Poor Growth Research Articles

Risk factors for severe retinopathy of prematurity stratified by birth weight and gestational age in privately insured infants.

To evaluate risk factors associated with severe retinopathy of prematurity ROP (sROP) in two separate cohorts of infants. We performed a retrospective study of the Merative MarketScan Commercial Database between 2003 and 2022. Infants with ROP were stratified into two cohorts: group A (defined as infants with both birth weight [BW] <1000 g and gestational age [GA] <29 weeks) and group B (defined as infants with either BW ≥1000 g or GA ≥29 weeks). Infants with sROP were defined as those who received treatment for ROP. Outpatient and inpatient claims using International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify neonatal comorbidities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sROP requiring treatment with respect to various comorbidities. A total of 425 of 8,789 infants with ROP developed sROP (4.8%). We identified 2,726 infants in group A, of whom 387 (14.2%) required a procedure, and 6,063 in group B, of whom 38 (0.6%) required a procedure. In group A, intraventricular hemorrhage (OR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09-1.74) and patent ductus arteriosus ligation (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.25-2.16) were the comorbidities that significantly increased the odds of sROP on multivariable analysis. In group B, infection (OR = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.01-3.80) was the only comorbidity that significantly increased the adjusted odds of sROP. Risk factors for sROP may differ between smaller and larger infants. Infection may serve as an important risk factor for ROP progression amongst larger infants due to its connection with poor postnatal growth.

Tolerance of fry of three tilapia varieties exposed to low temperatures

As tilapia aquaculture expands globally, cold sensitivity remains a critical issue, leading to significant losses due to poor growth, disease susceptibility, and high mortality. This study evaluated the cold tolerance in fry of three tilapia varieties, incorporating a comprehensive analysis of 3240 specimens. The fry, segregated by variety into different tanks, were observed during summer to assess their performance. The study focused on two commercially prominent varieties, known for their rapid weight gain, and a third variety developed by the Federal University of Lavras, specifically bred for resilience to local climatic conditions. Following a 15-day acclimation period in experimental tanks, the fry were monitored for feeding to apparent satiety. Daily assessments included counting mortalities and measuring water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. Survival data were analyzed using multivariate Cox regression, with survival curves derived via the Kaplan-Meier method. Lifespan predictions from these curves were compared using the log-rank test. Results indicated that older fry were more resilient to cold stress. Notably, the MGTUP variety, bred for local environmental adaptability, demonstrated superior cold tolerance. This variety also exhibited the lowest mortality rates across all age groups. These findings suggest that utilizing locally adapted tilapia varieties can significantly mitigate losses in aquaculture, especially in cold-prone regions.

Status of “African research and its contribution to global health research: a review and an opinion”

Abstract Aim Research is key to the development of any nation, with health research being of high value to society. Research provides data that is useful for the generation and provision of knowledge needed for policy making, planning and strategic management to develop nations. Despite the African population accounting for nearly 14% of the world’s population, little published research originates from African scholars. Purpose The purpose of this article is to highlight the reasons for the lack of robust research by scientists from African low-and-middle-income countries and to emphasize the inequity experienced by African scientists in global health research. Possible solutions to the dearth in African global health research are equally explored. Findings Insufficient research has led to poor growth, development and advancements in health in Africa. A significant gap in African-led and published research, lack of mentorship, inequitable access to research funding and grant eligibility, and increased dependency on foreign organizations have contributed to the lack of sustainability and failure of African research. Conclusion Research is crucial for national development, especially in health. However, African researchers are underrepresented in global publications. To optimize research, local needs and African researchers must be prioritized, and research systems in African institutions must be strengthened. Additionally, the international community must respect, be transparent, and support research development in Africa. These efforts are essential for fostering a robust research environment, addressing global health challenges, and promoting sustainable development across Africa and LMICs.

