Methylation profiles at birth linked to early childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity represents a significant global health concern and identifying its risk factors is crucial for developing intervention programs. Many "omics" factors associated with the risk of developing obesity have been identified, including genomic, microbiomic, and epigenomic factors. Here, using a sample of 48 infants, we investigated how the methylation profiles in cord blood and placenta at birth were associated with weight outcomes (specifically, conditional weight gain, body mass index, and weight-for-length ratio) at age six months. We characterized genome-wide DNA methylation profiles using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEpic chip, and incorporated information on child and maternal health, and various environmental factors into the analysis. We used regression analysis to identify genes with methylation profiles most predictive of infant weight outcomes, finding a total of 23 relevant genes in cord blood and 10 in placenta. Notably, in cord blood, the methylation profiles of three genes (PLIN4, UBE2F, and PPP1R16B) were associated with all three weight outcomes, which are also associated with weight outcomes in an independent cohort suggesting a strong relationship with weight trajectories in the first six months after birth. Additionally, we developed a Methylation Risk Score (MRS) that could be used to identify children most at risk for developing childhood obesity. While many of the genes identified by our analysis have been associated with weight-related traits (e.g., glucose metabolism, BMI, or hip-to-waist ratio) in previous genome-wide association and variant studies, our analysis implicated several others, whose involvement in the obesity phenotype should be evaluated in future functional investigations.

Methylation profiles at birth linked to early childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity represents a significant global health concern and identifying risk factors is crucial for developing intervention programs. Many 'omics' factors associated with the risk of developing obesity have been identified, including genomic, microbiomic, and epigenomic factors. Here, using a sample of 48 infants, we investigated how the methylation profiles in cord blood and placenta at birth were associated with weight outcomes (specifically, conditional weight gain, body mass index, and weight-for-length ratio) at age six months. We characterized genome-wide DNA methylation profiles using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEpic chip, and incorporated information on child and maternal health, and various environmental factors into the analysis. We used regression analysis to identify genes with methylation profiles most predictive of infant weight outcomes, finding a total of 23 relevant genes in cord blood and 10 in placenta. Notably, in cord blood, the methylation profiles of three genes (PLIN4, UBE2F, and PPP1R16B) were associated with all three weight outcomes, which are also associated with weight outcomes in an independent cohort suggesting a strong relationship with weight trajectories in the first six months after birth. Additionally, we developed a Methylation Risk Score (MRS) that could be used to identify children most at risk for developing childhood obesity. While many of the genes identified by our analysis have been associated with weight-related traits (e.g., glucose metabolism, BMI, or hip-to-waist ratio) in previous genome-wide association and variant studies, our analysis implicated several others, whose involvement in the obesity phenotype should be evaluated in future functional investigations.

Toddler dietary patterns from the INSIGHT randomized clinical trial comparing responsive parenting versus control: A latent class analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a responsive parenting (RP) intervention on toddler diet and explore associations with mothers' infant feeding practices and child weight status. METHODS: INSIGHT tested an RP intervention designed for the prevention of obesity against a safety control among primiparous mothers and their infants. Mothers reported on feeding practices, as well as toddler diet with a Food Frequency Questionnaire (n = 229). Trained research staff obtained child anthropometrics at age 2 years. RESULTS: Latent class analysis identified three dietary patterns: high fruits and vegetables (HFV, 31%); meat, potatoes, and added sugars (MPAS, 24%); and high juice, low fruits and vegetables (JLFV, 45%). Toddler dietary pattern was not related to study group (RP, control) or child weight status at age 2 years. Mothers who reported more structure-based feeding had toddlers that were more likely to have the healthier, HFV dietary pattern than MPAS and JLFV. Findings for control-based feeding practices were mixed; maternal restriction was associated with the HFV dietary pattern, whereas the use of food as a reward was associated with MPAS and JLFV. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers' structure-based feeding practices in infancy, as well as some control-based feeding practices, were associated with later healthier toddler dietary patterns.

Changes in Provider Perceptions and Practices Regarding Dosing Units for Oral Liquid Medications.

