Nelís Soto-ramírez - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Nelís Soto-ramírez

Journal of Public Child Welfare, Jun 23, 2022

International Breastfeeding Journal, 2008

Background: Various studies have identified risk factors associated with decreased breastfeeding ... more Background: Various studies have identified risk factors associated with decreased breastfeeding duration. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between oral contraceptive (OC) use before pregnancy and breastfeeding duration. Methods: In 1994/95, as part of a 3-year epidemiologic follow-up study of school children, reproductive interviews were conducted with their mothers. The study population consists of 663 women residing in Hesse, Central Germany; 575 provided information on their reproductive history. The interview included retrospective ascertainment of OC use, its timing before pregnancy, and duration of breastfeeding. To estimate its effect on duration of breastfeeding, survival analysis was applied controlling for maternal age, socio-demographic characteristics, smoking during pregnancy, age at menarche, planning of the pregnancy and birth order. Hazard ratios and median breastfeeding duration were estimated. Results: The mean age of the women at delivery was 27.3 years. Among participants, 34.9% had high school education or less, 10.4% had more than 2 children, and 30.1% smoked during pregnancy. In total, oral contraceptive use in the 12 months before conception was reported by 40.4% of the women, within 3 months of conception by 18.4%. 81.4% (468/575) of women initiated breastfeeding. Compared to those who did not use OC in the 12 months preceding pregnancy, mothers who used OC during the 3 months before conception had a shorter duration of breastfeeding (HR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.61), as did mothers who stopped OC use 4-12 months before conception (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.58). Smoking during pregnancy and lower education were also significantly associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding. Conclusion: The results suggest that OC use during the 12 months prior to conception may affect breastfeeding duration. These findings may be due to the endocrine disrupting effect of OC. Alternatively, both OC use and shorter duration of breastfeeding may represent lifestyle-related conditions.

International Breastfeeding Journal, Oct 24, 2019

Background: The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have n... more Background: The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have not addressed simultaneous exposures to different foods. The goal of this study was to analyze existing data on feeding practices that represent realistic exposure and assess the risk of food allergy symptoms and food allergy in children. Methods: The Infant Feeding Practices Study II conducted by the CDC and US-FDA enrolled pregnant women and collected infant feeding information using nine repeated surveys. Participants were re-contacted after 6 years. Food allergy data were collected at 4, 9, 12, and 72 months. In total, 1387 participants had complete infant feeding pattern data for 6 months and information on food allergy symptoms and doctors' diagnosed food allergy. Feeding patterns constituted six groups: 3-months of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 3-months of breast milk and bottled milk followed by mixed feeding, 1-month of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 6-months of mixed feeding i.e., concurrent feeding of breast milk, bottled milk and formula, 2-3 months of formula followed by formula and solid food, and formula and solid food since the first month. To estimate risks of food allergy, we used linear mixed models, controlling for potential confounders. Results: Of the 328 children with food allergy symptoms in infancy and at 6 years, 52 had persistent symptoms from infancy. Children exposed to mixed feeding had a higher risk of food allergy symptoms (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.54; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.04, 2.29) compared to 3-months of feeding at breast adjusted for confounding. No statistically significant risk of infant feeding patterns was found for doctors' diagnosed food allergy. Paternal allergy posed a higher risk for food allergy symptoms (RR 1.36; 95% CI 1.01, 1.83). Prenatal maternal smoking increased the risk for doctors' diagnosed food allergy (RR 2.97; 95% CI 1.53, 5.79). Conclusions: Analysis of this prospective birth cohort suggest that introduction of multiple feeding source may lead to food allergy symptoms. Future efforts are needed to determine acceptable approaches to improve the ascertainment of food allergy in children and the role of infant feeding.

Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Sep 4, 2017

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Feb 1, 2018

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Feb 1, 2015

FEBRUARY 2015 AB74 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 237 DNA Methylation Modifies the Effect of Genotype ... more FEBRUARY 2015 AB74 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 237 DNA Methylation Modifies the Effect of Genotype on Atopy Risk Gabrielle A. Lockett, PhD, Nel is Soto-Ram irez, PhD, Sanjay K. Lal, Susan L. Ewart, DVM, PhD, Hasan Arshad, DM, FRCP, Hongmei Zhang, PhD, Wilfried Karmaus, MD, DrMed, MPH, John W. Holloway, PhD; University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Newport, United Kingdom. RATIONALE: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have detected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence allergic disease risk. However, environmentally inducedDNAmethylationmaymodify the effect of genotype on disease risk. More accurate assessment of allergic disease risk may be possible by taking local DNA methylation into account. METHODS: Genome-wide DNA methylation and ten atopy risk SNPs detected in a recent meta-GWAS were profiled in a subset (n5367) of the Isle of Wight (UK) birth cohort. Cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites within genes and intergenic gaps surrounding each atopy SNP were selected. The effects of SNP genotype, DNA methylation at local CpGs and SNP3DNA methylation interactions on risk of atopy at age 18 were examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Effects on atopy risk were directionally consistent with previous data for 8/9 SNPs, although only one SNP reached statistical significance. Thirty local CpGs across eight loci were significantly associated with atopy (p _1 G allele at SNP rs10056340 (SLC25A46/ TSLP) is protective against atopy at lower cg04022379 methylation levels, but increases atopy risk at higher methylation levels, relative to genotype TT. Genotype GG at rs9865818 (LPP) was associated with increased risk of atopy at low methylation levels, relative to genotype AA. CONCLUSIONS: Two significant SNP3DNA methylation interaction effects on atopy were detected. This suggests DNA methylation, as a surrogate for environmental exposure, can be used to improve the accuracy of genetic risk profiling in allergic disease.

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, Jul 17, 2012

Background: The role of breast milk on the risk of childhood asthma is in dispute. The aim of thi... more Background: The role of breast milk on the risk of childhood asthma is in dispute. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the relationship of immune markers in maternal serum during gestation and breast milk to asthma-like symptoms (AS) in infancy. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited in Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina. Blood (median: three weeks before delivery) and breast milk (three weeks after delivery) samples were collected. Concentrations of interferon (IFN)-γ, IFN gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10 or CXCL10), CCL11, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, CXCL8, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and immunoglobulin (Ig) A in both maternal serum and milk whey were determined via immunoassays. Asthma-like symptoms (AS) of the infant were ascertained at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Generalized estimating equations assessed relative risks (RRs) of immune markers for repeated measurements of AS, considering intra-individual correlations and adjusting for confounders. To provide comparable risk estimates, quartiles of the immune markers were used, except for IL-5 in whey and IgA in serum, which were dichotomized. Results: Of 178 women, 161 provided blood and 115 breast milk samples. IL-12(p70), IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, and CCL11 in serum and in whey were not further considered for the statistical analyses since the proportion of non-detectable values was high. Most immune markers in serum and milk whey were moderately or highly correlated; however, IgA was negatively correlated. Infants in the highest quartile of IL-13 in both serum and whey were at a higher risk of AS (RR = 3.02 and 4.18; respectively) compared to infants in the first quartile. High levels of IL-5 in serum and whey was also identified as a risk. In addition, increased secretory IgA and TGF-β1 in breast milk reduced the risks of AS. Conclusions: Maternal serum and whey levels of IL-5 and IL-13 are risk markers for AS; whey IgA and TGF-β1 seem to be protective. Only focusing on breast milk portend that milk cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 have adverse effects. However, similar immune exposures during late gestation and via milk suggest that both may enhance AS among infants.

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, May 1, 2007

A Gram-negative, short rod to oval-shaped bacterium (strain MW2a T) was isolated from the surface... more A Gram-negative, short rod to oval-shaped bacterium (strain MW2a T) was isolated from the surface of leaves of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain MW2a T was moderately halophilic, growing at NaCl concentrations in the range 0-25 % (w/v) with optimum growth at 5 % (w/v) NaCl. Growth occurred at 12-40 6C (optimum, 30-35 6C) and at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0). Strain MW2a T was strictly aerobic. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that the strain belongs to the genus Halomonas. The closest relative was Halomonas marisflavi, with 98.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The DNA G+C content of strain MW2a T was 61.5 mol%, which is in the range of values for Halomonas species. DNA-DNA hybridization with H. marisflavi showed a relatedness of 42 % and lower values were obtained with respect to other related Halomonas species. The major fatty acids were C 16 : 0 , C 19 : 0 cyclo v8c, C 18 : 1 v7c and C 12 : 0 3-OH. Overall, the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic results presented in this study demonstrate that strain MW2a T represents a novel species within the genus Halomonas. The name Halomonas avicenniae sp. nov. is proposed, with strain MW2a T (=CECT 7193 T =CCM 7396 T) as the type strain.