Abstract 4134900: Cellular Crosstalk in Endocardial Fibroelastosis: NRG Signaling Dysregulation Contributes to Fibrosis and Myocardial Dysfunction in Hypoplastic Left Heart Complex

Background: Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) is marked by a thickened fibro-elastic layer derived by endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), leading to restrictive myocardial function and poor cardiac growth, complicating biventricular repair in hypoplastic left heart complex (HLHC) patients. Neuregulin (NRG) signaling, crucial in EndMT and myocardial development, is implicated in various cardiomyopathies and heart failure, and its dysregulation may drive EFE pathogenesis. Hypothesis: NRG signaling dysregulation influences the cellular and molecular mechanisms of EFE. Methods: Single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was conducted on human left ventricular (LV) tissue resected from 7 EFE patients (0.4-15 years) and 4 non-congenital heart disease (CHD) postmortem human controls (0.02-16 years). Differential gene expression was analyzed using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. We used CellChat, a computational tool for analyzing intercellular communication networks, to identify signaling changes via quantitative contrasts and joint manifold learning. Results: We identified 11 cell types in 64,963 nuclei. In EFE samples compared to non-CHD samples, NRG1-expressing fibroblasts increased from 3.4% to 21.2% (P&lt;0.0001), and NRG2-expressing cardiomyocytes from 11.9% to 45.9% (P&lt;0.001). CellChat analysis revealed a denser NRG signaling network in EFE, with enhanced interactions among cardiomyocytes, endocardial cells, fibroblasts, mast cells, and smooth muscle cells (Fig. 1A-B). Cardiomyocytes emerged as significant senders of NRG signaling in EFE, while endocardial cells, though still key senders, showed reduced influence. Fibroblasts became strong mediators, receivers, and influencers, smooth muscle cells emerged as prominent receivers, and mast cells gained roles as mediators and influencers (Fig. 1 C-D). These changes indicate a complex NRG signaling network in EFE, highlighting altered cellular interactions driving disease progression. Conclusion: Dysregulated NRG signaling in EFE contributes to pathological cellular crosstalk, fibrosis, and myocardial dysfunction, potentially hindering successful biventricular repair in HLHC patients. Targeting NRG pathways could represent a novel therapeutic approach. These findings offer promising implications for affected patients, potentially improving outcomes. Future research should explore additional molecular pathways involved in EFE and assess the therapeutic efficacy of targeting NRG signaling.

Associations of linear growth with body composition of perinatally HIV-infected African adolescents.

The prevalence of poor linear growth among African children with perinatally acquired HIV remains high. There is concern that poor linear growth may to lead to later total and central fat deposition and associated non-communicable disease risks. We investigated associations between height-for-age Z score (HAZ) and total and regional fat and lean mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, expressed as internal population Z scores, among 839 Zimbabwean and Zambian perinatally HIV-infected male and female adolescents aged 11-19 years. Stunting (HAZ < -2) was present in 37 % of males and 23 % of females. HAZ was strongly positively associated with total, trunk, arm and leg fat mass and lean mass Z scores, in analyses controlling for pubertal stage, socio-economic status and HIV viral load. Associations of linear growth with lean mass were stronger than those with fat outcomes; associations with total and regional fat were similar, indicating no preferential central fat deposition. There was no evidence that age of starting antiretroviral therapy was associated with HAZ or body composition. Non-suppressed HIV viral load was associated with lower lean but not fat mass. The results do not support the hypothesis that poor linear growth or stunting are risk factors for later total or central fat deposition. Rather, increased linear growth primarily benefits lean mass but also promotes fat mass, both consistent with larger body size. Nutritional and/or HIV infection control programmes need to address the high prevalence of stunting among perinatally HIV-infected children in order to mitigate constraints on the accretion of lean and fat mass.

Thermal equilibrium as a predictor of growth efficiency in preterm infants

IntroductionProviding adequate nutrition to preterm infants to achieve postnatal growth similar to intrauterine growth remains challenging due to the unpredictability of individual determinants.Material and methodsWe used a calculation program for infant incubators to compare the estimated heat balance with the caloric intake and growth rate in Very Low Birth Weight Infants (VLBWI).Results and discussionA group of 32 VLBWI was studied over a period of 14–28 days. An interrelationship between thermal equilibrium and growth rate was observed, with standardized incubator settings being unable to avoid periods of negative thermal balance and concomitantly poor growth rate.ConclusionDetermining personalized incubator settings by means of a calculation program could help improve nutrition and growth in preterm infants.

