A Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score Predicts Progression of Islet Autoimmunity and Development of Type 1 Diabetes in Individuals at Risk

OBJECTIVE

We tested the ability of a type 1 diabetes (T1D) genetic risk score (GRS) to predict progression of islet autoimmunity and T1D in at-risk individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the 1,244 TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants (T1D patients' relatives without diabetes and with one or more positive autoantibodies) who were genotyped with Illumina ImmunoChip (median [range] age at initial autoantibody determination 11.1 years [1.2-51.8], 48% male, 80.5% non-Hispanic white, median follow-up 5.4 years). Of 291 participants with a single positive autoantibody at screening, 157 converted to multiple autoantibody positivity and 55 developed diabetes. Of 953 participants with multiple positive autoantibodies at screening, 419 developed diabetes. We calculated the T1D GRS from 30 T1D-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used multivariable Cox regression models, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and area under the curve (AUC) measures to evaluate prognostic utility of T1D GRS, age, sex, Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) Risk Score, positive autoantibody number or type, HLA DR3/DR4-DQ8 status, and race/ethnicity. We used recursive partitioning analyses to identify cut points in continuous variables.

RESULTS

Higher T1D GRS significantly increased the rate of progression to T1D adjusting for DPT-1 Risk Score, age, number of positive autoantibodies, sex, and ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 for a 0.05 increase, 95% CI 1.06-1.6; P = 0.011). Progression to T1D was best predicted by a combined model with GRS, number of positive autoantibodies, DPT-1 Risk Score, and age (7-year time-integrated AUC = 0.79, 5-year AUC = 0.73). Higher GRS was significantly associated with increased progression rate from single to multiple positive autoantibodies after adjusting for age, autoantibody type, ethnicity, and sex (HR 2.27 for GRS >0.295, 95% CI 1.47-3.51; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

The T1D GRS independently predicts progression to T1D and improves prediction along T1D stages in autoantibody-positive relatives.

Longitudinal changes in the diameter of the ductus arteriosus in ventilated preterm infants: correlation with respiratory outcomes

This study aimed to examine the early natural history of ductal shunting in ventilated preterm infants (< 1500 g) and to document the association between this shunting and respiratory outcomes. The size of the ductal shunt was assessed in 48 infants using serial echocardiographic measurement of colour Doppler internal ductal diameter and pulsed Doppler postductal aortic diastolic flow (PADF). At all postnatal ages, normal antegrade PADF was invariably seen when the ductal diameter was 1.5 mm or less, and was usually abnormal (absent or retrograde) when more than 1.5 mm. Longitudinal progress of ductal diameter fell into three groups: (i) asymptomatic spontaneous closure (n = 31)--in 20 of these infants closure occurred within 48 hours; (ii) symptomatic PDA which enlarged after a postnatal constriction (n = 9); and (iii) symptomatic PDA that showed minimal postnatal constriction (n = 8). Infants in group 2 were significantly less mature and had PDAs which became symptomatic significantly later than those in group 3. Logistic regression showed that ductal shunting had a significant correlation with mean oxygenation index over the first five days but not with ventilator or oxygen days. Gestation had the most significant association with the latter two variables, with atrial shunting also being related to days in oxygen. The preterm duct displays a wide spectrum of postnatal constrictive activity. Symptomatic PDAs usually showed slower early postnatal constriction. Ductal shunting independently related to short term but not long term respiratory outcomes.

