2023
Health disparities in preterm births
Brown J, Chang X, Matson A, Lainwala S, Chen M, Cong X, Casavant S. Health disparities in preterm births. Frontiers In Public Health 2023, 11: 1275776. PMID: 38162611, PMCID: PMC10757361, DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1275776.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPreterm birth rateNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsPreterm birthNon-Hispanic white (WNeonatal Infant Stressor ScaleBirth rateClinical treatment informationHealth disparitiesImprove social determinants of healthIntensive care unitSocial determinants of healthOutcome inequalityDeterminants of healthImprove social determinantsElectronic health recordsNeurodevelopmental outcomesPretermHospital stayAdverse health outcomesAnthropometric measurementsLifesaving procedureLife course approachCross-sectional analysisCare unitThe Impact of Early Life Experiences and Gut Microbiota on Neurobehavioral Development in Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Chen J, Li H, Zhao T, Chen K, Chen M, Sun Z, Xu W, Maas K, Lester B, Cong X. The Impact of Early Life Experiences and Gut Microbiota on Neurobehavioral Development in Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Microorganisms 2023, 11: 814. PMID: 36985387, PMCID: PMC10056840, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030814.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchNeonatal intensive care unitNeonatal neurobehavioral scaleNeonatal intensive care unit hospitalizationOperational taxonomic unitsPreterm infantsPost-menstrual ageNeurobehavioral developmentGut microbiotaNeonatal intensive care unit admissionWeeks of post-menstrual ageFifty-five infantsDaily stool samplesIntensive care unitLongitudinal cohort studyImpact of early life experiencesNeurobehavioral ScalePretermPostnatal dayClinical featuresCohort studyEarly life experiencesStool samplesCare unitNeurobehavioral outcomesInfants
2022
Conducting Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Research During a Pandemic
Nist M, Casavant S, Dail R, Everhart K, Sealschott S, Cong X. Conducting Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Research During a Pandemic. Nursing Research 2022, 71: 147-152. PMID: 35212498, PMCID: PMC8881673, DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000564.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitIntensive care unitNurse scientistsCare unitHospital visitation restrictionsIntensive care unit researchVulnerable patient populationResearch studiesContinuation of research activitiesVisitation restrictionsPublic health crisisVisitor restrictionsParticipant recruitmentStudy participantsElectronic consentPresence of parentsPatient populationData collectionHealth crisisNational lockdownCoronavirus pandemicBarriersNursesCreative solutionsPandemic
2021
Multi-Omics Analysis on Neurodevelopment in Preterm Neonates
Casavant S, Chen J, Xu W, Lainwala S, Matson A, Chen M, Starkweather A, Maas K, Cong X. Multi-Omics Analysis on Neurodevelopment in Preterm Neonates. Nursing Research 2021, 70: 462-468. PMID: 34380978, PMCID: PMC8563389, DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000548.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPreterm infantsIntensive care unitNecrotizing enterocolitisFeeding intoleranceNeurodevelopmental impairmentNeonatal intensive care unit periodAdverse outcomesHost genetic variationIntestinal microbiomePreterm infants born <Care unitNeonatal intensive care unitInfants born <Weeks gestational ageGut microbiomeIntensive care unit periodFollow-up visitRegulation of intestinal healthPreterm neonatesGestational agePotential adverse outcomesNeurodevelopmental outcomesPain sensitivityPretermMulti-omics analysisPilot Study of Absolute Telomere Lengths in Preterm Infants
Casavant S, Li H, Reese B, Chen M, Cong X. Pilot Study of Absolute Telomere Lengths in Preterm Infants. Nursing Research 2021, 70: 481-486. PMID: 34173371, PMCID: PMC8563375, DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000535.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsSample of preterm infantsAbsolute telomere lengthIncreased risk of neurodevelopmental disordersTelomere lengthAssociated with epigenetic alterationsRisk of neurodevelopmental disordersAssociated with painIntensive care unitPreterm infant samplesTime of dischargeBorn pretermInfant demographicsStudy of adultsAntibiotic usePretermPolymerase chain reactionPilot studyQuantitative polymerase chain reactionIncreased riskPainful proceduresShorter telomere lengthCare unitEpigenetic alterations
