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Domic-Siede M, Ortiz R, Ávalos M, Salazar N, Burgos J, Rosales C, Ramos-Henderson M, Véliz-García O, Calderón C. Executive functions and their relationship with age: Insights from a novel neuropsychological Assessment Battery in Children-a pilot study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2024:1-29. [PMID: 39089403 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2024.2381199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) are a set of cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage and coordinate their thoughts and actions toward achieving specific goals. EFs include planning, organizing, initiating, and monitoring actions, and have been found to improve with age due to the maturation of the brain, especially during childhood. Therefore, our correlational study sought to determine the relationship between the performance in executive functions and age in 79 children (36 girls, 45.6%) throughout development, between the ages of 6 and 12 (mean = 9.25; SD = 2.05), using a battery designed in Chile: BEFE (Batería de Evaluación de las Funciones Ejecutivas: Executive Function Assessment Battery) based on traditional neuropsychological tests to evaluate Working Memory, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Planning skills. Our results showed various correlations between the variables age and performance in various behavioral parameters, demonstrating an increase in the number of correct responses (positive correlation) and/or a decrease in errors (negative correlation) with age (6-12) in the subtests that correspond to dimensions of Cognitive Flexibility (Semantic and Phonological Fluency, Card Sorting Game, and Tracing Tasks), Inhibitory Control (ENA-F and Sentence Completion), Working Memory (Audio-verbal WM Forward and Ordering, and Visuospatial WM Forward and Backward), and Planning (La Portada de Antofagasta and FISA Maps). These results are consistent with previous empirical evidence and support the notion of a developmental relationship between EF performance and age. Additionally, this study contributes to understanding EF development in culturally specific contexts, highlighting the importance of contextually relevant assessment tools in evaluating cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Domic-Siede
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Romina Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - María Ávalos
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Nancy Salazar
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Jennifer Burgos
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Constanza Rosales
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Miguel Ramos-Henderson
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Gerontología Aplicada CIGAP, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Oscar Véliz-García
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Carlos Calderón
- Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
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Rinne GR, Podosin M, Mahrer NE, Shalowitz MU, Ramey SL, Dunkel Schetter C. Prospective associations of prenatal stress with child behavior: Moderation by the early childhood caregiving environment. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38738363 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can increase risk for psychopathology but postnatal caregiving may offset risk. This study tests whether maternal sensitivity and the home environment during early childhood modify associations of prenatal stress with offspring behavior in a sample of 127 mother-child pairs (n = 127). Mothers reported on perceived stress during pregnancy. Maternal sensitivity was rated by coders during a parent-child free play task when children were 4 years old. One year later, mothers reported on the home environment, child internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and children completed an assessment of inhibitory control. As hypothesized, the early childhood caregiving environment modified associations of prenatal stress with child behavior. Specifically, prenatal stress was associated with more internalizing behaviors at lower levels of maternal sensitivity and in home environments that were lower in emotional support and cognitive stimulation, but not at mean or higher levels. Furthermore, prenatal stress was associated with lower inhibitory control only at lower levels of maternal sensitivity, but not at higher levels. Maternal sensitivity and an emotionally supportive and cognitively stimulating home environment in early childhood may be important factors that mitigate risk for mental health problems among children exposed to prenatal stress.
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Jónsdóttir LK, Forslund T, Frick MA, Frick A, Heeman EJ, Brocki KC. A challenge to the expected: Lack of longitudinal associations between the early caregiving environment, executive functions in toddlerhood, and self-regulation at 6 years. Dev Sci 2024:e13526. [PMID: 38712829 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Previous research and theory indicate an importance of the quality of the early caregiving environment in the development of self-regulation. However, it is unclear how attachment security and maternal sensitivity, two related but distinct aspects of the early caregiving environment, may differentially predict self-regulation at school start and whether a distinction between hot and cool executive function is informative in characterizing such predictions through mediation. In a 5-year longitudinal study (n = 108), we examined these associations using measures of maternal sensitivity and attachment security at 10-12 months, executive function at 4 years, and self-regulation at 6 years. Surprisingly, and despite methodological rigor, we found few significant bivariate associations between the study variables. We found no credible evidence of a longitudinal association between maternal sensitivity or attachment security in infancy and self-regulation at 6 years, or between executive function at 4 years and self-regulation at 6 years. The lack of bivariate longitudinal associations precluded us from building mediation models as intended. We discuss our null findings in terms of their potential theoretical implications, as well as how measurement type, reliability, and validity, may play a key role in determining longitudinal associations between early caregiving factors and later self-regulation and related abilities. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The early caregiving environment has been implicated in the development of later self-regulation, which includes more basic skills, such as hot and cool executive functions (EF). In a 5-year longitudinal study, with a sample of 108 children, we rigorously measured aspects of early caregiving, EF, and self-regulation. We found no significant longitudinal associations between early caregiving and self-regulation at 6 years, nor between EF at 4 years and self-regulation at 6 years. These null results highlight the complexity of modeling self-regulation development and raise critical questions about general methodological conventions within self-regulation development research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilja K Jónsdóttir
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women's Mental Health During the Reproductive Lifespan - WOMHER, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tommie Forslund
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matilda A Frick
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Frick
- Department of Medical Sciences, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma J Heeman
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women's Mental Health During the Reproductive Lifespan - WOMHER, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin C Brocki
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Zhang Y, Banihashemi L, Versace A, Samolyk A, Taylor M, English G, Schmithorst VJ, Lee VK, Stiffler R, Aslam H, Panigrahy A, Hipwell AE, Phillips ML. Early Infant Prefrontal Cortical Microstructure Predicts Present and Future Emotionality. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01220-4. [PMID: 38604525 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of infant negative emotionality (NE) and low positive emotionality (PE) predict future emotional and behavioral problems. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) supports emotional regulation, with each PFC subregion specializing in specific emotional processes. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging estimates microstructural integrity and myelination via the neurite density index (NDI) and dispersion via the orientation dispersion index (ODI), with potential to more accurately evaluate microstructural alterations in the developing brain. Yet, no study has used these indices to examine associations between PFC microstructure and concurrent or developing infant emotionality. METHODS We modeled PFC subregional NDI and ODI at 3 months with caregiver-reported infant NE and PE at 3 months (n = 61) and at 9 months (n = 50), using multivariable and subsequent bivariate regression models. RESULTS The most robust statistically significant findings were positive associations among 3-month rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) ODI and caudal ACC NDI and concurrent NE, a positive association between 3-month lateral orbitofrontal cortex ODI and prospective NE, and a negative association between 3-month dorsolateral PFC ODI and concurrent PE. Multivariate models also revealed that other PFC subregional microstructure measures, as well as infant and caregiver sociodemographic and clinical factors, predicted infant 3- and 9-month NE and PE. CONCLUSIONS Greater NDI and ODI, reflecting greater microstructural complexity, in PFC regions supporting salience perception (rostral ACC), decision making (lateral orbitofrontal cortex), action selection (caudal ACC), and attentional processes (dorsolateral PFC) might result in greater integration of these subregions with other neural networks and greater attention to salient negative external cues, thus higher NE and/or lower PE. These findings provide potential infant cortical markers of future psychopathology risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | - Layla Banihashemi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Amelia Versace
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Alyssa Samolyk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Megan Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gabrielle English
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Vanessa J Schmithorst
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Vincent K Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Pediatric Radiology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Richelle Stiffler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Haris Aslam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ashok Panigrahy
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Alison E Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary L Phillips
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Pritchard AJ, Capitanio JP, Del Rosso L, McCowan B, Vandeleest JJ. Repeatability of measures of behavioral organization over two years in captive infant rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23591. [PMID: 38212935 PMCID: PMC11010731 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Individual differences of infant temperament have been associated with future health outcomes that provide explanatory power beyond adult personality. Despite the importance of such a metric, our developmental understanding of personality-like traits is poor. Therefore, we examined whether young primates show consistency in personality traits throughout development. We replicated a Biobehavioral Assessment (BBA) at three time periods: 3-4 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age in 47 rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) subjects from large mixed-sex outdoor social housing units at the California National Primate Research Center. We report results for tests focused on responses and adaptation to the temporary separation and relocation, responses to a threatening stimulus, and ratings of overall temperament. We found consistently repeatable associations in measures of Emotionality; these associations were stronger in males, but also present in females, and broadly consistent between Years 1 and 2. We also explored whether behavioral responses to this experimental relocation might be influenced by their experience being relocated for other reasons (i.e., hospitalizations) as individuals' responses might be influenced by similar experiences to the BBA procedure. Only locomotion, during one of the assessments, was associated with past hospitalization events. Overall, repeatability in Emotionality-associated behaviors was evident across the 2 years, in both sexes. We did, however, find evidence of the emergence of sex differences via differentiated expression of behavioral responses during the BBA. We emphasize that there is likely contextual nuance in the use of these BBA factor-associated behaviors. Further research is required to determine whether and how shifts occur in underlying factor structure and the expression of associated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Pritchard