European Journal of Pediatrics, Jul 9, 2010

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY, 2009

An aerobic, moderately halophilic, Gram-negative, motile, non-sporulating rod-shaped bacterium, d... more An aerobic, moderately halophilic, Gram-negative, motile, non-sporulating rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain A10 T , was isolated from the surface of leaves of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain A10 T was able to grow at NaCl concentrations in the range 5-17.5 % (w/v) with optimum growth at 10 % (w/v) NaCl. Growth occurred at temperatures of 20-40 6C (optimal growth at 37 6C) and pH 5.5-8.5 (optimal growth at pH 7.0-8.0). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 9. The major fatty acids were C 16 : 0 , C 18 : 1 v7c, C 19 : 0 cyclo v8c and C 12 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and unidentified phospholipids, glycolipids and an aminoglycolipid. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain A10 T is closely related to Halomonas avicenniae MW2a T (95.7 % sequence similarity), Halomonas marisflavi SW32 T (95.2 %) and Halomonas indalinina GC2.1 T (95.0 %). Strain A10 T formed a coherent phylogenetic branch with these three species, separated from other species of Halomonas and closely related genera (with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities below 94.0 %). A complete 23S rRNA gene sequence comparison of strain A10 T with closely related species confirmed the phylogenetic position of the novel isolate, forming a branch with the species Halomonas avicenniae, Halomonas indalinina and Halomonas marisflavi, separated from other species of the genera belonging to the family Halomonadaceae (showing sequence similarities below 91.7 %). DNA-DNA hybridization studies between strain A10 T and Halomonas avicenniae MW2a T , Halomonas marisflavi DSM 15357 T and Halomonas indalinina CG2.1 T were 21, 17 and 10 %, respectively. These levels of DNA-DNA relatedness were low enough to classify strain A10 T as representing a genotypically distinct species. Overall, the phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic results demonstrated that strain A10 T represents a new genus and species. The name Kushneria aurantia gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with strain A10 T (5CCM 7415 T 5CECT 7220 T) as the type strain. This is the type species of the new proposed genus, which belongs to the family Halomonadaceae. In addition, our data support the placement of the species Halomonas marisflavi, Halomonas indalinina and Halomonas avicenniae within this new genus, as Kushneria marisflavi comb. nov., Kushneria indalinina comb. nov. and Kushneria avicenniae comb. nov., respectively. The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain A10 T is AM941746, and those for the 23S rRNA gene sequences of strains A10 T , Halomonas avicenniae MW2a T , Halomonas indalinina CG2.1 T and Halomonas marisflavi DSM 15357 T are AM941756, AM941755, AM941754 and AM941753, respectively. A table showing the 23S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing primers is available as supplementary material with the online version of this paper.

Additional file 1 : Table S1. Forecasted monthly APS intakes accepted for assessments; training a... more Additional file 1 : Table S1. Forecasted monthly APS intakes accepted for assessments; training and testing samples.

Boxplots of the distributions of methylation levels within the male ( bright red and bright blue ... more Boxplots of the distributions of methylation levels within the male ( bright red and bright blue ) and female ( dark red and dark blue ) samples, stratified by atopy status ( red = atopic; blue = non-atopic) for the 33 CpGs sites present in both the male and female samples that were not significantly associated with atopy in stage 2 analyses. (PDF 20 kb)

R01 AI061471 (PI: Hasan S. Arshad). The 10-year follow-up of this study was funded by National As... more R01 AI061471 (PI: Hasan S. Arshad). The 10-year follow-up of this study was funded by National Asthma Campaign, UK (Grant No 364) and the 18-year follow-up by NIH R01 AI061471. Manuscript words count: 3,545/3,000 Number of figures: 1 Number of tables: 3 Breastfeeding has been linked with increased forced vital capacity (FVC) in children but not in older adolescents. Our aim was to investigate effects of breastfeeding duration and infant weight gain on FVC in both developmental periods. In a birth cohort, information on breastfeeding duration was collected at 1 and 2 years; spirometric tests were conducted at 10 and 18 years. To estimate the effect of breastfeeding duration on FVC at age 18, we used linear models; to analyze repeated FVC measurements at ages 10 and 18, we used linear mixed models. Links between breastfeeding, infant weight gain, and FVC at ages 10 and 18 were analyzed through path analyses.