2020
Log-contrast regression with functional compositional predictors: Linking preterm infants’ gut microbiome trajectories to neurobehavioral outcome
Sun Z, Xu W, Cong X, Li G, Chen K. Log-contrast regression with functional compositional predictors: Linking preterm infants’ gut microbiome trajectories to neurobehavioral outcome. The Annals Of Applied Statistics 2020, 14: 1535-1556. PMID: 34163544, PMCID: PMC8218926, DOI: 10.1214/20-aoas1357.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsNeurobehavioral outcomesPreterm infant studyWeeks of post-menstrual ageVery preterm neonatesPost-menstrual ageIntensive care unitInfant studiesMicrobiome markersIdentified microbiome markersStressful early life experiencesBrain-gut axisPreterm neonatesPostnatal ageInfant fecal samplesPretermInfant neurodevelopmentInfant's first monthCare unitPostnatal stagesInfantsGut microbiome compositionEstimated time dynamicsFirst month
2019
Breastfeeding experiences and perspectives on support among Chinese mothers separated from their hospitalized preterm infants: a qualitative study
Yang Y, Brandon D, Lu H, Cong X. Breastfeeding experiences and perspectives on support among Chinese mothers separated from their hospitalized preterm infants: a qualitative study. International Breastfeeding Journal 2019, 14: 45. PMID: 31695726, PMCID: PMC6824106, DOI: 10.1186/s13006-019-0242-9.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsHospitalized preterm infantsMothers of preterm infantsMaternal-infant separationHigh-risk infantsExpressed breast milkIntensive care unitBreastfeeding experienceMother-infant attachmentCare unitBreast milkInfantsBreastfeedingMilk supplyPretermDescriptive studyMothersConclusionsThe studyMethodsA qualitative descriptive studyChinese mothersHealth professional supportNeonatesDifficulties mothersBabiesAssociations between preterm infant stress, epigenetic alteration, telomere length and neurodevelopmental outcomes: A systematic review
Casavant S, Cong X, Moore J, Starkweather A. Associations between preterm infant stress, epigenetic alteration, telomere length and neurodevelopmental outcomes: A systematic review. Early Human Development 2019, 131: 63-74. PMID: 30870624, DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.03.003.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAngiomotinsBrain-Derived Neurotrophic FactorEpigenesis, GeneticHumansInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureInsulin-Like Growth Factor IIIntensive Care Units, NeonatalIntercellular Signaling Peptides and ProteinsMembrane ProteinsMicrofilament ProteinsNeurodevelopmental DisordersNF-KappaB Inhibitor alphaReceptors, GlucocorticoidStress, PhysiologicalTacrolimus Binding ProteinsTelomereConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsEpigenetic alterationsAssociated with increased riskLong-term outcome measuresTelomere erosionIntensive care unitBorn pretermTelomere lengthPreterm birthNeurodevelopmental outcomesPretermDisease entityPainful proceduresCare unitPreferred Reporting ItemsInfant stressHuman studiesLife-saving careTherapeutic interventionsOutcome measuresPsychiatric diseasesEarly detectionSystematic reviewReporting ItemsAllostatic Load and Biomarkers of Stress in the Preterm Infant: An Integrative Review
Casavant S, Cong X, Fitch R, Moore J, Rosenkrantz T, Starkweather A. Allostatic Load and Biomarkers of Stress in the Preterm Infant: An Integrative Review. Biological Research For Nursing 2019, 21: 210-223. PMID: 30654634, DOI: 10.1177/1099800418824415.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsLong-term outcome measuresMarkers of oxidative stressIntensive care unitBorn pretermNociceptive inputNonnoxious stimuliBrain-gut-microbiome axisPretermPainful proceduresCare unitHuman studiesInclusion criteriaLife-saving careTherapeutic interventionsInfantsOutcome measuresEarly detectionTime pointsBiomarkersActivation of stress responsesCortisol levelsOxidative stressSystematic search