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - John P. Capitanio
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Laura Del Rosso
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Brenda McCowan
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jessica J. Vandeleest
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Wass S, Greenwood E, Esposito G, Smith C, Necef I, Phillips E. Annual Research Review: 'There, the dance is - at the still point of the turning world' - dynamic systems perspectives on coregulation and dysregulation during early development. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:481-507. [PMID: 38390803 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
During development we transition from coregulation (where regulatory processes are shared between child and caregiver) to self-regulation. Most early coregulatory interactions aim to manage fluctuations in the infant's arousal and alertness; but over time, coregulatory processes become progressively elaborated to encompass other functions such as sociocommunicative development, attention and executive control. The fundamental aim of coregulation is to help maintain an optimal 'critical state' between hypo- and hyperactivity. Here, we present a dynamic framework for understanding child-caregiver coregulatory interactions in the context of psychopathology. Early coregulatory processes involve both passive entrainment, through which a child's state entrains to the caregiver's, and active contingent responsiveness, through which the caregiver changes their behaviour in response to behaviours from the child. Similar principles, of interactive but asymmetric contingency, drive joint attention and the maintenance of epistemic states as well as arousal/alertness, emotion regulation and sociocommunicative development. We describe three ways in which active child-caregiver regulation can develop atypically, in conditions such as Autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression. The most well-known of these is insufficient contingent responsiveness, leading to reduced synchrony, which has been shown across a range of modalities in different disorders, and which is the target of most current interventions. We also present evidence that excessive contingent responsiveness and excessive synchrony can develop in some circumstances. And we show that positive feedback interactions can develop, which are contingent but mutually amplificatory child-caregiver interactions that drive the child further from their critical state. We discuss implications of these findings for future intervention research, and directions for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Wass
- UEL BabyDevLab, Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Emily Greenwood
- UEL BabyDevLab, Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- UEL BabyDevLab, Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Celia Smith
- Institute of Psychology Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Isil Necef
- UEL BabyDevLab, Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Emily Phillips
- UEL BabyDevLab, Department of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
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7
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Stern JA, Kelsey CM, Yancey H, Grossmann T. Love on the developing brain: Maternal sensitivity and infants' neural responses to emotion in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Dev Sci 2024:e13497. [PMID: 38511516 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Infancy is a sensitive period of development, during which experiences of parental care are particularly important for shaping the developing brain. In a longitudinal study of N = 95 mothers and infants, we examined links between caregiving behavior (maternal sensitivity observed during a mother-infant free-play) and infants' neural response to emotion (happy, angry, and fearful faces) at 5 and 7 months of age. Neural activity was assessed using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), a region involved in cognitive control and emotion regulation. Maternal sensitivity was positively correlated with infants' neural responses to happy faces in the bilateral dlPFC and was associated with relative increases in such responses from 5 to 7 months. Multilevel analyses revealed caregiving-related individual differences in infants' neural responses to happy compared to fearful faces in the bilateral dlPFC, as well as other brain regions. We suggest that variability in dlPFC responses to emotion in the developing brain may be one correlate of early experiences of caregiving, with implications for social-emotional functioning and self-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Stern
- Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Caroline M Kelsey
- Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heath Yancey
- Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Tobias Grossmann
- Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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8
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Nix RL, Gill S, Hostetler ML, Feinberg ME, Francis LA, Stifter CA, McNeil CB, Kidder SM, Jones DE, Park YR, Kim CN, Engbretson AG, Braaten SM, Tamkin VL. Promoting toddlers' self-regulation and healthy eating habits among families living in poverty: A randomized controlled trial of Recipe 4 Success. Child Dev 2024; 95:354-367. [PMID: 37767600 PMCID: PMC10942656 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.14006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The Recipe 4 Success preventive intervention targeted multiple factors critical to the health and well-being of toddlers living in poverty. This randomized controlled trial, which was embedded within Early Head Start home visits for 12 weeks, included 242 racially and ethnically diverse families (51% girls; toddler mean age = 2.58 years; data collected 2016-2019). Compared to parents in usual practice home visits, parents in Recipe 4 Success displayed greater sensitive scaffolding of toddlers' learning and more responsive food parenting practices (Cohen's d = .21-.30). Toddlers in Recipe 4 Success exhibited greater self-regulation and had healthier eating habits (Cohen's d = |.16-.35|). Results highlight the value of Recipe 4 Success in promoting parent and toddler behavior change that could have life-long benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L. Nix
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sukhdeep Gill
- Pennsylvania State University-York, York, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Lori A. Francis
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah M. Kidder
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Damon E. Jones
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ye Rang Park
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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9
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Liu Q, Zhu S, Zhou X, Liu F, Becker B, Kendrick KM, Zhao W. Mothers and fathers show different neural synchrony with their children during shared experiences. Neuroimage 2024; 288:120529. [PMID: 38301879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Parent-child shared experiences has an important influence on social development in children although contributions of mothers and fathers may differ. Neural synchronicity occurs between mothers and fathers and their children during social interactions but it is unclear whether they differ in this respect. We used data from simultaneous fNIRS hyperscanning in mothers (n = 33) and fathers (n = 29) and their children (3-4 years) to determine different patterns and strengths of neural synchronization in the frontal cortex during co-viewing of videos or free-play. Mothers showed greater synchrony with child than fathers during passive viewing of videos and the synchronization was positively associated with video complexity and negatively associated with parental stress. During play interactions, mothers showed more controlling behaviors over their child and greater evidence for joint gaze and joint imitation play with child whereas fathers spent more time gazing at other things. In addition, different aspects of child communication promoted neural synchrony between mothers and fathers and child during active play interactions. Overall, our findings indicate greater neural and behavioral synchrony between mothers than fathers and young children during passive or active shared experiences, although for both it was weakened by parental distress and child difficulty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- School of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, PR China
| | - Fang Liu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China.
| | - Weihua Zhao
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; Institute of Electronic and Information Engineering of UESTC in Guangdong, Dongguan, 523808, PR China.
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10
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Muñoz JS, Giles ME, Vaughn KA, Wang Y, Landry SH, Bick JR, DeMaster DM. Parenting Influences on Frontal Lobe Gray Matter and Preterm Toddlers' Problem-Solving Skills. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:206. [PMID: 38397318 PMCID: PMC10887128 DOI: 10.3390/children11020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Children born preterm often face challenges with self-regulation during toddlerhood. This study examined the relationship between prematurity, supportive parent behaviors, frontal lobe gray matter volume (GMV), and emotion regulation (ER) among toddlers during a parent-assisted, increasingly complex problem-solving task, validated for this age range. Data were collected from preterm toddlers (n = 57) ages 15-30 months corrected for prematurity and their primary caregivers. MRI data were collected during toddlers' natural sleep. The sample contained three gestational groups: 22-27 weeks (extremely preterm; EPT), 28-33 weeks (very preterm; VPT), and 34-36 weeks (late preterm; LPT). Older toddlers became more compliant as the Tool Task increased in difficulty, but this pattern varied by gestational group. Engagement was highest for LPT toddlers, for older toddlers, and for the easiest task condition. Parents did not differentiate their support depending on task difficulty or their child's age or gestational group. Older children had greater frontal lobe GMV, and for EPT toddlers only, more parent support was related to larger right frontal lobe GMV. We found that parent support had the greatest impact on high birth risk (≤27 gestational weeks) toddler brain development, thus early parent interventions may normalize preterm child neurodevelopment and have lasting impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josselyn S. Muñoz
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA;
| | - Megan E. Giles
- Children’s Learning Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.G.); (K.A.V.); (Y.W.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Kelly A. Vaughn
- Children’s Learning Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.G.); (K.A.V.); (Y.W.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Ying Wang
- Children’s Learning Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.G.); (K.A.V.); (Y.W.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Susan H. Landry
- Children’s Learning Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.G.); (K.A.V.); (Y.W.); (S.H.L.)
| | - Johanna R. Bick
- Psychology Department, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA;
| | - Dana M. DeMaster
- Children’s Learning Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.E.G.); (K.A.V.); (Y.W.); (S.H.L.)
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11
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Feijó DM, Pires JF, Gomes RMR, Carlo EJF, Viana TNDL, Magalhães JR, Santos ACT, Rodrigues LD, Oliveira LF, dos Santos JCC. The impact of child poverty on brain development: does money matter? Dement Neuropsychol 2023; 17:e20220105. [PMID: 37577181 PMCID: PMC10417148 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2022-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of the human nervous system makes up a series of fundamental and interdependent events involving birth, growth, and neuronal maturation, in addition to the positive or negative selection of synapses of these neurons that will participate in the composition of neural circuits essential to the activity of the nervous system. In this context, where environment and social relationships seem to be relevant markers for neurodevelopment, advanced neuroimaging techniques and behavioral assessment tools have demonstrated alterations in brain regions and cognitive functions among children developing in low or high socioeconomic status environments. Considering the aspects mentioned, this review aimed to identify the importance of socioeconomic status in children's brain development, seeking to identify what are the impacts of these factors on the morphological and physiological formation of the nervous system, allowing a greater understanding of the importance of environmental factors in neurodevelopmental processes.