OBJECTIVE: A 2015 survey of primary care providers (PCPs) found that while many believed that milliliter (mL)-only dosing was safest for oral liquid medications, few would use mL alone in dosing instructions. Since 2015, many recommendations have promoted "mL-only" dosing. In 2019, a follow-up survey was conducted to assess if PCP perceptions and practices have changed. METHODS: Pediatricians, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and internists participating in the 2015 and 2019 DocStyles cross-sectional, web-based surveys were asked about their perceptions and practices regarding dosing units for oral liquid medications. RESULTS: In 2019, among 1392 respondents, the proportion of PCPs who reported they believed using mL-only is the safest dosing instruction ranged from 55.1% of internists to 80.8% of pediatricians. While fewer PCPs believed patients/caregivers prefer dosing instructions in mL-only (23.9% of nurse practitioners to 48.4% of pediatricians), more held this belief in 2019 compared to 2015; pediatricians had the greatest absolute increase (+14.4%) and family medicine physicians had the smallest increase (+1.3%). While 61.6% of pediatricians reported they would use mL-only dosing, only 36.0% of internists, 36.6% of nurse practitioners, and 42.5% of family medicine physicians reported they would do so. After controlling for age, gender, region, and specialty, 2019 PCP survey participants were more likely to report that they would use mL-only dosing compared to 2015 participants (adjusted odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.29-1.77). CONCLUSIONS: Broader educational efforts may be necessary to reach nonpediatricians, to encourage prescribing and communication with patients/caregivers using mL-only dosing.

Physical activity in infancy and early childhood: a narrative review of interventions for prevention of obesity and associated health outcomes.

In the context of the childhood obesity epidemic, this narrative review aims to explore opportunities to promote physical activity (PA) between birth and age 5 years as well as the health outcomes associated with PA in early childhood. Although early childhood is an ideal time to promote healthy habits, guidelines for PA have often ignored early childhood given the limited evidence for children <5 years old. Herein we discuss and highlight infant, toddler and preschool age interventions to promote PA and prevent obesity both in the short and long-term. We describe novel and modified interventions to promote improved early childhood health outcomes, encompassing cardiorespiratory, muscle, and bone strengthening components necessary for short-term motor development and long-term health. We call for new research aimed at developing and testing innovative early childhood interventions that may be performed in home or childcare settings, monitored by parents or caregivers.

Pilot Study of Inclined Position and Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Indicators.

To reduce gastroesophageal reflux, infants are commonly placed in an inclined position. We sought to observe the extent to which infants exhibit (1) oxygen desaturation and bradycardia in supine and inclined positions and (2) signs and symptoms of post-feed regurgitation in these positions. Study Design: Healthy infants aged 1-5 months with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (N = 25) and controls (N = 10) were enrolled into one post-feed observation. Infants were monitored in a prototype reclining device for consecutive 15-minute periods in supine position with head elevations of 0°, 10°, 18°, and 28° in random order. Continuous pulse oximetry assessed hypoxia (O2 saturation <94%) and bradycardia (heart rate <100). Regurgitation episodes and other symptoms were recorded. Mothers assessed comfort using an ordinal scale. Incident rate ratios were estimated using Poisson or negative binomial regression models. Results: Among infants with GERD, in each position, most had no episodes of hypoxia, bradycardia, or regurgitation. Overall, 17 (68%) infants had 80 episodes of hypoxia (median 20 seconds duration), 13 (54%) had 33 episodes of bradycardia (median 22 seconds duration), and 15 (60%) had 28 episodes of regurgitation. For all 3 outcomes, incident rate ratios were not significantly different between positions, and no differences were discovered for observed symptoms or infant comfort. Conclusions: Brief episodes of hypoxia and bradycardia as well as observed regurgitation are common for infants with GERD placed in the supine position after a feed with no differences in outcomes at various degrees of head elevation. These data may be used to power future, larger, and longer evaluations. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04542239.

Effect of the INSIGHT Responsive Parenting Intervention on Parenting and Child Behavior at Ages 3 and 6 Years.

OBJECTIVES: To examine effects of the INSIGHT study responsive parenting (RP) intervention on reported and observed general parenting and child behavior during early and middle childhood. STUDY DESIGN: Primiparous mother-newborn dyads (n = 279) were randomized to RP intervention or a safety control, with intervention content delivered at research nurse home visits at infant ages 3-4, 16, 28, and 40 weeks and research center visits at 1 and 2 years. At age 3 (n = 220) and 6 years (n = 171) parenting and child behavior were observed during dyadic interactions and coded using the Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scales. Mothers also reported on child behavior (age 3) and aspects of general parenting (age 6) via the Child Behavior Checklist and The Comprehensive General Parenting Questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: RP group children had fewer mother-reported externalizing (F = 8.69, P = .004) and problem behaviors at age 3 (F = 4.53, P = .03), and higher observed prosocial (F = 4.73, P = .03) and lower antisocial (ie, externalizing; F = 4.79, P = .03) behavior at age 6 vs controls. There were no study group differences in observed maternal sensitivity at age 3 or 6 years. At age 6, RP group mothers reported higher use of structure defined by establishing consistent rules and routines (F = 5.45, P = .02) and organization of their child's environment (F = 7.12, P = .008) compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: The INSIGHT RP intervention increased parental organization of the child's environment to facilitate competence, and had beneficial impacts on child behavior at 3 and 6 years. No impacts were found on maternal sensitivity in childhood. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01167270.

