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Purpose: The effects of general anesthesia on neurodevelopment in children remain controversial. We explored the relationship between general anesthesia and neurodevelopment in children participating in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). Methods: This study enrolled children born between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy via single-vaginal delivery to pregnant women registered in the JECS between January 2011 and March 2014. Data were collected from mother-completed questionnaires and medical transcripts. Neurodevelopment in five domains was assessed every 6 months between 12 and 48 months of age, using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires. The associations between general anesthesia exposure during early childhood and neurodevelopment in children were evaluated at each time point. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated after covariate adjustment using logistic regression models. Results: Children who received general anesthesia before age 1 year had higher risks of neurodevelopmental delay in all five domains throughout the observational period. The largest risk was for gross motor delay at 18 months (adjusted odds ratio: 3.51; 95% confidence interval: 2.75–4.49). The effects on the incidence of neurodevelopmental delays after age 3 were not observed except for problem solving at 48 months. The risk of neurodevelopmental delay in children who first received general anesthesia after age 1 was considerably small. Conclusions: This study suggests that general anesthesia administration before age 1 is associated with neurodevelopmental delay during 1–4 years of age. The risk of general anesthesia after age 1 may be small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Physical activity (PA) is believed to play an important part in many aspects during childhood and adolescence, especially cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic health. However, whether different levels of PA in daily life influence the structure or function of heart in school-aged children remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between PA and cardiovascular parameters in 7-year-old children. Methods Follow-up data from the Shanghai Prenatal Cohort Study and the Shanghai Birth Cohort was analyzed. Perinatal information including both maternal and offspring datum was recorded. A refined questionnaire was used to evaluate the frequency and duration of children’s PA levels. Blood pressure, echocardiography, and anthropometry assessment were conducted during the follow-up of 7-year-old children. Results Overall, high PA level was associated with higher left ventricle posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWd, β coefficient: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.61), higher left ventricle mass index (LVMI, β = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.48), mitral E/a ratio (β = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.71) and slower heart rate (β = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.57, -0.07), compared to low PA level. Medium PA level was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP, β = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.35, -0.01). In subgroup analysis, increased relative wall thickness (RWT) was found in high PA level boys (β = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.67), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) showed a significant decrease in high PA level girls (β = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.06). Conclusions This study suggested non-athlete children having higher PA level were associated with thicker left ventricle (LV) walls and better LV diastolic function, as well as slower heart rate and DBP at the age of 7. Furthermore, disparity in the association between PA level with morphological heart patterns and blood pressure existed in different sex category.

Abstract Background Maternal diet during pregnancy might influence the development of childhood allergic disorders. There are few studies on the association between processed food intake and infant atopic dermatitis (AD) during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake during pregnancy with infantile AD. Methods This study involved 861 pairs of pregnant women and their offspring from the Mothers’ and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, a multi-center birth cohort project conducted in Korea. Dietary intake was estimated using a 24-h recall method at 12−28 weeks gestation. The NOVA classification was used to identify UPF, and UPF intake was calculated as the percentage of total energy consumption and categorized into quartiles. Infantile AD was assessed based on medical history and the criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Associations were assessed by logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors. Results Children born to mothers in the highest quartile of UPF consumption (15.5% or more of the total energy) compared to the lowest quartile (6.8% or less) showed a higher risk of AD within 12 months [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07−2.66, P for trend 0.0436]. After adjustment for the confounding factors under study, the association was strengthened; the adjusted OR between extreme quartiles was 2.19 (95% CI: 1.11–4.32, P for trend = 0.0418). This association was maintained even after an additional adjustment based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), an indicator of diet quality. Conclusions Higher maternal consumption of UPF during pregnancy was associated with a greater risk of infantile AD within the first year of life.

Evidence of the association between childhood maltreatment (CM) and intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood often relies on retrospective data. This study examined the association of both retrospectively and prospectively reported CM and IPV at 30-year follow-up in 2401 participants from the same birth cohort in Queensland, Australia. The cohort was linked to CM notifications to statutory agencies made by the age of 16. Data on IPV victimization and self-reported CM came from the revised Composite Abuse Scale and Child Trauma Questionnaire, respectively. Rates of self- and agency-reported maltreatment were 589 (24.5%) and 137 (5.7%), respectively. After adjustment, self-reported maltreatment of all forms showed significant associations with all types of IPV. In the case of agency-reported CM, this was limited to significant associations between substantiated neglect or sexual abuse and the most serious IPV events, as well as overall notifications and physical IPV. Associations with agency-reported CM were strongest for females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prenatal bisphenol exposure has been reported to be associated with lower birth weight and obesity-related indicators in early childhood. These findings warrant an investigation of the relationship between prenatal bisphenol exposure and the dynamic growth of offspring. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of maternal bisphenol concentration in urine with the body mass index (BMI) growth trajectory of children aged up to two years and to identify the critical exposure periods. Methods: A total of 826 mother–offspring pairs were recruited from Wuhan Children's Hospital between November 2013 and March 2015. Maternal urine samples collected during the first, second, and third trimesters were analyzed for bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S, and bisphenol F (BPF) concentrations. Measurements of length and weight were taken at 0, 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months. Children's BMI was standardized using the World Health Organization reference, and group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify BMI growth trajectories. The associations between prenatal bisphenol exposure and BMI growth trajectory patterns were assessed using multinomial logistic regression models. Results: The BMI growth trajectories of the 826 children were categorized into four patterns: low-stable (n = 134, 16.2%), low-increasing (n = 142, 17.2%), moderate-stable (n = 350, 42.4%), and moderate-increasing (n = 200, 24.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed that prenatal exposure to BPA during the second trimester [odds ratio (OR) = 2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–4.43] and BPF during the third trimester (OR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.55–6.95) at the highest quartile concentration were associated with an increased likelihood of the low-increasing BMI trajectory. Furthermore, in the subgroup analysis by infant sex, the positive association between the highest quartile of prenatal average urinary BPF concentration during the whole pregnancy and the low-increasing BMI trajectory was found only in girls (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.04–7.68). Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that prenatal exposure to BPA and BPF (a commonly used substitute for BPA) is associated with BMI growth trajectories in offspring during the first two years, increasing the likelihood of the low-increasing pattern. 3m5uKxpSj9JCA5GegjWbHb Video Abstract (MP4 120033 kb) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal diet during pregnancy might influence the development of childhood allergic disorders. There are few studies on the association between processed food intake and infant atopic dermatitis (AD) during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake during pregnancy with infantile AD. Methods: This study involved 861 pairs of pregnant women and their offspring from the Mothers' and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, a multi-center birth cohort project conducted in Korea. Dietary intake was estimated using a 24-h recall method at 12−28 weeks gestation. The NOVA classification was used to identify UPF, and UPF intake was calculated as the percentage of total energy consumption and categorized into quartiles. Infantile AD was assessed based on medical history and the criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Associations were assessed by logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors. Results: Children born to mothers in the highest quartile of UPF consumption (15.5% or more of the total energy) compared to the lowest quartile (6.8% or less) showed a higher risk of AD within 12 months [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07−2.66, P for trend 0.0436]. After adjustment for the confounding factors under study, the association was strengthened; the adjusted OR between extreme quartiles was 2.19 (95% CI: 1.11–4.32, P for trend = 0.0418). This association was maintained even after an additional adjustment based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), an indicator of diet quality. Conclusions: Higher maternal consumption of UPF during pregnancy was associated with a greater risk of infantile AD within the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The patterns of blood pressure (BP) change throughout the pregnancy were related to adverse birth outcomes. However, little is known about the long-term effect of BP change patterns on child neurodevelopment. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the BP trajectory and BP variability during pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopment. Method A total of 2797 mother-newborn pairs were derived from the Wuhan Healthy Baby Cohort Study. BP was measured during each antenatal visit, and Mental and Psychomotor Development Indexes (MDI and PDI) were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) when the children were 2 years old. Delayed neurodevelopment was defined as scores of PDI or MDI less than − 1SD relative to the mean score of the study population. A group-based multi-trajectory model was adopted to identify multi-trajectories of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Visit-to-visit BP variability was assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), and average real variability (ARV). Generalized linear models and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the associations of BP trajectories and variability with BSID scores and delayed neurodevelopment, respectively. Results Five distinct trajectories for SBP and DBP were identified, namely, “Low-increasing,” “Low-stable,” “Moderate-decreasing,” “Moderate-increasing,” and “High-stable” groups. Compared with the “Low-stable” group, the children whose mothers’ BP fell into the other four groups had lower PDI scores, and mothers in the “Low-increasing,” “Moderate-increasing,” and “Moderate-decreasing” groups had 43% (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.03), 48% (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.08) and 45% (OR:1.45, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.04) higher risk of having offspring with delayed psychomotor neurodevelopment, respectively. High DBP variability was associated with lower BSID scores, and delayed psychomotor neurodevelopment (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.92 for DBP-SD; OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.02 for DBP-CV). Conclusion Our findings suggest that BP change patterns assessed by multi-trajectory and visit-to-visit variability were associated with lower BSID scores and delayed neurodevelopment. Health professionals should be aware of the influence of BP level and its oscillations during pregnancy on the risk of delayed neurodevelopment.