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12
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Bustamante JC, Fernández-Castilla B, Alcaraz-Iborra M. Relation between executive functions and screen time exposure in under 6 year-olds: A meta-analysis. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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13
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Kim JI, Kim BN, Lee YA, Shin CH, Hong YC, Døssing LD, Hildebrandt G, Lim YH. Association between early-childhood exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and ADHD symptoms: A prospective cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163081. [PMID: 36972880 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Previous studies have focused on prenatal exposure to PFAS, and only few studies have examined the associations of early-childhood exposure, especially at low exposure levels. This study explored the association between early-childhood exposure to PFAS and ADHD symptoms later in childhood. In 521 children, we measured the serum levels of six PFAS in peripheral blood at the ages of 2 and 4 years, including perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluornonanoicacid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The ADHD Rating Scale IV (ARS) was utilized to measure ADHD traits at 8 years of age. We explored the relationship between PFAS and ARS scores using Poisson regression models after adjusting for potential confounders. Levels of exposure to individual PFAS and the summed value were divided into quartiles to examine possible nonlinear relationships. All six PFAS exhibited inverted U-shaped curves. Children in the 2nd and 3rd quartile levels of each PFAS showed higher ARS scores than those in the1st quartile level. Below the 3rd quartile of the summed levels of six PFAS (ΣPFAS), a doubling of the ΣPFAS was associated with an 20.0 % (95 % CI: 9.5 %, 31.5 %) increase in ADHD scores. However, at the age of 4 years, none of the evaluated PFAS exhibited linear or nonlinear associations with the ARS scores. Thus, school-aged children may be vulnerable to the neurotoxic effects of exposure to PFAS at age 2 that contribute to ADHD, particularly at low to mid-levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Inhyang Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Medical Center, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seondong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Bung-Nyun Kim
- Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ah Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong Ho Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Lise Dalgaard Døssing
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oster Farmagsgade 5, 1014 Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Gustav Hildebrandt
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oster Farmagsgade 5, 1014 Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Youn-Hee Lim
- Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, 103 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Oster Farmagsgade 5, 1014 Kobenhavn, Denmark.
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14
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Sunderji A, Gallant HD, Hall A, Davis AD, Pokhvisneva I, Meaney MJ, Silveira PP, Sassi RB, Hall GB. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene network moderates the impact of prenatal maternal adversity on orbitofrontal cortical thickness in middle childhood. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287289. [PMID: 37319261 PMCID: PMC10270637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero, the developing brain is highly susceptible to the environment. For example, adverse maternal experiences during the prenatal period are associated with outcomes such as altered neurodevelopment and emotion dysregulation. Yet, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigate whether the function of a network of genes co-expressed with the serotonin transporter in the amygdala moderates the impact of prenatal maternal adversity on the structure of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in middle childhood and/or the degree of temperamental inhibition exhibited in toddlerhood. T1-weighted structural MRI scans were acquired from children aged 6-12 years. A cumulative maternal adversity score was used to conceptualize prenatal adversity and a co-expression based polygenic risk score (ePRS) was generated. Behavioural inhibition at 18 months was assessed using the Early Childhood Behaviour Questionnaire (ECBQ). Our results indicate that in the presence of a low functioning serotonin transporter gene network in the amygdala, higher levels of prenatal adversity are associated with greater right OFC thickness at 6-12 years old. The interaction also predicts temperamental inhibition at 18 months. Ultimately, we identified important biological processes and structural modifications that may underlie the link between early adversity and future deviations in cognitive, behavioural, and emotional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleeza Sunderji
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Heather D. Gallant
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Hall
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew D. Davis
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences and Brain–Body Initiative, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patricia P. Silveira
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Roberto B. Sassi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Geoffrey B. Hall
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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15
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Lee JJ, Flouri E. The relationship between diurnal cortisol slope and cognitive development among children maltreated as infants. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2023; 148:106873. [PMID: 36876149 PMCID: PMC9983686 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the role of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning for children's cognitive development, especially among vulnerable groups. The current study explores the relationship between diurnal cortisol slope and cognitive outcomes among children at the ages of 5 and 6 who have been maltreated as infants and involved with child protective services, using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) I (N=158). Multiple regression analyses showed that a greater decline in salivary cortisol from morning to evening was positively associated with scores on applied problems and expressive communication, even after adjustment for confounding. It was also associated with lower odds of cognitive disability. There were null associations with letter-word identification, passage comprehension, auditory comprehension, matrices, and vocabulary. Results suggest that children involved with child protective services as infants, and thus exposed early to likely 'toxic' levels of stressors, may face dysregulation of the HPA axis and particular difficulties in some aspects of cognitive function. Potential explanations and implications for policy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Jiyoun Lee
- Child Maltreatment Solutions Network, Social Science Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, 202 Henderson Building, University Park, PA, 16802
| | - Eirini Flouri
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 20 Bedford, Way, London, WC1H 0AL
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16
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Zhang Y, Banihashemi L, Samolyk A, Taylor M, English G, Schmithorst VJ, Lee VK, Versace A, Stiffler R, Aslam H, Panigrahy A, Hipwell AE, Phillips ML. Early infant prefrontal gray matter volume is associated with concurrent and future infant emotionality. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:125. [PMID: 37069146 PMCID: PMC10110602 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of infant negative emotionality (NE) are associated with emotional and behavioral problems later in childhood. Identifying neural markers of high NE as well as low positive emotionality (PE) in infancy can provide neural markers to aid early identification of vulnerability, and inform interventions to help delay or even prevent psychiatric disorders before the manifestation of symptoms. Prefrontal cortical (PFC) subregions support the regulation of NE and PE, with each PFC subregion differentially specializing in distinct emotional regulation processes. Gray matter (GM) volume measures show good test-retest reliability, and thus have potential use as neural markers of NE and PE. Yet, while studies showed PFC GM structural abnormalities in adolescents and young adults with affective disorders, few studies examined how PFC subregional GM measures are associated with NE and PE in infancy. We aimed to identify relationships among GM in prefrontal cortical subregions at 3 months and caregiver report of infant NE and PE, covarying for infant age and gender and caregiver sociodemographic and clinical variables, in two independent samples at 3 months (Primary: n = 75; Replication sample: n = 40) and at 9 months (Primary: n = 44; Replication sample: n = 40). In the primary sample, greater 3-month medial superior frontal cortical volume was associated with higher infant 3-month NE (p < 0.05); greater 3-month ventrolateral prefrontal cortical volume predicted lower infant 9-month PE (p < 0.05), even after controlling for 3-month NE and PE. GM volume in other PFC subregions also predicted infant 3- and 9-month NE and PE, together with infant demographic factors, caregiver age, and/or caregiver affective instability and anxiety. These findings were replicated in the independent sample. To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine in primary and replication samples associations among infant PFC GM volumes and concurrent and prospective NE and PE, and identify promising, early markers of future psychopathology risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Zhang
- University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Layla Banihashemi
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alyssa Samolyk
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan Taylor
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gabrielle English
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vanessa J Schmithorst
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatric Radiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vincent K Lee
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatric Radiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amelia Versace
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Richelle Stiffler
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haris Aslam
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashok Panigrahy
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatric Radiology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alison E Hipwell
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary L Phillips
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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17
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Blanchett R, Chen Y, Aguate F, Xia K, Cornea E, Burt SA, de Los Campos G, Gao W, Gilmore JH, Knickmeyer RC. Genetic and environmental factors influencing neonatal resting-state functional connectivity. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:4829-4843. [PMID: 36190430 PMCID: PMC10110449 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to identify complex brain networks by examining the correlation of blood-oxygen-level-dependent signals between brain regions during the resting state. Many of the brain networks identified in adults are detectable at birth, but genetic and environmental influences governing connectivity within and between these networks in early infancy have yet to be explored. We investigated genetic influences on neonatal resting-state connectivity phenotypes by generating intraclass correlations and performing mixed effects modeling to estimate narrow-sense heritability on measures of within network and between-network connectivity in a large cohort of neonate twins. We also used backwards elimination regression and mixed linear modeling to identify specific demographic and medical history variables influencing within and between network connectivity in a large cohort of typically developing twins and singletons. Of the 36 connectivity phenotypes examined, only 6 showed narrow-sense heritability estimates greater than 0.10, with none being statistically significant. Demographic and obstetric history variables contributed to between- and within-network connectivity. Our results suggest that in early infancy, genetic factors minimally influence brain connectivity. However, specific demographic and medical history variables, such as gestational age at birth and maternal psychiatric history, may influence resting-state connectivity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Blanchett
- Genetics and Genome Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Fernando Aguate
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kai Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Emil Cornea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - S Alexandra Burt
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Gustavo de Los Campos
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Statistics and Probability, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Wei Gao
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - John H Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca C Knickmeyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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18