Assessment and impact of paediatric internalized weight bias: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Internalized weight bias (IWB) refers to an individual's belief in negative weight-related stigma. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to IWB, but little is known about IWB in this population. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to (1) identify the instruments that measure IWB among children and adolescents and (2) explore comorbid variables associated with paediatric IWB. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Articles were pulled from Ovid and PubMED Medline, Ovid HealthStar and ProQuest PsychInfo. Studies were included if they were observational studies, addressed the topic of IWB, and included children under the age of 18. Major outcomes were collected and analysed using inductive qualitative methods. RESULTS: 24 studies met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Researchers used two main instruments to measure IWB: Weight Bias Internalization Scale and Weight Self Stigma Questionnaire. There was some variation in the response scales and wording of these instruments between studies. Outcomes with significant associations were divided into four categories: physical health (n = 4), mental health (n = 9), social functioning (n = 5), and eating behaviours (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: IWB is significantly associated with and may contribute to maladaptive eating behaviours and adverse psychopathology in children.

Differing prevalence of microcephaly and macrocephaly in male and female fetuses.

Objective: To compare the proportion of female and male fetuses classified as microcephalic (head circumference [HC] < 3rd percentile) and macrocephalic (>97th percentile) by commonly used sex-neutral growth curves. Methods: For fetuses evaluated at a single center, we retrospectively determined the percentile of the first fetal HC measurement between 16 and 0/7 and 21-6/7 weeks using the Hadlock, Intergrowth-21st, and NICHD growth curves. The association between sex and the likelihood of being classified as microcephalic or macrocephalic was evaluated with logistic regression. Results: Female fetuses (n = 3,006) were more likely than male fetuses (n = 3,186) to be classified as microcephalic using the Hadlock (0.4% male, 1.4% female; odds ratio female vs. male 3.7, 95% CI [1.9, 7.0], p < 0.001), Intergrowth-21st (0.5% male, 1.6% female; odds ratio female vs. male 3.4, 95% CI [1.9, 6.1], p < 0.001), and NICHD (0.3% male, 1.6% female; odds ratio female vs. male 5.6, 95% CI [2.7, 11.5], p < 0.001) curves. Male fetuses were more likely than female fetuses to be classified as macrocephalic using the Intergrowth-21st (6.0% male, 1.5% female; odds ratio male vs. female 4.3, 95% CI [3.1, 6.0], p < 0.001) and NICHD (4.7% male, 1.0% female; odds ratio male vs. female 5.1, 95% CI [3.4, 7.6], p < 0.001) curves. Very low proportions of fetuses were classified as macrocephalic using the Hadlock curves (0.2% male, < 0.1% female; odds ratio male vs. female 6.6, 95% CI [0.8, 52.6]). Conclusion: Female fetuses were more likely to be classified as microcephalic, and male fetuses were more likely to be classified as macrocephalic. Sex-specific fetal head circumference growth curves could improve interpretation of fetal head circumference measurements, potentially decreasing over- and under-diagnosis of microcephaly and macrocephaly based on sex, therefore improving guidance for clinical decisions. Additionally, the overall prevalence of atypical head size varied using three growth curves, with the NICHD and Intergrowth-21st curves fitting our population better than the Hadlock curves. The choice of fetal head circumference growth curves may substantially impact clinical care.

Constructing a polygenic risk score for childhood obesity using functional data analysis.

