Early feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohort.

This study aimed to investigate if the duration of breastfeeding and the method at initiation of complementary feeding affect eating behaviour in children aged 3-6 years. This is a cross-sectional analysis from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study project, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study that aims to identify childhood obesity risk factors in Spanish children. A total of 1215 children aged 3-6 years were included. Breastfeeding duration and the method of initiation of complementary feeding [baby-led weaning (BLW), traditional/spoon or mixed method] were evaluated. Eating behaviour at 3-6 years was assessed with the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess the association between the aforementioned exposures and eating behaviour. Children breastfed for ≥4 months were less likely to be fussy eaters at 3-6 years compared to those breastfed for <1 month (OR: 0.86 95% CI: 0.76-0.98; p = 0.031). Compared to those children using the traditional/spoon-feeding method, those initiating complementary feeding through BLW or through a mixed approach were more likely to have higher scores on the enjoyment of food (EF) (OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.13-1.57; p = 0.001 and 1.17, 1.05-1.30; p = 0.002, respectively) and lower scores on food fussiness (FF) at 3-6 years (0.76, 0.62-0.91; p = 0.004 and 0.87, 0.78-0.98; p = 0.033, respectively). Breastfeeding for ≥4 months and initiation of complementary feeding with the BLW and a mixed approach were associated with greater EF and lower FF, which should endure practice.

Eating Behaviours and Dietary Intake in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This systematic review aimed to examine existing evidence related to associations between eating behaviours and dietary intake in children and adolescents, with a focus on the Children Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) and the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) as assessment tools. RECENT FINDING: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. We included observational and interventional studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, that evaluated the association between eating behaviours and food and beverage intake. Thirteen studies from nine countries met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 62 to 4,914 individuals aged 2 to 16 years-old. Ten studies used the CEBQ, and three used the DEBQ. Our retrieved studies showed that children and adolescents engaging in food approach behaviours tend to consume foods rich in sugar and fats. However, we observed a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, children and adolescents with lower engagement to food avoidant behaviours, generally exhibited a lower overall food consumption, except for snacks, which they consumed at a higher rate. This systematic review suggests that eating behaviours play an important role in shaping dietary intake. Nevertheless, due to the heterogeneity related to eating behaviours and diet intake, it highlights the need for further research to understand these complex relationships to develop effective interventions for promoting healthy eating habits in children and adolescents.

Survival Analysis and Contributing Factors among PCR-Confirmed Adult Inpatients during the Endemic Phase of COVID-19.

In May 2023, the global health emergency status of COVID-19 concluded, marking the onset of an endemic era. This study assessed survival rates among PCR-confirmed adult inpatients during this phase and determined contributing factors. Employing a survival analysis approach, this investigation utilized a nationwide Mexican cohort encompassing 152 adult inpatients. Survival rates were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a proportional Cox model identified mortality risk factors. Survival rates remained above 65% on day 14 after admission. Vaccination status, including the number of doses administered, was not significantly associated with fatal outcomes. Chronic kidney disease or a history of immunosuppression (due to any cause) increased mortality risk. Our findings underscore the persistent severity of COVID-19 beyond the global health emergency, emphasizing the necessity for tailored interventions for vulnerable patients.

Assessing the Influence of COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage on Excess Mortality across 178 Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on global health, necessitating urgent and effective strategies to mitigate its consequences. Vaccination programs have been implemented worldwide to combat virus transmission and reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination coverage and all-cause excess mortality in 178 nations during the first two years of the pandemic. Multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for life expectancy at birth, confirmed a significant association between higher vaccination coverage and lower all-cause mortality rates (ß = -106.8, 95% CI -175.4 to -38.2, p = 0.002). These findings underscore the importance of vaccination campaigns in reducing overall mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence-based decision making and resource allocation can benefit from this information, facilitating the optimization of vaccination strategies for maximal impact on mortality reduction. Further research and continuous monitoring are crucial to understanding the long-term effects of vaccination coverage on population health in the ongoing pandemic.

Vitamin D and its correlation with blood lipids and intima-media thickness in term infants / Vitamina D y su correlación con los lípidos en sangre y el grosor de la íntima-media en lactantes

Background: an association between low 25(OH)D levels and blood lipids has been identified in children, adolescents, and adults but not in the early stages of life, and a relation to carotid and aortic intima-media thickness has not been well studied and is controversial. Objective: to identify whether 25(OH)D levels are correlated with blood lipids and aortic and carotid intima-media thickness in infants aged 3 to 9 months. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 109 healthy term infants between the ages of 3 and 9 months. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D], total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, and aortic and carotid intima-media thickness were measured. Feeding method, vitamin D supplementation, and sun exposure habits were recorded. Results: only 2.8 % (n = 3) and 10.1 % (n = 14) had vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively. Infants with inadequate levels of vitamin D were younger (< 6 months) (p = 0.004), and a lower percentage of their body surface area was exposed to the sun (p = 0.006). A significant positive correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and non-HDL-cholesterol in the infants that consumed breastmilk substitutes (rho = 0.600, p < 0.001) or were partially breastfed (rho = 0.371, p = 0.026), whereas a positive correlation was found with total cholesterol in the infants receiving breastmilk substitutes (rho = 0.618, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between vitamin D and aortic or carotid intima-media thickness. Conclusions: there was a positive correlation between 25(OH)D levels and both total and non-HDL-cholesterol only in infants receiving breastmilk substitutes. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was low. (AU)