Biofilm Formation in Clinical Isolates of Fusarium

Many microbial pathogens form biofilms, assemblages of polymeric compounds that play a crucial role in establishing infections. The biofilms of Fusarium species also contribute to high antifungal resistance. Using our collection of 29 clinical Fusarium isolates, we focused on characterizing differences in thermotolerance, anaerobic growth, and biofilm formation across four Fusarium species complexes commonly found in clinical settings. We investigated the role of carbon sources, temperature, and fungal morphology on biofilm development. Using fluorescence microscopy, we followed the stages of biofilm formation. Biofilms were screened for sensitivity/resistance to the antifungals voriconazole (VOR), amphotericin B (AmB), and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). Our findings revealed generally poor thermotolerance and growth under anaerobic conditions across all Fusarium species. VOR was more effective than AmB in controlling biofilm formation, but the combination of VOR, AmB, and 5-FC significantly reduced biofilm formation across all species. Additionally, Fusarium biofilm formation varied under non-glucose carbon sources, highlighting the species’ adaptability to different nutrient environments. Notably, early stage biofilms were primarily composed of lipids, while polysaccharides became dominant in late-stage biofilms, suggesting a dynamic shift in biofilm composition over time.

Markers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction Are Associated with Poor Growth and Developmental Outcomes among Young Children in Lusaka, Zambia

Markers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction Are Associated with Poor Growth and Developmental Outcomes among Young Children in Lusaka, Zambia

The prospective associations of fetal growth-related pregnancy complications with subsequent breastfeeding duration and markers of human milk production.

The development of the breast for lactation occurs throughout pregnancy. It is unknown whether pregnancy complications resulting in poor fetal growth can affect breastfeeding success. We examined whether fetal growth-related pregnancy complications were associated with earlier breastfeeding cessation and changes in the concentrations of human milk biomarkers of low milk production. We used data from the Growing Up in Singapore Toward healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study (n=954). Human milk concentrations of protein, lactose, citrate, sodium, potassium and zinc at 3 weeks postpartum were available for 180 mother-infant dyads. We examined the associations of fetal growth measures, including term infants born small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (<10th percentile), pregnancies complicated by fetal growth deceleration (FGD) (2nd - 3rd trimester fetal growth dropped between major centiles), elevated umbilical artery resistance (UAR) (> 90th percentile) or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) with (i) risk of ceasing breastfeeding (Cox regression) and (ii) concentrations of human milk components (weighted linear regression). Adjusting for maternal education, smoking exposure, breastfeeding intentions and pre-pregnancy BMI, individuals who delivered SGA infants, and those with HDP were more likely to breastfeed for a shorter duration when compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI]: 1.45 [1.11, 1.89] and 1.61 [1.14, 2.29], respectively); associations were not significant for FGD and UAR. SGA was not associated with concentrations of human milk biomarkers, but compared to participants with uncomplicated pregnancies, milk produced by those with HDP contained lower zinc concentrations (adjusted beta coefficient [95% CI]: -0.56 mg/L [-1.08, -0.04]). Individuals with HDP and those with SGA infants tend to breastfeed for a shorter duration; however, only HDP appeared to be associated with biomarkers of compromised milk production. Further research and support are needed to help individuals with HDP and SGA achieve their breastfeeding goals. This study was registered as NCT01174875, and can be accessed at https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01174875.

The multiple facets of cow’s milk allergy

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in early childhood. CMA has varied presentations and multiple facets. A detailed clinical history is key for classification. In IgE-mediated CMA skin prick testing and serum specific IgE testing are useful in the diagnosis, but an oral food challenge (OFC) may still be necessary if there is doubt or to assess tolerance. Non-IgE-mediated CMA presentations include food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP), food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The diagnosis of FPIAP and FPIES is based on the clinical history. An esophageal biopsy is required for the diagnosis of EoE. Atopy patch testing, IgG or IgG4 testing are not helpful in any CMA evaluation. Children with CMA (except those with FPIAP) are at risk for poor growth and a nutritional evaluation should be part of routine care. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are the recommended first choice alternative formula for CMA. For IgE-mediated CMA, alternative approaches to traditional strict avoidance include oral immunotherapy (OIT) and omalizumab (both as monotherapy and as an adjunct to OIT). Multiple international guidelines have addressed evaluation and management of CMA providing key information, support and guidance for clinicians in daily practice.