Re-evaluation of the left atrial to aortic root ratio as a marker of patent ductus arteriosus

The aim of this study was to re-examine the accuracy of the left atrial aortic root ratio (LA:Ao) as a marker of significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the preterm infant by comparison with direct Doppler echocardiographic assessment. Fifty six infants (< 1500 g) had 463 serial echocardiograms. Firstly the LA:Ao was measured, then the duct was imaged and classified as wide open, restricting, or closed according to two dimensional and Doppler criteria. Probability analysis was performed to test the ability of the LA:Ao to discriminate between a wide open PDA and a restricting or closed duct. Mean LA:Ao was 1.17 and 1.21 when the duct was respectively closed or restricting compared with 1.61 when wide open. Using a LA:Ao of 1.5 as a cut off gives a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 95% and increases the accuracy over the recommended levels of 1.3 and 1.4. With this cut off there were 20/94 false negatives, these were associated with scans on day 1 and large interatrial shunts. The sensitivity of the LA:Ao increased to 88% if only scans performed after day 1 were analysed. For diagnosing a PDA after day 1, the positive likelihood ratio of an LA:Ao of 1.5 or more was 17.5, and the negative likelihood ratio of an LA:Ao < 1.5 was 0.13. The LA:Ao is still a useful tool in the diagnosis of PDA. It is a simple method which needs less skill and resources than direct PDA imaging and is feasible on neonatal units without direct access to echocardiographic expertise. Its use on the first postnatal day is not recommended.

NGS-based approach to determine the presence of HPV and their sites of integration in human cancer genome

BACKGROUND

Human papilloma virus (HPV) accounts for the most common cause of all virus-associated human cancers. Here, we describe the first graphic user interface (GUI)-based automated tool 'HPVDetector', for non-computational biologists, exclusively for detection and annotation of the HPV genome based on next-generation sequencing data sets.

METHODS

We developed a custom-made reference genome that comprises of human chromosomes along with annotated genome of 143 HPV types as pseudochromosomes. The tool runs on a dual mode as defined by the user: a 'quick mode' to identify presence of HPV types and an 'integration mode' to determine genomic location for the site of integration. The input data can be a paired-end whole-exome, whole-genome or whole-transcriptome data set. The HPVDetector is available in public domain for download: http://www.actrec.gov.in/pi-webpages/AmitDutt/HPVdetector/HPVDetector.html.

RESULTS

On the basis of our evaluation of 116 whole-exome, 23 whole-transcriptome and 2 whole-genome data, we were able to identify presence of HPV in 20 exomes and 4 transcriptomes of cervical and head and neck cancer tumour samples. Using the inbuilt annotation module of HPVDetector, we found predominant integration of viral gene E7, a known oncogene, at known 17q21, 3q27, 7q35, Xq28 and novel sites of integration in the human genome. Furthermore, co-infection with high-risk HPVs such as 16 and 31 were found to be mutually exclusive compared with low-risk HPV71.

CONCLUSIONS

HPVDetector is a simple yet precise and robust tool for detecting HPV from tumour samples using variety of next-generation sequencing platforms including whole genome, whole exome and transcriptome. Two different modes (quick detection and integration mode) along with a GUI widen the usability of HPVDetector for biologists and clinicians with minimal computational knowledge.

Comparison of manufacturing techniques for adenovirus production

We have compared three different production methods, which may be suitable for the large scale production of adenovirus vectors for human clinical trials. The procedures compared 293 cells adapted to suspension growth in serum-free medium in a stirred tank bioreactor, 293 cells on microcarriers in serum-containing medium in a stirred tank bioreactor, and 293 cells grown in standard tissue culture plasticware. With a given virus, yields varied between 2000 and 10,000 infectious units/cell. The stirred tank bioreactor routinely produced between 4000 and 7000 infectious units/cell when 293 cells were grown on microcarriers. The 293 cells adapted to suspension growth in serum-free medium in the same stirred tank bioreactor yielded between 2000 and 7000 infectious units/cell. Yields obtained from standard tissue culture plasticware were up to 10,000 infectious units/cell. Cell culture conditions were monitored for glucose consumption, lactate production, and ammonia accumulation. Glucose consumption and lactate accumulation correlated well with the cell growth parameters. Ammonia production does not appear to be significant. Based on virus yields, ease of operation and linear scalability, large-scale adenovirus production seems feasible using 293 cells (adapted to suspension/serum free medium or on microcarriers in serum containing medium) in a stirred tank bioreactor.

