The role of boron in terrestrial plant physiology is diverse and increasingly well understood, but its role in marine aquatic eukaryotes is less clear. Our research reveals a distinctive and large ...offset in boron isotopes from seawater, irrespective of seaweed type or season. We show that the offset is consistent with the incorporation of borate from seawater. Boron is a known micronutrient in plants but very few studies have used boron isotopes to investigate boron’s role in plant physiology. Seaweed, as the most primitive multicellular plant, has an important role in investigating wider plant adaptations that use boron to meet functional needs. Furthermore, seaweed and other plants are a key base nutrient provider in food webs, supplying boron to consumers and playing a critical role in boron environmental cycling.
There is a paucity of research evaluating the relation between vitamin D and recurrence of breast cancer after treatment.
This study was designed to evaluate the associations between circulating ...concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D and dietary, supplemental, and total intake of vitamin D and recurrent or new breast cancer events within the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study.
A prospective cohort study design (n = 3085) was used to evaluate the relation between dietary, supplemental, and total vitamin D intake and recurrent breast cancer, and a nested case-control study with 512 matched pairs was used for analysis of the association between 25(OH)D and breast cancer recurrence.
No relation between 25(OH)D and breast cancer recurrence was observed. Compared with women with serum concentrations of 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL, adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for breast cancer recurrence were 1.14 (0.57, 2.31) for those with concentrations < 10 ng/mL, 1.00 (0.68-1.48) for concentrations ≥ 10 and < 20 ng/mL, and 1.05 (0.76, 1.47) for concentrations ≥ 20 and < 30 ng/mL. No significant associations were observed when analyses were stratified by pre- and postmenopausal status or for local, regional, or distant recurrence or death. Vitamin D intake was not related to breast cancer recurrence overall, although for premenopausal women there was a significant inverse association between dietary vitamin D intake and recurrence (P for trend = 0.02).
These results do not provide support for a relation between concentrations of 25(OH)D after treatment and the recurrence of breast cancer. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov for the WHEL Study as NCT00003787.
In 1998, the American Cancer Society (ACS) set a challenge goal for the nation to reduce cancer incidence by 25% over the period between 1992 and 2015. This report examines the trends in cancer ...incidence between 1992 and 2004. Trends were calculated using data on incident malignant cancer cases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Registry. Delay‐adjusted incidence trends for all cancer sites; all cancer sites without prostate cancer included; all cancer sites stratified by gender, age, and race; and for 20 selected cancer sites are presented. Over the first half of the ACS challenge period, overall cancer incidence rates have declined by about 0.6% per year. The greatest overall declines were observed among men and among those aged 65 years and older. The pace of incidence reduction over the first half of the ACS challenge period was only half that necessary to put us on target to achieve the 25% cancer incidence reduction goal in 2015. New understandings of preventable factors are needed, and new efforts are also needed to better act on our current knowledge about how we can prevent cancer, especially by continuing to reduce tobacco use and beginning to reverse the epidemic of obesity.
Inverse associations between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D and breast cancer stage have been reported, thus it is critical to understand the variables that contribute to 25(OH)D levels ...among women with breast cancer. Among 904 women in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study, plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were measured and data on demographic characteristics, diet, physical activity, and tumor characteristics were collected at study entry. Statistically significant associations with 25(OH)D concentrations were observed for body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), height, smoking, total vitamin D intake, physical activity, and race or ethnicity. Of the correlates of 25(OH)D, BMI, BSA, height, physical activity, and study site were associated with stage of breast cancer; however, concentrations of 25(OH)D were not significantly related to stage. In fully adjusted logistic regression models, the ORs (95% CIs) for the association between vitamin D deficiency and Stage II and III cancers were 0.85 (0.59-1.22) and 1.23 (0.71-2.15), respectively (P trend = 0.59), compared to Stage I. This study confirms previous work regarding the correlates of 25(OH)D concentrations but does not provide support for an association between vitamin D status and breast cancer stage.
Despite improvement during recent decades, extremely preterm infants continue to contribute disproportionately to neonatal mortality and childhood morbidity.
To review survival, in-hospital ...morbidities, care practices, and neurodevelopmental and functional outcomes at 22-26 months' corrected age for extremely preterm infants.
Prospective registry for extremely preterm infants born at 19 US academic centers that are part of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. The study included 10 877 infants born at 22-28 weeks' gestational age between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, including 2566 infants born before 27 weeks between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016, who completed follow-up assessments at 22-26 months' corrected age. The last assessment was completed on August 13, 2019. Outcomes were compared with a similar cohort of infants born in 2008-2012 adjusting for gestational age.