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Hadaya L, Dimitrakopoulou K, Vanes LD, Kanel D, Fenn-Moltu S, Gale-Grant O, Counsell SJ, Edwards AD, Saqi M, Batalle D, Nosarti C. Parsing brain-behavior heterogeneity in very preterm born children using integrated similarity networks. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:108. [PMID: 37012252 PMCID: PMC10070645 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02401-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Very preterm birth (VPT; ≤32 weeks' gestation) is associated with altered brain development and cognitive and behavioral difficulties across the lifespan. However, heterogeneity in outcomes among individuals born VPT makes it challenging to identify those most vulnerable to neurodevelopmental sequelae. Here, we aimed to stratify VPT children into distinct behavioral subgroups and explore between-subgroup differences in neonatal brain structure and function. 198 VPT children (98 females) previously enrolled in the Evaluation of Preterm Imaging Study (EudraCT 2009-011602-42) underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging at term-equivalent age and neuropsychological assessments at 4-7 years. Using an integrative clustering approach, we combined neonatal socio-demographic, clinical factors and childhood socio-emotional and executive function outcomes, to identify distinct subgroups of children based on their similarity profiles in a multidimensional space. We characterized resultant subgroups using domain-specific outcomes (temperament, psychopathology, IQ and cognitively stimulating home environment) and explored between-subgroup differences in neonatal brain volumes (voxel-wise Tensor-Based-Morphometry), functional connectivity (voxel-wise degree centrality) and structural connectivity (Tract-Based-Spatial-Statistics). Results showed two- and three-cluster data-driven solutions. The two-cluster solution comprised a 'resilient' subgroup (lower psychopathology and higher IQ, executive function and socio-emotional scores) and an 'at-risk' subgroup (poorer behavioral and cognitive outcomes). No neuroimaging differences between the resilient and at-risk subgroups were found. The three-cluster solution showed an additional third 'intermediate' subgroup, displaying behavioral and cognitive outcomes intermediate between the resilient and at-risk subgroups. The resilient subgroup had the most cognitively stimulating home environment and the at-risk subgroup showed the highest neonatal clinical risk, while the intermediate subgroup showed the lowest clinical, but the highest socio-demographic risk. Compared to the intermediate subgroup, the resilient subgroup displayed larger neonatal insular and orbitofrontal volumes and stronger orbitofrontal functional connectivity, while the at-risk group showed widespread white matter microstructural alterations. These findings suggest that risk stratification following VPT birth is feasible and could be used translationally to guide personalized interventions aimed at promoting children's resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Hadaya
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Konstantina Dimitrakopoulou
- Translational Bioinformatics Platform, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy D Vanes
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dana Kanel
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sunniva Fenn-Moltu
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Oliver Gale-Grant
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Serena J Counsell
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mansoor Saqi
- Translational Bioinformatics Platform, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dafnis Batalle
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chiara Nosarti
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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19
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Severo M, Ventriglio A, Bellomo A, Iuso S, Petito A. Maternal perinatal depression and child neurocognitive development: A relationship still to be clarified. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1151897. [PMID: 37020735 PMCID: PMC10067625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1151897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy frequently is associated with emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression. Perinatal depression has an incidence of around 12%. Only recently researcher put the attention on the effects of pre- and postpartum psychopathology on infant neurocognitive development. Neurobiology studies indicate that perinatal maternal depression can significantly affect the structure and function of children's prefrontal cortex and modulate the development of cognitive abilities from intrauterine life. On the topic, the scientific literature appears ambiguous, reporting mixed results. Some studies have found no significant differences in developmental outcomes between prenatal and postpartum exposure to maternal depression, others have suggested a greater burden of depression in pregnancy than in postpartum, and still others have emphasized the role of chronicity of symptoms rather than the period of onset. Few studies have examined the effects of different developmental trajectories of maternal depression on children's neurocognitive outcomes. The assessment of maternal health has for years been limited to postpartum depression often neglecting the timing of onset, the intensity of symptoms and their chronicity. These aspects have received less attention than they deserve, especially in relation to the effects on children's neurocognitive development. The aim of this Perspective was to highlight inconsistencies and gaps that need to be filled in the approach to the study of this problem. Given the wide heterogeneity of data in the current literature, further studies are needed to clarify these interactions. This Perspective provides an overview of current progress, future directions, and a presentation of the authors' views on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Severo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Iuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Petito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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20
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Mortaji N, Krzeczkowski J, Atkinson S, Amani B, Schmidt LA, Van Lieshout R. Preliminary findings of emotion regulation in 12-month-old infants of mothers enrolled in a randomized controlled trial assessing a nutrition + exercise intervention. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22376. [PMID: 36811372 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Improved offspring emotion regulation (ER) has been associated with maternal intake of single nutrients or exercise during pregnancy but has not been examined in randomized trials. We investigated the impact of a maternal nutrition + exercise intervention during pregnancy on offspring ER at 12 months of age. Mothers in the Be Healthy In Pregnancy randomized controlled trial were randomly assigned to an individualized nutrition + exercise intervention plus usual care (UC) or UC alone (control group). A multimethod assessment of infant ER using parasympathetic nervous system function (high frequency heart rate variability [HF-HRV] and root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]) as well as maternal reports of infant temperament (Infant Behavior Questionnaire- Revised short form) was completed with a subsample of infants of enrolled mothers (intervention = 9, control = 8). The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01689961). We observed greater HF-HRV (M = 4.63, SD = 0.50, p = .04, ƞ2 p = .25) and RMSSD (M = 24.25, SD = 6.15, p = .04, ƞ2 p = .25) in infants of mothers in the intervention versus control group. Intervention group infants also had higher maternally rated surgency/extraversion (M = 5.54, SD = 0.38, p = .00, ƞ2 p = .65) and regulation/orienting (M = 5.46, SD = 0.52, p = .02, ƞ2 p = .81), and lower negative affectivity (M = 2.70, SD = 0.91, p = .03, ƞ2 p = .52). These preliminary results suggest that pregnancy nutrition + exercise interventions could improve infant ER but these findings require replication in larger, more diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Mortaji
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Atkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bahar Amani
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Louis A Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan Van Lieshout
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Law EC, Han MX, Lai Z, Lim S, Ong ZY, Ng V, Gabard-Durnam LJ, Wilkinson CL, Levin AR, Rifkin-Graboi A, Daniel LM, Gluckman PD, Chong YS, Meaney MJ, Nelson CA. Associations Between Infant Screen Use, Electroencephalography Markers, and Cognitive Outcomes. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:311-318. [PMID: 36716016 PMCID: PMC9887532 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.5674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Importance Research evidence is mounting for the association between infant screen use and negative cognitive outcomes related to attention and executive functions. The nature, timing, and persistence of screen time exposure on neural functions are currently unknown. Electroencephalography (EEG) permits elucidation of the neural correlates associated with cognitive impairments. Objective To examine the associations between infant screen time, EEG markers, and school-age cognitive outcomes using mediation analysis with structural equation modeling. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective maternal-child dyad cohort study included participants from the population-based study Growing Up in Singapore Toward Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO). Pregnant mothers were enrolled in their first trimester from June 2009 through December 2010. A subset of children who completed neurodevelopmental visits at ages 12 months and 9 years had EEG performed at age 18 months. Data were reported from 3 time points at ages 12 months, 18 months, and 9 years. Mediation analyses were used to investigate how neural correlates were involved in the paths from infant screen time to the latent construct of attention and executive functioning. Data for this study were collected from November 2010 to March 2020 and were analyzed between October 2021 and May 2022. Exposures Parent-reported screen time at age 12 months. Main Outcomes and Measures Power spectral density from EEG was collected at age 18 months. Child attention and executive functions were measured with teacher-reported questionnaires and objective laboratory-based tasks at age 9 years. Results In this sample of 437 children, the mean (SD) age at follow-up was 8.84 (0.07) years, and 227 children (51.9%) were male. The mean (SD) amount of daily screen time at age 12 months was 2.01 (1.86) hours. Screen time at age 12 months contributed to multiple 9-year attention and executive functioning measures (η2, 0.03-0.16; Cohen d, 0.35-0.87). A subset of 157 children had EEG performed at age 18 months; EEG relative theta power and theta/beta ratio at the frontocentral and parietal regions showed a graded correlation with 12-month screen use (r = 0.35-0.37). In the structural equation model accounting for household income, frontocentral and parietal theta/beta ratios partially mediated the association between infant screen time and executive functioning at school age (exposure-mediator β, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.59; mediator-outcome β, -0.38; 95% CI, -0.64 to -0.11), forming an indirect path that accounted for 39.4% of the association. Conclusions and Relevance In this study, infant screen use was associated with altered cortical EEG activity before age 2 years; the identified EEG markers mediated the association between infant screen time and executive functions. Further efforts are urgently needed to distinguish the direct association of infant screen use compared with family factors that predispose early screen use on executive function impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn C. Law
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat–National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Meredith X. Han
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhuoyuan Lai
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Shuping Lim
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Yan Ong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Valerie Ng
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Laurel J. Gabard-Durnam
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carol L. Wilkinson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - April R. Levin
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Centre for Research in Child Development, National Institute of Education, Singapore
| | - L. Mary Daniel
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Child Development, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
- Academic Medicine Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Peter D. Gluckman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Health System and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University and Douglas Mental Health University Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles A. Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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22
