Pediatrics Commons^™

Simple Energy Balance Or Microbiome For Childhood Obesity Prevention?, Tom Baranowski, Kathleen J Motil

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Obesity prevention interventions generally have either not worked or had effects inadequate to mitigate the problem. They have been predicated on the simple energy balance model, which has been severely questioned by biological scientists. Numerous other etiological mechanisms have been proposed, including the intestinal microbiome, which has been related to childhood obesity in numerous ways. Public health research is needed in regard to diet and the microbiome, which hopefully will lead to effective child obesity prevention.

Family-Based Obesity Prevention Interventions Among Hispanic Children And Families: A Scoping Review, Erica G Soltero, Armando Peña, Veronica Gonzalez, Edith Hernandez, Guisela Mackey, Chishinga Callender, Jayna M Dave, Debbe Thompson

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

This scoping review examined intervention and sample characteristics of family-based obesity prevention interventions among Hispanic youth. This review also examined the degree to which existing interventions were culturally-adapted, acknowledged social determinants of health (SDoH), and collaborated with community stakeholders. A comprehensive search across Medline Ovid, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Pubmed was used to identify 13 studies primarily based in the U.S. (92.3%). Data was extracted by two independent reviewers. Most used a randomized control trial design (69.2%), a behavior change theory (84.6%), and reported moderate to high (≥70%) retention (69.2%). Studies targeted improvements in physical activity (69.2%) and fruit and …

Pedsql™ Gastroparesis Symptoms Module Domain And Item Development: Qualitative Methods, James W Varni, Robert J Shulman, Mariella M Self, Liz Febo-Rodriguez, Heather Charron, Kent Williams, Sam Nurko, Rachel L Rosen, Bruno P Chumpitazi

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objectives: Like adults, children suffer from gastroparesis; however, there are currently no validated instruments to determine the impact of gastroparesis in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to develop the items and domains to support the content validity of the new Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) Gastroparesis Symptoms Module.

Methods: Patients were recruited from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Pediatric Gastroparesis Registry. The qualitative methods involved an iterative process comprising a literature review of existing questionnaires and gastroparesis clinical research, an expert review panel of pediatric gastroenterologists who provided feedback on the …

Advancement Of A 3d Computational Phantom And Its Age Scaling Methodologies For Retrospective Dose Reconstruction Studies, Aashish Gupta

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

We have used a 3D age-scalable computational phantom for over two decades for retrospective dose reconstruction studies of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) treated with 2D historic radiotherapy (RT). However, our phantom and its age scaling functions (ASF) must be updated so that it can be used in studies that include survivors treated with contemporary RT. We aimed to implement our phantom and its age scaling functions in DICOM format and determine the feasibility of applying our ASFs to accurately scale the whole-body CT-based anatomies.

In the implementation study, we developed Python scripts that model the phantom and ASFs in a …

The Design And Rationale Of A Multicenter Real-World Trial: The Southeastern Collaboration To Improve Blood Pressure Control In The Us Black Belt – Addressing The Triple Threat, Tina O Findley, Hope Northrup

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The incidence of congenital heart defect (CHD) has increased over the past fifty years, partly attributed to routine fetal anatomical examination by sonography during obstetric care and improvements in ultrasound technology and technique. Fetal findings on ultrasound in addition to maternal biomarkers are the backbone of first- and second-trimester screening for common genetic conditions, namely aneuploidy. Since the introduction of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using next-generation sequencing to sequence cell-free fetal DNA, the detection rate of common trisomies as well as sex chromosomal aneuploidies have markedly increased. As the use of NIPT continues to broaden, the best means of incorporating …

The Cgas–Sting Pathway In Diabetic Retinopathy And Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Shannon Erhardt, Mingjie Zheng, Xiaolei Zhao, Tram P Le, Tina O Findley, Jun Wang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The neural crest (NC) is a multipotent and temporarily migratory cell population stemming from the dorsal neural tube during vertebrate embryogenesis. Cardiac neural crest cells (NCCs), a specified subpopulation of the NC, are vital for normal cardiovascular development, as they significantly contribute to the pharyngeal arch arteries, the developing cardiac outflow tract (OFT), cardiac valves, and interventricular septum. Various signaling pathways are shown to orchestrate the proper migration, compaction, and differentiation of cardiac NCCs during cardiovascular development. Any loss or dysregulation of signaling pathways in cardiac NCCs can lead to abnormal cardiovascular development during embryogenesis, resulting in abnormalities categorized as …