Abstract Background Limited evidence exists regarding the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential risk of elevated TSH levels in infants exposed to maternal GDM, considering the type and number of abnormal values obtained from the 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Methods A population-based, prospective birth cohort study was conducted in Wuhan, China. The study included women who underwent GDM screening using a 75-g OGTT. Neonatal TSH levels were measured via a time-resolved immunofluorescence assay. We estimated and stratified the overall risk (adjusted Risk Ratio [RR]) of elevated TSH levels (defined as TSH > 10 mIU/L or > 20 mIU/L) in offspring based on the type and number of abnormal OGTT values. Results Out of 15,236 eligible mother-offspring pairs, 11.5% (1,753) of mothers were diagnosed with GDM. Offspring born to women diagnosed with GDM demonstrated a statistically significant elevation in TSH levels when compared to offspring of non-GDM mothers, with a mean difference of 0.20 [95% CI: 0.04–0.36]. The incidence of elevated TSH levels (TSH > 10 mIU/L) in offspring of non-GDM women was 6.3 per 1,000 live births. Newborns exposed to mothers with three abnormal OGTT values displayed an almost five-fold increased risk of elevated TSH levels (adjusted RR 4.77 [95% CI 1.64–13.96]). Maternal fasting blood glucose was independently and positively correlated with neonatal TSH levels and elevated TSH status (TSH > 20 mIU/L). Conclusions For newborns of women with GDM, personalized risk assessment for elevated TSH levels can be predicated on the type and number of abnormal OGTT values. Furthermore, fasting blood glucose emerges as a critical predictive marker for elevated neonatal TSH status.

Abstract Background Effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the pandemic were mainly studied for severe outcomes. Among children, most of the burden of respiratory infections is related to infections which are not medically attended. The perspective on infections in the community setting is necessary to understand the effects of the pandemic on non-pharmaceutical interventions. Methods In the unique prospective LoewenKIDS cohort study, we compared the true monthly incidence of self-reported acute respiratory infections (ARI) in about 350 participants (aged 3–4 years old) between October 2019 to March 2020 (pre-pandemic period) and October 2020 to March 2021 (pandemic period). Parents reported children’s symptoms using a diary. Parents were asked to take a nasal swab of their child during all respiratory symptoms. We analysed 718 swabs using Multiplex PCR for 25 common respiratory viruses and bacteria. Results During the pre-pandemic period, on average 44.6% (95% CI: 39.5–49.8%) of children acquired at least one ARI per month compared to 19.9% (95% CI: 11.1–28.7%) during the pandemic period (Incidence Rate Ratio = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.41–0.54). The detection of influenza virus decreased absolute by 96%, respiratory syncytial virus by 65%, metapneumovirus by 95%, parainfluenza virus by 100%, human enterovirus by 96% and human bocavirus by 70% when comparing the pre-pandemic to the pandemic period. However, rhinoviruses were nearly unaffected by NPI. Co-detection (detection of more than one virus in a single symptomatic swab) was common in the pre-pandemic period (222 of 390 samples with viral detection; 56.9%) and substantially less common during the pandemic period (46 of 216 samples; 21.3%). Conclusion Non-pharmaceutical interventions strongly reduced the incidence of all respiratory infections in preschool children but did not affect rhinovirus.