2017
Increase in Oxytocin From Skin-to-Skin Contact Enhances Development of Parent–Infant Relationship
Vittner D, McGrath J, Robinson J, Lawhon G, Cusson R, Eisenfeld L, Walsh S, Young E, Cong X. Increase in Oxytocin From Skin-to-Skin Contact Enhances Development of Parent–Infant Relationship. Biological Research For Nursing 2017, 20: 54-62. PMID: 29017336, DOI: 10.1177/1099800417735633.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSkin-to-skin contactNeonatal intensive care unitStable preterm infantsOT levelsSkin-to-skinParent-infant contactIntensive care unitRandomized crossover studySC levelsPreterm infantsHigher OT levelsCrossover studyOT releaseParental OTParental anxiety scoresDay 1Care unitSalivary cortisolPre-SSCInfant stressInfantsPost-SSCParent-infant interactionOxytocinSaliva samplesThe impact of cumulative pain/stress on neurobehavioral development of preterm infants in the NICU
Cong X, Wu J, Vittner D, Xu W, Hussain N, Galvin S, Fitzsimons M, McGrath J, Henderson W. The impact of cumulative pain/stress on neurobehavioral development of preterm infants in the NICU. Early Human Development 2017, 108: 9-16. PMID: 28343092, PMCID: PMC5444300, DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.03.003.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsNeurobehavioral outcomesNeurobehavioral development of preterm infantsOutcomes of preterm infantsDevelopment of preterm infantsSkin-to-skin holdingVulnerable preterm infantsIntensive care unitProspective exploratory studyInfant developmental outcomesNeurodevelopmental outcomesAltered neurodevelopmentNeurobehavioral developmentCare unitNeuroprotective strategiesInfantsAssociated with habituationAcute eventPretermEarly lifeOutcomesNeurodevelopmentDevelopmental outcomesCumulative timeFKBP5 genotype and early life stress exposure predict neurobehavioral outcomes for preterm infants
D'Agata A, Walsh S, Vittner D, Cong X, McGrath J, Young E. FKBP5 genotype and early life stress exposure predict neurobehavioral outcomes for preterm infants. Developmental Psychobiology 2017, 59: 410-418. PMID: 28247564, DOI: 10.1002/dev.21507.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitNeurobehavioral outcomesNeonatal intensive care unit stressNeonatal intensive care unit careFKBP5 genotypeIntensive care unitEarly life stress exposureStress response-associated genesGenetic susceptibility to stressInfant neurobehavioral developmentPreterm infantsImpact of genetic variationNeurodevelopmental impairmentResponse-associated genesLife stress exposureNeurobehavioral developmentCare unitEnvironmental risk factorsRisk factorsInfant problemsAssociated with neurobehavioral outcomesStatistical analysisPretermSusceptibility to stressStress exposureUNPACKING THE BURDEN OF CARE FOR INFANTS IN THE NICU
D'Agata A, Sanders M, Grasso D, Young E, Cong X, Mcgrath J. UNPACKING THE BURDEN OF CARE FOR INFANTS IN THE NICU. Infant Mental Health Journal 2017, 38: 306-317. PMID: 28236329, DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21636.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitNeonatal intensive care unit infantsLong-term outcomesIntensive care unitNewborn periodPainful medical proceduresCare unitNeuroprotective strategiesInfantsPreverbal stage of developmentClinical articlesEarly lifeInfant experienceMedical proceduresAdverse childhood eventsMedical traumaStages of development
2016
Development of Accumulated Pain/Stressor Scale (APSS) in NICUs: A National Survey
Xu W, Walsh S, Cong X. Development of Accumulated Pain/Stressor Scale (APSS) in NICUs: A National Survey. Pain Management Nursing 2016, 17: 354-362. PMID: 27756592, PMCID: PMC5609453, DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2016.08.004.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitNeonatal intensive care unit infantsPerception of pain severityHigh-risk neonatesIntensive care unitPain severityInfant neurodevelopmentCare unitInfantsPain/stressAcuityAcuity levelsNeonatal nursesNurses' perceptionsSeverityNeonatesPainNursing membershipNeurodevelopmentProcedureNursesGut Microbiome and Infant Health: Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis and Host Genetic Factors.