Obesity is a highly heritable condition that affects increasing numbers of adults and, concerningly, of children. However, only a small fraction of its heritability has been attributed to specific genetic variants. These variants are traditionally ascertained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which utilize samples with tens or hundreds of thousands of individuals for whom a single summary measurement (e.g., BMI) is collected. An alternative approach is to focus on a smaller, more deeply characterized sample in conjunction with advanced statistical models that leverage longitudinal phenotypes. Novel functional data analysis (FDA) techniques are used to capitalize on longitudinal growth information from a cohort of children between birth and three years of age. In an ultra-high dimensional setting, hundreds of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are screened, and selected SNPs are used to construct two polygenic risk scores (PRS) for childhood obesity using a weighting approach that incorporates the dynamic and joint nature of SNP effects. These scores are significantly higher in children with (vs. without) rapid infant weight gain-a predictor of obesity later in life. Using two independent cohorts, it is shown that the genetic variants identified in very young children are also informative in older children and in adults, consistent with early childhood obesity being predictive of obesity later in life. In contrast, PRSs based on SNPs identified by adult obesity GWAS are not predictive of weight gain in the cohort of young children. This provides an example of a successful application of FDA to GWAS. This application is complemented with simulations establishing that a deeply characterized sample can be just as, if not more, effective than a comparable study with a cross-sectional response. Overall, it is demonstrated that a deep, statistically sophisticated characterization of a longitudinal phenotype can provide increased statistical power to studies with relatively small sample sizes; and shows how FDA approaches can be used as an alternative to the traditional GWAS.

Multidimensional Evaluation of Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Training for Medical Students.

OBJECTIVE: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach to identifying and addressing alcohol use in non-specialty settings. Many medical schools teach SBIRT, but most published evaluations of these efforts exclude rigorous skill assessments and teaching methods. METHODS: During the 2017-2018 academic year, 146 third-year medical students received classroom-based learning on SBIRT and motivational interviewing (MI) and at least two SBIRT practices with feedback as part of a 4-week psychiatry clerkship. The objective of this curriculum was to improve SBIRT knowledge, attitudes, and confidence and enable learners to skillfully deliver SBIRT. Outcomes evaluated included satisfaction, knowledge, attitudes and confidence, and clinical skill in delivering SBIRT to a standardized patient (rated by the actor, as well as an expert). RESULTS: Results indicated acceptable satisfaction at post-curriculum and significant improvements in attitudes and knowledge from pre- to post-curriculum. On the clinical skills exam, all students were rated as having mastered at least 80% of SBIRT elements by standardized patients and 91.8% were rated at this level by a faculty expert. Student attitudes and knowledge were unrelated to expert ratings, and standardized patient ratings had limited associations with expert ratings. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest curriculum objectives were achieved and provide unique contributions to the SBIRT curricular outcome research for healthcare trainees. Other findings included that trainee knowledge and confidence may not relate to skill, and standardized patient feedback provides different information on SBIRT and MI skill than expert ratings.

Percutaneous spine biopsy: reaching those hard-to-reach places.

Cancer is a leading cause of death, with the spine being the most common site for skeletal metastasis. The spine is also a site for primary malignancy, such as sarcoma and chordoma, as well as non-neoplastic pathologies. An accurate diagnosis of spinal neoplastic diseases is crucial in determining appropriate management. With the advent of personalised oncology, the need to establish a definitive histopathologic diagnosis to guide management is more important than ever. Percutaneous biopsy has proven to be safe and efficient in establishing a reliable histopathologic diagnosis. The spine, however, can be a challenging site to biopsy, due to the proximity of critical neurovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal structures. Successful spine biopsy depends on several factors: suspected diagnosis, size of the lesion, location within the spine, modality for best imaging guidance, operator experience, technical equipment considerations, and desired approach and associated limitations. The specimen must also be obtained with a biopsy route amenable to any future surgical intervention, with surgical input often sought, frequently in a multidisciplinary setting, to confirm procedure-specific goals and expectations. Knowledge of the requisite local anatomy, procedural and patient-specific indications, and contraindications and various approaches that may be used to access different segments of the spine, potential complications, and how to address these are keys to a successful percutaneous spinal biopsy, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Coordination Between Primary Care and Women, Infants, and Children to Prevent Obesity for Infants from Low-Income Families: A Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Rapid weight gain during infancy is associated with risk for later obesity, yet little research to date has examined the effect of a responsive parenting (RP) intervention with care coordination between pediatric primary care providers and Women, Infants, and Children nutritionists on infant weight. Methods: The Women, Infants, and Children Enhancements to Early Healthy Lifestyles for Baby (WEE Baby) Care study is a pragmatic, randomized clinical trial for mothers and infants (n = 288) designed to examine the effect of a patient-centered RP intervention that used advanced health information technology strategies to coordinate care to reduce rapid infant weight gain compared with standard care. General linear models examined intervention effects on infant conditional weight gain scores, weight-for-age z scores, BMI, and overweight status (BMI-for-age ≥85th percentile) from birth to age 6 months, and mothers' use of food to soothe from age 2 to 6 months. Results: There were no intervention effects on infant conditional weight gain scores or overweight status at 6 months. Infants in the RP intervention had lower mean weight-for-age z scores [M = -0.04, standard error (SE) = 0.04 vs. M = 0.05, SE = 0.04; p = 0.008] and lower mean BMI (M = 16.05, SE = 0.09 vs. M = 16.24, SE = 0.09; p = 0.03) compared with standard care. Mothers' use of emotion-based food to soothe was lower in the RP intervention compared with standard care from age 2 to 6 months [M difference = -0.32, standard deviation (SD) = 0.81 vs. 0.00, SD = 0.90; p = 0.01]. Conclusions: This pragmatic, patient-centered RP intervention did not reduce rapid infant weight gain or overweight but was associated with modestly lower infant BMI and reduced mothers' use of emotion-based food to soothe. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03482908.

