according to the principles of Schema Therapy on the depression and happiness level of teachers were examined in the framework of the general objectives that were mentioned above. In the present study, the pre-test, post-test, follow-up test, and repeated measurement experimental design (single group repeated measurement) was used. According to the results of this study, it was observed after the Schema Therapy-Based Psychoeducation Program that was applied to the schema therapy group that the program was significantly effective in reducing the depression levels of the experimental group participants, and this effect was permanent in the follow-up tests that were performed afterward. It was also seen that the Schema Therapy-Based Psychoeducation Program was significantly effective in increasing the happiness levels of the experimental group participants, and this effect was permanent in the follow-up tests.

Physical Inactivity From Childhood to Adolescence and Incident Depression

The long-term impact of physical activity during early life on the risk of depression in later stages of adulthood remains unclear. This study examines the association between physical activity during childhood and adolescence and the incidence of depressive symptoms in early, middle, and late adulthood. Data from a birth cohort (the 1958 National Child Development Survey), including births (N=17,415) in England, Wales, and Scotland, were used. After birth, 11 more follow-ups were carried out between ages 7 and 62 years (2020). Leisure-time physical activity was assessed through a self-reported questionnaire. Psychological measures were assessed with the teacher-rated Bristol Social Adjustment Guide, the teacher-rated Rutter scale, and the self-rated Malaise Inventory. Leisure-time physical activity and psychological symptoms were examined in all the 11 follow-up assessments included in this study. Best-fit model was used to obtain hazard ratios and 95% CIs of depression symptoms by physical activity status in different ages, including demographic, behavioral, and health-related variables as potential confounders. After multivariate analysis, being physically active at age 16 years reduced the risk of incident elevated depressive symptoms (hazard ratio=0.73, 95% CI=0.62, 0.85) throughout adulthood. The long-term impacts of physical activity practiced at age 16 years persisted throughout adulthood up to age 62 years. Adolescence is a critical early-life period to promote physical activity for reducing the incidence of elevated depressive symptoms throughout adulthood. Public health policies should promote healthy lifestyles during the lifespan to reduce both the burden of physical inactivity and depressive symptoms at the population level.

Respiratory Severity Score and Its Association with Adverse Outcomes in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Undergoing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation

Background: Respiratory severity score (RSS) is a simple, non-invasive respiratory failure assessment tool that its appropriateness for lung disease severity is well-established. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential value of early-life RSS values in predicting mortality or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants with extremely low birth weight (ELBW) undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: Following a retrospective approach, the current multi-center study intended to estimate the RSS and RSS/kg values in the first three days of life and time-weighted means of these values in ELBW babies who received invasive mechanical ventilation. Participants were categorized into two groups of survival without severe BPD and those with severe BPD or death. All RSS values and other risk factors were compared between groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting severe BPD or death. The sensitivity and specificity of RSS values in predicting severe BPD or death were estimated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: A total of 101 infants met the inclusion criteria. All RSS and RSS/kg values in the first three days of life were found to be significantly higher in the severe BPD or death group. The maximum area under the curve (AUC) in the ROC curves created for the respiratory severity score values was determined as RSS/kg mean with a cut-off value of 3.62 (85.3%), (P = 0.001). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, which included risk factors that may affect the development of severe BPD or mortality, both the mean RSS/kg score and the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation maintained statistically significant. [RSS/kg mean; OR = 2.28 (1.37 – 3.78), P = 0.001], [invasive MV duration; OR = 1.08 (95% CI, 1.03 – 1.14), P = 0.003]. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that high RSS/kg mean values in the early periods of life are valuable in predicting severe BPD or death in ELBW babies undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, mean RSS had more predictive power than single RSS determinations, and incorporating body weight was associated with improved sensitivity of the score.

The use of neuroimaging, Prechtl's general movement assessment and the Hammersmith infant neurological examination in determining the prognosis in 2-year-old infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy who were treated with hypothermia

BackgroundThe use of neuroimaging, the General Movement Assessment (GMA), and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) to identify the risk of neurodevelopmental delay in early infancy is recommended. AimThe aim of this study was to examine the predictive power of neuroimaging, GMA and HINE for neurodevelopmental delay and cerebral palsy (CP) in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who were treated with hypothermia. Study designRetrospective cohort. Subjects and outcome measuresThis retrospective study included 47 (18 female and 29 male) infants who were treated with hypothermia due to HIE. Neonates with a diagnosis of HIE were followed and assessed using neuroimaging, GMA, HINE and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-II (Bayley II) between 3 m and 2 years of age. ResultsOut of the 47 infants with HIE, no fidgety movements were observed in 5 infants. The sensitivity and specificity in determining the psychomotor developmental index (PDI) score were 97% and 100%, respectively, for MRI; 92.9% and 100% for GMA; and 91.9% and 80% for the HINE. The sensitivity and specificity in determining the mental developmental index (MDI) score were 95% and 85.7%, respectively, for MRI; 90.5% and 80% for GMA; and 91.9% and 50% for HINE. The sensitivity and specificity in determining CP diagnosis at the age of 2 years were 83.3% and 95%, respectively, for MRI; 83.3% and 100% for GMA; and 83.3% and 87.8% for HINE. ConclusionThe interpretation of MRI, GMA, and HINE that are performed within the early period of life may be the gold standard for the early detection of neurodevelopmental risks in 2-year-old infants with HIE. Clinical implementation of these methods in the early period in the follow-up of these infants offers useful information for the early identification of neurodevelopmental risk and for planning early intervention.

133 The Potential for Maternal Nutrition to Influence, Health, Development and Subsequent Lifetime Performance of the Pig

Abstract The global population is continuing to grow at a rapid rate leading to increased need for meat and milk products. The pig industry will need to adapt and expand to meet this demand. Improving the productivity of the pig industry is therefore vital in ensuring sustainable growth in the future. The use of dietary additives is a means to improve this animal productivity, however, the most appropriate time to provide dietary additives to ensure maximum benefit with the lowest cost is an area that warrants further exploration. The early-life period is a vital time of physiological, transcriptional, and microbial changes that have a stark impact on lifetime productivity. This early lifetime point provides an opportunity to aid development and impart lifetime alterations and improve animal productivity and health. These changes can be applied by dietary and management interventions to the pig itself or to the dam. The dam is a key influence on the development of the progeny as the primary site of microbial inoculation and is therefore, an interesting target for dietary intervention. With increased legislative and environmental constraints through the ban on antibiotics and the phasing out of zinc-oxide in the EU, there is a need to identify viable natural alternatives to increase productivity particularly in the post weaning period. A wealth of chemodiversity exists in nature in plants and animals developing protective molecules to survive in varying complex biosystems. Our research has established the potential of feeding naturally sustainable bioactives to improve animal performance and health. This talk will explore the strategy of feeding these natural bioactives to the dam to improve lifetime performance of the progeny.