Therapeutic Efficacy Of A Potent Anti-Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Antibody Is Contingent On Fc Effector Function, Vanja Krneta-Stankic, Mark E Corkins, Adriana Paulucci-Holthauzen, Malgorzata Kloc, Andrew B Gladden, Rachel K Miller

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

E-cadherin junctions facilitate assembly and disassembly of cell contacts that drive development and homeostasis of epithelial tissues. In this study, using Xenopus embryonic kidney and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, we investigate the role of the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) formin Daam1 (Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1) in regulating E-cadherin-based intercellular adhesion. Using live imaging, we show that Daam1 localizes to newly formed cell contacts in the developing nephron. Furthermore, analyses of junctional filamentous actin (F-actin) upon Daam1 depletion indicate decreased microfilament localization and slowed turnover. We also show that Daam1 is necessary for efficient and timely localization of junctional …

Associations Between Screen-Based Activities, Physical Activity, And Dietary Habits In Mexican Schoolchildren, Erica G Soltero, Alejandra Jáuregui, Edith Hernandez, Simón Barquera, Edtna Jáuregui, Juan Ricardo López-Taylor, Luis Ortiz-Hernández, Lucie Lévesque, Rebecca E Lee

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Screen-based activities are associated with increased risk of obesity and contribute to physical inactivity and poor dietary habits. The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations among screen-based activities, physical activity, and dietary habits in school-aged children in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City, Mexico. The secondary aim was to examine these associations across sex. The School Physical Activity and Nutrition survey was used to assess screen-based activities (TV watching, video game use, computer use), physical activity, and dietary habits. Organized activity/sports participation, unhealthy dietary habits, and household income were correlated with screen-based activities. While TV watching …

Clinical Characterization Of Pediatric Gastroparesis Using A Four-Hour Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy Standard, Sharon Wolfson, Zoe Wilhelm, Antone R Opekun, Robert Orth, Robert J Shulman, Bruno P Chumpitazi

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objectives: Four-hour gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) is the recommended method to identify both adult and childhood gastroparesis (GP). Previous pediatric studies have, however, not used this standard. We sought to determine the characteristics and outcomes of children versus adolescents with GP using the 4-hour GES evaluation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with GP by 4-hour GES (>10% retention at 4 hours). Demographics, body mass index, GP-related symptoms, comorbidities, etiologies, therapies (eg, medications), healthcare utilization, and response to therapy were captured systematically. Symptoms were compared from the initial versus last gastroenterology visit. Outcomes were …

Perceptions Of Family-Level Social Factors That Influence Health Behaviors In Latinx Adolescents And Young Adults At High Risk For Type 2 Diabetes, Erica G Soltero, Neeku Navabi, Felipe G Castro, Stephanie L Ayers, Jenny Mendez, Deborah I Thompson, Gabriel Q Shaibi

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Given that health behaviors occur within the context of familial social relationships, a deeper understanding of social factors that influence health behaviors in Latinx families is needed to develop more effective diabetes prevention programming. This qualitative study identified perceived family-level social factors that influence health behaviors in Latinx adolescents (12–16 years; N = 16) and young adults (18–24 years; N = 15) with obesity and explored differences in perceptions across sex and age. Participants completed an in-depth interview that was recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic content analysis. Emergent themes central to health behaviors included: perceived parental roles and responsibilities, …

Pharmacogenetic Testing In Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluated In The Children’S Mercy Hospital Goldiloks© Clinic, Rachel Goodson

Research Days

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 54 children in the United States. Children with ASD are more likely to be diagnosed with co-occurring mental health disorders. There is currently little research guiding medication choice and dosing in patients with ASD. Children with ASD are at increased risk for reduced clinical response and adverse reaction (including due to polypharmacy). Pharmacogenomics is an approach for medication decision making that leverages an individual’s genetic information and clinical presentation to make informed choices, but no studies have specifically investigated the outcomes of PGX for patients with ASD. Understanding the clinical and genetic …

Iv Amiodarone Vs Iv Sotalol Use In Postoperative Junctional Ectopic Tachycardia (Jet): A Randomized Study, Tanner Isaacson

Research Days

Background: Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is one of the most common post-operative arrhythmias encountered following congenital heart surgery. For many, amiodarone is the pharmacologic treatment of choice. While effective, amiodarone has been associated with dose-related adverse effects. Sotalol has been approved for intravenous use in pediatric patients in the United States to treat both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, although pediatric data remains limited. Sotalol has class III antiarrhythmic properties with some mild β-adrenergic blocking effects, similar to amiodarone. Data shows a lower rate of cardiovascular collapse and adverse events with sotalol in patients with congenital heart disease. At present, it …

