Volume 87 No. 3 February 2020

Early Career Investigator

 

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Congratulations to Michael Wagner, the Early Career Investigator for February. Trained in Vienna, Dr. Wagner quickly became interested and involved in pediatric simulation training. He has implemented a student peer-teaching program for pediatric simulation training in Vienna as his first research project. His current research is using biometric data, including heart rate, gaze behavior, and cortisol levels, to investigate the impact of stress, workload, and other factors on resuscitation. In this issue, he and colleagues report their findings using eye-tracking glasses during simulated resuscitation. This work has already drawn attention (see the Comment by Vali and Lakshminrusimha). His advice to others early in their career is to recognize the value of collaboration and networking. See https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0642-y, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0571-9, and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0671-6

Fat mass accumulation in exclusively breastfed infants

 

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In a cohort of 109 healthy newborns in Mexico City, Rodríguez-Cano et al. compared fat mass accumulation over the first 6 months of life between 28 exclusively breastfed infants and the others. They found significantly more fat mass accumulation at 3 and 6 months in the exclusively breastfed group. In commenting on this paper, Rolland-Cachera reminds us that this finding does not mean that exclusively breastfed infants will be fatter in later life. So, losing baby fat at school age does not doom you to regain it! See https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0542-1 and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0617-z

Wolfram syndrome 1 can be further defined via exact genotypic diagnosis

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Rigoli et al. identified patients with Wolfram syndrome 1 (WS1) in Italian clinics. Further analysis revealed that symptoms, age at symptom onset, and survival time were dependent on their genotypic group. The authors conclude that molecular typing of the gene for WS1 is a useful tool for early assessment, follow-up, and prognosis. Also in this issue, two families describe their experience with Wolfram syndrome, highlighting the need for improved prognosis. See https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0487-4, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0661-8, and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0679-y

iNO in resuscitation of preterm infants

 

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In a double-blind study, Sekar et al. investigated the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) on supplemental oxygen exposure in preterm infants requiring positive pressure ventilation during resuscitation. Fourteen infants received oxygen with iNO; the other 14 (placebo group) received oxygen and nitrogen. The authors found that cumulative FiO2 and rate of exposure to high (>60%) FiO2 was significantly lower in the iNO group. However, in a Commentary, Vento and Sánchez-Illan warn that many questions about the use of iNO in the delivery room remain. See https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0643-x and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-019-0649-4

Acoustic cry analysis and infant behavioral states

 

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Using a free mobile app called ChatterBaby, Parga et al. assessed the characteristics of babies’ cries. The app’s cry-translation algorithm distinguished between cries expressing hunger, fussiness, and pain. The authors found that the cries of colicky babies were significantly similar to those associated with pain, which suggests that colic and pain may share a neuronal pathway. See https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0592-4

Maternal nutrient restriction is associated with increased hypoxia signaling

 

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Radford and Han used a mouse model of maternal nutrient deprivation to induce intrauterine growth restriction. RNAseq and western blot of the liver late in gestation (E18.5) showed evidence of increased hypoxia signaling. An Insights Image shows the proposed mechanistic pathway. See https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0447-z and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0555-9

Good news for us all!

 

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Chen et al. studied the effect of eating chocolate on telomere length in 660 adolescents. Those who ate two or more servings of chocolate a week had significantly longer telomeres. The authors note that the findings do not establish a causal relationship. Volunteers for future studies may not be an issue. See https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-019-0590-6