Trends in Pregnancy Outcomes in People with Sickle Cell Disease and Medicaid Insurance (2006-2018).

Background: Although the risk of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality in people with sickle cell disease (SCD) is well established, limitations in data sources and heterogeneity in outcome reporting hinder the ability to make meaningful comparisons between historical and contemporary populations. This study used a national administrative claims database to compare pregnancy outcomes in people with SCD between 2006-2011 and 2012-2018. Materials and Methods: Pregnant females aged 16-44 years with SCD were identified from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service Analytic eXtract, along with a control cohort of pregnant people. People were followed from first identified pregnancy until one year postpartum. Outcomes of interest were identified with ICD-9 or 10 codes. Results: We included 6,388 people with SCD and 17,278 controls in analyses. Preeclampsia/eclampsia, hypertension, thrombosis, poor fetal growth, preterm delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage were all more common in people with SCD compared with controls. Maternal death occurred in 0.5% of people with SCD versus <0.1% in those without SCD (p < 0.001). When comparing infant deliveries in 2006-2011 to those occurring in 2012-2018, all pregnancy-related complications except preterm delivery, including maternal death, occurred at similar or higher frequencies in more recent years. Conclusions: Between 2006 and 2018, maternal death occurred in approximately 1 out of every 200 publicly insured people with SCD in the year following infant delivery. Our work confirms, on a national-level, that pregnancy-related outcomes in people with SCD in the United States have not improved with time, and that some complications have in fact increased in frequency.

INFLUENCE OF POPULATION GROWTH, INFLATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX ON ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY

This study aims to analyze and find out the influence of population growth inflation and the human development index on economic growth and the number of poor people in East Kalimantan Province. The analysis tool used is path analysis. The data used is secondary data from 2013-2022. The results of the analysis of path 1. Population growth has a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth, inflation has a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth, and the human development index has a positive and significant effect on economic growth in East Kalimantan Province. The results of the analysis of path 2. Population growth negatively and significantly affects the number of poor people, inflation has a positive and insignificant effect, and the human development index negatively and significantly affects the number of poor people, as well as economic growth, has a positive and significant effect on the number of poor people in East Kalimantan Province. Population growth and the human development index have a positive and insignificant effect on the number of poor people through economic growth, while inflation has a negative and insignificant effect on the number of poor people through economic growth in East Kalimantan Province. The effect of total inflation and economic growth is positive and un-negating on the number of poor people, population growth and human development index are negative and insignificant on the number of poor people in East Kalimantan Province.

Malnutrition in infants aged 6-23 months in China’s poorest rural counties from 2016 to 2021: cross sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess trends and differences in child malnutrition by population subgroups among infants aged 6-23 months in China’s poorest rural counties.DesignSix consecutive cross sectional surveys were conducted annually.SettingThe study was...

The Moderating Role of Supply Chain Agility on the Relationship Between Strategic Flexibility and Organizational Market Performance in Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is key to the survival of the human race, but equally becoming increasingly susceptible to global disruptions. In Nigeria, records have shown that the industry is plagued with several problems, inclusive of low employee productivity, poor market share, low innovation performance, poor and marginal sales growth and low profitability, which are likely a result of a lack of strategic flexibility in the face of increasing environment turbulence and intense competition. Despite efforts from researchers, the moderating role of supply chain agility has been largely overlooked in the literature. Therefore, this study examines the moderating role of supply chain agility on the relationship between strategic flexibility (resource flexibility, coordination flexibility, proactive flexibility, reactive flexibility and futurity) and organisational performance. A survey research design was used to collect data from 642 management and senior staff employees of six pharmaceutical companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. A total enumeration method was adopted for the study, with a well-structured adapted questionnaire, having Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients ranging from 0.725 to 0.945. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was chosen to achieve the research goal. The PLS-SEM analysis revealed that strategic flexibility positively affects organizational performance (β = -0.093, p&gt; 0.050, Q2 = 0.644). However, supply chain agility negatively moderates this effect, indicating that while agility is beneficial independently, it can counteract the positive impact of strategic flexibility when combined. The study recommended that the management of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria should pay serious attention to strategic flexibility as an organizational capability that can enhance performance in the face of increasing uncertainties in and unpredictability nature of the business environment.

