Diet Nutrition
The Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS) is a multi-cohort longitudinal observational study investigating the effects of prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on child development in a high-fish eating population. Our studies have shown that the nutritional benefits of consuming high amounts of fish during pregnancy outweigh any negative neurotoxic effects of contaminants (1) . These findings have been used to inform global nutrition guidelines regarding fish consumption during pregnancy. Fish is rich in nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine and selenium which are essential for optimal neurodevelopment, immune function and fetal growth (2,3). To date we have not fully investigated the role of selenium in pregnancy and child development. Selenium-dependent enzymes (selenoenzymes) are believed to interact with MeHg and affect antioxidant pathways (4,5). This complex relationship between selenium and other nutrients and MeHg and the subsequent impact on neurodevelopment and other health outcomes in human studies requires further investigation. The largest most recent cohort of the SCDS, Nutrition Cohort 2 (NC2), consists of 1535 mother-child pairs in which biological samples (including hair and blood), dietary and demographic data have been collected from the mothers during pregnancy. Biological samples have been collected from the children at birth in addition to neurodevelopmental testing at 20 months and 7 years of age and various other child health outcomes. The aim of this project is to investigate the complex relationship between selenium and other nutrients and MeHg and the subsequent impact on maternal and child health outcomes including neurodevelopment, birth outcomes and development of asthma and allergy, with a focus on the antioxidant and immune pathways as mechanisms. This project will involve working with existing data from the SCDS NC2, carrying out additional laboratory analysis of maternal and cord samples from NC2 for selenium biomarkers and genetic factors relating to selenium metabolism. In addition, data collected by the Seychelles Fishing Authority on nutrient and contaminant concentrations of Seychellois fish will be incorporated into NC2 dietary databases for analysis.
This PhD will:
1. Estimate the dietary selenium and mercury intakes of Seychellois pregnant women using nutrient and contaminant data collected by the Seychelles Fishing Authority in conjugation with dietary data collected as part of the SCDS.
2. Measure selenium biomarkers (status and functional) and SNPs in genes regulating selenium metabolism in maternal and cord samples.
3. Assess associations between selenium biomarkers, antioxidant and inflammatory measures.
4. Investigate associations between selenium biomarkers and maternal and child health outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates such as MeHg.
5. The PhD researcher appointed to this project will be given opportunities to maximise on training by participating in relevant workshops and courses, PhD researcher initiatives and personal development activities organised by the Doctoral College. In addition, the researcher will work closely with all international partners of the Seychelles Child Development Study (University of Rochester, USA; Ministry of Health, Republic of Seychelles and Karolinska Institutet, Sweden) and may have the opportunity to benefit from additional off-site training for specific laboratory techniques. The PhD researcher will be encouraged to prepare and present their research findings at national and international conferences.
For details and how to apply please see: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/794522
For further information please contact: Dr Maria Mulhern: [Email Address Removed]
Interviews by Faculties: April 2021
Outcome letters sent to applicants: Late April/early May 2021
Scholarships commence: September 2021
Eligibility Criteria
· Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study. Applicants deemed by Senate to hold an equivalent qualification will also be considered.
· Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing researchers, are NOT eligible for a scholarship.
· All applicants should also hold a relevant English language qualification. All applications for scholarships will be considered on a competitive basis and with regard to the applicant’s qualifications, skills, experience and interests.
· Competition for funded entry is very high. It is important that all parts of the application process are completed in accordance with the instructions. All applicants are advised to discuss their application with the staff noted within the project description prior to submission.
· Applicants should note that disclosure of disability or personal circumstances should be made as part of the application process or as soon as possible thereafter in order to facilitate any necessary accommodation.
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