International Breastfeeding Journal, 2019

Background The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have no... more Background The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have not addressed simultaneous exposures to different foods. The goal of this study was to analyze existing data on feeding practices that represent realistic exposure and assess the risk of food allergy symptoms and food allergy in children. Methods The Infant Feeding Practices Study II conducted by the CDC and US-FDA enrolled pregnant women and collected infant feeding information using nine repeated surveys. Participants were re-contacted after 6 years. Food allergy data were collected at 4, 9, 12, and 72 months. In total, 1387 participants had complete infant feeding pattern data for 6 months and information on food allergy symptoms and doctors’ diagnosed food allergy. Feeding patterns constituted six groups: 3-months of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 3-months of breast milk and bottled milk followed by mixed feeding, 1-month of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 6-...

Journal of Public Child Welfare

Additional file 2 : Table S2. Adjusted predicted least squares means of the number of intakes aft... more Additional file 2 : Table S2. Adjusted predicted least squares means of the number of intakes after the implementation of the hubs, a poisson regression model.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2017

RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use ... more RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use at camps. METHODS: De-identified online survey data was collected from camps. 158 Directors and 141 medical personnel were asked about food allergy and epinephrine policies. 211 staff were asked about food allergy training and knowledge. Fifty-seven camps reported number of epinephrine administrations that occurred during the 2016 summer session. RESULTS: Of camps surveyed: 99% report at least one camper with food allergies; 35% require food allergy action plans; 81% carry stock epinephrine (62% auto-injector, 5.5% vial/ampule, 12.4% both); 17% estimate the longest time for medical personnel to reach a camper in anaphylaxis is over 10 minutes; and 34% of staff reported never receiving any food allergy training. Eighty-seven (41%) staff reported being authorized to administer epinephrine. In this group, 55% received training in the past 12 months, 49% were confident in their ability to treat anaphylaxis, 43% recognized transportation to a hospital should occur after all anaphylactic events, 68% properly identified the thigh for injection location, and 52% responded that administering epinephrine then calling 911 were appropriate first actions for anaphylaxis. Rate of epinephrine administration was 16.8 (95% CI: 8.7, 29.3) per million camper-days compared to 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.3) per million student-days (based on Massachusetts public school data), with a relative risk ratio of 15.1 (95% CI: 7.7, 27.0). CONCLUSIONS: Camp personnel have significant deficits in knowledge about treatment of anaphylaxis that could put campers with food allergy at risk for incorrect management of their potentially life-threatening disease.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2017

RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use ... more RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use at camps. METHODS: De-identified online survey data was collected from camps. 158 Directors and 141 medical personnel were asked about food allergy and epinephrine policies. 211 staff were asked about food allergy training and knowledge. Fifty-seven camps reported number of epinephrine administrations that occurred during the 2016 summer session. RESULTS: Of camps surveyed: 99% report at least one camper with food allergies; 35% require food allergy action plans; 81% carry stock epinephrine (62% auto-injector, 5.5% vial/ampule, 12.4% both); 17% estimate the longest time for medical personnel to reach a camper in anaphylaxis is over 10 minutes; and 34% of staff reported never receiving any food allergy training. Eighty-seven (41%) staff reported being authorized to administer epinephrine. In this group, 55% received training in the past 12 months, 49% were confident in their ability to treat anaphylaxis, 43% recognized transportation to a hospital should occur after all anaphylactic events, 68% properly identified the thigh for injection location, and 52% responded that administering epinephrine then calling 911 were appropriate first actions for anaphylaxis. Rate of epinephrine administration was 16.8 (95% CI: 8.7, 29.3) per million camper-days compared to 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.3) per million student-days (based on Massachusetts public school data), with a relative risk ratio of 15.1 (95% CI: 7.7, 27.0). CONCLUSIONS: Camp personnel have significant deficits in knowledge about treatment of anaphylaxis that could put campers with food allergy at risk for incorrect management of their potentially life-threatening disease.