Bifunctional Ion Rectification Layer Separators Toward Superior Reversible Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anodes

AbstractThe slow transport dynamics and poor dendritic growth significantly hinder the performance of zinc metal batteries. Here, a unique difunctional ion rectification strategy is developed using vacuum evaporation technology to design a coated separator for efficient ion transport. The highly conductive Cu‐coated separator acts as an ion redistributor, ensuring homogenized electric field distribution. The excellent znophilicity of the copper coating acts as an ion accelerator, promoting ion transport and facilitating face‐to‐face zinc deposition on the separator. Consequently, this synergy enables stable battery operation at high current densities (cumulative capacity up to 10 800 mAh cm−2 at 8 mA cm−2) and high depth of discharge (over 200 h at 94% DOD). The Cu‐coated separator exhibits a reversible plating/stripping life of over 2400 h with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.88%. Notably, the Cu‐coated separator significantly enhances the rate performance and cycle capacity of Zn||V6O13 and Zn||MnO2 full cells. This functional separator with a difunctional ion rectification strategy presents a promising solution to the challenge of zinc metal anodes.

The Pathology and Blood Biochemistry of Juvenile Lates calcarifer on Diets Contaminated With Mycotoxins, Histamines and Rancid Fats-A Case Study.

Mycotoxins, originating from contaminated raw materials or suboptimal feed storage, are a growing concern in tropical aquaculture. Common fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. produce mycotoxins including aflatoxin, fumonisin, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. High doses or prolonged exposure (weeks) to low doses of these mycotoxins (< 20 μg/kg) can depress growth, immunity, and cause mortality. This study investigated poor growth and low survival in juvenile Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer fed two different diets (FM40 and ABS3) for 5 weeks. Analysis of these diets revealed high peroxide values, multiple mycotoxins and high histamine levels. Fish fed the FM40 diet, which was contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (13.2 μg/kg), aflatoxin B2 (1.9 μg/kg), deoxynivalenol (29.5 μg/kg), alternariol (2.2 μg/kg), elevated peroxide value (45.91 mEq/kg), and histamine (129.51 mg/kg) developed mild bile duct hyperplasia, depressed total serum proteins (50.40 ± 10.06 g/L), markedly elevated blood potassium (8.2 ± 0.18 mmol/L), and heavy iron deposits in splenic melanomacrophage centres (Perl's stain) indicative of increased haemolysis. The presence of multiple cytotoxic mycotoxins in FM40 diet could explain the increased haemolysis and elevated blood potassium. In contrast, fish fed the ABS3 diet, which had high histamine levels (210.05 mg/kg), exhibited protein-losing nephropathy with multifocal fibrin plugs (Martius scarlet blue stain) indicating acute renal damage, and elevated blood calcium and phosphorus levels. Histamine is metabolised and excreted through the kidneys and known to induce renal arteriolar constriction, disrupt glomerular filtration barrier and increase permeability resulting in protein loss. This study shows that blood biochemistry and histopathology are useful diagnostic tools for assessing the impact of mycotoxins and histamines on fish health.

