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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsChronic PainCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHealth InequitiesHumansInfantInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureMothersPremature BirthConceptsPreterm 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 unit
2022
Associations of Mitochondrial Function, Stress, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Early Life: A Systematic Review
Zhao T, Alder N, Starkweather A, Chen M, Matson A, Xu W, Balsbaugh J, Cong X. Associations of Mitochondrial Function, Stress, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Early Life: A Systematic Review. Developmental Neuroscience 2022, 44: 438-454. PMID: 35995037, PMCID: PMC9928905, DOI: 10.1159/000526491.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsFemaleHumansInfantInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureMitochondriaNeurodevelopmental DisordersPregnancyStress, PhysiologicalConceptsNeurodevelopmental outcomesPreterm infantsEarly life stressPostnatal stressSystematic reviewInfluence neurodevelopmental outcomesMitochondrial function/dysfunctionEarly lifeAssociated with stress exposurePreferred Reporting ItemsFull-termPrimary research articlesBIOSIS databasesInfluence of biological sexLife stressLack of longitudinal dataInfant stressInfantsReporting ItemsPretermInvasive samplingOutcomesStress exposureBehavioral changesFunction/dysfunctionEarly-life factors associated with neurobehavioral outcomes in preterm infants during NICU hospitalization
Zhao T, Griffith T, Zhang Y, Li H, Hussain N, Lester B, Cong X. Early-life factors associated with neurobehavioral outcomes in preterm infants during NICU hospitalization. Pediatric Research 2022, 92: 1695-1704. PMID: 35338349, PMCID: PMC9509490, DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02021-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAgedHospitalizationHumansInfantInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureIntensive Care Units, NeonatalPainProspective StudiesConceptsNeonatal Infant Stressor ScalePreterm infantsNeurobehavioral outcomesBreastmilk intakeGestational ageNICU hospitalizationMaternal breastmilkAssociated with increasing GADay of NICU hospitalizationWeeks post-menstrual ageNICU Network Neurobehavioral ScalePoorer quality of movementOlder gestational agePost-menstrual ageMethodsA prospective cohort studyNISS scoresInfant neurobehavioral outcomesProspective cohort studyDays of lifeConclusionsPreterm infantsGA infantsYounger GAPain/stressNeurobehavioral ScalePreterm
2021
Multivariate log‐contrast regression with sub‐compositional predictors: Testing the association between preterm infants' gut microbiome and neurobehavioral outcomes
Liu X, Cong X, Li G, Maas K, Chen K. Multivariate log‐contrast regression with sub‐compositional predictors: Testing the association between preterm infants' gut microbiome and neurobehavioral outcomes. Statistics In Medicine 2021, 41: 580-594. PMID: 34897772, DOI: 10.1002/sim.9273.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsGastrointestinal MicrobiomeHumansInfantInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureLinear ModelsMicrobiotaMultivariate AnalysisConceptsLinear log-contrast modelLog-contrast modelGut microbiomeGut microbiome of preterm infantsHypothesis testing procedureInfant gut microbiomeLinear constraintsCompositional covariatesInference proceduresMultivariate responsePenalization approachSimulation studyGroup structureMicrobiome dataIdentified microbesMicrobiome analysisTaxonomic hierarchyInference methodsPreterm infant studyTest procedureMicrobiomeMicrobesBiological understandingCovariatesFeature matrixSex Differences in Gut Microbial Development of Preterm Infant Twins in Early Life: A Longitudinal Analysis
Chen J, Li H, Hird S, Chen M, Xu W, Maas K, Cong X. Sex Differences in Gut Microbial Development of Preterm Infant Twins in Early Life: A Longitudinal Analysis. Frontiers In Cellular And Infection Microbiology 2021, 11: 671074. PMID: 34458157, PMCID: PMC8387566, DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.671074.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsFemaleGastrointestinal MicrobiomeHumansInfantInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureLongitudinal StudiesMalePhylogenySex CharacteristicsTwinsConceptsStatistical Analysis of Metagenomic ProfilesNeonatal intensive care unitGut microbiotaGut microbiomeFunction of gut microbiotaCharacteristics of gut microbiotaReconstruction of Unobserved StatesPhylogenetic Investigation of CommunitiesGut microbial developmentGut microbiota patternInfant gut microbiotaGut microbiota compositionGut microbiome diversityInvestigation of CommunitiesInfant gut microbiomePostnatal ageNeurobehavioral developmentMetagenomic functionsMixed-sex groupsPhylogenetic investigationMetagenomic profilesEnvironmental factorsMicrobiota compositionKEGG pathwaysMicrobiome diversityMulti-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 alterationsPositive Effects of Kangaroo Mother Care on Long-Term Breastfeeding Rates, Growth, and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants
Wang Y, Zhao T, Zhang Y, Li S, Cong X. Positive Effects of Kangaroo Mother Care on Long-Term Breastfeeding Rates, Growth, and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants. Breastfeeding Medicine 2021, 16: 282-291. PMID: 33533688, DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2020.0358.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsBreast FeedingChildFemaleHumansInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureIntensive Care Units, NeonatalKangaroo-Mother Care MethodMothersConceptsNeonatal intensive care unitKangaroo mother careEffect of kangaroo mother careKangaroo mother care groupKMC infantsPositive effects of kangaroo mother careChinese NICUsControl groupPreterm infant-mother dyadsMonths of corrected ageMother careImpact of Kangaroo Mother CareBreastfeeding outcomesNeonatal behavioral neurological assessmentChinese preterm infantsMonths of CAKangaroo mother care practiceLong-term breastfeeding ratesPreterm infant healthBehavioral neurological assessmentInfant feeding regimensBody weightIntensive care unitRandomized controlled studyPhysical growth
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
2018
Neonatal Pain Perceptions and Current Practice
Perry M, Tan Z, Chen J, Weidig T, Xu W, Cong X. Neonatal Pain Perceptions and Current Practice. Critical Care Nursing Clinics Of North America 2018, 30: 549-561. PMID: 30447813, PMCID: PMC6570422, DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2018.07.013.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNeonatal painHypersensitivity to painful stimuliAssessment of neonatal painEfficacy of analgesiaPoorly treated painImmature nervous systemPain perceptionPainful stimuliPharmacological treatmentNeonatesPainPainful proceduresLong-term consequencesNervous systemNonpharmacological treatmentsNonpharmacological interventionsTreatmentNegative long-term consequencesAnalgesiaFactors Affecting Breastfeeding Outcomes at Six Months in Preterm Infants
Wang Y, Briere C, Xu W, Cong X. Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Outcomes at Six Months in Preterm Infants. Journal Of Human Lactation 2018, 35: 80-89. PMID: 29723482, DOI: 10.1177/0890334418771307.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPreterm infantsPrevalence of breastfeedingLevel of breastfeeding self-efficacyMothers of very preterm infantsFactors associated with exclusive breastfeedingPreterm mother-infant dyadsIntensive careBreastfeeding practicesLate preterm infantsVery preterm infantsInfant gestational ageMonths corrected ageNeonatal intensive careYoung maternal ageElevated EPDS scoresPerception of breastfeeding self-efficacyImprove breastfeeding durationGestational agePostpartum depressive symptomsCorrected ageLongitudinal observational studyPreterm mothersDepressive symptomsPretermMaternal age
2017
Systematic Review of the Effect of Enteral Feeding on Gut Microbiota in Preterm Infants
Xu W, Judge M, Maas K, Hussain N, McGrath J, Henderson W, Cong X. Systematic Review of the Effect of Enteral Feeding on Gut Microbiota in Preterm Infants. Journal Of Obstetric Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing 2017, 47: 451-463. PMID: 29040820, PMCID: PMC5899689, DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2017.08.009.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPreterm infantsGut microbial communityEnteral feedingGut microbiotaEffects of enteral feedingGut microbiomeMicrobial communitiesBreast milk feedingInfant feeding typeMother's own milkGut microbial community structureInfant gut microbial communityDiversity of gut microbiotaSystematic reviewDonor human milkCochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsGut microbiome patternsDatabase of Systematic ReviewsELBW infantsPremature infantsMicrobial community structureSupplementation of prebioticsPretermEffects of probioticsFormula feedingIncrease 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 timeInfluence of Feeding Type on Gut Microbiome Development in Hospitalized Preterm Infants
Cong X, Judge M, Xu W, Diallo A, Janton S, Brownell E, Maas K, Graf J. Influence of Feeding Type on Gut Microbiome Development in Hospitalized Preterm Infants. Nursing Research 2017, 66: 123-133. PMID: 28252573, PMCID: PMC5334772, DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000208.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGut microbial colonizationMother's own milkPreterm infantsGut microbiomeMicrobial diversityDiversity of gut microbiomeFeeding typeGut microbial diversityGut microbiome developmentGut microbiome compositionMicrobial community patternsAbundance of EnterobacterialesIncreased microbial diversityDevelopment of preterm infantsAbundance of ClostridialesNeonatal intensive care unitBirth gestational ageStable preterm infantsRRNA genePostnatal day 0Community patternsMicrobiome compositionIntensive care unitMicrobial patternsMicrobiome developmentFKBP5 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 exposure
2016
Gut Microbiome Developmental Patterns in Early Life of Preterm Infants: Impacts of Feeding and Gender
Cong X, Xu W, Janton S, Henderson W, Matson A, McGrath J, Maas K, Graf J. Gut Microbiome Developmental Patterns in Early Life of Preterm Infants: Impacts of Feeding and Gender. PLOS ONE 2016, 11: e0152751. PMID: 27111847, PMCID: PMC4844123, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152751.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsFemaleHumansInfant FoodInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureIntestinesMaleMicrobiotaSex FactorsConceptsOperational taxonomic unitsGut microbiomeA-diversityGut microbiotaNeonatal intensive care unitPreterm infantsPatterns of gut microbiomeDiversity of gut microbiomeRRNA gene regionInfant gut microbiomeFeeding typeAbundance of EnterobacterialesGut microbiome patternsTaxonomic unitsAbundant phylumGene regionTotal readsAlpha diversityQIIME softwareV4 regionBacterial compositionDevelopmental patternsEarly lifeInfant's postnatal ageMicrobiome patternsDirect-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 ResearchMeSH KeywordsBreast FeedingFemaleHumansInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureIntensive Care Units, NeonatalRetrospective Studies