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Ji L, Majbri A, Hendrix CL, Thomason ME. Fetal behavior during MRI changes with age and relates to network dynamics. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:1683-1694. [PMID: 36564934 PMCID: PMC9921243 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal motor behavior is an important clinical indicator of healthy development. However, our understanding of associations between fetal behavior and fetal brain development is limited. To fill this gap, this study introduced an approach to automatically and objectively classify long durations of fetal movement from a continuous four-dimensional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data set, and paired behavior features with brain activity indicated by the fMRI time series. Twelve-minute fMRI scans were conducted in 120 normal fetuses. Postnatal motor function was evaluated at 7 and 36 months age. Fetal motor behavior was quantified by calculating the frame-wise displacement (FD) of fetal brains extracted by a deep-learning model along the whole time series. Analyzing only low motion data, we characterized the recurring coactivation patterns (CAPs) of the supplementary motor area (SMA). Results showed reduced motor activity with advancing gestational age (GA), likely due in part to loss of space (r = -.51, p < .001). Evaluation of individual variation in motor movement revealed a negative association between movement and the occurrence of coactivations within the left parietotemporal network, controlling for age and sex (p = .003). Further, we found that the occurrence of coactivations between the SMA to posterior brain regions, including visual cortex, was prospectively associated with postnatal motor function at 7 months (r = .43, p = .03). This is the first study to pair fetal movement and fMRI, highlighting potential for comparisons of fetal behavior and neural network development to enhance our understanding of fetal brain organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxin Ji
- Department of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Amyn Majbri
- Department of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Cassandra L. Hendrix
- Department of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Moriah E. Thomason
- Department of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Population HealthNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Neuroscience InstituteNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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23
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Morgan JK, Santosa H, Conner KK, Fridley RM, Forbes EE, Iyengar S, Joseph HM, Huppert TJ. Mother-child neural synchronization is time linked to mother-child positive affective state matching. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2023; 18:nsad001. [PMID: 36715078 PMCID: PMC9976748 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the first years of life, in which self-regulation occurs via external means, mother-child synchronization of positive affect (PA) facilitates regulation of child homeostatic systems. Mother-child affective synchrony may contribute to mother-child synchronization of neural systems, but limited research has explored this possibility. Participants were 41 healthy mother-child dyads (56% girls; Mage = 24.76 months; s.d. = 8.77 months, Range = 10-42 months). Mothers' and children's brain activities were assessed simultaneously using near-infrared spectroscopy while engaging in dyadic play. Mother and child PA during play were coded separately to characterize periods in which mothers and children (i) matched on high PA, (ii) matched on low/no PA or (iii) showed a mismatch in PA. Models evaluated moment-to-moment correlations between affective matching and neural synchrony in mother-child dyads. Greater positive affective synchrony, in which mother and child showed similarly high levels of PA but not similarly low levels of PA, was related to greater synchrony in medial and lateral frontal and temporoparietal regions. Age moderated associations between mother and child neural activities but only during moments of high PA state matching. Positive, synchronous mother-child interactions may foster greater neural responding in affective and social regions important for self-regulation and interpersonal bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith K Morgan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Hendrik Santosa
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Kaetlyn K Conner
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Rachel M Fridley
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Erika E Forbes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Satish Iyengar
- Department of Statistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Heather M Joseph
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Theodore J Huppert
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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24
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Davis DW, Jawad K, Lohr WD, Trace M, Le J, Feygin Y, Jones VF. First-line Behavioral Health Treatment Prior to Stimulant or Alpha-2 Agonist Use for Preschoolers on Kentucky Medicaid in 2017. J Atten Disord 2023; 27:437-446. [PMID: 36635886 DOI: 10.1177/10870547221147543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the degree to which the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) clinical guidelines were followed when treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers. METHOD Using Medicaid claims for children 4 to 5 years of age receiving their first dose of stimulants/alpha-2 agonists in 2017 (n = 836), we determined if BH was received prior to initiation of medication. We examined predictors after controlling for confounders. RESULTS More than half the sample did not receive first-line BH, which did not differ by demographics. Those receiving BH prior to medication had a higher rate of receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Only three diagnoses were significant in multivariate (OR 13.8, 95% CI [1.7-115.1]) analyses. CONCLUSION More than half the sample did not, conservatively, meet the AAP clinical recommendations. Further research is needed to identify targets for intervention. Limitations are noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Winders Davis
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA
- Norton Children's Research Institute affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA
| | - Kahir Jawad
- Norton Children's Research Institute affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA
| | - William David Lohr
- University of Louisville, KY, USA
- Norton Children's Medical Group, Louisville, KY, USA
- Kentucky Department of Community Based Services, Frankfort, USA
| | - Marie Trace
- Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer Le
- University of Louisville, KY, USA
- Norton Children's Medical Group, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Yana Feygin
- Norton Children's Research Institute affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY, USA
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25
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Sharafeddin F, Ghaly M, Simon TB, Ontiveros-Ángel P, Figueroa JD. Prefrontal cortical protease TACE/ADAM17 is involved in neuroinflammation and stress-related eating alterations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.23.525269. [PMID: 36747666 PMCID: PMC9900811 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.23.525269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Childhood traumatic stress profoundly affects prefrontal cortical networks regulating top-down control of eating and body weight. However, the neurobiological mechanisms contributing to trauma-induced aberrant eating behaviors remain largely unknown. Traumatic stress influences brain immune responses, which may, in turn, disrupt prefrontal cortical networks and behaviors. The tumor necrosis factor alpha-converting enzyme / a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (TACE/ADAM17) is a sheddase with essential functions in brain maturation, behavior, and neuroinflammation. This study aimed to determine the role of TACE/ADAM17 on traumatic stress-induced disruption of eating patterns. We demonstrate a novel mechanistic connection between prefrontal cortical TACE/ADAM17 and trauma-induced eating behaviors. Fifty-two (52) adolescent Lewis rats (postnatal day, PND, 15) were injected intracerebrally either with a novel Accell™ SMARTpool ADAM17 siRNA or a corresponding siRNA vehicle. The RNAscope Multiplex Fluorescent v2 Assay was used to visualize mRNA expression. Observation cages were used to monitor ethological behaviors in a more naturalistic environment over long periods. We found that traumatic stress blunts startle reactivity and alter eating behaviors (increased intake and disrupted eating patterns). We also found that the rats that received prefrontal cortical TACE/ADAM17 siRNA administration exhibited decreased eating and increased grooming behaviors compared to controls. These changes were associated with decreased AIF-1 expression (a typical marker of microglia and neuroinflammation). This study demonstrates that prefrontal cortical TACE/ADAM17 is involved in neuroinflammation and may play essential roles in regulating feeding patterns under stress conditions. TACE/ADAM17 represents a promising target to ameliorate inflammation-induced brain and behavior alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fransua Sharafeddin
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Mina Ghaly
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Timothy B Simon
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Perla Ontiveros-Ángel
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Johnny D Figueroa
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA
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26
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Petanjek Z, Banovac I, Sedmak D, Hladnik A. Dendritic Spines: Synaptogenesis and Synaptic Pruning for the Developmental Organization of Brain Circuits. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 34:143-221. [PMID: 37962796 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36159-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic overproduction and elimination is a regular developmental event in the mammalian brain. In the cerebral cortex, synaptic overproduction is almost exclusively correlated with glutamatergic synapses located on dendritic spines. Therefore, analysis of changes in spine density on different parts of the dendritic tree in identified classes of principal neurons could provide insight into developmental reorganization of specific microcircuits.The activity-dependent stabilization and selective elimination of the initially overproduced synapses is a major mechanism for generating diversity of neural connections beyond their genetic determination. The largest number of overproduced synapses was found in the monkey and human cerebral cortex. The highest (exceeding adult values by two- to threefold) and most protracted overproduction (up to third decade of life) was described for associative layer IIIC pyramidal neurons in the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.Therefore, the highest proportion and extraordinarily extended phase of synaptic spine overproduction is a hallmark of neural circuitry in human higher-order associative areas. This indicates that microcircuits processing the most complex human cognitive functions have the highest level of developmental plasticity. This finding is the backbone for understanding the effect of environmental impact on the development of the most complex, human-specific cognitive and emotional capacities, and on the late onset of human-specific neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdravko Petanjek
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivan Banovac
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Sedmak
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Hladnik
- Department of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Center of Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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27
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Tooley UA, Park AT, Leonard JA, Boroshok AL, McDermott CL, Tisdall MD, Bassett DS, Mackey AP. The Age of Reason: Functional Brain Network Development during Childhood. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8237-8251. [PMID: 36192151 PMCID: PMC9653278 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0511-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human childhood is characterized by dramatic changes in the mind and brain. However, little is known about the large-scale intrinsic cortical network changes that occur during childhood because of methodological challenges in scanning young children. Here, we overcome this barrier by using sophisticated acquisition and analysis tools to investigate functional network development in children between the ages of 4 and 10 years ([Formula: see text]; 50 female, 42 male). At multiple spatial scales, age is positively associated with brain network segregation. At the system level, age was associated with segregation of systems involved in attention from those involved in abstract cognition, and with integration among attentional and perceptual systems. Associations between age and functional connectivity are most pronounced in visual and medial prefrontal cortex, the two ends of a gradient from perceptual, externally oriented cortex to abstract, internally oriented cortex. These findings suggest that both ends of the sensory-association gradient may develop early, in contrast to the classical theories that cortical maturation proceeds from back to front, with sensory areas developing first and association areas developing last. More mature patterns of brain network architecture, controlling for age, were associated with better visuospatial reasoning abilities. Our results suggest that as cortical architecture becomes more specialized, children become more able to reason about the world and their place in it.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Anthropologists have called the transition from early to middle childhood the "age of reason", when children across cultures become more independent. We employ cutting-edge neuroimaging acquisition and analysis approaches to investigate associations between age and functional brain architecture in childhood. Age was positively associated with segregation between cortical systems that process the external world and those that process abstract phenomena like the past, future, and minds of others. Surprisingly, we observed pronounced development at both ends of the sensory-association gradient, challenging the theory that sensory areas develop first and association areas develop last. Our results open new directions for research into how brains reorganize to support rapid gains in cognitive and socioemotional skills as children reach the age of reason.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula A Tooley