Journal of Public Child Welfare, Jun 23, 2022

International Breastfeeding Journal, 2008

Background: Various studies have identified risk factors associated with decreased breastfeeding ... more Background: Various studies have identified risk factors associated with decreased breastfeeding duration. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between oral contraceptive (OC) use before pregnancy and breastfeeding duration. Methods: In 1994/95, as part of a 3-year epidemiologic follow-up study of school children, reproductive interviews were conducted with their mothers. The study population consists of 663 women residing in Hesse, Central Germany; 575 provided information on their reproductive history. The interview included retrospective ascertainment of OC use, its timing before pregnancy, and duration of breastfeeding. To estimate its effect on duration of breastfeeding, survival analysis was applied controlling for maternal age, socio-demographic characteristics, smoking during pregnancy, age at menarche, planning of the pregnancy and birth order. Hazard ratios and median breastfeeding duration were estimated. Results: The mean age of the women at delivery was 27.3 years. Among participants, 34.9% had high school education or less, 10.4% had more than 2 children, and 30.1% smoked during pregnancy. In total, oral contraceptive use in the 12 months before conception was reported by 40.4% of the women, within 3 months of conception by 18.4%. 81.4% (468/575) of women initiated breastfeeding. Compared to those who did not use OC in the 12 months preceding pregnancy, mothers who used OC during the 3 months before conception had a shorter duration of breastfeeding (HR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.61), as did mothers who stopped OC use 4-12 months before conception (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.58). Smoking during pregnancy and lower education were also significantly associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding. Conclusion: The results suggest that OC use during the 12 months prior to conception may affect breastfeeding duration. These findings may be due to the endocrine disrupting effect of OC. Alternatively, both OC use and shorter duration of breastfeeding may represent lifestyle-related conditions.

International Breastfeeding Journal, Oct 24, 2019

Background: The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have n... more Background: The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have not addressed simultaneous exposures to different foods. The goal of this study was to analyze existing data on feeding practices that represent realistic exposure and assess the risk of food allergy symptoms and food allergy in children. Methods: The Infant Feeding Practices Study II conducted by the CDC and US-FDA enrolled pregnant women and collected infant feeding information using nine repeated surveys. Participants were re-contacted after 6 years. Food allergy data were collected at 4, 9, 12, and 72 months. In total, 1387 participants had complete infant feeding pattern data for 6 months and information on food allergy symptoms and doctors' diagnosed food allergy. Feeding patterns constituted six groups: 3-months of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 3-months of breast milk and bottled milk followed by mixed feeding, 1-month of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 6-months of mixed feeding i.e., concurrent feeding of breast milk, bottled milk and formula, 2-3 months of formula followed by formula and solid food, and formula and solid food since the first month. To estimate risks of food allergy, we used linear mixed models, controlling for potential confounders. Results: Of the 328 children with food allergy symptoms in infancy and at 6 years, 52 had persistent symptoms from infancy. Children exposed to mixed feeding had a higher risk of food allergy symptoms (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.54; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.04, 2.29) compared to 3-months of feeding at breast adjusted for confounding. No statistically significant risk of infant feeding patterns was found for doctors' diagnosed food allergy. Paternal allergy posed a higher risk for food allergy symptoms (RR 1.36; 95% CI 1.01, 1.83). Prenatal maternal smoking increased the risk for doctors' diagnosed food allergy (RR 2.97; 95% CI 1.53, 5.79). Conclusions: Analysis of this prospective birth cohort suggest that introduction of multiple feeding source may lead to food allergy symptoms. Future efforts are needed to determine acceptable approaches to improve the ascertainment of food allergy in children and the role of infant feeding.

Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Sep 4, 2017

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Feb 1, 2018

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Feb 1, 2015

FEBRUARY 2015 AB74 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 237 DNA Methylation Modifies the Effect of Genotype ... more FEBRUARY 2015 AB74 Abstracts S A T U R D A Y 237 DNA Methylation Modifies the Effect of Genotype on Atopy Risk Gabrielle A. Lockett, PhD, Nel is Soto-Ram irez, PhD, Sanjay K. Lal, Susan L. Ewart, DVM, PhD, Hasan Arshad, DM, FRCP, Hongmei Zhang, PhD, Wilfried Karmaus, MD, DrMed, MPH, John W. Holloway, PhD; University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Newport, United Kingdom. RATIONALE: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have detected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence allergic disease risk. However, environmentally inducedDNAmethylationmaymodify the effect of genotype on disease risk. More accurate assessment of allergic disease risk may be possible by taking local DNA methylation into account. METHODS: Genome-wide DNA methylation and ten atopy risk SNPs detected in a recent meta-GWAS were profiled in a subset (n5367) of the Isle of Wight (UK) birth cohort. Cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites within genes and intergenic gaps surrounding each atopy SNP were selected. The effects of SNP genotype, DNA methylation at local CpGs and SNP3DNA methylation interactions on risk of atopy at age 18 were examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Effects on atopy risk were directionally consistent with previous data for 8/9 SNPs, although only one SNP reached statistical significance. Thirty local CpGs across eight loci were significantly associated with atopy (p _1 G allele at SNP rs10056340 (SLC25A46/ TSLP) is protective against atopy at lower cg04022379 methylation levels, but increases atopy risk at higher methylation levels, relative to genotype TT. Genotype GG at rs9865818 (LPP) was associated with increased risk of atopy at low methylation levels, relative to genotype AA. CONCLUSIONS: Two significant SNP3DNA methylation interaction effects on atopy were detected. This suggests DNA methylation, as a surrogate for environmental exposure, can be used to improve the accuracy of genetic risk profiling in allergic disease.

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, Jul 17, 2012

Background: The role of breast milk on the risk of childhood asthma is in dispute. The aim of thi... more Background: The role of breast milk on the risk of childhood asthma is in dispute. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the relationship of immune markers in maternal serum during gestation and breast milk to asthma-like symptoms (AS) in infancy. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited in Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina. Blood (median: three weeks before delivery) and breast milk (three weeks after delivery) samples were collected. Concentrations of interferon (IFN)-γ, IFN gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10 or CXCL10), CCL11, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, CXCL8, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and immunoglobulin (Ig) A in both maternal serum and milk whey were determined via immunoassays. Asthma-like symptoms (AS) of the infant were ascertained at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Generalized estimating equations assessed relative risks (RRs) of immune markers for repeated measurements of AS, considering intra-individual correlations and adjusting for confounders. To provide comparable risk estimates, quartiles of the immune markers were used, except for IL-5 in whey and IgA in serum, which were dichotomized. Results: Of 178 women, 161 provided blood and 115 breast milk samples. IL-12(p70), IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, and CCL11 in serum and in whey were not further considered for the statistical analyses since the proportion of non-detectable values was high. Most immune markers in serum and milk whey were moderately or highly correlated; however, IgA was negatively correlated. Infants in the highest quartile of IL-13 in both serum and whey were at a higher risk of AS (RR = 3.02 and 4.18; respectively) compared to infants in the first quartile. High levels of IL-5 in serum and whey was also identified as a risk. In addition, increased secretory IgA and TGF-β1 in breast milk reduced the risks of AS. Conclusions: Maternal serum and whey levels of IL-5 and IL-13 are risk markers for AS; whey IgA and TGF-β1 seem to be protective. Only focusing on breast milk portend that milk cytokines IL-5 and IL-13 have adverse effects. However, similar immune exposures during late gestation and via milk suggest that both may enhance AS among infants.

International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, May 1, 2007

A Gram-negative, short rod to oval-shaped bacterium (strain MW2a T) was isolated from the surface... more A Gram-negative, short rod to oval-shaped bacterium (strain MW2a T) was isolated from the surface of leaves of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain MW2a T was moderately halophilic, growing at NaCl concentrations in the range 0-25 % (w/v) with optimum growth at 5 % (w/v) NaCl. Growth occurred at 12-40 6C (optimum, 30-35 6C) and at pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0). Strain MW2a T was strictly aerobic. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed that the strain belongs to the genus Halomonas. The closest relative was Halomonas marisflavi, with 98.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The DNA G+C content of strain MW2a T was 61.5 mol%, which is in the range of values for Halomonas species. DNA-DNA hybridization with H. marisflavi showed a relatedness of 42 % and lower values were obtained with respect to other related Halomonas species. The major fatty acids were C 16 : 0 , C 19 : 0 cyclo v8c, C 18 : 1 v7c and C 12 : 0 3-OH. Overall, the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic results presented in this study demonstrate that strain MW2a T represents a novel species within the genus Halomonas. The name Halomonas avicenniae sp. nov. is proposed, with strain MW2a T (=CECT 7193 T =CCM 7396 T) as the type strain.