Subspecies Taxonomy and Inter-Population Divergences of the Critically Endangered Yellow-Breasted Bunting: Evidence from Song Variations.

The critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting has undergone population collapse globally because of illegal hunting and habitat deterioration. It was listed as critically endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2017 and designated a Class I (highest level) national conservation bird species in China in 2021. Birdsong in the breeding season is the main communicative signal under sexual selection, and song variations have long been considered critical evidence of divergence among subspecies or populations. We compared the songs of 89 males from 18 populations to test subspecies taxonomy. We found that songs of the Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola are subspecies specific and that three subspecies can be clearly discriminated by song divergences. Moreover, an analysis of multiple vocal traits supports the claim that insulana is distinct from aureola and ornata. Finally, at the geographic population level, populations can be clearly classified in accordance with the three subspecies, although the aureola population in Xinjiang, China is differentiated from other populations of the same subspecies. The results of this study demonstrate that all populations and subspecies are unique and should be protected to maintain intraspecies song diversity. In addition, several specific populations, such as insulana populations in Japan and the Xinjiang, China population of aureola, need to be paid special attention to prevent the extinction of unique or local taxa.

Effect of the INSIGHT Firstborn Parenting Intervention on Secondborn Sleep.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Intervention Nurses Start Infants Growing on Healthy Trajectories (INSIGHT) responsive parenting (RP) intervention for first-time mothers improved firstborn infant sleep compared with controls. The goals of this analysis were to test intervention spillover effects on secondborn siblings and examine birth order differences in infant sleep. METHODS: Secondborns (n = 117) of INSIGHT mothers were enrolled in an observational cohort, SIBSIGHT. The Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire was collected at 3, 16, and 52 weeks. Generalized linear mixed models assessed differences among secondborns by firstborn randomization, as well as birth order differences at 16 and 52 weeks. RESULTS: The RP group secondborns slept 42 minutes longer at night (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 19-64) and 53 minutes longer total (95% CI: 17-90) than control secondborns. RP secondborns were more likely to self-soothe to sleep (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7) and less likely to be fed back to sleep after waking (OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9) than secondborns of control mothers. RP secondborns were more likely to have a bedtime ≤8 pm at 3 (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1-7.7) and 16 weeks (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.0-11.0). Few differences in sleep parenting practices were observed when comparing siblings within families. Secondborns slept 37 minutes longer than firstborns at 16 weeks (CI: 7-67, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The INSIGHT RP intervention for first-time mothers had a spillover effect to secondborns, positively impacting sleep duration and behaviors. Intervening with first-time mothers benefits both firstborns and subsequent children.

Clinical Decision Support for Newborn Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Newborn Weight Tool (NEWT) can inform newborn feeding decisions and might reduce health care utilization by preventing excess weight loss. Clinical decision support (CDS) displaying NEWT might facilitate its use. Our study's objective is to determine the effect of CDS displaying NEWT on feeding and health care utilization. METHODS: At an hospital involved in NEWT development, we randomly assigned 2682 healthy infants born ≥36 weeks gestation in 2018-2019 either to CDS displaying NEWT with an electronic flag if most recent weight was ≥75th weight loss centile or to a control of usual care with NEWT accessed at clinician discretion. Our primary outcome was feeding type concordant with weight loss, defined as exclusive breastfeeding for those not flagged, exclusive breastfeeding or supplementation for those flagged once, and supplementation for those flagged more than once. Secondary outcomes included inpatient and outpatient utilization in the first 30 days. We used χ2 and Student's t tests to compare intervention infants with control and to compare trial infants with those born in 2017. RESULTS: Feeding was concordant with for 1854 (74.5%) trial infants and did not differ between randomized groups (P = .65); concordant feeding was higher for all trial infants than for infants born in 2017 (64.4%; P < .0005). Readmission occurred for 51 (3.8%) CDS infants and 45 (3.4%) control infants (P = .56). Among the 60% of trial infants with outpatient records available, there were 3.5 ± 1.7 visits with no differences between randomized groups (P = .10). CONCLUSIONS: At an hospital involved in NEWT development, CDS displaying NEWT did not alter either feeding or health care utilization compared with discretionary NEWT access.