Background: The patterns of blood pressure (BP) change throughout the pregnancy were related to adverse birth outcomes. However, little is known about the long-term effect of BP change patterns on child neurodevelopment. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the BP trajectory and BP variability during pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopment. Method: A total of 2797 mother-newborn pairs were derived from the Wuhan Healthy Baby Cohort Study. BP was measured during each antenatal visit, and Mental and Psychomotor Development Indexes (MDI and PDI) were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) when the children were 2 years old. Delayed neurodevelopment was defined as scores of PDI or MDI less than − 1SD relative to the mean score of the study population. A group-based multi-trajectory model was adopted to identify multi-trajectories of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Visit-to-visit BP variability was assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV), standard deviation (SD), and average real variability (ARV). Generalized linear models and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the associations of BP trajectories and variability with BSID scores and delayed neurodevelopment, respectively. Results: Five distinct trajectories for SBP and DBP were identified, namely, "Low-increasing," "Low-stable," "Moderate-decreasing," "Moderate-increasing," and "High-stable" groups. Compared with the "Low-stable" group, the children whose mothers' BP fell into the other four groups had lower PDI scores, and mothers in the "Low-increasing," "Moderate-increasing," and "Moderate-decreasing" groups had 43% (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.03), 48% (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.08) and 45% (OR:1.45, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.04) higher risk of having offspring with delayed psychomotor neurodevelopment, respectively. High DBP variability was associated with lower BSID scores, and delayed psychomotor neurodevelopment (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.92 for DBP-SD; OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.02 for DBP-CV). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that BP change patterns assessed by multi-trajectory and visit-to-visit variability were associated with lower BSID scores and delayed neurodevelopment. Health professionals should be aware of the influence of BP level and its oscillations during pregnancy on the risk of delayed neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited evidence exists regarding the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential risk of elevated TSH levels in infants exposed to maternal GDM, considering the type and number of abnormal values obtained from the 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Methods: A population-based, prospective birth cohort study was conducted in Wuhan, China. The study included women who underwent GDM screening using a 75-g OGTT. Neonatal TSH levels were measured via a time-resolved immunofluorescence assay. We estimated and stratified the overall risk (adjusted Risk Ratio [RR]) of elevated TSH levels (defined as TSH > 10 mIU/L or > 20 mIU/L) in offspring based on the type and number of abnormal OGTT values. Results: Out of 15,236 eligible mother-offspring pairs, 11.5% (1,753) of mothers were diagnosed with GDM. Offspring born to women diagnosed with GDM demonstrated a statistically significant elevation in TSH levels when compared to offspring of non-GDM mothers, with a mean difference of 0.20 [95% CI: 0.04–0.36]. The incidence of elevated TSH levels (TSH > 10 mIU/L) in offspring of non-GDM women was 6.3 per 1,000 live births. Newborns exposed to mothers with three abnormal OGTT values displayed an almost five-fold increased risk of elevated TSH levels (adjusted RR 4.77 [95% CI 1.64–13.96]). Maternal fasting blood glucose was independently and positively correlated with neonatal TSH levels and elevated TSH status (TSH > 20 mIU/L). Conclusions: For newborns of women with GDM, personalized risk assessment for elevated TSH levels can be predicated on the type and number of abnormal OGTT values. Furthermore, fasting blood glucose emerges as a critical predictive marker for elevated neonatal TSH status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teenage pregnancy increases the threat of depression because of its many factors. Pregnancy during young adulthood may also have several risk factors for depression compared to older pregnancies. However, data on depression in young adult pregnancies are lacking. This study investigated the association between teenage and young adult pregnancy and depression. Data from the Japan Environment and Children's study was used as a nationwide multicenter prospective cohort study. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between age groups (14–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, ≥ 35 years) and depression, adjusted for behavioral and sociodemographic characteristics. Depression was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. In total, 96,808 pregnant women responded to the questionnaire. Teenage (14–19 years) and young adult (20–24 years) pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of depression compared to older pregnancy (≥ 35 years) (teenage: OR 4.28, 95% confidence interval, CI [3.24–5.64]; young adult: OR 3.00, 95% CI [2.64–3.41]). After adjusting for covariates, the magnitude of the risk of depression was attenuated. However, teenage and young adult pregnancy remained at a significantly increased risk of depression compared to older pregnancy (teenage: OR 2.38, 95% CI [1.77–3.21]; young adult: OR 2.14, 95% CI [1.87–2.46]). Our findings indicate that teenage and young adults' pregnancy are at an increased risk of depression compared to older pregnancy. These findings suggest prioritizing teenage and young pregnant women for prevention and interventions related to depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the pandemic were mainly studied for severe outcomes. Among children, most of the burden of respiratory infections is related to infections which are not medically attended. The perspective on infections in the community setting is necessary to understand the effects of the pandemic on non-pharmaceutical interventions. Methods: In the unique prospective LoewenKIDS cohort study, we compared the true monthly incidence of self-reported acute respiratory infections (ARI) in about 350 participants (aged 3–4 years old) between October 2019 to March 2020 (pre-pandemic period) and October 2020 to March 2021 (pandemic period). Parents reported children's symptoms using a diary. Parents were asked to take a nasal swab of their child during all respiratory symptoms. We analysed 718 swabs using Multiplex PCR for 25 common respiratory viruses and bacteria. Results: During the pre-pandemic period, on average 44.6% (95% CI: 39.5–49.8%) of children acquired at least one ARI per month compared to 19.9% (95% CI: 11.1–28.7%) during the pandemic period (Incidence Rate Ratio = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.41–0.54). The detection of influenza virus decreased absolute by 96%, respiratory syncytial virus by 65%, metapneumovirus by 95%, parainfluenza virus by 100%, human enterovirus by 96% and human bocavirus by 70% when comparing the pre-pandemic to the pandemic period. However, rhinoviruses were nearly unaffected by NPI. Co-detection (detection of more than one virus in a single symptomatic swab) was common in the pre-pandemic period (222 of 390 samples with viral detection; 56.9%) and substantially less common during the pandemic period (46 of 216 samples; 21.3%). Conclusion: Non-pharmaceutical interventions strongly reduced the incidence of all respiratory infections in preschool children but did not affect rhinovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Maternal sleep is closely related to subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in natural pregnancies. However, whether this connection exists in pregnant women conceiving with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has not been confirmed. Hence, in this study, we evaluated whether early pregnancy sleep duration or sleep quality is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in ART‐pregnant women, as well as the influence of maternal age on this association. This prospective birth cohort study included 856 pregnant women who successfully conceived with the help of ART treatment. The sleep parameters of ART‐pregnant women were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in early pregnancy. We explored the association between sleep and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus using an unconditional binary logistic regression model. Different models were constructed to examine the robustness of the estimation by incorporating different confounding factors. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that sleep duration of more than 10 h among ART‐pregnant women was significantly associated with the risk of GDM, and the association between sleep duration and gestational diabetes mellitus varied by maternal age. We found an increased risk of subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus with increasing sleep duration only in pregnant women aged <35 years. Additionally, no statistically significant association between sleep quality and gestational diabetes mellitus was found in this study. In conclusion, excessive sleep duration (≥10 h) is associated with a high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women who conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technology, and maternal age may modify this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether preconception dietary fiber intake is associated with PTB. This was a prospective cohort Japan Environmental and Children's Study (JECS). The study population comprised 85,116 singleton live-birth pregnancies from the JECS database delivered between 2011 and 2014. The participants were categorized into five groups based on their preconception dietary fiber intake quintiles (Q1 and Q5 were the lowest and highest groups, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between preconception dietary fiber intake and PTB. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk for PTB before 34 weeks was lower in the Q3, Q4, and Q5 groups than in the Q1 group (Q3: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.997; Q4: aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.95; Q5: aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.92). However, there was no significant difference between preconception dietary fiber intake and PTB before 37 weeks. In conclusion, higher preconception dietary fiber intake correlated with a reduced the risk for PTB before 34 weeks. Therefore, new recommendations on dietary fiber intake as part of preconception care should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the association between maternal magnesium intake (MMI) and childhood wheezing incidence in 3-year-old offspring. We hypothesised that higher MMI imparts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that decrease childhood wheezing incidence in offspring. Data of 79 907 women (singleton pregnancy, ≥ 22 weeks) from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (enrolled between 2011 and 2014) were analysed. Participants were categorised into quintiles of MMI (< 148·00, 148·00–187·99, 188·00–228·99, 229·00–289·99 and ≥ 290·00 mg/d), quintiles of adjusted MMI for daily energy intake (aMMI) (< 0·107, 0·107–0·119, 0·120–0·132, 0·133–0·149 and ≥ 0·150 mg/kcal) and MMI levels either below or above the ideal value (< 310·00 or ≥ 310·00 mg/d). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate OR for the incidence of childhood wheezing in offspring among participants in each MMI category, with the lowest MMI group considered the reference group. Maternal demographic, socio-economic, medical and other nutrient intake backgrounds were considered potential confounding factors. The adjusted OR (aOR) for childhood wheezing in the offspring of women with the highest MMI was 1·09 (95 % CI, 1·00, 1·20), whereas that calculated based on aMMI categories and offspring of women with above-ideal MMI levels remained unchanged. The highest MMI was associated with slightly increased childhood wheezing incidence in the offspring. MMI during pregnancy had an insignificant clinical impact on this incidence; moreover, modifying MMI would not significantly improve childhood wheezing incidence in offspring. Therefore, further studies should clarify the association between other prenatal factors and childhood wheezing incidence in offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CHemical Exposure and Children's Health (CHECH) study is an ongoing pregnancy cohort study in Tianjin, China. This paper describes the background, aim and the study design, which can be followed by future researchers to design and conduct similar studies. The abundance and the potential adverse health outcomes of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is concerning. More notably, developing fetuses and infants are more vulnerable to EDCs exposure. The CHECH study aims to investigate the importance of early life exposure to multiple EDCs (phthalates and their metabolites, bisphenol A and their substitutes, perfluorinated compounds and poly brominated diphenyl ethers) for multiple health outcomes in Chinese children, namely sexual development, neurodevelopment, metabolism and growth, as well as asthma and allergy. A total of 2238 pregnant women were recruited in Tianjin from May 2017 to April 2021 with a response rate of 90 %. Among these women, 2255 children were born with available information, including 47 pairs of twins. Urine samples were collected from pregnant women and children, while air and dust samples were obtained from the home environment during pregnancy and infancy periods. Information on children's health was gathered through physical examinations and questionnaires. The CHECH study, which collected exposure information and health outcomes at multiple time points, will contribute to the understanding of prenatal exposure to EDCs and their impact on children's health, thereby facilitating the development of risk assessments aimed at reducing exposure and associated health risks.

