The Gut Microbiome as a Component of the Gut-Brain Axis in Cognitive Health.

Introduction: The human microbiome, the microorganisms living in and on the body, plays a vital role in brain physiology and pathophysiology. The gut microbiome (GMB) has been identified as a link in the gut-brain axis moderating cognitive development and health.

Objectives: The objectives of this scoping review are to discuss mechanisms of the microbiome-gut-brain axis in cognition, review the existing literature on the GMB and cognition, and discuss implications for nursing research.

From royal wet nurses to Facebook: The evolution of breastmilk sharing.

Wet-nursing was an essential practice that allowed for infant survival after many mothers died in childbirth. The story of wet-nursing is complicated by both religious pressures and cultural expectations of women. It is likely that these historical practices have shaped our current social, political and legislative environments regarding breastfeeding.

Maternal Interleukin Genotypes Are Associated With NICU Outcomes Among Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

Background: Maternal interleukin (IL) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with obstetrical outcomes. Conversely, infant SNPs are associated with subsequent neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) outcomes. Little is known about relationships between maternal SNPs and neonatal outcomes.

Effect of Promoter Polymorphisms on Cytokine Concentration in Preterm Breast Milk and Subsequent Infant Outcomes.

Background: Breast milk concentrations of immune components are variable between women and interleukin (IL) differences may be associated with infant outcomes. Molecular mechanisms for milk variability remain unknown.

Objective: The aims were to (1) examine the relationship between maternal IL genotypes and milk concentrations of IL4, IL6, and IL10, (2) describe the trajectories of milk IL change, (3) examine whether maternal IL genotypes predict IL trajectories and/or average weekly IL concentration, and (4) examine if weekly IL levels and/or IL trajectories are associated with infant outcomes.

WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children): policy versus practice regarding breastfeeding.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides foods, education, and referrals to participants who are considered to be at nutritional risk. The outreach of the program is impressive, and nearly 9.17 million people participated in the program in 2010.

The utility of breastmilk for genetic or genomic studies: a systematic review.

This study synthesized scientific literature that applies genetic or genomic approaches to breastmilk. A literature search of PubMed was conducted in March 2012 using the key words "breast milk," "lactation," "genetic," "gene expression," and "epigenetic." Additional articles were identified/selected for evaluation with MeSH term searches, and a review of article reference lists was obtained from the search.

Psychometric evaluation of the Epworth sleepiness scale in an obstetric population.

Background: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was initially developed to measure daytime sleep propensity in patients affected by a variety of sleep disorders. Obstetrical research has measured sleepiness in pregnant women with the ESS, although psychometric analyses and dimensionality evaluations have never been conducted with this population.

Objective: The objective was to perform a psychometric evaluation of the ESS in an obstetric population.