Dietary supplementation with Bacillus subtilis KC1 alleviates the negative effects of Mycoplasma gallisepticum on growth performance and amino acid metabolism of broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to explore whether and how Bacillus subtilis KC1 can enhance the growth performance of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)-infected broilers. Broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group (basal diet), the MG group (basal diet + MG challenge), the KC group (basal diet + B. subtilis KC1 supplementation), the KC + MG group (basal diet + B. subtilis KC1 supplementation + MG challenge). The results showed that, compared to the control group, MG group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and average daily gain, and increased feed conversion ratio of broilers. However, compared to the MG group, the B. subtilis KC1 + MG group exhibited significantly improved above indicators of growth performance. In addition, compared to the MG group, B. subtilis KC1 + MG group exhibited increased superoxide dismutase levels and reduced levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α of broilers. Furthermore, metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses indicated that MG infection disrupted amino acid metabolism in broilers, whereas B. subtilis KC1 supplementation alleviated the abnormal amino acid metabolism caused by MG. These results suggested that B. subtilis KC1 may alleviate the poor growth performance caused by MG infection in broilers by improving amino acid metabolism.

A study of professional practices, attitudes and barriers to blended tube feeding in Australia and New Zealand.

This study investigates the utilisation of blended tube feeding by health professionals in Australia and New Zealand, assessing factors influencing its implementation following the Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition blended tube feeding consensus statement. A cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting health professionals across Australia and New Zealand. The survey comprised 35-questions including multiple choice, Likert scales and open-ended responses, to gain insights into blended tube feeding practices and perspectives. The effect of the health professional factors on outcomes was explored in pairs with a series of Chi-squared tests. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using standard univariate logistic regression. An exploratory content analysis was used to code the open-ended text responses to the survey questions which were then categorised and further synthesised into overarching themes. Out of 89 health professionals who completed the survey, the majority were dietitians, 63% reported managing fewer than five patients using blended tube feeding within their services. Parental request was the leading reason for adoption. Notable barriers included clinician time constraints, resource limitations and a lack of formal guidelines. Some health professionals considered the primary risk associated with blended tube feeding to be poor growth and/or weight loss. Professional development was pivotal in increasing confidence and advocating for blended tube feeding, with significant correlations observed between blended tube feeding training and clinical practice. This study emphasises the essential role of education, resource availability and institutional policy in promoting blended tube feeding practices for health professionals. Findings suggest that focusing on professional development and standardised resources could significantly enhance knowledge, confidence and competence of health professionals in blended tube feeding application. The outcomes point towards the need for a coordinated approach to support evidence-based blended tube feeding practices, aligning with the Australasian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition blended tube feeding resources and recommendations.

Case Report: Headaches and Hormonal Disruptions

Craniopharyngiomas are rare, relatively benign, and slow-growing tumors that arise near the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and in the vicinity of the center of the brain. Therefore, the tumor is usually discovered to be big enough to cause presenting symptoms, including headaches, vomiting, and visual problems. Variable hormone deficiencies that lead to poor growth or absent puberty might also be found in children and adolescents, while in adults, such as thyroid underactivity, adrenal crises, gonadotropin deficiency, and diabetes insipidus. Although patients with craniopharyngioma have an excellent survival rate, this tumor’s tendency to adhere to important parts of the brain renders complete resection unattainable and, therefore, leads invariably to tumor recurrence. Thus, patients with this type of tumor must undergo regular, appropriate imaging, by MRI or CT scan.

The Threat of the Fall Armyworm to Asian Rice Production Is Amplified by the Brown Planthopper.

The recent invasion of the fall armyworm (FAW) into Asia not only has had a major impact on maize yield but is feared to also pose a risk to rice production. We hypothesized that the brown planthopper (BPH) may aggravate this risk based on a recently discovered mutualism between the planthopper and the rice striped stem borer. Here we show that BPH may indeed facilitate a shift of FAW to rice. FAW females were found to strongly prefer to oviposit on BPH-infested rice plants, which emitted significantly elevated levels of five volatile compounds. A synthetic mixture of these compounds had a potent stimulatory effect on ovipositing females. Although FAW caterpillars exhibited relatively poor growth on both uninfested and BPH-infested rice, a considerable portion completed their development on young plants. Moreover, FAW were found to readily pupate and survive in exceedingly moist soils typical for rice cultivation, further highlighting FAW's potential to switch to rice. We conclude that BPH, by changing the bouquet of volatiles emitted by rice plants, may greatly facilitate this switch. These findings, together with a current increase of nonflooded upland rice in Asia, warrant careful monitoring and specific control measures against FAW to safeguard Asian rice production.