Extremely preterm birth.
Survival and 12 in-hospital morbidities were assessed, including necrotizing enterocolitis, infection, intracranial hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Infants were assessed at 22-26 months' corrected age for 12 health and functional outcomes, including neurodevelopment, cerebral palsy, vision, hearing, rehospitalizations, and need for assistive devices.
The 10 877 infants were 49.0% female and 51.0% male; 78.3% (8495/10848) survived to discharge, an increase from 76.0% in 2008-2012 (adjusted difference, 2.0%; 95% CI, 1.0%-2.9%). Survival to discharge was 10.9% (60/549) for live-born infants at 22 weeks and 94.0% (2267/2412) at 28 weeks. Survival among actively treated infants was 30.0% (60/200) at 22 weeks and 55.8% (535/958) at 23 weeks. All in-hospital morbidities were more likely among infants born at earlier gestational ages. Overall, 8.9% (890/9956) of infants had necrotizing enterocolitis, 2.4% (238/9957) had early-onset infection, 19.9% (1911/9610) had late-onset infection, 14.3% (1386/9705) had severe intracranial hemorrhage, 12.8% (1099/8585) had severe retinopathy of prematurity, and 8.0% (666/8305) had severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Among 2930 surviving infants with gestational ages of 22-26 weeks eligible for follow-up, 2566 (87.6%) were examined. By 2-year follow-up, 8.4% (214/2555) of children had moderate to severe cerebral palsy, 1.5% (38/2555) had bilateral blindness, 2.5% (64/2527) required hearing aids or cochlear implants, 49.9% (1277/2561) had been rehospitalized, and 15.4% (393/2560) required mobility aids or other supportive devices. Among 2458 fully evaluated infants, 48.7% (1198/2458) had no or mild neurodevelopmental impairment at follow-up, 29.3% (709/2419) had moderate neurodevelopmental impairment, and 21.2% (512/2419) had severe neurodevelopmental impairment.
Among extremely preterm infants born in 2013-2018 and treated at 19 US academic medical centers, 78.3% survived to discharge, a significantly higher rate than for infants born in 2008-2012. Among infants born at less than 27 weeks' gestational age, rehospitalization and neurodevelopmental impairment were common at 2 years of age.
Literature provides evidence that school attendance correlates with academic performance and student success. Influenza is a contributing factor to school absences. Primary prevention for influenza ...includes immunization. School-located influenza vaccine (SLIV) programs provide greater access for students to be immunized. A retrospective review of preexisting data from four academic years was conducted to examine the relationship between SLIV participation and absenteeism among students at eight public elementary schools in Effingham County, Georgia. Results identified differences in average frequency of absences between SLIV and non-SLIV years as well as between SLIV participants and nonparticipants for the 2 SLIV years. Implications for practice include the potential for increased herd immunity among students, which may also extend to other parties within the school community and at home, thus promoting overall wellness and future student success.
Birth weight (BW) is an important predictor of mortality and morbidity. At extremely early gestational ages (GAs), BW may influence decisions regarding initiation of resuscitation.
To characterize ...outcomes of liveborn infants with a BW less than 400 g.
This retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzed extremely preterm infants born between January 2008 and December 2016 within the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Infants with a BW less than 400 g and a GA of 22 to 26 weeks were included. Active treatment was defined as the provision of any potentially lifesaving intervention after birth. Survival was analyzed for the entire cohort; neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was examined for those born between January 2008 and December 2015 (birth years with outcomes available for analysis). Neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 26 months' corrected age (CA) was defined as a Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, cognitive composite score less than 85, a motor composite score less than 85, moderate or severe cerebral palsy, gross motor function classification system score of 2 or greater, bilateral blindness, and/or hearing impairment. Data were analyzed from September 2017 to October 2018.
Birth weight less than 400 g.
The primary outcome was survival to discharge among infants who received active treatment. Analysis of follow-up data was limited to infants born from 2008 to 2015 to ensure children had reached assessment age. Within this cohort, neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed for infants who survived to 18 to 26 months' CA and returned for a comprehensive visit.