Background: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with allergic diseases, including asthma. However, information about the effects of specific PM2.5 components is limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of exposure to chemical components of PM2.5 during pregnancy and early childhood with the development of asthma, allergies, and sensitization in school-age children. Methods: This study included 2,408 children in the second grade of elementary school. Questionnaire surveys of respiratory/allergic symptoms and measurements of serum total IgE and specific IgE levels to house dust mite (HDM) and animal proteins were conducted. Exposures to ambient PM2.5 mass, sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) of PM2.5 in participants’ residences from conception to age six were estimated using predictive models. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of respiratory/allergic symptoms and allergen sensitization with estimated exposure concentrations, after adjustment for survey year, sex, season of birth, feeding method during infancy, presence of siblings, history of lower respiratory tract infection, use of childcare facilities, passive smoking, presence of pets, mother’s age, history of allergic diseases, smoking during pregnancy, and annual household income. Results: No significant association was found between PM2.5 and its component concentrations and asthma. However, wheezing significantly increased with mean NO3− concentrations during pregnancy (odds ratio of 1.64 [95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.47] for an interquartile range increase). Significant associations were also found between EC in the second trimester of pregnancy and PM2.5, NO3−, EC, and OC concentrations in early childhood. Higher PM2.5, SO4−, and NH4+ concentrations during the second trimester increased the risk of rhinitis. Sensitizations to HDM and animal proteins were significantly associated with exposure to components such as SO42− and NH4+ during pregnancy but not with postnatal exposure. Conclusions: Exposures to NO3−, EC, and OC during pregnancy and early childhood were associated with wheezing. SO42− and NH4+ exposures during pregnancy were associated with sensitization to HDM and animal proteins. Asthma was not associated with exposure to PM2.5 and its main components at any period.

Background: Besides its established impact on bone and mineral metabolism, it was suggested that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) might play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The impact of FGF23 on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), however, is not well understood. iFGF23 ELISAs measure the intact FGF23 molecule, whereas cFGF23 assays measure intact FGF23 as well as degradation products of FGF23. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the association of maternal and foetal cFGF23 and iFGF23 with GDM in a German birth cohort. Methods: cFGF23 and iFGF23 were analysed in 826 random mother/child pairs from the Berlin Birth Cohort. Results: Mothers who developed GDM had higher concentrations of iFGF‐23 compared to mothers who did not suffer from GDM (19.73 vs. 13.23 pg/mL, p < 0.0001), but not higher concentrations of cFGF‐23. Multivariant regression analyses showed that gestational diabetes is associated with iFGF23 independently of confounding factors such as age, BMI, ethnic background, family history of diabetes, smoking during pregnancy, and recurrent pregnancy loss. This, however, was only seen when using an iFGF23 ELISA measuring just the full length FGF23 and not in addition FGF23 fragments. No differences in both iFGF23 and cFGF23 concentrations between the GDM and non‐GDM groups were detected in cord blood samples of the offspring. Conclusions: This study of a representative German birth cohort showed that maternal but not foetal iFGF23 is independently associated with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk, which provides personalized, comprehensive, and balanced nutrients, and immune protection, is the best nutritional source for 0~6 month-old infants, and it is the gold standard for infant food. A cohort study of human milk omics is a necessary prerequisite for comprehensively analyzing the composition and characteristics of Chinese human milk, establishing Chinese infant food norms and standards, developing infant nutrition guidelines, and creating infant foods. This article presents the research progress of the National Engineering Research Center of Dairy Health for Maternal and Child pertaining to the China Maternal and Infant Nutrition Health Birth Cohort Study (MINC) in terms of breast milk lipidomics, glycomics, proteomics, and microbiomics detection techniques, composition characteristics, differences from bovine milk, and industrial applications in infant food. This will lay a science and technical support for the omics research of Chinese human milk and provide the necessary data and demonstration for industrial application.

Abstract Background Family structure is suggested to be associated with adolescent pain, but evidence on its association with multisite MS pain is sparse. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the potential associations between family structure (‘single-parent family’, ‘reconstructed family’, and ‘two-parent family’) and multisite musculoskeletal (MS) pain in adolescence. Methods The dataset was based on the 16-year-old Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 adolescents with available data on family structure, multisite MS pain, and a potential confounder (n = 5,878). The associations between family structure and multisite MS pain were analyzed with binomial logistic regression and modelled as unadjusted, as the evaluated potential confounder, mother’s educational level, did not meet the criteria for a confounder. Results Overall, 13% of the adolescents had a ‘single-parent family’ and 8% a ‘reconstructed family’. Adolescents living in a single-parent family had 36% higher odds of multisite MS pain compared to adolescents from two-parent families (the reference) (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.17 to 1.59). Belonging to a ‘reconstructed family’ was associated with 39% higher odds of multisite MS pain (OR 1.39, 1.14 to 1.69). Conclusion Family structure may have a role in adolescent multisite MS pain. Future research is needed on causality between family structure and multisite MS pain, to establish if there is a need for targeted support.

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prospective birth cohort, based in and around Bristol, UK, established to explore genetic and environmental factors impacting health and development. 14,541 pregnancies were initially recruited from 20,248 eligible pregnancies. As the G1 (Generation-1) offspring turned 7 years of age, children from eligible pregnancies who had not been enrolled into the study were invited to take part. The enrolment status of these additional G1 offspring (n=913) has been well-documented. Here we provide an updated description of the ALSPAC G0 (Generation-0) mothers study cohort (which includes newly enrolled mothers), their associated pregnancies and the mz data file that defines this cohort. At the time of writing there are 14,833 unique mothers enrolled in ALSPAC, with 15,447 associated pregnancies enrolled. The update to the mz file also includes new variables to assist researchers when using mothers’ data whilst accounting for non-independence between data related to multiple pregnancies (i.e., women with more than one pregnancy in the study).

This is the first pilot meta-analysis on the association of prenatal phthalate exposure with childhood cardiometabolic risks. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) until June 5, 2023. A total of seven studies with 5746 children (2646 girls and 3100 boys) were finally included. Four, three and two studies investigated the effects of maternal phthalate exposure on childhood blood pressure (BP), blood lipids and blood glucose profiles, respectively. The pilot meta-analysis suggested that di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolite exposure was associated with a decrease in childhood z-systolic BP (SBP, β = −0.169, 95% CI = −0.338–0.001). Furthermore, the pooled results showed negative relationships of prenatal ∑DEHP exposure with z-SBP (β = −0.109, 95% CI = −0.163 to −0.055) and z-diastolic BP (DBP, β = −0.126, 95% CI = −0.182 to −0.069) in girls. In addition, MEP exposure was associated with z-SBP in girls (β = −0.227, 95% CI = −0.387 to −0.066). The pooled result showed a positive relationship between prenatal ∑DEHP exposure and triglycerides (β = 0.103, 95% CI = 0.028–0.178). The overall results revealed that exposure to ∑DEHP throughout gestation was associated with a decrease in insulin (β = −0.074, 95% CI = −0.144 to −0.004) and glucose (β = −0.129, 95% CI = −0.199 to −0.058) in boys. Interestingly, there was an inverse relationship of prenatal mono− 3 −carboxypropyl phthalate (MCPP) exposure with glucose in pubertal boys (β = −3.749, 95% CIs = −6.758 to −0.741) but not found in postpubertal children. In conclusion, prenatal phthalate exposure interfered with cardiovascular risk in children with gender-specific differences and was influenced by puberty. Overall, prenatal ∑DEHP was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure in girls and with insulin and glucose in boys but increased the level of triglycerides.