Sociodemographic Correlates of Contemporary Screen Time Use among 9- and 10-Year-Old Children

OBJECTIVE

To determine sociodemographic correlates of contemporary screen time use among a diverse population-based sample of 9- and 10-year-old children.

STUDY DESIGN

In 2021, we analyzed cross-sectional baseline (2016-2018) data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (n = 10 755). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate associations between sociodemographic factors (sex, race/ethnicity, country of birth, household income, parental education) and 6 contemporary forms of screen time (television, videos [eg, YouTube], video games, social networking, texting, and video chat).

RESULTS

On average, children reported 3.99 hours of screen time per day across 6 modalities, with the most time spent watching/streaming television shows/movies (1.31 hours), playing video games (1.06 hours), and watching/streaming videos (1.05 hours). On average, Black children reported 1.58 more hours of screen time per day and Asian children reported 0.35 less hours of screen time per day compared with White children (mean 3.46 hours per day), and these trends persisted across most modalities. Boys reported higher overall screen time (0.75 hours more) than girls, which was primarily attributed to video games and videos. Girls reported more time texting, social networking, and video chatting than boys. Higher income was associated with lower screen time usage across all modalities except video chat. However, in high-income households, Latinx children reported 0.65 more hours of screen time per day than White children.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the sociodemographic differences in child screen use, guideline implementation strategies can focus on key populations, encourage targeted counseling by pediatricians, and adapt Family Media Use Plans for diverse backgrounds.

Emerging Trends in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Simple Summary

Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in women and is typically diagnosed at an advanced-stage. Historically, primary tumor reductive surgery was attempted followed by postoperative chemotherapy in most patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval tumor reductive surgery is an alternative approach for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer where primary tumor reductive surgery is not feasible. Here, we review proposed models that can assist in selecting patients who would benefit most from neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of death amongst all gynecologic cancers despite advances in surgical and medical therapy. Historically, patients with ovarian cancer underwent primary tumor reductive surgery followed by postoperative chemotherapy; however, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval tumor reductive surgery has gradually become an alternative approach for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer for whom primary tumor reductive surgery is not feasible. Decision-making about the use of these approaches has not been uniform. Hence, it is essential to identify patients who can benefit most from neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval tumor reductive surgery. Several prospective and retrospective studies have proposed potential models to guide upfront decision-making for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. In this review, we summarize important decision-making models that can improve patient selection for personalized treatment. Models based on clinical factors (clinical parameters, radiology studies and laparoscopy scoring) and molecular markers (circulating and tumor-based) are useful, but laparoscopic staging is among the most informative diagnostic methods for upfront decision-making in patients medically fit for surgery. Further research is needed to explore more reliable models to determine personalized treatment for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

Contemporary screen time modalities among children 9-10 years old and binge-eating disorder at one-year follow-up: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prospective associations between contemporary screen time modalities in a nationally representative cohort of 9-10-year-old children and binge-eating disorder at one-year follow-up.

METHOD

We analyzed prospective cohort data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 11,025). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate associations between baseline child-reported screen time (exposure) and parent-reported binge-eating disorder based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSADS-5, outcome) at one-year follow-up, adjusting for race/ethnicity, sex, household income, parent education, BMI percentile, site, and baseline binge-eating disorder.

RESULTS

Each additional hour of total screen time per day was prospectively associated with 1.11 higher odds of binge-eating disorder at 1-year follow-up (95% CI 1.05-1.18) after adjusting for covariates. In particular, each additional hour of social networking (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.18-2.22), texting (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.08-1.82), and watching/streaming television shows/movies (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.14-1.69) was significantly associated with binge-eating disorder.

DISCUSSION

Clinicians should assess screen time usage and binge eating in children and adolescents and advise parents about the potential risks associated with excessive screen time.