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Anne T Park
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Julia A Leonard
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Austin L Boroshok
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Cassidy L McDermott
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Matthew D Tisdall
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Dani S Bassett
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
| | - Allyson P Mackey
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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28
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Ilomäki M, Lindblom J, Salmela V, Flykt M, Vänskä M, Salmi J, Tolonen T, Alho K, Punamäki RL, Wikman P. Early life stress is associated with the default mode and fronto-limbic network connectivity among young adults. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:958580. [PMID: 36212193 PMCID: PMC9537946 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.958580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress (ELS) is associated with a variety of detrimental psychological and neurodevelopmental effects. Importantly, ELS has been associated with regional alterations and aberrant connectivity in the structure and functioning of brain regions involved in emotion processing and self-regulation, creating vulnerability to mental health problems. However, longitudinal research regarding the impact of ELS on functional connectivity between brain regions in the default mode network (DMN) and fronto-limbic network (FLN), both implicated in emotion-related processes, is relatively scarce. Neuroimaging research on ELS has mostly focused on single nodes or bi-nodal connectivity instead of functional networks. We examined how ELS is associated with connectivity patterns within the DMN and FLN during rest in early adulthood. The participants (n = 86; 47 females) in the current functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study were young adults (18–21 years old) whose families had participated in a longitudinal study since pregnancy. ELS was assessed both prospectively (parental reports of family relationship problems and mental health problems during pregnancy and infancy) and retrospectively (self-reported adverse childhood experiences). Inter-subject representational similarity analysis (IS-RSA) and multivariate distance matrix regression (MDMR) were used to analyze the association between ELS and the chosen networks. The IS-RSA results suggested that prospective ELS was associated with complex alterations within the DMN, and that retrospective ELS was associated with alterations in the FLN. MDMR results, in turn, suggested that that retrospective ELS was associated with DMN connectivity. Mean connectivity of the DMN was also associated with retrospective ELS. Analyses further showed that ELS-related alterations in the FLN were associated with increased connectivity between the prefrontal and limbic regions, and between different prefrontal regions. These results suggest that exposure to ELS in infancy might have long-lasting influences on functional brain connectivity that persist until early adulthood. Our results also speak for the importance of differentiating prospective and retrospective assessment methods to understand the specific neurodevelopmental effects of ELS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miro Ilomäki
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Miro Ilomäki,
| | - Jallu Lindblom
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Viljami Salmela
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjo Flykt
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mervi Vänskä
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Juha Salmi
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuija Tolonen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kimmo Alho
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Advanced Magnetic Imaging Centre, Aalto NeuroImaging, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Patrik Wikman
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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29
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Copeland A, Korja R, Nolvi S, Rajasilta O, Pulli EP, Kumpulainen V, Silver E, Saukko E, Hakanen H, Holmberg E, Kataja EL, Häkkinen S, Parkkola R, Lähdesmäki T, Karlsson L, Karlsson H, Tuulari JJ. Maternal sensitivity at the age of 8 months associates with local connectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex in children at 5 years of age. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:920995. [PMID: 36188450 PMCID: PMC9520291 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.920995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality of mother–child interaction, especially maternal sensitivity in caregiving behavior, plays an important role in a child’s later socioemotional development. Numerous studies have indicated associations between poor mother–child interaction and offspring brain structure and function, but more knowledge on how variation in the characteristics of early caregiving is associated with children’s brain structure and function is needed. We investigated whether maternal sensitivity at 8 or 30 months is associated with functional connectivity in a child’s brain at 5 years of age based on the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study (17 and 39 mother–child dyads at 8 and 30 months, respectively, with an overlap of 13 dyads). Maternal sensitivity was assessed during a free play interaction using the Emotional Availability Scales at 8 and 30 months of the children’s age. Task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was acquired at the age of 5 years in 7-min scans while watching the Inscapes movie. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) maps were created from the fMRI data, and multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relation between maternal sensitivity and ReHo. Maternal sensitivity at the age of 8 months was positively associated with children’s ReHo values within the medial prefrontal cortex. Distal connectivity of this region showed no significant association with maternal sensitivity in a seed-based connectivity analysis. No associations were found between maternal sensitivity during toddlerhood and brain functional connectivity. Together, these results suggest that maternal sensitivity, especially in infancy, may influence offspring brain functional connectivity. However, studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Copeland
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Anni Copeland,
| | - Riikka Korja
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saara Nolvi
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli Rajasilta
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Elmo P. Pulli
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Venla Kumpulainen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Silver
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ekaterina Saukko
- Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hetti Hakanen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva Holmberg
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva-Leena Kataja
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi Häkkinen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Riitta Parkkola
- Department of Radiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuire Lähdesmäki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Center for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jetro J. Tuulari
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Turku Collegium for Science, Medicine and Technology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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30
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The Lasting Effects of Early Adversity and Updating Ability on the Tendency to Develop PTSD Symptoms Following Exposure to Trauma in Adulthood. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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31
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Chajes JR, Stern JA, Kelsey CM, Grossmann T. Examining the Role of Socioeconomic Status and Maternal Sensitivity in Predicting Functional Brain Network Connectivity in 5-Month-Old Infants. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:892482. [PMID: 35757535 PMCID: PMC9226752 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.892482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infancy is a sensitive period of human brain development that is plastically shaped by environmental factors. Both proximal factors, such as sensitive parenting, and distal factors, such as socioeconomic status (SES), are known predictors of individual differences in structural and functional brain systems across the lifespan, yet it is unclear how these familial and contextual factors work together to shape functional brain development during infancy, particularly during the first months of life. In the current study, we examined pre-registered hypotheses regarding the interplay between these factors to assess how maternal sensitivity, within the broader context of socioeconomic variation, relates to the development of functional connectivity in long-range cortical brain networks. Specifically, we measured resting-state functional connectivity in three cortical brain networks (fronto-parietal network, default mode network, homologous-interhemispheric connectivity) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and examined the associations between maternal sensitivity, SES, and functional connectivity in a sample of 5-month-old infants and their mothers (N = 50 dyads). Results showed that all three networks were detectable during a passive viewing task, and that maternal sensitivity was positively associated with functional connectivity in the default mode network, such that infants with more sensitive mothers exhibited enhanced functional connectivity in this network. Contrary to hypotheses, we did not observe any associations of SES with functional connectivity in the brain networks assessed in this study. This suggests that at 5 months of age, maternal sensitivity is an important proximal environmental factor associated with individual differences in functional connectivity in a long-range cortical brain network implicated in a host of emotional and social-cognitive brain processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna R Chajes
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jessica A Stern
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Caroline M Kelsey
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tobias Grossmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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32
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Wass S, Perapoch Amadó M, Ives J. How the ghost learns to drive the machine? Oscillatory entrainment to our early social or physical environment and the emergence of volitional control. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 54:101102. [PMID: 35398645 PMCID: PMC9010552 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An individual’s early interactions with their environment are thought to be largely passive; through the early years, the capacity for volitional control develops. Here, we consider: how is the emergence of volitional control characterised by changes in the entrainment observed between internal activity (behaviour, physiology and brain activity) and the sights and sounds in our everyday environment (physical and social)? We differentiate between contingent responsiveness (entrainment driven by evoked responses to external events) and oscillatory entrainment (driven by internal oscillators becoming temporally aligned with external oscillators). We conclude that ample evidence suggests that children show behavioural, physiological and neural entrainment to their physical and social environment, irrespective of volitional attention control; however, evidence for oscillatory entrainment beyond contingent responsiveness is currently lacking. Evidence for how oscillatory entrainment changes over developmental time is also lacking. Finally, we suggest a mechanism through which periodic environmental rhythms might facilitate both sensory processing and the development of volitional control even in the absence of oscillatory entrainment.