To study familial factors associated with child maltreatment in a birth population, Alaska piloted a mixed-design method that linked child welfare data with the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). We replicated this approach in Oregon and validated it in both states. We linked vital records, child welfare, and PRAMS data to create two 2009 birth cohorts for each state: one based on vital records (full birth cohort) and one on PRAMS (stratified random sample). For each cohort, we estimated the incidence proportions (IP) of child maltreatment before age 9 years and compared those estimated using PRAMS with those observed using the full birth cohort. The Oregon PRAMS cohort estimated that 28.7% (95% CI: 24.0, 33.4), 20.9% (17.1, 24.7), and 8.3% (6.0, 10.5) of children experienced an alleged, investigated, and substantiated maltreatment, respectively, versus 32.0%, 25.0%, and 9.9% from the birth cohort. The corresponding Alaska estimates were 29.1% (26.1, 32.0), 22.6% (19.9, 25.2), and 8.3% (6.7, 9.9) of children from the PRAMS cohort versus 29.1%, 23.5%, and 9.1% in the birth cohort. The IP of child maltreatment in two states was accurately estimated with PRAMS cohorts. Researchers can study a comprehensive set of factors that may influence child maltreatment by incorporating PRAMS into birth cohort linkages. • While birth cohort linkages are an effective approach for studying child maltreatment at the population level, their utility is limited by the information recorded on the birth certificate. • We replicated and validated a novel method for estimating the incidence proportion of child maltreatment outcomes in a statewide birth cohort with survey data from PRAMS. • This method can be replicated in other states and territories and used to explore additional factors related to maltreatment and facilitate multijurisdictional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The microbiome associations of food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) are understudied. We sought to prospectively define the clinical features of FPIES in a birth cohort, and investigate for the evidence of gut dysbiosis. Methods: We identified children diagnosed with FPIES in the Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Allergic Proctocolitis Study, a healthy infant cohort. Children were assessed and stools were collected at each well child visit. The clinical features of the children with FPIES were summarized. Stool microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing comparing children with and without FPIES. Results: Of the 874 children followed up for 3 years, 8 FPIES cases (4 male) were identified, yielding a cumulative incidence of 0.92%. The most common triggers were oat and rice (n = 3, each) followed by milk (n = 2). The children with FPIES were more likely to have family history of food allergy (50% vs. 15.9% among unaffected, p =.03). The average age of disease presentation was 6 months old. During the first 6 months of life, stool from children with FPIES contained significantly less Bifidobacterium adolescentis, but more pathobionts, including Bacteroides spp. (especially Bacteroides fragilis), Holdemania spp., Lachnobacterium spp., and Acinetobacter lwoffii. The short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing Bifidobacterium shunt was expressed significantly less in the stool from FPIES children. Conclusions: In this cohort, the cumulative incidence over the 3‐year study period was 0.92%. During the first 6 months of life, children with FPIES had evidence of dysbiosis and SCFA production pathway was expressed less in their stool, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of FPIES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Studies show that parents significantly impact their children’s health through their cardiometabolic risk profile and health behavior. There is only little information about the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and lifestyle factors among new parents yet. The aims of this study are therefore to evaluate the prevalences of cardiometabolic risk factors in parents of infants in Germany and to examine their lifestyle and health behavior. Methods In the KUNO-Kids health study, an ongoing birth cohort, parents (n = 930 mothers and 769 fathers) were asked about cardiometabolic risk factors (obesity/hypertension/type 2 diabetes mellitus) and lifestyle factors (dietary/sports/smoking habits/alcohol consumption) during the first year after the birth of their children via questionnaires. Chi-square as well as fisher exact tests were conducted to analyse associations between lifestyle factors and cardiometabolic risk factors. Results 34.2% of mothers and 58.5% of fathers were overweight or obese. In 11.8% of the families, at least one parent suffered from hypertension, in 2.4% from type 2 diabetes mellitus. One year after delivery, 8.5% of mothers were smoking, 6.9% showed a risky alcohol consumption (> 10 g/d). 16.0% of fathers were smoking 4 weeks after childbirth, 10.7% showed risky alcohol consumption (> 20 g/d). 21.6% of mothers carried out sports activity for more than 2 h a week then. Parental hypertension was linked to a higher prevalence of risky alcohol consumption, obesity to a lower prevalence of daily fruits consumption. Conclusions Cardiometabolic risk factors were widespread among new parents with obesity and overweight having the highest prevalences. A considerable number of parents also practiced an unhealthy lifestyle showing that there is potential for improvement to promote the healthy development of their children.

Allergic conjunctivitis, allergy, atopic dermatitis, birth cohort study, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, meconium-stained amniotic fluid Keywords: allergic conjunctivitis; allergic rhinitis; allergy; atopic dermatitis; birth cohort study; food allergy; meconium-stained amniotic fluid EN allergic conjunctivitis allergic rhinitis allergy atopic dermatitis birth cohort study food allergy meconium-stained amniotic fluid 1 5 5 05/30/23 20230501 NES 230501 PEER REVIEW The peer review history for this article is available at https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway/wos/peer-review/10.1111/pai.13956. Data on MSAF at childbirth were retrieved from medical record transcripts, by answering yes or no to the question "Was there MSAF?". [Extracted from the article]

Background: Family structure is suggested to be associated with adolescent pain, but evidence on its association with multisite MS pain is sparse. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the potential associations between family structure ('single-parent family', 'reconstructed family', and 'two-parent family') and multisite musculoskeletal (MS) pain in adolescence. Methods: The dataset was based on the 16-year-old Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 adolescents with available data on family structure, multisite MS pain, and a potential confounder (n = 5,878). The associations between family structure and multisite MS pain were analyzed with binomial logistic regression and modelled as unadjusted, as the evaluated potential confounder, mother's educational level, did not meet the criteria for a confounder. Results: Overall, 13% of the adolescents had a 'single-parent family' and 8% a 'reconstructed family'. Adolescents living in a single-parent family had 36% higher odds of multisite MS pain compared to adolescents from two-parent families (the reference) (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.17 to 1.59). Belonging to a 'reconstructed family' was associated with 39% higher odds of multisite MS pain (OR 1.39, 1.14 to 1.69). Conclusion: Family structure may have a role in adolescent multisite MS pain. Future research is needed on causality between family structure and multisite MS pain, to establish if there is a need for targeted support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School engagement in adolescence is often associated with better academic performance at school, but what are the longitudinal associations between school engagement and adult educational and employment status? The current study explored these longitudinal associations using data spanning 40-years of life, from the 1970 British Cohort Study. School engagement at age 16-years was used to predict highest educational level at age 34-years, and socioeconomic status and income at ages 34- and 46-years, controlling for childhood socioeconomic status, cognitive ability, gender, and ethnic minority status, collected at ages 5- or 10-years. The 13,135 individuals in the sample were born in 1970, were mainly White (96%), and were identified at age 5-years as being 48% female. Longitudinal structural equation models revealed that adolescent school engagement had a persistent, positive impact on adult educational and employment outcomes after individual differences were controlled for. The results are interpreted using the perspective that school engagement can channel resources which are important for later educational and occupational success. Public Significance Statement: Being more engaged in school in adolescence has long-term benefits for obtaining educational and occupational success in adulthood. The competencies that people use for engaging in school may be transferrable to academic achievement and doing well in employment. Engagement also works to channel resources from the environment to individuals—creating greater career opportunities in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective: The national vaccination coverage survey on full vaccination at 12 and 24 months of age was carried out to investigate drops in coverage as of 2016. Methods: A sample of 37,836 live births from the 2017 or 2018 cohorts living in capital cities, the Federal District, and 12 inner cities with 100 thousand inhabitants were followed for the first 24 months through vaccine record cards. Census tracts stratified according to socioeconomic levels had the same number of children included in each stratum. Coverage for each vaccine, full vaccination at 12 and 24 months and number of doses administered, valid and timely, were calculated. Family, maternal and child factors associated with coverage were surveyed. The reasons for not vaccinating analyzed were: medical contraindications, access difficulties, problems with the program, and vaccine hesitancy. Results: Preliminary results showed that less than 1% of children were not vaccinated, full coverage was less than 75% at all capitals and the Federal District, vaccines requiring more than one dose progressively lost coverage, and there were inequalities among socioeconomic strata, favorable to the highest level in some cities and to the lowest in others. Conclusion: There was an actual reduction in full vaccination in all capitals and the Federal District for children born in 2017 and 2018, showing a deteriorating implementation of the National Immunization Program from 2017 to 2019. The survey did not measure the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have further reduced vaccination coverage.

Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether preconception dietary fiber intake is associated with PTB. This was a prospective cohort Japan Environmental and Children’s Study (JECS). The study population comprised 85,116 singleton live-birth pregnancies from the JECS database delivered between 2011 and 2014. The participants were categorized into five groups based on their preconception dietary fiber intake quintiles (Q1 and Q5 were the lowest and highest groups, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between preconception dietary fiber intake and PTB. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk for PTB before 34 weeks was lower in the Q3, Q4, and Q5 groups than in the Q1 group (Q3: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.997; Q4: aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.95; Q5: aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50–0.92). However, there was no significant difference between preconception dietary fiber intake and PTB before 37 weeks. In conclusion, higher preconception dietary fiber intake correlated with a reduced the risk for PTB before 34 weeks. Therefore, new recommendations on dietary fiber intake as part of preconception care should be considered.

Background and aim: Epidemiological evidence on the association between prenatal exposure to Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and child cognition remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether prenatal exposure to PFAS is associated with intelligence quotient (IQ) in offspring. Method: This study population included 2031 mother-child pairs in the Shanghai Birth Cohort (SBC) enrolled during 2013–2016. Ten PFAS were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS) in maternal plasma samples collected in early gestation between 9 and 16 weeks of gestation. Child IQ was assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) at 4 years of age. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the associations between individual PFAS concentrations (as a continuous variable or categorized into tertiles) and child IQ. A quantile g-computation approach was used to evaluate the joint and independent effects of PFAS on IQ. We also examined whether the associations varied by child sex. Results: We found no significant associations between ln-transformed nine individual PFAS and child full scale IQ (FSIQ) or subscale IQ after adjusting for potential confounders. The observed associations were not modified by child sex. PFAS in tertiles showed the same pattern. Results from quantile g-computation showed that PFAS mixture was not associated with child IQ; perfluorobutane sulfonate was negatively associated with FSIQ (β, −0.81; 95 % CI: −1.55, −0.07), and perfluorooctane sulfonate was also associated with lower fluid reasoning index scores (β, −1.61; 95 % CI: −3.07, −0.16) while adjusting for the other PFAS. Conclusion: PFAS mixture during early pregnancy was not associated with child IQ. For certain individual PFAS, there were inverse associations with FSIQ or subscale IQ. Considering the evidence is still inconsistent, further research is needed to confirm or refute these results in other populations and to elucidate the potential neurotoxicology of PFAS.

Aim: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to examine whether preconception carbohydrate intake is associated with new‐onset HDP and small for gestational age (SGA) births. Methods: We identified 93 265 normotensive (primiparous, 37 387; multiparous, 55 878) participants from the Japan Environmental Children's Study database who delivered between 2011 and 2014. After excluding participants with multiple gestations, preconception hypertension, and insufficient data, primiparous and multiparous participants were categorized into five groups according to their preconception carbohydrate‐intake quintiles (Q1 and Q5 were the lowest and highest groups, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the effect of preconception carbohydrate intake on early (<34 weeks) and late‐onset (≥34 weeks) HDP and the incidence of SGA births. Results: With the middle carbohydrate intake group (Q3) as a reference, the risk for late‐onset HDP among multiparous women was higher in the Q5 group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.69). The incidence of SGA births was higher in the Q1 group among both primiparous (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01–1.33) and multiparous women (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.32). Conclusions: Excessive carbohydrate intake increases the incidence of HDP in multiparous women, while low‐carbohydrate intake increases the incidence of SGA births. New recommendations for preconception carbohydrate intake are required to prevent major HDP‐related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports that children exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetra-chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the major toxin in Agent Orange, from the breast milk of mothers residing near the former Da Nang US air base in Vietnam may have specific alterations in higher brain functions, resulting in social and communication deficits, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After the age of 8 years, girls with high TCDD showed increased attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behaviors and altered mirror neuron activity, which is often observed in children with ASD. However, no significant relationship between autistic traits and toxic equivalency values of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (TEQ-PCDD/Fs) was found in these children. Notably, boys with high levels of TEQ-PCDD/Fs showed poor language and motor development in the first 3 years of life, although boys with high TCDD levels did not. However, at 8 years of age, boys with high TCDD showed reading learning difficulties, a neurodevelopmental disorder. These findings suggest that perinatal TCDD exposure impacts social–emotional cognitive functions, leading to sex-specific neurodevelopmental disorders—learning difficulty in boys and ADHD in girls. Future studies with a greater number of children exposed to high levels of TCDD are necessary to estimate the threshold values for neurodevelopmental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: It is unclear if gestational weight gain (GWG) increases the risk of children with overweight. Objectives: We examined the association between GWG and the risk of overweight in 3‐year‐old children in the Japanese nationwide birth cohort study. Methods: Among 64 336 singleton births, we calculated the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the association between GWG categories and children with overweight, following an adjustment of the confounding variables. Results: GWG was positively associated with the risk of overweight among 3‐year‐old children. The multivariable RR (95% CI) was 1.21 (1.17–1.25) per 5 kg increase of the GWG. The multivariable RR (95% CI) for excessive GWG was 1.20 (1.12–1.28) and 1.27 (1.16–1.39) based on the modified Japanese and IOM criteria, respectively, compared to adequate GWG. The multivariable RR (95% CI) of overweight with children for inadequate versus adequate GWG was 0.83 (0.78–0.88) and 0.84 (0.79–0.89) based on the modified Japanese and IOM criteria, respectively. Conclusions: GWG was positively associated with a high risk of overweight at 3 years of age. The risk of offspring overweight was 20%–27% higher and 16%–17% lower with excessive GWG and inadequate GWG, respectively, compared to adequate GWG, based on the aforementioned criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A longitudinal cohort study design for health science research is most desirable for a life-course developmental approach. Longitudinal studies have revealed that early life stress may be associated with subsequent negative mental and physical health across individualsʼ lifespan. The author has provided additional evidence of long-term negative effects of adverse childhood experiences (both in domestic and out-of-home settings), including bullying, on adult health by employing United Kingdom longitudinal birth cohort data. Various studies have elucidated potential malleable protective/compensatory factors for mitigating these long-term negative effects. It is recommended that future research employ cross-cohort and cross-cultural comparisons to verify such findings. Advantages and disadvantages of conducting large-scale longitudinal studies in Japan are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum or cord blood soluble Fas ligand (FasL) has been related to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in cross-sectional and short-term follow-up studies. However, the association of cord blood soluble FasL with long-term allergic outcomes has seldom been investigated. Methods: The Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children birth cohort study recruited healthy newborns upon delivery. At birth, blood was collected from the umbilical cords of these children, and the cord blood soluble Fas ligand levels were measured. At the age of seven years, the allergic outcome of each child was diagnosed by pediatric allergists and pulmonologists. Tests were conducted to measure the specific immunoglobulin E, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and pulmonary function levels of each child. Results: Cord blood soluble FasL levels were higher in seven-year-old children with allergic rhinitis (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, p = 0.012) and expiratory airway obstruction (the highest forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity

Abstract Background Screen media use in early childhood has largely increased in recent years, even more so during the COVID-19 epidemic, and there is much discussion regarding its influence on neurodevelopment, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods We examined the relationship between use of TV, computer, tablet and smartphone at age 2 years and risk of ASD assessed in telephone-based questionnaires among 12,950 children participating in the nationally representative ELFE (‘Etude Longitudinale Française sur les Enfants’) birth cohort study in France. Results In inverse-probability weighted (IPW) multinomial regression analyses, children’s weekly or daily screen media use was associated with an increased likelihood of an intermediate risk of ASD (IPW-controlled OR for weekly use:1.07, 95% CI 1.02—1.12; IPW-controlled OR for daily use:1.05, 95% CI 1.02—1.08) but inversely associated with a high risk (IPW-controlled OR for weekly use: 0.60, 95% CI 0.50—0.73; IPW-controlled OR for daily use: 0.75, 95% CI 0.62—0.91), as ascertained by the M-CHAT. This was confirmed when studying TV as well as computer/tablet exposure separately. Conclusions Overall, our nationally-representative study conducted among a large sample of 2-year-old children, indicates a complex relationship between screen exposure and ASD risk.

BackgroundGlobal warming may increase the frequency of compound hot extreme (CHE).However, there is still a lack of studies assessing the associations between CHE and preterm birth (PTB), and the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear.ObjectiveTo estimate the association of exposure to CHE during pregnancy with PTB, and to explore the roles of inflammatory, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in the association between CHE and PTB.MethodsAll participants were selected from the Prenatal Environments and Offspring Health (PEOH), a prospective birth cohort conducted in Guangzhou. In this study, a total of 2449 participants who gave birth from May to October in 2014 to 2017 were enrolled, and among them blood samples were collected from 311 preterm (n=43) and full-term (n=268) pregnant women at the time of delivery. A hot day/night was identified as a day when the daily maximum temperature/minimum temperature was higher than its 90th percentile in the study period, and a CHE was defined as having both a hot night and a following hot day. The meteorological data were obtained from the China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System. Anusplin was used to assess the daily maximum temperature, daily minimum temperature, and relative humidity of the participant residence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure C reactive protein (CRP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in maternal serum, and their results were transformed by natural logarithm. A distributed lag nonlinear model was used to investigate the associations of exposures to hot day, hot night, and CHE during pregnancy with PTB at different lag days, and a logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations of CRP, ET-1, and MDA with PTB.ResultsThe incidence rate of PTB was 6.2% in all selected participants. Compared with the non-hot day, the RRs (95%CIs) of CHE in lag 3, 7, and 14 days on PTB were 1.43 (1.12-1.84), 1.24 (1.08-1.43), and 1.17 (1.05-1.30), respectively, and the cumulative effects (% difference) (95%CI) of CHE in lag 14 days on maternal serum CRP, ET-1, and MDA were 0.33% (−0.45%-1.12%), 0.59% (0.11%-1.07%), and 0.57% (0.09%-1.05%), respectively. Compared with the Q1 (lowest quartile) for CRP, ET-1 and MDA, the RRs (95%CIs) of Q4 (highest quartile) for PTB were 1.27 (0.50-3.22), 1.51 (0.61-3.72), and 2.07(0.81-5.27), respectively.ConclusionMaternal exposure to CHE during pregnancy might be associated with an increased risk of PTB. Prenatal exposure to CHE is positively associated with maternal serum CRP, ET-1, and MDA, and the three biochemical indicators are also positively associated with PTB. However, the above conclusions still need further confirmation.

Bile acids (BAs) play a crucial role in lipid metabolism of children. However, the association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and BAs in children is scarce. To address this need, we selected 252 children from the Maoming Birth Cohort and measured 32 PFAS, encompassing short- and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) in the cord blood. Additionally, we analyzed nine primary and eight secondary BAs in the serum of three-year-old children. Generalized linear models with FDR-adjusted and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to explore the associations of individual and mixture effects of PFAS and BAs. We found negative associations between cord blood long-chain PFCAs exposure and serum primary BAs in three-year-old children. For example, one ln-unit (ng/mL) increase of perfluoro-n-tridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), perfluoro-n-undecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and perfluoro-n-decanoic acid (PFDA) were associated with decreased taurochenodeoxycholic acid, with estimated percentage change of −24.28% [95% confidence interval (CI): −36.75%, −9.35%], −25.84% (95% CI: −39.67%, −8.83%), and −22.97% (95% CI: −34.45%, −9.47%) respectively. Notably, the observed associations were more pronounced in children with lower vegetable intake. Additionally, the BKMR model also demonstrated a monotonical decline in primary BAs as the PFAS mixture increased. We provided the first evidence of the association between intrauterine exposure to PFAS and its mixture with BAs in children. Further large-sample-size studies are needed to verify this finding. [Display omitted] • Few studies evaluated the association between PFAS exposure and BAs in children. • Exposure to Long-Chain PFCAs were negatively associated with primary BAs in children. • Higher PFAS mixture was associated with reduced primary BAs in children. • The association was more pronounced in children with lower vegetable intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are significant maternal complications. • Preconception dietary fiber intake was associated with the risk of HDP. • Increased dietary fiber intake may offer protection against the onset of HDP. • Preconception care is crucial for preventing the onset of HDP. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate whether preconception dietary fiber intake is associated with new-onset HDP. We identified 84,873 (primipara, 33,712; multipara, 51,161) normotensive participants from the Japan Environmental Children's Study database who delivered between 2011 and 2014. The participants were subsequently categorized into five groups based on their preconception dietary fiber intake quintiles (Q1–Q5). The main obstetric outcome was HDP, and the secondary obstetric outcomes included early-onset (Eo, <34 weeks)-HDP, late-onset (Lo, ≥34 weeks)-HDP, small for gestational age (SGA) births, and HDP with/without SGA. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that in primiparas, the risks of HDP, Lo-HDP, and HDP without SGA were lower in the Q5 group compared with the Q3 group (HDP: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.73, 95 % confidence intervals [95 % CI] = 0.58–0.93; Lo-HDP: aOR = 0.72, 95 % CI = 0.55–0.94; and HDP without SGA: aOR = 0.68, 95 % CI = 0.53–0.88). However, the risks of Eo-HDP and HDP with SGA were higher in the Q1 group compared with the Q3 group (Eo-HDP: aOR = 1.66, 95 % CI = 1.02–2.70; and HDP with SGA: aOR = 1.81, 95 % CI = 1.04–3.17). In multiparas, the risks of Lo-HDP and SGA were higher in the Q1 group compared with the Q3 group (Lo-HDP: aOR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.10–1.97; SGA: aOR = 1.17, 95 % CI = 1.02–1.35). Preconception dietary fiber intake is beneficial in preventing HDP onset. Therefore, new recommendations should be considered to encourage higher dietary fiber intake as part of preconception care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Evidence for Better Lives Study Foundational Research (EBLS-FR) is a preliminary endeavor to establish the feasibility of a global birth cohort, and within this feasibility study, piloting the research instrument, with participants from eight lower middle-income countries across the globe. It aims to investigate mediators and moderators of child development and wellbeing; it envisages informing policy and practice change to promote child health and wellbeing globally. Pakistan is one of the resource poor lower middle-income country (LMIC) taking part in this global birth cohort; we report the feasibility of establishing such a birth cohort in Pakistan. Method From March 2019 to July 2019, 153 third trimester pregnant women were identified, using community health worker registers, and approached for baseline demographics and a number of maternal wellbeing, mental health, support-related information, and stress-related biomarkers from bio-samples in a peri-urban area of Islamabad Capital Territory. One hundred fifty of these women gave consent and participated in the study. From October 2019 to December 2019, we re-contacted and were able to follow 121 of these women in the 8–24 weeks postnatal period. All interviews were done after obtaining informed consent and data were collected electronically. Results One hundred fifty (98.0%) third trimester pregnant women consented and were successfully interviewed, 111 (74.0%) provided bio-samples and 121 (80.6%) were followed up postnatally. Their mean age and years of schooling was 27.29 (SD = 5.18) and 7.77 (SD = 4.79) respectively. A majority (82.3%) of the participants were housewives. Nearly a tenth were first time mothers. Ninety-two (61.3%) of the women reported current pregnancy to have been unplanned. Overall wellbeing and mental health were reported to be poor (WHO-5 mean scores 49.41 (SD = 32.20) and PHQ-9 mean scores 8.23 (SD = 7.0)). Thirty-eight (21.8%) of the women reported four or more adverse childhood experiences; 46 (31.3%) reported intimate partner violence during their current pregnancy. During the postnatal follow up visits, 72 (58.0%) of the women reported breastfeeding their infants. Conclusion The foundational research demonstrated that Pakistan site could identify, approach, interview, and follow up women and children postnatally, with a high response rates for both the follow up visits and bio-samples. Therefore, a future larger-scale pregnancy birth cohort study in Pakistan is feasible.