Change in blood pressure after treatment of patent ductus arteriosus with indomethacin

The effect of indomethacin treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on blood pressure was studied in 24 preterm infants. PDA was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by echocardiography; the effect of treatment was monitored echocardiographically. Hourly intra-arterial recordings of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were averaged for the 48 hours before the first dose of indomethacin and for each of the three 24 hour periods after the first dose. In the 16 infants in whom treatment was successful, the average mean blood pressure increased significantly over the three days after the first dose. On the third day after beginning treatment with indomethacin the average increase in mean blood pressure was 10.4 mm Hg. Fourteen of 16 infants showed an increase of 4 mm Hg or more. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly by similar amounts, so the pulse pressure did not change. In the eight infants treated unsuccessfully, there was no consistent change in any of the blood pressure parameters. The maximum increase in mean blood pressure was 3 mm Hg. These findings confirm that PDA is one of the determinants of blood pressure in preterm infants. The effect is general and there is no consistent change in pulse pressure when a PDA is closed. A general increase in blood pressure is a useful additional indicator of successful medical ductal closure.

Assessment of ductus arteriosus shunt in preterm infants supported by mechanical ventilation: effect of interatrial shunting

We studied 51 preterm infants (< 1500 gm) with serial color Doppler echocardiography to determine the impact of incompetence of the foramen ovale on the hemodynamic implications of shunting through a patent ductus arteriosus. Doppler and two-dimensional echocardiographic measures included left atrial/aortic root ratio, right (RVSV) and left ventricular stroke volumes (LVSV), and outputs to determine relative ventricular outputs (RVSV/LVSV) and to calculate the pulmonary/systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs), the diameter of the color flow Doppler mapping of interatrial and ductal shunts, pulsed Doppler pattern, and velocity of those shunts. The dominant direction of shunting at the ductal and atrial levels was left to right. In studies with minimal atrial shunting, there was a weak but significant correlation between RVSV/LVSV (1/(Qp/Qs)) and the left atrial/aortic root ratio, LVSV, and output index, but there was a close correlation with the diameter of the color flow Doppler of the shunt within the ductus (r = -0.8). With this diameter used as a constant, increasing color flow Doppler diameter of atrial shunt significantly reduced LVSV and increased RVSV/LVSV (1/(Qp/QS)). In infants with large ductal and atrial shunts, right ventricular output was often greater than left ventricular output. We conclude that atrial shunting has a significant impact on the hemodynamic implications of ductal shunting in many very preterm infants. This renders use of the relative ventricular outputs to calculate Qp/Qs inaccurate as a single measure of shunt size in patent ductus arteriosus. If the shunt is predominantly left to right, the most accurate assessment is provided by color flow ductal shunt diameter.

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity among adolescents in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic

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The study examined adolescents’ physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Median moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was 2 h per week.

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8.9% met physical activity guidelines during the pandemic compared to 16.1% before.

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Poor mental health, worry, and stress were associated with lower physical activity.

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Higher coping and social support were associated with higher physical activity.

This study aimed to evaluate adolescents’ moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic with regards to sociodemographic characteristics and determine mental health and resiliency factors associated with MVPA among a diverse national sample of adolescents ages 10–14 years. Data were collected during the pandemic in May 2020 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD, N = 5,153), a national prospective cohort study in the U.S. MVPA was quantified as the product of reported duration and frequency (hours per week), which was further summarized as the proportion meeting age-appropriate 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. A similar estimate was generated using MVPA data collected prior to the pandemic. Mental health and resiliency measures were collected during the pandemic. Regression models examined associations between mental health or resiliency measures and MVPA during the pandemic. Median MVPA was 2 h per week (IQR 0, 6). Overall, the percentage of the cohort meeting MVPA guidelines decreased from 16.1% (pre-pandemic) to 8.9% (during the pandemic). Racial/ethnic minority adolescents and adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were significantly less likely to meet MVPA guidelines during the pandemic. Poorer mental health, COVID-related worry, and stress were associated with lower MVPA, while more social support and coping behaviors were associated with higher MVPA during the pandemic. In this large, national sample of adolescents, the proportion of those meeting MVPA Guidelines was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant disparities by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Interventions to promote social support and coping behaviors may improve MVPA levels among adolescents during the pandemic.