Differences in sibling temperament are associated with differences in maternal use of food to soothe during infancy: A sibling analysis.

BACKGROUND: Firstborn children are more likely to have obesity than secondborns, which may partially be explained by differential use of food to soothe (FTS) infant distress, which has been inked to higher weight status. OBJECTIVES: To test associations between the birth order and maternal FTS and whether differences in sibling temperament and body mass index (BMI) z-scores were associated differences in maternal FTS. METHODS: Random effect models assessed associations between birth order and FTS. Linear regressions examined associations between differences in maternal FTS and sibling differences in temperament at 16 weeks and BMI z-scores at 1 year. RESULTS: Mothers (n = 117) used contextual-based FTS more with firstborns than secondborns (2.70 vs. 2.38, p < 0.0001). Sibling differences in negative affect were associated with differences in maternal contextual-based (R2  = 0.09, p = 0.002) and emotion-based (R2  = 0.09, p = 0.001) FTS. Sibling differences in effortful control were associated with differences in maternal emotion-based FTS (R2  = 0.04, p = 0.04). Finally, differences in maternal emotion-based FTS were associated with sibling differences in BMI z-scores at age 1 year (R2  = 0.14, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: To promote healthy child weight, mothers should learn to respond to each child's temperament and use alternatives to FTS infant distress.

Unpacking the behavioural components and delivery features of early childhood obesity prevention interventions in the TOPCHILD Collaboration: a systematic review and intervention coding protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about how early (eg, commencing antenatally or in the first 12 months after birth) obesity prevention interventions seek to change behaviour and which components are or are not effective. This study aims to (1) characterise early obesity prevention interventions in terms of target behaviours, delivery features and behaviour change techniques (BCTs), (2) explore similarities and differences in BCTs used to target behaviours and (3) explore effectiveness of intervention components in preventing childhood obesity. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Annual comprehensive systematic searches will be performed in Epub Ahead of Print/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL, PsycINFO, as well as clinical trial registries. Eligible randomised controlled trials of behavioural interventions to prevent childhood obesity commencing antenatally or in the first year after birth will be invited to join the Transforming Obesity in CHILDren Collaboration. Standard ontologies will be used to code target behaviours, delivery features and BCTs in both published and unpublished intervention materials provided by trialists. Narrative syntheses will be performed to summarise intervention components and compare applied BCTs by types of target behaviours. Exploratory analyses will be undertaken to assess effectiveness of intervention components. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (project no. 2020/273) and Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee (project no. HREC CIA2133-1). The study's findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and targeted communication with key stakeholders. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020177408.

Transforming Obesity Prevention for CHILDren (TOPCHILD) Collaboration: protocol for a systematic review with individual participant data meta-analysis of behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity.

INTRODUCTION: Behavioural interventions in early life appear to show some effect in reducing childhood overweight and obesity. However, uncertainty remains regarding their overall effectiveness, and whether effectiveness differs among key subgroups. These evidence gaps have prompted an increase in very early childhood obesity prevention trials worldwide. Combining the individual participant data (IPD) from these trials will enhance statistical power to determine overall effectiveness and enable examination of individual and trial-level subgroups. We present a protocol for a systematic review with IPD meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions commencing antenatally or in the first year after birth, and to explore whether there are differential effects among key subgroups. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycInfo and trial registries for all ongoing and completed randomised controlled trials evaluating behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity have been completed up to March 2021 and will be updated annually to include additional trials. Eligible trialists will be asked to share their IPD; if unavailable, aggregate data will be used where possible. An IPD meta-analysis and a nested prospective meta-analysis will be performed using methodologies recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcome will be body mass index z-score at age 24±6 months using WHO Growth Standards, and effect differences will be explored among prespecified individual and trial-level subgroups. Secondary outcomes include other child weight-related measures, infant feeding, dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviours, sleep, parenting measures and adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approved by The University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (2020/273) and Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee (HREC CIA2133-1). Results will be relevant to clinicians, child health services, researchers, policy-makers and families, and will be disseminated via publications, presentations and media releases. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020177408.