European Journal of Pediatrics, Jul 9, 2010

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY, 2009

An aerobic, moderately halophilic, Gram-negative, motile, non-sporulating rod-shaped bacterium, d... more An aerobic, moderately halophilic, Gram-negative, motile, non-sporulating rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain A10 T , was isolated from the surface of leaves of the black mangrove Avicennia germinans and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain A10 T was able to grow at NaCl concentrations in the range 5-17.5 % (w/v) with optimum growth at 10 % (w/v) NaCl. Growth occurred at temperatures of 20-40 6C (optimal growth at 37 6C) and pH 5.5-8.5 (optimal growth at pH 7.0-8.0). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 9. The major fatty acids were C 16 : 0 , C 18 : 1 v7c, C 19 : 0 cyclo v8c and C 12 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and unidentified phospholipids, glycolipids and an aminoglycolipid. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain A10 T is closely related to Halomonas avicenniae MW2a T (95.7 % sequence similarity), Halomonas marisflavi SW32 T (95.2 %) and Halomonas indalinina GC2.1 T (95.0 %). Strain A10 T formed a coherent phylogenetic branch with these three species, separated from other species of Halomonas and closely related genera (with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities below 94.0 %). A complete 23S rRNA gene sequence comparison of strain A10 T with closely related species confirmed the phylogenetic position of the novel isolate, forming a branch with the species Halomonas avicenniae, Halomonas indalinina and Halomonas marisflavi, separated from other species of the genera belonging to the family Halomonadaceae (showing sequence similarities below 91.7 %). DNA-DNA hybridization studies between strain A10 T and Halomonas avicenniae MW2a T , Halomonas marisflavi DSM 15357 T and Halomonas indalinina CG2.1 T were 21, 17 and 10 %, respectively. These levels of DNA-DNA relatedness were low enough to classify strain A10 T as representing a genotypically distinct species. Overall, the phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic results demonstrated that strain A10 T represents a new genus and species. The name Kushneria aurantia gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with strain A10 T (5CCM 7415 T 5CECT 7220 T) as the type strain. This is the type species of the new proposed genus, which belongs to the family Halomonadaceae. In addition, our data support the placement of the species Halomonas marisflavi, Halomonas indalinina and Halomonas avicenniae within this new genus, as Kushneria marisflavi comb. nov., Kushneria indalinina comb. nov. and Kushneria avicenniae comb. nov., respectively. The GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ accession number for the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain A10 T is AM941746, and those for the 23S rRNA gene sequences of strains A10 T , Halomonas avicenniae MW2a T , Halomonas indalinina CG2.1 T and Halomonas marisflavi DSM 15357 T are AM941756, AM941755, AM941754 and AM941753, respectively. A table showing the 23S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing primers is available as supplementary material with the online version of this paper.

Additional file 1 : Table S1. Forecasted monthly APS intakes accepted for assessments; training a... more Additional file 1 : Table S1. Forecasted monthly APS intakes accepted for assessments; training and testing samples.

Boxplots of the distributions of methylation levels within the male ( bright red and bright blue ... more Boxplots of the distributions of methylation levels within the male ( bright red and bright blue ) and female ( dark red and dark blue ) samples, stratified by atopy status ( red = atopic; blue = non-atopic) for the 33 CpGs sites present in both the male and female samples that were not significantly associated with atopy in stage 2 analyses. (PDF 20 kb)

R01 AI061471 (PI: Hasan S. Arshad). The 10-year follow-up of this study was funded by National As... more R01 AI061471 (PI: Hasan S. Arshad). The 10-year follow-up of this study was funded by National Asthma Campaign, UK (Grant No 364) and the 18-year follow-up by NIH R01 AI061471. Manuscript words count: 3,545/3,000 Number of figures: 1 Number of tables: 3 Breastfeeding has been linked with increased forced vital capacity (FVC) in children but not in older adolescents. Our aim was to investigate effects of breastfeeding duration and infant weight gain on FVC in both developmental periods. In a birth cohort, information on breastfeeding duration was collected at 1 and 2 years; spirometric tests were conducted at 10 and 18 years. To estimate the effect of breastfeeding duration on FVC at age 18, we used linear models; to analyze repeated FVC measurements at ages 10 and 18, we used linear mixed models. Links between breastfeeding, infant weight gain, and FVC at ages 10 and 18 were analyzed through path analyses.