Accuracy of pulse oximetry in hypothermic neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy of pulse oximetry under hypothermic conditions in neonates and infants undergoing cardiac surgery, and to assess the effect of probe site as well as probe site skin temperature on the reliability of pulse oximetry.

DESIGN

Prospective Study.

SETTING

Cardiac operating room and intensive care unit of children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-five infants <3 months of age undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

INTERVENTIONS

Pulse oximeter readings (Sp O2) from probes placed on the hand and foot were recorded at various skin temperatures and compared with hemoximeter oxygen saturations (Sa O2) obtained on simultaneously drawn arterial blood samples. Core temperature, arterial pressure and vasodilator use were recorded simultaneously.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Pulse oximetry bias (Sp O2 - Sa O2) increased to an unacceptable range (>+3% or <-3%) in 45.5% of the readings at foot probe site temperatures of <27 degrees. Pulse oximetry bias was within an acceptable range in 94.7% of the readings at temperatures >29 degrees. There was no significant difference between oximeter readings obtained from two probe sites (hand and foot). Administration of phenoxybenzamine improved the accuracy of pulse oximetry in ten infants at skin temperature of <27 degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulse oximetry readings in small infants are likely to be unreliable at skin temperatures of <27 degrees, irrespective of probe site. Intravenous phenoxybenzamine appeared to improve the accuracy of pulse oximetry at low temperatures.

Drug-sensitive FGFR3 mutations in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the world. In this study, we present therapeutically relevant genetic alterations in lung adenocarcinoma of Indian origin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five primary lung adenocarcinoma tumors were sequenced for 676 amplicons using RainDance cancer panel at an average coverage of 1500 × (reads per million mapped reads). To validate the findings, 49 mutations across 23 genes were genotyped in an additional set of 363 primary lung adenocarcinoma tumors using mass spectrometry. NIH/3T3 cells over expressing mutant and wild-type FGFR3 constructs were characterized for anchorage independent growth, constitutive activation, tumor formation and sensitivity to FGFR inhibitors using in vitro and xenograft mouse models.

RESULTS

We present the first spectrum of actionable alterations in lung adenocarcinoma tumors of Indian origin, and shows that mutations of FGFR3 are present in 20 of 363 (5.5%) patients. These FGFR3 mutations are constitutively active and oncogenic when ectopically expressed in NIH/3T3 cells and using a xenograft model in NOD/SCID mice. Inhibition of FGFR3 kinase activity inhibits transformation of NIH/3T3 overexpressing FGFR3 constructs and growth of tumors driven by FGFR3 in the xenograft models. The reduction in tumor size in the mouse is paralleled by a reduction in the amounts of phospho-ERK, validating the in vitro findings. Interestingly, the FGFR3 mutations are significantly higher in a proportion of younger patients and show a trend toward better overall survival, compared with patients lacking actionable alterations or those harboring KRAS mutations.

CONCLUSION

We present the first actionable mutation spectrum in Indian lung cancer genome. These findings implicate FGFR3 as a novel therapeutic in lung adenocarcinoma.

Chemotaxis of Rhizobium sp.S2 towards Cajanus cajan root exudate and its major components

The chemotactic response of Rhizobium sp. S2, a slow-growing Cajanus cajan isolate, towards its host root exudate was examined. Two classes of mutants, one nonchemotactic towards nutrients (amino acids and sugars) and signal compounds like flavonoids and the other, nonchemotactic towards amino acids and sugars but positive towards naringenin, the flavonoid present in Cajanus cajan root exudate, were obtained. The plasmid-cured derivative of the parent showed positive response towards amino acids and sugars but was nonchemotactic towards naringenin. A possible presence of dual chemotaxis pathways, one towards nutrients and the other for sensing signal compounds, was thus demonstrated. The possible involvement of naringenin as a chemoattractant in the preliminary stages of this Rhizobium-legume interaction was also established.