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33
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Song IG, Kim HS, Cho YM, Lim YN, Moon DS, Shin SH, Kim EK, Park J, Shin JE, Han J, Eun HS. Association between birth weight and neurodevelopmental disorders assessed using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims data. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2080. [PMID: 35136157 PMCID: PMC8827104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06094-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in low birth weight (LBW) infants has gained recognition but remains debatable. We investigated the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in school-aged children according to their birth weight. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance claims data of 2,143,652 children who were born between 2008 and 2012. Gestational age of infants was not available; thus, outcomes were not adjusted with it. Not only infants with birth weights of < 1.5 kg, but also 2.0–2.4 kg and 1.5–1.9 kg were associated with having ADHD; odds ratio (OR), 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33–1.50), and 1.49 (95% CI 1.33–1.66), respectively. The OR in infants with birth weights of 2.0–2.4 kg and 1.5–1.9 kg was 1.91 (95% CI 1.79–2.05) and 3.25 (95% CI 2.95–3.59), respectively, indicating increased odds of having ASD. Subgroup analysis for children without perinatal diseases showed similar results. In this national cohort, infants with birth weights of < 2.5 kg were associated with ADHD and ASD, regardless of perinatal history. Children born with LBW need detailed clinical follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Gyu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han-Suk Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jungno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoon-Min Cho
- Health Insurance Research Institute, National Health Insurance Service, Wonju, South Korea
| | - You-Na Lim
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Duk-Soo Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Seung Han Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jungno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ee-Kyung Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jungno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonsik Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jungho Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ho Seon Eun
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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34
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Lacaille H, Vacher CM, Penn AA. Preterm Birth Alters the Maturation of the GABAergic System in the Human Prefrontal Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:827370. [PMID: 35185465 PMCID: PMC8852329 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.827370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental changes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems during frontal lobe development have been hypothesized to play a key role in neurodevelopmental disorders seen in children born very preterm or at/with low birth weight, but the associated cellular changes have not yet been identified. Here we studied the molecular development of the GABAergic system specifically in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region that has been implicated in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The maturation state of the GABAergic system in this region was assessed in human post-mortem brain samples, from term infants ranging in age from 0 to 8 months (n = 17 male, 9 female). Gene expression was measured for 47 GABAergic genes and used to calculate a maturation index. This maturation index was significantly more dynamic in male than female infants. To evaluate the impact of premature birth on the GABAergic system development, samples from 1-month-old term (n = 9 male, 4 female) and 1-month corrected-age very preterm (n = 8 male, 6 female) infants, were compared using the same gene list and methodology. The maturation index for the GABAergic system was significantly lower (−50%, p < 0.05) in male preterm infants, with major alterations in genes linked to GABAergic function in astrocytes, suggesting astrocytic GABAergic developmental changes as a new cellular mechanism underlying preterm brain injury.
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35
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Early executive and school functioning: Protective roles of home environment by income. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 78:101369. [PMID: 35058671 PMCID: PMC8765731 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2021.101369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This study used data from the Family Life Project (N=1,227), a longitudinal study of child development. We tested a three-way interaction in which positive parenting and learning materials in the home from age 6-36 months and family income predicted children's executive functioning (EF) at 58 months. We also tested whether this interaction predicted early school functioning, specifically behavioral and academic skills in the 1st grade. The interactive effects of positive parenting and learning materials differed by family income. For children in families of lower income, more learning materials and positive parenting predicted better EF, and in turn, better early school functioning. For children in families of higher income, only positive parenting significantly predicted EF, which in turn, predicted better early school functioning. Findings suggest that more targeted policy and program support for enrichment and positive parenting may bolster efforts to combat poverty.
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36
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Gunnar MR, Bowen M. What was learned from studying the effects of early institutional deprivation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 210:173272. [PMID: 34509501 PMCID: PMC8501402 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The effect of experiences in infancy on human development is a central question in developmental science. Children raised in orphanage-like institutions for their first year or so of life and then adopted into well-resourced and supportive families provide a lens on the long-term effects of early deprivation and the capacity of children to recover from this type of early adversity. While it is challenging to identify cause-and-effect relations in the study of previously institutionalized individuals, finding results that are consistent with animal experimental studies and the one randomized study of removal from institutional care support the conclusion that many of the outcomes for these children were induced by early institutional deprivation. This review examines the behavioral and neural evidence for altered executive function, declarative memory, affective disorders, reward processing, reactivity to threat, risk-taking and sensation-seeking. We then provide a brief overview of the neurobiological mechanisms that may transduce early institutional experiences into effects on brain and behavior. In addition, we discuss implications for policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Gunnar
- University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, 51 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Maya Bowen
- University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development, 51 E River Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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37
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Na X, Phelan NE, Tadros MR, Wu Z, Andres A, Badger TM, Glasier CM, Ramakrishnaiah RR, Rowell AC, Wang L, Li G, Williams DK, Ou X. Maternal Obesity during Pregnancy is Associated with Lower Cortical Thickness in the Neonate Brain. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:2238-2244. [PMID: 34620592 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recent studies have suggested that maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between maternal obesity during pregnancy and neonatal brain cortical development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-four healthy women (28 normal-weight, 16 obese) were prospectively recruited at <10 weeks' gestation, and their healthy full-term neonates (23 boys, 21 girls) underwent brain MR imaging. All pregnant women had their body composition (fat mass percentage) measured at ∼12 weeks of pregnancy. All neonates were scanned at ∼2 weeks of age during natural sleep without sedation, and their 3D T1-weighted images were postprocessed by the new iBEAT2.0 software. Brain MR imaging segmentation and cortical surface reconstruction and parcellation were completed using age-appropriate templates. Mean cortical thickness for 34 regions in each brain hemisphere defined by the UNC Neonatal Cortical Surface Atlas was measured, compared between groups, and correlated with maternal body fat mass percentage, controlled for neonate sex and race, postmenstrual age at MR imaging, maternal age at pregnancy, and the maternal intelligence quotient and education. RESULTS Neonates born to obese mothers showed significantly lower (P ≤ .05, false discovery rate-corrected) cortical thickness in the left pars opercularis gyrus, left pars triangularis gyrus, and left rostral middle frontal gyrus. Mean cortical thickness in these frontal lobe regions negatively correlated (R = -0.34, P = .04; R = -0.50, P = .001; and R = -0.42, P = .01; respectively) with the maternal body fat mass percentage measured at early pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with lower neonate brain cortical thickness in several frontal lobe regions important for language and executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Na
- From the Department of Radiology (X.N., C.M.G., R.R.R., A.C.R., X.O.).,Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas
| | | | | | - Z Wu
- Department of Radiology (Z.W., L.W., G.L.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - A Andres
- Departments of Pediatrics (A.A., T.M.B., C.M.G., R.R.R., X.O.).,Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - T M Badger
- Departments of Pediatrics (A.A., T.M.B., C.M.G., R.R.R., X.O.).,Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - C M Glasier
- From the Department of Radiology (X.N., C.M.G., R.R.R., A.C.R., X.O.).,Departments of Pediatrics (A.A., T.M.B., C.M.G., R.R.R., X.O.)
| | - R R Ramakrishnaiah
- From the Department of Radiology (X.N., C.M.G., R.R.R., A.C.R., X.O.).,Departments of Pediatrics (A.A., T.M.B., C.M.G., R.R.R., X.O.)
| | - A C Rowell
- From the Department of Radiology (X.N., C.M.G., R.R.R., A.C.R., X.O.)
| | - L Wang
- Department of Radiology (Z.W., L.W., G.L.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - G Li
- Department of Radiology (Z.W., L.W., G.L.), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - D K Williams
- Biostatistics (D.K.W.), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - X Ou
- From the Department of Radiology (X.N., C.M.G., R.R.R., A.C.R., X.O.) .,Departments of Pediatrics (A.A., T.M.B., C.M.G., R.R.R., X.O.).,Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas.,Arkansas Children's Research Institute (X.N., A.A., T.M.B., X.O.), Little Rock, Arkansas
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38
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Wass SV. The origins of effortful control: How early development within arousal/regulatory systems influences attentional and affective control. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2021.100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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39
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Within-person changes in basal cortisol and caregiving modulate executive attention across infancy. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 34:1386-1399. [PMID: 34210373 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
One pathway by which environments of socioeconomic risk are thought to affect cognitive development is through stress physiology. The biological systems underpinning stress and attention undergo a sensitive period of development during infancy. Psychobiological theory emphasizes a dynamic pattern of context-dependent development, however, research has yet to examine how basal cortisol and attention dynamically covary across infancy in ecologically valid contexts. Thus, to address these gaps, we leveraged longitudinal, multilevel analytic methods to disentangle between- from within-person associations of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and executive attention behaviors across infancy. We use data from a large longitudinal sample (N = 1,292) of infants in predominantly low-income, nonurban communities at 7-, 15-, and 24-months of age. Using multilevel models, we investigated longitudinal associations of infant attention and basal cortisol levels and examined caregiving behaviors as moderators of this relationship. Results indicated a negative between- and within-person association between attention and cortisol across infancy and a within-person moderation by caregiver responsiveness. In other words, on the within-person level, higher levels of cortisol were concomitantly associated with lower infant attention across the first 2 years of life. However, variation in the caregiver's level of responsiveness either buffered or sensitized the executive attention system to the negative effects of physiological stress.