Introducción: se ha identificado una asociación entre los niveles de 25(OH)D y de lípidos en sangre en los niños, adolescentes y adultos, pero no en las primeras etapas de la vida, mientras que la asociación con el grosor de la íntima-media aórtica (a-IMT) o carotídea (c-IMT) no se ha estudiado totalmente y es objeto de controversia. Objetivo: identificar si existe correlación entre los niveles de 25(OH)D y de lípidos en sangre y el a-IMT y c-IMT en lactantes de 3 a 9 meses. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en 109 lactantes sanos de entre 3 y 9 meses de edad; se midieron la vitamina D sérica [25(OH)D], el colesterol total, el colesterol HDL, el colesterol no HDL, el a-IMT y el c-IMT. Se registraron el tipo de alimentación, la suplementación con vitamina D y la exposición solar. Resultados: aquellos con niveles inadecuados de vitamina D fueron los menores de 6 meses (p = 0,004) y los expuestos en un menor porcentaje de su cuerpo al sol (p = 0,006). Se encontró una correlación positiva significativa entre la 25(OH)D, el colesterol total (rho = 0,618, p < 0,001) y el colesterol no HDL (rho = 0,600, p < 0.001) en aquellos que consumían sustitutos de la leche materna. No se encontró correlación entre la vitamina D y el grosor de la íntima-media aórtica o carotídea. Solo el 2,8 % y el 10,1 % presentaron deficiencia e insuficiencia de vitamina D, respectivamente. Conclusiones: se encontró una correlación positiva entre los niveles de 25(OH)D, colesterol total y colesterol no HDL en los lactantes que recibían sustitutos de la leche materna. (AU)

Vitamin D and its correlation with blood lipids and intima-media thickness in term infants.

INTRODUCTION: Background: an association between low 25(OH)D levels and blood lipids has been identified in children, adolescents, and adults but not in the early stages of life, and a relation to carotid and aortic intima-media thickness has not been well studied and is controversial. Objective: to identify whether 25(OH)D levels are correlated with blood lipids and aortic and carotid intima-media thickness in infants aged 3 to 9 months. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 109 healthy term infants between the ages of 3 and 9 months. Serum vitamin D [25(OH)D], total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, and aortic and carotid intima-media thickness were measured. Feeding method, vitamin D supplementation, and sun exposure habits were recorded. Results: only 2.8 % (n = 3) and 10.1 % (n = 14) had vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively. Infants with inadequate levels of vitamin D were younger (< 6 months) (p = 0.004), and a lower percentage of their body surface area was exposed to the sun (p = 0.006). A significant positive correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and non-HDL-cholesterol in the infants that consumed breastmilk substitutes (rho = 0.600, p < 0.001) or were partially breastfed (rho = 0.371, p = 0.026), whereas a positive correlation was found with total cholesterol in the infants receiving breastmilk substitutes (rho = 0.618, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between vitamin D and aortic or carotid intima-media thickness. Conclusions: there was a positive correlation between 25(OH)D levels and both total and non-HDL-cholesterol only in infants receiving breastmilk substitutes. The frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was low.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: se ha identificado una asociación entre los niveles de 25(OH)D y de lípidos en sangre en los niños, adolescentes y adultos, pero no en las primeras etapas de la vida, mientras que la asociación con el grosor de la íntima-media aórtica (a-IMT) o carotídea (c-IMT) no se ha estudiado totalmente y es objeto de controversia. Objetivo: identificar si existe correlación entre los niveles de 25(OH)D y de lípidos en sangre y el a-IMT y c-IMT en lactantes de 3 a 9 meses. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal en 109 lactantes sanos de entre 3 y 9 meses de edad; se midieron la vitamina D sérica [25(OH)D], el colesterol total, el colesterol HDL, el colesterol no HDL, el a-IMT y el c-IMT. Se registraron el tipo de alimentación, la suplementación con vitamina D y la exposición solar. Resultados: aquellos con niveles inadecuados de vitamina D fueron los menores de 6 meses (p = 0,004) y los expuestos en un menor porcentaje de su cuerpo al sol (p = 0,006). Se encontró una correlación positiva significativa entre la 25(OH)D, el colesterol total (rho = 0,618, p < 0,001) y el colesterol no HDL (rho = 0,600, p < 0.001) en aquellos que consumían sustitutos de la leche materna. No se encontró correlación entre la vitamina D y el grosor de la íntima-media aórtica o carotídea. Solo el 2,8 % y el 10,1 % presentaron deficiencia e insuficiencia de vitamina D, respectivamente. Conclusiones: se encontró una correlación positiva entre los niveles de 25(OH)D, colesterol total y colesterol no HDL en los lactantes que recibían sustitutos de la leche materna.