Incompetence of the foramen ovale in preterm infants supported by mechanical ventilation

Fifty-one preterm infants (< 1500 gm) who were supported by mechanical ventilation were studied by use of serial color Doppler echocardiography to determine the hemodynamic impact of incompetence of the foramen ovale. Right and left ventricular stroke volume, measured by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, were used to determine the ratio of pulmonary to systemic flow (Qp/Qs). The diameter of the color flow mapping of any interatrial shunt was measured together with pattern and velocity of that shunt. Ductal patency status was established. Most infants had some atrial shunting. The dominant direction of shunting was left to right within a bidirectional shunt pattern (75%). When the ductus was closed, there was a significant correlation between color Doppler diameter of the atrial shunt and Qp/Qs (r = 0.71). When this diameter was less than 2 mm, there was minimal impact on Qp/Qs. Measurable effects on Qp/Qs were usually seen at diameters > 3 mm when Qp/Qs ratios of up to 2:1 were recorded. Longitudinally, atrial shunting could be divided into four groups. Group 1 (n = 23) had minimal shunt or small shunts (< 3 mm) that resolved early, group 2 (n = 11) had small shunts that persisted, group 3 (n = 9) had large shunts (> 3 mm) that resolved, and group 4 (n = 6) had large shunts that persisted. Clinically there were no significant differences between the groups except that patients in groups 2 to 4 tended to having worse acute lung disease than patients in group 1 and had significantly more chronic lung disease. We conclude that many preterm infants have left-to-right atrial shunts that have a noninvasively measurable hemodynamic impact. This may have an effect on acute and chronic respiratory outcome and is likely to affect assessments of ductal shunting.

Chemotherapeutic activity of levofloxacin (HR 355, DR-3355) against systemic and localized infections in laboratory animals

Ofloxacin, its optical isomers levofloxacin (HR 355, DR-3355) and D-ofloxacin (DR-3354) and ciprofloxacin were administered orally to mice and rats which had systemic and localized infections. Both levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were equally effective in treating systemic murine infections caused by staphylococci. Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa with ED50s ranging from 0.18 to 15.8 mg/kg and 0.42 to 16.3 mg/kg respectively and both these agents were twice as effective as ofloxacin which had an ED50 0.41 to 39.7 mg/kg. In contrast, D-ofloxacin was either inactive or exhibited only modest chemotherapeutic activity against the staphylococci and the Gram-negative organisms tested. When given to mice to treat staphylococcal abscesses and lung infections due to Klebsiella pneumoniae DT-S levofloxacin was up to four times more effective and produced a more pronounced bactericidal effect against the pathogens in vivo than the reference compounds. Despite possessing a similar, if not lesser, in-vitro activity against the infecting pathogens, levofloxacin was more effective than ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in rats with localized infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa.

Contemporary screen time usage among children 9-10-years-old is associated with higher body mass index percentile at 1-year follow-up: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

There is a paucity of prospective research exploring the relationship among contemporary screen time modalities (e.g., video streaming, video chatting, texting and social networking) and body mass index (BMI) percentile. The objective of this study was to determine the prospective associations between screen time behaviours in a large and demographically diverse population-based cohort of 9-10-year-old children and BMI percentile at 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

We analyzed prospective cohort data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 11 066). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate associations between baseline screen time behaviours (exposure) and BMI percentile at 1-year follow-up, adjusting for race/ethnicity, sex, household income, parent education, depression, binge-eating disorder and baseline BMI percentile.

RESULTS

Each additional hour of total screen time per day was prospectively associated with a 0.22 higher BMI percentile at 1-year follow-up (95% CI 0.10-0.34) after adjusting for covariates. When examining specific screen time behaviours, each additional hour of texting (B = 0.92, 95% CI 0.29-1.55), video chat (B = 0.72, 95% CI 0.09-1.36) and video games (B = 0.42, 95% CI 0.06-0.78) was significantly prospectively associated with higher BMI percentile.

CONCLUSIONS

Screen time is prospectively associated with a higher BMI percentile 1 year later among children 9-10 years old.