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Improved linear growth after routine zinc supplementation in preterm very low birth weight infants

This study was designed (1) to compare growth, morbidity and mortality in < 33-week gestational age (GA) (very preterm, VPT) or very low birth weight (BW < 1500 grams, VLBW) infants before (Epoch-1) and after implementing routine enteral zinc (Zn) supplementation (Epoch-2) to meet recommendations, and (2) to assess serum Zn levels and associated variables.

Neonatal microbiome in the multiomics era: development and its impact on long-term health

The neonatal microbiome has been the focus of considerable research over the past two decades and studies have added fascinating information in terms of early microbial patterns and how these relate to various disease processes. One difficulty with the interpretation of these relationships is that such data is associative and provides little in terms of proof of causality or the underpinning mechanisms. Integrating microbiome data with other omics such as the proteome, inflammatory mediators, and the metabolome is an emerging approach to address this gap. Here we discuss these omics, their integration, and how they can be applied to improve our understanding, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Positive impact of sodium L-lactate supplementation on blood acid-base status in preterm newborns

Preclinical studies indicate that lactate is a crucial cerebral energy substrate, with Na-L-lactate administration significantly reducing brain lesion volumes and improving motor and cognitive functions following neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in rat pups. Its neuroprotective effects are linked to neuronal metabolic utilization, making it a promising candidate for treating newborns with hypoxia-ischemia encephalopathy, a condition where hypothermia remains the only established therapy. However, before initiating a clinical trial, it is necessary to assess the effects of Na-L-lactate infusion on blood parameters.

Self-reported hypertension prevalence, risk factors, and knowledge among South Africans aged 24 to 40 years old

Although hypertension is a significant public health burden in South Africa (SA), less is known about its prevalence, risk factors, and possible preventative strategies among young adults. We assessed the prevalence, possible risk factors, and knowledge associated with self-reported hypertension among young adults from SA. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1000 young South African adults (24–40 years; 51.0% women). We administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and collected information on measures of socio-economic status (SES) (e.g. asset wealth index), self-reported medical history, and lifestyle risk factors. Furthermore, a modified version of the hypertension evaluation of lifestyle and management questionnaire was used to assess participants’ hypertension knowledge. The overall prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 24.0%, with significant differences between women and men (27.5% and 20.4% respectively, p = 0.033). Only 16.8% of the respondents had good hypertension knowledge. There was a positive association between good knowledge of hypertension and being hypertensive (OR = 1.43 CI:1.23–3.12), monthly blood pressure check-ups (OR = 2.03 CI:1.78–3.23), knowing the side effects of uncontrolled blood pressure (OR = 1.28 CI:1.07–1.89) and having a biological mother with hypertension (OR = 1.79 CI:1.53–2.21). Being employed full-time (OR = 0.74 CI:0.69–0.80), having a higher SES (wealth index 4 (OR = 0.70 CI:0.59–0.97) and 5 (OR = 0.65 CI:0.48–0.81)), exercising 6 to 7 days per week (OR = 0.83 CI:0.71–0.94), and not consuming alcohol at all (OR = 0.73 CI:0.67–0.89), were all found to be protective against hypertension. The high hypertension prevalence, lack of hypertension knowledge, and reported risk factors among this group highlight the need for early robust preventative strategies to mitigate hypertension risk among this population.

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