Of the 205 included infants, 121 (59.0%) were female, 133 (64.9%) were singletons, and 178 (86.8%) were small for gestational age. Almost half (101 of 205 49.3%) received active treatment at birth. A total of 26 of 205 infants (12.7%; 95% CI, 8.5-18.9) overall survived to discharge, and 26 of 101 actively treated infants (25.7%; 95% CI, 17.6-35.4) survived to discharge. Within the subset of infants with a BW less than 400 g and a GA of 22 to 23 weeks, 6 of 36 actively treated infants (17%; 95% CI, 6-33) survived to discharge. Among infants born between 2008 and 2015, 23 of 90 actively treated infants (26%; 95% CI, 17-36) survived to discharge. Two infants died after discharge, and 2 were lost to follow-up. Thus, 19 of 90 actively treated infants (21%; 95% CI, 13-31) were evaluated at 18 to 26 months' CA. Moderate or severe NDI occurred in 14 of 19 infants (74%).
Infants born with a BW less than 400 g are at high risk of mortality and significant morbidity. Although 21% of infants survived to 18 to 26 months' CA with active treatment, NDI was common among survivors.
Both preterm birth and increased screen time are known to be associated with an increase in risk of developmental and behavioral sequelae. The association between high screen time or a television or ...computer in the bedroom in early school age and adverse cognitive, executive function, language, and behavior outcomes of extremely preterm children (EPT) is not well understood.
To assess the association of high screen time with cognition, language, executive function, and behavior of EPT children aged 6 to 7 years; a second objective was to examine the association between high screen time and rates of structured physical activity and weight.
This cohort study was a secondary analysis from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Surfactant Positive Airway Pressure and Pulse Oximetry Randomized Trial Neuroimaging and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes school-aged cohort and includes 414 EPT children born between February 1, 2005, and February 28, 2009, and evaluated in between 2012 and 2016 at ages 6 years 4 months to 7 years 2 months. The study was conducted from July 7, 2012, and August 15, 2016, and data were analyzed between December 10, 2018, and April 1, 2021.
Cohorts included children exposed to low (≤2 hours per day) vs high (>2 hours per day) amounts of screen time and by the presence (no vs yes) of a television/computer in the bedroom.
In addition to growth parameters, assessments included the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, the Conners 3rd Edition-Parent Short-Form, and the Social Communication Questionnaire.
Of the 414 children included in the analysis, 227 (55%) were boys; mean (SD) birth weight was 870.6 (191) g. A total of 238 children (57%) had high screen time and 266 (64%) had a television/computer in their bedroom. In multivariable linear regressions adjusted for center, male sex, gestational age, and social determinants of health, high screen time was independently associated with the following mean (SE) test score changes: lower full-scale IQ (-3.92 1.64; P = .02); an increase in association with deficits in executive functions, including metacognition (8.18 3.01; P = .007), global executive function (7.49 2.99; P = .01), inhibition (-0.79 0.38; P = .03), and Conners 3rd Edition-Parent Short-Form inattention (3.32 1.67; P = .047). A television/computer in the bedroom was associated with an increase in inhibition (-0.80 0.39; P = .04) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (3.50 1.75; P = .046) problems.
The findings of this study suggest that high screen time contributes to adverse cognitive, executive function, and behavior outcomes at ages 6 to 7 years in children born at less than 28 weeks. These findings support the need for clinicians to have heightened awareness of the risks for EPT children and discuss both the benefits and risks of screen time with families.
Children born extremely preterm are at risk for cognitive difficulties and disability. The relative prognostic value of neonatal brain MRI and cranial ultrasound (CUS) for school-age outcomes remains ...unclear. Our objectives were to relate near-term conventional brain MRI and early and late CUS to cognitive impairment and disability at 6 to 7 years among children born extremely preterm and assess prognostic value.
A prospective study of adverse early and late CUS and near-term conventional MRI findings to predict outcomes at 6 to 7 years including a full-scale IQ (FSIQ) <70 and disability (FSIQ <70, moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy, or severe vision or hearing impairment) in a subgroup of Surfactant Positive Airway Pressure and Pulse Oximetry Randomized Trial enrollees. Stepwise logistic regression evaluated associations of neuroimaging with outcomes, adjusting for perinatal-neonatal factors.
A total of 386 children had follow-up. In unadjusted analyses, severity of white matter abnormality and cerebellar lesions on MRI and adverse CUS findings were associated with outcomes. In full regression models, both adverse late CUS findings (odds ratio OR 27.9; 95% confidence interval CI 6.0-129) and significant cerebellar lesions on MRI (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.1-6.7) remained associated with disability, but only adverse late CUS findings (OR 20.1; 95% CI 3.6-111) were associated with FSIQ <70. Predictive accuracy of stepwise models was not substantially improved with the addition of neuroimaging.
Severe but rare adverse late CUS findings were most strongly associated with cognitive impairment and disability at school age, and significant cerebellar lesions on MRI were associated with disability. Near-term conventional MRI did not substantively enhance prediction of severe early school-age outcomes.
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