Consumption Of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Compared With Sucrose Promotes Adiposity And Increased Triglyceridemia But Comparable Nafld Severity In Juvenile Iberian Pigs, Magdalena Maj, Brooke Harbottle, Payton A Thomas, Gabriella V Hernandez, Victoria A Smith, Mark S Edwards, Rob K Fanter, Hunter S Glanz, Chad Immoos, Douglas G Burrin, Tasha M Santiago-Rodriguez, Michael R La Frano, Rodrigo Manjarín

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Fructose consumption has been linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. However, the effect of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) compared with sucrose in pediatric NAFLD has not been investigated.

Objectives: We tested whether the isocaloric substitution of dietary sucrose by HFCS would increase the severity of NAFLD in juvenile pigs, and whether this effect would be associated with changes in gut histology, SCFA production, and microbial diversity.

Methods: Iberian pigs, 53-d-old and pair-housed in pens balanced for weight and sex, were randomly assigned to receive a mash diet top-dressed with increasing amounts of sucrose (SUC; n = …

Investigation Of Alpl Variant States And Clinical Outcomes: An Analysis Of Adults And Adolescents With Hypophosphatasia Treated With Asfotase Alfa., Priya S. Kishnani, Guillermo Del Angel, Shanggen Zhou, Eric T. Rush

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Background: Hypophosphatasia (HPP), a rare metabolic disease, can be inherited in an autosomal recessive (biallelic) or an autosomal dominant (monoallelic) manner. Most of the severe, early-onset, frequently lethal HPP in infants is acquired through recessive inheritance; less severe, later-onset, typically nonlethal HPP phenotypes are acquired through either dominant or recessive inheritance. HPP's variable clinical presentation arises from >400 identified ALPL pathogenic variants with likely variable penetrance, especially with autosomal dominant inheritance. This post hoc analysis investigated the relationship between ALPL variant state (biallelic and monoallelic) and clinical outcomes with asfotase alfa in HPP.

Methods: Data were pooled from two phase …

Prospective Patient-Reported Symptom Profiles Associated With Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Relapse, Austin L Brown, Kimberly P Raghubar, Olga A Taylor, Melanie Brooke Bernhardt, Lisa S Kahalley, Wei Pan, Philip J Lupo, Marilyn J Hockenberry, Michael E Scheurer

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

PURPOSE: Despite improvements in frontline pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, relapse remains a concern. Research in adult cancer patients suggests that patient-reported symptoms may predict survival, but the relationship between symptoms and relapse for pediatric ALL has received little attention.

METHODS: Pediatric patients with ALL (age 2-18 years) and/or their primary caregivers completed symptom surveys at the end of induction, start of delayed intensification (DI), start of maintenance cycle 1 (MC1), and start of maintenance cycle 2 (MC2). Symptom clusters for co-occurring fatigue, pain, sleep disruptions, and nausea were defined using latent profile analysis. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% …

Cross-Sectional Exploration Of Plasma Biomarkers Of Alzheimer's Disease In Down Syndrome: Early Data From The Longitudinal Investigation For Enhancing Down Syndrome Research (Life-Dsr) Study, James A. Hendrix, David C. Airey, Angela Britton, Anna D. Burke, George T. Capone, Ronelyn Chavez, Jacqueline Chen, Brian Chicoine, Alberto C. S. Costa, Jeffrey L. Dage, Eric Doran, Anna Esbensen, Casey L. Evans, Kelley M. Faber, Tatiana M. Foroud, Sarah Hart, Kelsey Haugen, Elizabeth Head, Suzanne Hendrix, Hampus Hillerstrom, Frederick A. Schmitt

Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Faculty Publications

With improved healthcare, the Down syndrome (DS) population is both growing and aging rapidly. However, with longevity comes a very high risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The LIFE-DSR study (NCT04149197) is a longitudinal natural history study recruiting 270 adults with DS over the age of 25. The study is designed to characterize trajectories of change in DS-associated AD (DS-AD). The current study reports its cross-sectional analysis of the first 90 subjects enrolled. Plasma biomarkers phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau), neurofilament light chain (NfL), amyloid β peptides (Aβ_1-40, Aβ_1-42), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were undertaken with …

