Background Premature infants have a high risk for dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Mother’s own breastmilk (MOM) has been found to favorably alter gut microbiome composition in infants born at term. Evidence about the influence of feeding type on gut microbial colonization of preterm infants is limited. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of feeding types on gut microbial colonization of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods Thirty-three stable preterm infants were recruited at birth and followed-up for the first 30 days of life. Daily feeding information was used to classify infants into six groups (mother’s own milk [MOM], human donated milk [HDM], formula, MOM+HDM, MOM+Formula, and HDM+forumla) during postnatal days 0–10, 11–20, and 21–30 after birth. Stool samples were collected daily. DNA extracted from stool was used to sequence the 16S rRNA gene. Exploratory data analysis was conducted with a focus on temporal changes of microbial patterns and diversities among infants from different feeding cohorts. Prediction of gut microbial diversity from feeding type was estimated using linear mixed models. Results Preterm infants fed MOM (at least 70% of the total diet) had highest abundance of Clostridiales, Lactobacillales, and Bacillales compared to infants in other feeding groups, whereas infants fed primarily human donor milk or formula had a high abundance of Enterobacteriales compared to infants fed MOM. After controlling for gender, postnatal age, weight and birth gestational age, the diversity of gut microbiome increased over time and was constantly higher in infants fed MOM relative to infants with other feeding types (p < .01). Discussion Mother’s own breast milk benefits gut microbiome development of preterm infants, including balanced microbial community pattern and increased microbial diversity in early life.

Mental health issues affect 20-25% of children and adolescents, of which few receive services. School-based health centers (SBHCs) provide access to mental health services to children and adolescents within their schools. A systematic review of literature was undertaken to review evidence on the effectiveness of delivery of mental health services in SBHCs. Databases were searched extensively for research studies published between January 1990 and March 2014. Data analysis was based on the method proposed by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Twenty-three studies were selected for review. Each study was explored for accessibility and content of mental health services in SBHCs. SBHCs provide access and eliminate barriers to mental health services. Students who exhibited high-risk behaviors were more likely to have sought services at the SBHC. However, there is a lack of high-quality research evaluating mental health services in the SBHCs and their effect on children and adolescents.

Nurse scientists play an important role in studying complex relationships among human genetics, environmental factors, and the microbiome, all of which can contribute to human health and disease. Therefore, it is essential that they have the tools necessary to execute a successful microbiome research study. The purpose of this article is to highlight important methodological factors for nurse scientists to consider when designing a microbiome study. In addition to considering factors that influence host-associated microbiomes (i.e., microorganisms associated with organisms such as humans, mice, and rats), this manuscript highlights study designs and methods for microbiome analysis. Exemplars are presented from nurse scientists who have incorporated microbiome methods into their program of research. This review is intended to be a resource to guide nursing-focused microbiome research and highlights how study of the microbiome can be incorporated to answer research questions.

The Richmond Health and Wellness Program (RHWP) is an innovative interprofessional care coordination program that seeks to support the health and wellness of independent-living older adults and educate future practitioners. Since 2012, RHWP has provided community-based interprofessional training to students at Virginia Commonwealth University. The sudden suspension of clinical and communitybased training due to the COVID-19 pandemic created the need to transform the traditional ways students received clinical education and support the vulnerable communities served by RHWP. This paper describes RHWP's rapid transition to a hybrid telephone-based program with a virtual learning component for students which allowed RHWP to continue serving its participants and provide interprofessional training experiences. Since the transition, RHWP has served 111 participants through over 400 telephonic visits, and 12 nurse practitioner and pharmacy students completed clinical hours to fulfill graduation requirements. To meet the needs of learners, interprofessional education models can be adapted to changing circumstances posed by COVID-19.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of early breastfeeding cessation on incidence of diarrhea in a cohort of U.S. infants. Design, Sample, and Measurements A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from 2,340 mother–infant dyads participating in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II. We examined associations between duration of feeding type (e.g., exclusive breastfeeding [EBF], any breastfeeding [BF], formula feeding) and incidence of diarrhea before one year. Results The sample included mother–infant dyads that were 86.2% White, 3% Black, and 5% Hispanic. Interruption of EBF before 3 months was significantly associated with higher odds of having diarrhea at 6 months (OR = 1.80, p value ≤ 0.01) and between 6 and 12 months (OR = 1.45, p ≤ .01). Breastfeeding interruption before 6 months was associated with higher odds of having diarrhea at 6 months (OR = 3.19, p ≤ .01). Formula feeding for ≥3 months was associated with higher odds of diarrhea between 6 and 12 months. Conclusions Exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months accompanied by any breastfeeding for 6 months provided the most protective effect against diarrhea. Public health interventions should address disparities in breastfeeding practices and provide support across clinical, workplace and community settings. Research should include more diverse population groups.