The Sri Lanka Mother and Newborn Growth (S-MaNGro) Cohort: Protocol of a Nationwide Prospective Study.

Perinatal cohort studies with a prospective longitudinal design are critical for determining the effects of early-life exposures on offspring's health outcomes. The Sri Lanka Mother and Newborn Growth cohort study aims to investigate the impact of maternal nutritional and psychosocial factors on newborns' birth weight in the Sri Lankan context. This paper presents the methodology of participant recruitment, follow-ups, an overview of measurements, and planned data analyses.

Effects of automatic heel lancet on invasiveness in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: We conducted a meta-analysis comparing the invasiveness of automatic lancet devices, which can collect adequate amount of blood at shallow puncture depths, with conventional manual lance devices (lancet or needle) to statistically identify less invasive instruments for neonatal heel lance.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, and Ichushi databases for studies comparing the invasiveness between automatic lancet and manual lancet or needle in term and preterm neonates in neonatal intensive care unit.

Results: This review included 9 out of 449 searched articles, with 673 neonates.

The association between fear of childbirth and social support through the Internet and Social Networking Services in pregnant women: A cross-sectional study.

Social support is an important factor in reducing fear of childbirth (FOC). Recently, the Internet and Social Networking Services (SNS) have become new forms of social support. However, it is unclear whether such support can reduce pregnant women's fear.

Association of serum docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid levels with dietary intakes and supplement use during pregnancy: a prospective observational study.

This study aimed to determine the association of serum docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels with dietary intakes and supplement use during pregnancy. This prospective observational study was conducted at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Participants in their second and third trimesters were given a self-administered questionnaire assessing the frequency of DHA and EPA supplement use in the past month and a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire.

Association of Eicosapentaenoic and Docosahexaenoic Acid Intake with Low Birth Weight in the Second Trimester: The Japan Pregnancy Eating and Activity Cohort Study.

This study examined the association of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake during the second trimester with low birth weight (LBW) in pregnant Japanese women and was conducted in conjunction with the Japan Pregnancy Eating and Activity Cohort (J-PEACH) study. The study included 504 pregnant women from four Japanese sites. During the second trimester (14-27 weeks), the participants filled out a self-administered questionnaire assessing the frequency of DHA and EPA supplement intake in the past month, as well as a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ).

A global survey on national standard care for newborn bathing.

Aim: To describe national standard care for newborn bathing and its influential factors.

Methods: A global survey was conducted using a web-based questionnaire. The targeted countries were 166 member countries of either the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) or the International Council of Nurses (ICN).

Psychological factors of pregnant women associated with inadequate maternal weight gain in Japan.

Objectives: Inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) has been associated with low birth weight (LBW). However, factors associated with inadequate GWG in Japan remain unclear. Here, we aimed to determine the factors associated with inadequate GWG and the characteristics of inadequate GWG based on the pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) among pregnant women in Japan.

Relationship Between Degree of Neonatal Physiologic Desquamation and Skin Barrier Function.

Background/objectives: This study examined the relationship between degree of neonatal physiologic desquamation and skin barrier functionality. In addition, we identified factors associated with neonatal desquamation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 4-day-old newborns.

Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool.

Objective: To translate the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) into Japanese and confirm the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of IBFAT.

Design: The methodological study examining the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the IBFAT.

Setting: A maternity hospital in Tokyo.

Relationship between facial skin problems with a focus on inflammatory cytokines and the presence of Malassezia in 1-month-old infants.

Infantile skin problems not only cause temporary pain and discomfort, but also have a long-term impact on health. Hence, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to clarify the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and Malassezia fungal facial skin problems in infants. Ninety-six 1-month-old infants were examined.

Development and validation of an infant facial skin assessment tool: a prospective observational study.

Background: Severe infant eczema on the face should be treated early because it may lead to allergic diseases in the future. However, caregivers find it difficult to assess. A visual tool for caregivers is needed to easily determine infants' facial skin condition severity based on the tool's scores.

The factors related to recovery time of diaper dermatitis in infants: A prospective observational study.

Aim: Prolonged diaper dermatitis may increase the risk of atopic dermatitis or infections. This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence, symptoms, areas, and recovery time of diaper dermatitis in infants aged 1 month and identify the factors related to recovery time.

Methods: Diaper dermatitis was defined as the presence of erythema, papules, dryness, erosion, or ulceration in the diapered area.

Exacerbation and severity of allergic symptoms during pregnancy and their impact on mental health.

Unlabelled: Pregnant women with allergies face difficulties, as they tend to avoid medication for symptom control during pregnancy. Moreover, some women experience exacerbations during this period. These difficulties can affect their mental health.

Factors Associated with Surgical Treatment in Postpartum Women with Mastitis or Breast Abscess: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with requiring surgical treatment for mastitis or breast abscess in postpartum mothers. This was a retrospective cohort study using the Japan Medical Data Center Claims Database. Information on pairs of infants born between April 2012 and December 2016 and their mothers were extracted.

Newborn-oriented and environmental factors for newborns' skin barrier functions.

Aim: This study aimed to examine newborn-oriented and environmental factors of newborn skin barrier functions.

Methods: This was a retrospective secondary analysis of 227 newborns from a previous study. Newborn skin barrier functions were measured on the fourth day after birth via the following parameters: stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, skin pH, and sebum secretion.

Relationship between the skin barrier function of 2-week-old infants after bathing and facial skin problems during the first 6 weeks of life: A prospective observational cohort study.

Aim: This study aimed to identify the relationship between the skin barrier function after bathing at 2 weeks of age and subsequent facial skin problems during the first 6 weeks of life.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from July 2017 to February 2018 on healthy newborns aged 2 weeks. Skin barrier function was evaluated before bathing and at 30 and 90 min after bathing by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), sebum secretion, and skin pH.

Skincare interventions in infants for preventing eczema and food allergy: A cochrane systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Objective: Eczema and food allergy start in infancy and have shared genetic risk factors that affect skin barrier. We aimed to evaluate whether skincare interventions can prevent eczema or food allergy.

Design: A prospectively planned individual participant data meta-analysis was carried out within a Cochrane systematic review to determine whether skincare interventions in term infants prevent eczema or food allergy.

Factors Associated with Time Spent Performing Housework/Childcare by Fathers of Children Aged Under 12 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan.

The objective of this study is to determine the factors associated with time spent performing housework/childcare by fathers of children under 12 years of age (preschool and elementary school children) in Japan. An online survey of employees and employers was conducted in 2017. Of the 7,796 total responses to the survey, those of 621 fathers of children aged 0-12 years were analyzed.