Delta-Like 4 Is Required For Pulmonary Vascular Arborization And Alveolarization In The Developing Lung., Sheng Xia, Heather Menden, Nick Townley, Sherry M. Mabry, Jeffrey J. Johnston, Michael F. Nyp, Daniel P. Heruth, Thomas Korfhagen, Venkatesh Sampath

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

The molecular mechanisms by which endothelial cells (ECs) regulate pulmonary vascularization and contribute to alveolar epithelial cell development during lung morphogenesis remain unknown. We tested the hypothesis that delta-like 4 (DLL4), an EC Notch ligand, is critical for alveolarization by combining lung mapping and functional studies in human tissue and DLL4-haploinsufficient mice (Dll4+/lacz). DLL4 expressed in a PECAM-restricted manner in capillaries, arteries, and the alveolar septum from the canalicular to alveolar stage in mice and humans. Dll4 haploinsufficiency resulted in exuberant, nondirectional vascular patterning at E17.5 and P6, followed by smaller capillaries and fewer intermediate blood vessels at P14. Vascular …

Meal-Induced Symptoms In Children With Dyspepsia-Relationships To Sex And The Presence Of Gastroparesis, Liz Febo-Rodriguez, Bruno P Chumpitazi, Salma Musaad, Andrew C Sher, Robert J Shulman

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that in children with dyspepsia, prospective symptom severity following ingestion of a meal would correlate with percent gastric retention, and those ultimately diagnosed with gastroparesis would report worse symptoms.

Study design: Prospective, single-center study with 104 children with dyspepsia completing a prospective dyspepsia symptom questionnaire before and after eating a standardized Tougas meal during gastric emptying scintigraphy. Main outcomes included correlation between gastric retention and symptoms and comparison of symptom severity between those with and without gastroparesis.

Results: Fifty-two children (50%) had gastroparesis (gastroparesis: 12.5 ± 2.9 years, 65% female; nongastroparesis: 13.0 ± 2.9 years, …

Effects Of Neonatal Nutrition Interventions On Neonatal Mortality And Child Health And Development Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Aamer Imdad, Faseeha Rehman, Evans Davis, Deepika Ranjit, Gamael S. S. Surin, Suzanna L. Attia, Sarah Lawler, Abigail A. Smith, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background
The last two decades have seen a significant decrease in mortality for children < 5 years of age in low and middle‐income countries (LMICs); however, neonatal (age, 0–28 days) mortality has not decreased at the same rate. We assessed three neonatal nutritional interventions that have the potential of reducing morbidity and mortality during infancy in LMICs.

Objectives
To determine the efficacy and effectiveness of synthetic vitamin A, dextrose oral gel, and probiotic supplementation during the neonatal period.

Search Methods
We conducted electronic searches for relevant studies on the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, up to November 27, 2019.

Selection Criteria
We aimed to include randomized and quasi‐experimental studies. The target population was neonates in LMICs. The interventions included synthetic vitamin A supplementation, oral dextrose gel supplementation, and probiotic supplementation during the neonatal period. …

In Vivo Transplantation Of Human Intestinal Organoids Enhances Select Tight Junction Gene Expression, Mariaelena A Boyle, David J Sequeira, Eoin P Mcneill, Zachary K Criss, Noah F Shroyer, Allison L Speer

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Short bowel syndrome is a potentially fatal condition with inadequate management options. Tissue-engineered small intestine (TESI) is a promising solution, but confirmation of TESI function will be crucial before human application. We sought to define intestinal epithelial barrier function in human intestinal organoid (HIO)-derived TESI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: HIOs were generated in vitro from human embryonic stem cells. After 1 mo, HIOs were collected for analysis or transplanted into the kidney capsule of immunocompromised mice. Transplanted HIOs (tHIOs) were harvested for analysis at 4 or 8 wk. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent staining were performed for …

Tbx5-Encoded T-Box Transcription Factor 5 Variant T223m Is Associated With Long Qt Syndrome And Pediatric Sudden Cardiac Death, Alexandra M Markunas, Perathu K R Manivannan, Jordan E Ezekian, Agnim Agarwal, William Eisner, Katherina Alsina, Hugh D Allen, Gregory A Wray, Jeffrey J Kim, Xander H T Wehrens, Andrew P Landstrom

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic disease resulting in a prolonged QT interval on a resting electrocardiogram, predisposing affected individuals to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and sudden death. Although a number of genes have been implicated in this disease, nearly one in four individuals exhibiting the LQTS phenotype are genotype-negative. Whole-exome sequencing identified a missense T223M variant in TBX5 that cosegregates with prolonged QT interval in a family with otherwise genotype-negative LQTS and sudden death. The TBX5-T223M variant was absent among large ostensibly healthy populations (gnomAD) and predicted to be pathogenic by in silico modeling based on Panther, PolyPhen-2, Provean, …