International Breastfeeding Journal, 2019

Background The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have no... more Background The role of infant feeding for food allergy in children is unclear and studies have not addressed simultaneous exposures to different foods. The goal of this study was to analyze existing data on feeding practices that represent realistic exposure and assess the risk of food allergy symptoms and food allergy in children. Methods The Infant Feeding Practices Study II conducted by the CDC and US-FDA enrolled pregnant women and collected infant feeding information using nine repeated surveys. Participants were re-contacted after 6 years. Food allergy data were collected at 4, 9, 12, and 72 months. In total, 1387 participants had complete infant feeding pattern data for 6 months and information on food allergy symptoms and doctors’ diagnosed food allergy. Feeding patterns constituted six groups: 3-months of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 3-months of breast milk and bottled milk followed by mixed feeding, 1-month of feeding at breast followed by mixed feeding, 6-...

Journal of Public Child Welfare

Additional file 2 : Table S2. Adjusted predicted least squares means of the number of intakes aft... more Additional file 2 : Table S2. Adjusted predicted least squares means of the number of intakes after the implementation of the hubs, a poisson regression model.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2017

RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use ... more RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use at camps. METHODS: De-identified online survey data was collected from camps. 158 Directors and 141 medical personnel were asked about food allergy and epinephrine policies. 211 staff were asked about food allergy training and knowledge. Fifty-seven camps reported number of epinephrine administrations that occurred during the 2016 summer session. RESULTS: Of camps surveyed: 99% report at least one camper with food allergies; 35% require food allergy action plans; 81% carry stock epinephrine (62% auto-injector, 5.5% vial/ampule, 12.4% both); 17% estimate the longest time for medical personnel to reach a camper in anaphylaxis is over 10 minutes; and 34% of staff reported never receiving any food allergy training. Eighty-seven (41%) staff reported being authorized to administer epinephrine. In this group, 55% received training in the past 12 months, 49% were confident in their ability to treat anaphylaxis, 43% recognized transportation to a hospital should occur after all anaphylactic events, 68% properly identified the thigh for injection location, and 52% responded that administering epinephrine then calling 911 were appropriate first actions for anaphylaxis. Rate of epinephrine administration was 16.8 (95% CI: 8.7, 29.3) per million camper-days compared to 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.3) per million student-days (based on Massachusetts public school data), with a relative risk ratio of 15.1 (95% CI: 7.7, 27.0). CONCLUSIONS: Camp personnel have significant deficits in knowledge about treatment of anaphylaxis that could put campers with food allergy at risk for incorrect management of their potentially life-threatening disease.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2017

RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use ... more RATIONALE: Little data is available regarding food allergy training and rates of epinephrine use at camps. METHODS: De-identified online survey data was collected from camps. 158 Directors and 141 medical personnel were asked about food allergy and epinephrine policies. 211 staff were asked about food allergy training and knowledge. Fifty-seven camps reported number of epinephrine administrations that occurred during the 2016 summer session. RESULTS: Of camps surveyed: 99% report at least one camper with food allergies; 35% require food allergy action plans; 81% carry stock epinephrine (62% auto-injector, 5.5% vial/ampule, 12.4% both); 17% estimate the longest time for medical personnel to reach a camper in anaphylaxis is over 10 minutes; and 34% of staff reported never receiving any food allergy training. Eighty-seven (41%) staff reported being authorized to administer epinephrine. In this group, 55% received training in the past 12 months, 49% were confident in their ability to treat anaphylaxis, 43% recognized transportation to a hospital should occur after all anaphylactic events, 68% properly identified the thigh for injection location, and 52% responded that administering epinephrine then calling 911 were appropriate first actions for anaphylaxis. Rate of epinephrine administration was 16.8 (95% CI: 8.7, 29.3) per million camper-days compared to 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.3) per million student-days (based on Massachusetts public school data), with a relative risk ratio of 15.1 (95% CI: 7.7, 27.0). CONCLUSIONS: Camp personnel have significant deficits in knowledge about treatment of anaphylaxis that could put campers with food allergy at risk for incorrect management of their potentially life-threatening disease.