IntroductionThis study examined the association among socioeconomic status (SES), screen time, and outdoor play in children at different ages in the GECKO Drenthe birth cohort study.MethodsValid data were obtained from two surveys at ages 3–4 years and 10–11 years. Screen time (TV watching and computer use) and outdoor play were reported by parents. Childhood SES was derived by a synthetic “Equivalized Household Income Indicator,” an estimated disposable income. Quantile regression models (cross-sectional analysis) and linear regression models (change between 3–4 and 10–11 years) were used.ResultsIn general, screen time increased strongly from a median of 51 min/day at 3–4 years (n = 888) to 122 min/day at 10–11 years (n = 1023), whereas time spent on outdoor play remained stable over age (77 min/day at 3–4 years and 81 min/day at 10–11 years). More time spent on outdoor play (50th quantile) was found in children with low SES families at 3–4 years, while at 10–11 years, more outdoor play was found in the high SES group. At 10–11 years, in the higher ranges of screen time, children from high SES had relatively lower screen time [50th quantile: −10.7 (−20.8; −0.6); 75th quantile: −13.6 (−24.4; −2.8)]. In the longitudinal analysis (n = 536), high SES was associated with an increasing time spent on outdoor play [11.7 (2.7; 20.8)].ConclusionSocioeconomic disparities in children's outdoor play and screen behavior may be more obvious with increasing age. Low SES may facilitate both outdoor play (at 3–4 years) and screen time (at 10–11 years); however, children from high SES families develop slightly more favorable behavior patterns with age.

Background: Studies show that parents significantly impact their children's health through their cardiometabolic risk profile and health behavior. There is only little information about the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors and lifestyle factors among new parents yet. The aims of this study are therefore to evaluate the prevalences of cardiometabolic risk factors in parents of infants in Germany and to examine their lifestyle and health behavior.Methods: In the KUNO-Kids health study, an ongoing birth cohort, parents (n = 930 mothers and 769 fathers) were asked about cardiometabolic risk factors (obesity/hypertension/type 2 diabetes mellitus) and lifestyle factors (dietary/sports/smoking habits/alcohol consumption) during the first year after the birth of their children via questionnaires. Chi-square as well as fisher exact tests were conducted to analyse associations between lifestyle factors and cardiometabolic risk factors.Results: 34.2% of mothers and 58.5% of fathers were overweight or obese. In 11.8% of the families, at least one parent suffered from hypertension, in 2.4% from type 2 diabetes mellitus. One year after delivery, 8.5% of mothers were smoking, 6.9% showed a risky alcohol consumption (> 10 g/d). 16.0% of fathers were smoking 4 weeks after childbirth, 10.7% showed risky alcohol consumption (> 20 g/d). 21.6% of mothers carried out sports activity for more than 2 h a week then. Parental hypertension was linked to a higher prevalence of risky alcohol consumption, obesity to a lower prevalence of daily fruits consumption.Conclusions: Cardiometabolic risk factors were widespread among new parents with obesity and overweight having the highest prevalences. A considerable number of parents also practiced an unhealthy lifestyle showing that there is potential for improvement to promote the healthy development of their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundTo examine methylation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gene and its relationship with child weight status, at birth and 9 years.MethodsWe measured PPARγ methylation across 23 CpG sites using the Infinium Illumina 450 k array for children from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) cohort at birth (N = 373) and 9 years (N = 245).ResultsMethylation level correlation patterns across the 23 PPARγ CpG sites were conserved between birth and 9-year ages. We found high inter-CpG correlations between sites 1-3 (methylation block 1) and also between sites 18-23 (methylation block 2) for both time points, although these patterns were less pronounced at 9 years. Additionally, sites 1-3 (north shore) had the highest intra-CpG correlations over time (r = 0.24, 0.42, and 0.3; P = 0.002, P

Preterm birth (PTB) has been associated with exposure to air pollution, but it is unclear whether effects might vary among air pollution sources in a valley city, and yet few studies have investigated refined susceptible windows for PTB. We performed a retrospective birth cohort study in Yan'an city, a typical valley city in the west of China, and analyze the effects of air pollutants on premature delivery, identify critical windows for maternal air pollutants exposure and PTB. The pregnant women who gave birth in the Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University and Yan'an people's Hospital from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 were selected as the research objects. A questionnaire survey and medical records were conducted. The daily average concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ≤ 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) in Yan'an City from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 were collected. After controlling the confounding factors of PTB by logistic regression model, the effect of air pollutants on preterm birth was analyzed. After controlling the confounding factors such as maternal age, gestational times and gestational hypertension syndrome, PTB was associated with exposure to third trimester PM10 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.019, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.004–1.035). PTB risk increased with second trimester exposure to SO2 (aOR = 1.039, CI = 1.011–1.068), also with third trimester (aOR = 1.031, CI = 1.010–1.053). PTB was also associated with third trimester O3 (aOR = 1.023, CI = 1.005–1.041). This study indicates that maternal exposure to PM10, SO2 and O3 might lead to increased risk of PTB, and critical exposure windows were inconsistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine the impact of a preconception pro-inflammatory diet on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) using singleton pregnancy data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study involving live births from 2011 to 2014. Individual meal patterns before pregnancy were used to calculate the dietary inflammatory index (DII). Participants were categorized according to DII quartiles 1–4 (Q1 and Q4 had the most pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory diets, respectively). The participants were stratified into five groups by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI): G1 to G5 (<18.5 kg/m2, 18.5 to <20.0 kg/m2, 20.0 to <23.0 kg/m2, 23.0 to <25.0 kg/m2, and ≥25.0 kg/m2, respectively). A multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the effect of the anti-inflammatory diet on GDM, early diagnosed (Ed)-GDM, and late diagnosed (Ld)-GDM in each BMI group. Trend analysis showed that the risk of GDM, Ed-GDM, and Ld-GDM increased with increased pre-pregnancy BMI values. In the G4 group, the risk of Ed-GDM increased in Q2 and Q4. This study suggests that, although higher maternal BMI increases the risk of GDM, the effect of a preconception pro-inflammatory diet on the occurrence of GDM depends on pre-pregnancy BMI. This result may facilitate personalized preconception counseling based on maternal BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]