Racial Disparities In Necrotizing Enterocolitis., Alain Cuna, Venkatesh Sampath, Minesh Khashu

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious disease of the intestinal tract affecting 5-10% of pre-term infants with up to 50% mortality in those that require surgery. There is wide variation in the rates and outcomes of NEC by race and ethnicity, and the reasons for this disparity are poorly understood. In this article, we review the epidemiology and discuss possible explanations for racial and ethnic differences in NEC. Most of the current evidence investigating the role of race in NEC comes from North America and suggests that Hispanic ethnicity and non-Hispanic Black race are associated with higher risk of NEC …

Correspondence Between Perceived Pubertal Development And Hormone Levels In 9-10 Year-Olds From The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study., Megan M Herting, Kristina A Uban, Marybel Robledo Gonzalez, Fiona C Baker, Eric C Kan, Wesley K Thompson, Douglas A Granger, Matthew D Albaugh, Andrey P Anokhin, Kara S Bagot, Marie T Banich, Deanna M Barch, Arielle Baskin-Sommers, Florence J Breslin, B J Casey, Bader Chaarani, Linda Chang, Duncan B Clark, Christine C Cloak, R Todd Constable, Linda B Cottler, Rada K Dagher, Mirella Dapretto, Anthony S Dick, Nico Dosenbach, Gayathri J Dowling, Julie A Dumas, Sarah Edwards, Thomas Ernst, Damien A Fair, Sarah W Feldstein-Ewing, Edward G Freedman, Bernard F Fuemmeler, Hugh Garavan, Dylan G Gee, Jay N Giedd, Paul E A Glaser, Aimee Goldstone, Kevin M Gray, Samuel W Hawes, Andrew C Heath, Mary M Heitzeg, John K Hewitt, Charles J Heyser, Elizabeth A Hoffman, Rebekah S Huber, Marilyn A. Huestis, Luke W Hyde, M Alejandra Infante, Masha Y Ivanova, Joanna Jacobus, Terry L Jernigan, Nicole R Karcher, Angela R Laird, Kimberly H Leblanc, Krista Lisdahl, Monica Luciana, Beatriz Luna, Hermine H Maes, Andrew T Marshall, Michael J Mason, Erin C Mcglade, Amanda S Morris, Bonnie J Nagel, Gretchen N Neigh, Clare E Palmer, Martin P Paulus, Alexandra S Potter, Leon I Puttler, Nishadi Rajapakse, Kristina Rapuano, Gloria Reeves, Perry F Renshaw, Claudiu Schirda, Kenneth J Sher, Chandni Sheth, Paul D Shilling, Lindsay M Squeglia, Matthew T Sutherland, Susan F Tapert, Rachel L Tomko, Deborah Yurgelun-Todd, Natasha E Wade, Susan R B Weiss, Robert A Zucker, Elizabeth R Sowell

Institute of Emerging Health Professions Faculty Papers

Aim: To examine individual variability between perceived physical features and hormones of pubertal maturation in 9-10-year-old children as a function of sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods: Cross-sectional metrics of puberty were utilized from the baseline assessment of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study—a multi-site sample of 9–10 year-olds (n = 11,875)—and included perceived physical features via the pubertal development scale (PDS) and child salivary hormone levels (dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone in all, and estradiol in females). Multi-level models examined the relationships among sociodemographic measures, physical features, and hormone levels. A group factor analysis (GFA) was implemented to extract latent variables of pubertal …

Genetic Variants And Physical Activity Interact To Affect Bone Density In Hispanic Children, Ruixue Hou, Shelley A Cole, Mariaelisa Graff, Yujie Wang, Karin Haack, Sandra Laston, Nitesh R Mehta, Roman J Shypailo, Margaret L Gourlay, Anthony G Comuzzie, Kari E North, Nancy F Butte, Venkata Saroja Voruganti

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Our aim was to investigate if moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), calcium intake interacts with bone mineral density (BMD)-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to influence BMD in 750 Hispanic children (4-19y) of the cross-sectional Viva La Familia Study.

