Fig. 3

Comparison of microbial diversity trajectories by diet and maturity. Linear mixed-effects (LME) model regressions of microbial diversity (Shannon index) plotted by a postnatal day and b adjusted gestational age [gestational age + postnatal day at time of sample collection]. Adjusted gestational age reflects the overall maturity of the infant at the time of sample collection. Samples plotted included those >7 days post antibiotic exposure for both panels [118 samples]. Lines represent linear mixed-effects regressions (and 95% confidence intervals) of Shannon diversity over time for each infant (birth gestational age also included as a factor in panel a). The significance level for relating bacterial diversity over time within each diet group is noted, as are the correlations and variance (panel c; based on “random effects”) of the model fit