Cong X, Xu W, Romisher R, Poveda S, Forte S, Starkweather A, Henderson W. Gut Microbiome and Infant Health: Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis and Host Genetic Factors. The Yale Journal Of Biology And Medicine 2016, 89: 299-308. PMID: 27698614, PMCID: PMC5045139.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGut microbiomeNeonatal intensive care unitDysbiosis of gut microbiotaSignaling systemHost-microbial interactionsNeonatal gut microbiomeGut microbiotaEvolutionary trajectoriesHigh-risk preterm infantsHost geneticsDysbiosis patternsLong-term infant healthIntensive care unitMicrobiomePreterm infantsEarly life stressGeneticsHuman newbornsRegulation of healthCare unitNeurodevelopmental processesInfant healthHostMedication useDelivery modeInfant Medical Trauma in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (IMTN)
D'Agata A, Young E, Cong X, Grasso D, McGrath J. Infant Medical Trauma in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (IMTN). Advances In Neonatal Care 2016, 16: 289-297. PMID: 27391564, DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000309.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitIntensive care unitMedical traumaCare unitAt-risk infantsLong-term healthUnique stress experienceEarly life adverse experiencesAllostatic loadInfantsLifesaving measuresNICU experienceEmotional outcomesDistressing eventsAdverse experiencesTraumaStressful experiencesPotential outcomesRiskCaregiversEarly developmentNeonatesDirect-breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit and breastfeeding duration for premature infants
Briere C, McGrath J, Cong X, Brownell E, Cusson R. Direct-breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit and breastfeeding duration for premature infants. Applied Nursing Research 2016, 32: 47-51. PMID: 27969051, DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2016.04.004.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2015
Direct-Breastfeeding Premature Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Briere C, McGrath J, Cong X, Brownell E, Cusson R. Direct-Breastfeeding Premature Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Journal Of Human Lactation 2015, 31: 386-392. PMID: 25900843, DOI: 10.1177/0890334415581798.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitDirect breastfeedingOral feedingBreastfeeding goalsInfants born <Weeks gestational ageRetrospective chart reviewPrenatal care providersIntensive care unitHuman milkGestational agePremature deliveryPremature infantsChart reviewLogistic regression modelsCare unitShorter lengthHigh riskInfantsBreastfeedingNon-HispanicChi-squareBreastMothersCare providers
2014
Parenting the NICU infant: A meta-ethnographic synthesis
Vazquez V, Cong X. Parenting the NICU infant: A meta-ethnographic synthesis. International Journal Of Nursing Sciences 2014, 1: 281-290. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2014.06.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchNeonatal intensive care unit parentsNeonatal intensive care unitPatricia Benner's noviceMeta-ethnographic synthesisQualitative research articlesBenner's NoviceNursing disciplineNeonatal intensive care unit infantsParents of NICU infantsAdvanced beginnerSocial supportNursesTime of admissionNICU parentsIntensive care unitParents' progressProcess parentsCare unitExpert theoryNICU infantsEffective facilitationUnique challengesAn Integrative Review of Factors that Influence Breastfeeding Duration for Premature Infants after NICU Hospitalization
Briere C, McGrath J, Cong X, Cusson R. An Integrative Review of Factors that Influence Breastfeeding Duration for Premature Infants after NICU Hospitalization. Journal Of Obstetric Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing 2014, 43: 272-281. PMID: 24689979, DOI: 10.1111/1552-6909.12297.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitNeonatal intensive care unit dischargePremature infantsHigh-risk mothersBreastfeeding durationAssociated with breastfeeding durationKangaroo mother careBreast milk supplyNICU professionalsIntensive care unitMaternal breastfeeding knowledgePreterm infantsFactors affecting durationMaternal characteristicsCare unitMother careExclusion criteriaInclusion criteriaInfantsPrenatal educationBreastfeedingLactate challengeElectronic databasesElectronic databases of CINAHLBreastfeeding knowledge