Methods: Physical activity and dietary intake were measured by accelerometers and multiple-pass 24 h dietary recalls, respectively. Total body and lumbar spine BMD were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. A polygenic risk score (PRS) was computed based on SNPs identified in published literature. Regression analysis was conducted with PRSs, MVPA and calcium intake with total body and lumbar spine …

Fructan-Sensitive Children With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Have Distinct Gut Microbiome Signatures, Bruno P Chumpitazi, Kristi L Hoffman, Daniel P Smith, Ann R Mcmeans, Salma Musaad, James Versalovic, Joseph F Petrosino, Robert J Shulman

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Background: Dietary fructans may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aim: To determine whether gut microbiome composition and function are associated with childhood IBS fructan-induced symptoms.

Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 38 children aged 7-17 years with paediatric Rome III IBS, who previously completied a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover (fructan vs maltodextrin) trial. Fructan sensitivity was defined as an increase of ≥30% in abdominal pain frequency during the fructan diet. Gut microbial composition was determined via 16Sv4 rDNA sequencing. LEfSe evaluated taxonomic composition differences. Tax4Fun2 predicted microbial fructan metabolic pathways.

Results: At baseline, 17 fructan-sensitive …

Overview Of Breath Testing In Clinical Practice In North America, Buford L Nichols, Robert D Baker, Susan S Baker

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Human breath is an easily, noninvasively obtained substance. It offers insight into metabolism and is used to diagnose disaccharide malabsorption, infection, small bowel bacterial over growth, and transit times. Herein, we discuss the readily available clinical breath tests, how they function, how they are administered and interpreted and some pitfalls in their use.

Abnormal Nutritive Sucking As An Indicator Of Neonatal Brain Injury, Sabrina Shandley, Gilson J. Capilouto, Eleonora Tamilia, David M. Riley, Yvette R. Johnson, Christos Papadelis

Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Publications

A term neonate is born with the ability to suck; this neuronal network is already formed and functional by 28 weeks gestational age and continues to evolve into adulthood. Because of the necessity of acquiring nutrition, the complexity of the neuronal network needed to suck, and neuroplasticity in infancy, the skill of sucking has the unique ability to give insight into areas of the brain that may be damaged either during or before birth. Interpretation of the behaviors during sucking shows promise in guiding therapies and how to potentially repair the damage early in life, when neuroplasticity is high. Sucking …

Identification Of Infant Feeding Practices In Eastern Kentucky And Southern West Virginia That Correlate With High Weight-For-Length, Havilah R. Adkins

DNP Projects

Background: Approximately 20% of children in the United States are obese. West Virginia and Kentucky rank in the top 10 for obesity rates in children as young as 2-4 years old. Obesity increases the risk for numerous short-term health problems and impacts long-term health, development, quality of life, and life expectancy. Research indicates that obesogenic behaviors can be addressed prior to the development of obesity or significant health problems to prevent, rather than treat. Interventions targeting caregivers of infants younger than 2-years can promote early development of healthy feeding habits that persist through the developmental stages of nutrition. Before a …

Gut Microbiota Profiles Of Young South Indian Children: Child Sex-Specific Relations With Growth, Nirupama Shivakumar, Ambily Sivadas, Sarita Devi, Farook Jahoor, John Mclaughlin, Craig P Smith, Anura V Kurpad, Arpita Mukhopadhyay

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

Gut microbiota has been implicated as a modifier of childhood growth. Here, 16S rRNA sequencing-based fecal microbiota profiles of 18-24 month old Indian children were evaluated (n = 41), in relation to their anthropometric parameters, intestinal permeability, body composition and total energy expenditure. Pathway analyses were conducted to assess microbial functions related to stunting, underweight and wasting. The fecal microbiota was enriched in Prevotella 9, Bifidobacterium and Escherichia-Shigella. Weight, weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ) and weight-for-length Z-scores (WLZ), along with age, acted as covariates of microbiota variation specifically in boys (n = 23). Bifidobacterium longum subsp longum abundance was positively associated with …

Correlation Between Concentrations Of Four Heavy Metals In Cord Blood And Childhood Blood Of Jamaican Children, Mohammad H Rahbar, Maureen Samms-Vaughan, Manouchehr Hessabi, Jan Bressler, Shezeen Gillani, Megan L Grove, Sydonnie Shakspeare-Pellington, Katherine A Loveland

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

This study investigated whether the concentrations of four metals [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al)] are correlated in cord blood and childhood blood samples from Jamaican children. Cord blood samples were obtained from 21 pregnant women enrolled in the second Jamaican Birth Cohort Study from July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011, and blood samples were drawn from their children who participated in a follow up study when the children were 4–8 years old. Correlations were assessed by the Pearson or the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The mean ages of children at the childhood visit and their …