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40
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Marchisella F, Creutzberg KC, Begni V, Sanson A, Wearick-Silva LE, Tractenberg SG, Orso R, Kestering-Ferreira É, Grassi-Oliveira R, Riva MA. Exposure to Prenatal Stress Is Associated With an Excitatory/Inhibitory Imbalance in Rat Prefrontal Cortex and Amygdala and an Increased Risk for Emotional Dysregulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653384. [PMID: 34141707 PMCID: PMC8204112 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that environmental insults and maternal stress during pregnancy increase the risk of several psychiatric disorders in the offspring. Converging lines of evidence from humans, as well as from rodent models, suggest that prenatal stress (PNS) interferes with fetal development, ultimately determining changes in brain maturation and function that may lead to the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. From a molecular standpoint, transcriptional alterations are thought to play a major role in this context and may contribute to the behavioral phenotype by shifting the expression of genes related to excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) transmission balance. Nevertheless, the exact neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the enhanced vulnerability to psychopathology following PNS exposure are not well understood. In the present study, we used a model of maternal stress in rats to investigate the distal effects of PNS on the expression of genes related to glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmissions. We inspected two critical brain regions involved in emotion regulation, namely, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the amygdala (AMY), which we show to relate with the mild behavioral effects detected in adult rat offspring. We observed that PNS exposure promotes E/I imbalance in the PFC of adult males only, by dysregulating the expression of glutamatergic-related genes. Moreover, such an effect is accompanied by increased expression of the activity-dependent synaptic modulator gene Npas4 specifically in the PFC parvalbumin (PV)-positive interneurons, suggesting an altered regulation of synapse formation promoting higher PV-dependent inhibitory transmission and increased overall circuit inhibition in the PFC of males. In the AMY, PNS more evidently affects the transcription of GABAergic-related genes, shifting the balance toward inhibition. Collectively, our findings suggest that the E/I dysregulation of the PFC-to-AMY transmission may be a long-term signature of PNS and may contribute to increase the risk for mood disorder upon further stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marchisella
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kerstin Camile Creutzberg
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Sanson
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luis Eduardo Wearick-Silva
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Saulo Gantes Tractenberg
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Érika Kestering-Ferreira
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Brain Institute, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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41
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Menke BM, Hass J, Diener C, Pöschl J. Family-centered music therapy-Empowering premature infants and their primary caregivers through music: Results of a pilot study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250071. [PMID: 33989286 PMCID: PMC8121291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) premature infants are exposed to various acoustic, environmental and emotional stressors which have a negative impact on their development and the mental health of their parents. Family-centred music therapy bears the potential to positively influence these stressors. The few existing studies indicate that interactive live-improvised music therapy interventions both reduce parental stress factors and support preterm infants' development. METHODS The present randomized controlled longitudinal study (RCT) with very low and extremely low birth weight infants (born <30+0 weeks of gestation) and their parents analyzed the influence of music therapy on both the physiological development of premature infants and parental stress factors. In addition, possible interrelations between infant development and parental stress were explored. 65 parent-infant-pairs were enrolled in the study. The treatment group received music therapy twice a week from the 21st day of life till discharge from hospital. The control group received treatment as usual. RESULTS Compared to the control group, infants in the treatment group showed a 11.1 days shortening of caffeine therapy, 12.1 days shortening of nasogastric/ orogastric tube feed and 15.5 days shortening of hospitalization, on average. While these differences were not statistically significant, a factor-analytical compound measure of all three therapy durations was. From pre-to-post-intervention, parents showed a significant reduction in stress factors. However, there were no differences between control and treatment group. A regression analysis showed links between parental stress factors and physiological development of the infants. CONCLUSION This pilot study suggests that a live-improvised interactive music therapy intervention for extremely and very preterm infants and their parents may have a beneficial effect on the therapy duration needed for premature infants before discharge from hospital is possible. The study identified components of the original physiological variables of the infants as appropriate endpoints and suggested a slight change in study design to capture possible effects of music therapy on infants' development as well. Further studies should assess both short-term and long-term effects on premature infants as well as on maternal and paternal health outcomes, to determine whether a family-centered music therapy, actually experienced as an added value to developmental care, should be part of routine care at the NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara M. Menke
- Department of Neonatology, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Applied Research, SRH University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Hass
- Institute for Applied Research, SRH University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carsten Diener
- Institute for Applied Research, SRH University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Pöschl
- Department of Neonatology, University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Siqueiros Sanchez M, Ronald A, Mason L, Jones EJH, Bölte S, Falck-Ytter T. Visual disengagement in young infants in relation to age, sex, SES, developmental level and adaptive functioning. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 63:101555. [PMID: 33799012 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Visual attention plays a key role in infants' interaction with the environment, and shapes their behavioral and brain development. As such, early problems with flexibly switching gaze from one stimulus to another (visual disengagement) have been hypothesized to lead to developmental difficulties (e.g. joint attention and social skills) over time. This study aimed to identify cross-sectional associations between performance in the Gap task (gaze shift latencies and visual attention disengagement) and measures of development and adaptive behavior in conjunction to any sex or socioeconomic status effects in infancy. We measured visual attention disengagement in 436 5-month-old infants and calculated its association with cognitive developmental level, adaptive behaviours, socioeconomic status (SES) and biological sex. In the Gap task, participants must redirect their gaze from a central stimulus to an appearing peripheral stimulus. The three experimental conditions of the task (Gap, Baseline and Overlap) differ on the timepoint when the central stimuli disappears in relation to the appearance of the peripheral stimulus: 200 ms before the peripheral stimulus appears (Gap), simultaneously to its appearance (Baseline), or with peripheral stimulus offset (Overlap). The data from the experimental conditions showed the expected pattern, with average latencies being the shortest in the Gap and longest in the Overlap condition. Females were faster (p = .004) than males in the Gap condition, which could indicate that arousal-related effects differ as a function of biological sex. Infants from higher SES were slower (p = .031) in the Overlap condition compared to lower SES infants. This suggests that basic visual attention may differ by socio-cultural background, and should be considered when studying visual attention and its developmental correlates. We observed no significant association to concurrent developmental level or adaptive function. Given its large sample size, this study provides a useful reference for future studies of visual disengagement in early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Siqueiros Sanchez
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Science, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Angelica Ronald
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Science, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Science, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Science, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden; Curtin Autism Research Group, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Terje Falck-Ytter
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Center of Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS), Uppsala, Sweden
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43
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Svrakic DM, Zorumski CF. Neuroscience of Object Relations in Health and Disorder: A Proposal for an Integrative Model. Front Psychol 2021; 12:583743. [PMID: 33790822 PMCID: PMC8005655 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.583743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the neuroscience of episodic memory provide a framework to integrate object relations theory, a psychoanalytic model of mind development, with potential neural mechanisms. Object relations are primordial cognitive-affective units of the mind derived from survival- and safety-level experiences with caretakers during phase-sensitive periods of infancy and toddlerhood. Because these are learning experiences, their neural substrate likely involves memory, here affect-enhanced episodic memory. Inaugural object relations are encoded by the hippocampus-amygdala synaptic plasticity, and systems-consolidated by medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Self- and object-mental representations, extracted from these early experiences, are at first dichotomized by contradictory affects evoked by frustrating and rewarding interactions ("partial object relations"). Such affective dichotomization appears to be genetically hardwired the amygdala. Intrinsic propensity of mPFC to form schematic frameworks for episodic memories may pilot non-conscious integration of dichotomized mental representations in neonates and infants. With the emergence of working memory in toddlers, an activated self- and object-representation of a particular valence can be juxtaposed with its memorized opposites creating a balanced cognitive-affective frame (conscious "integration of object relations"). Specific events of object relations are forgotten but nevertheless profoundly influence the mental future of the individual, acting (i) as implicit schema-affect templates that regulate attentional priorities, relevance, and preferential assimilation of new information based on past experience, and (ii) as basic units of experience that are, under normal circumstances, integrated as attractors or "focal points" for interactive self-organization of functional brain networks that underlie the mind. A failure to achieve integrated object relations is predictive of poor adult emotional and social outcomes, including personality disorder. Cognitive, cellular-, and systems-neuroscience of episodic memory appear to support key postulates of object relations theory and help elucidate neural mechanisms of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Derived through the dual prism of psychoanalysis and neuroscience, the gained insights may offer new directions to enhance mental health and improve treatment of multiple forms of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragan M. Svrakic
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Charles F. Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Dickinson A, Daniel M, Marin A, Gaonkar B, Dapretto M, McDonald NM, Jeste S. Multivariate Neural Connectivity Patterns in Early Infancy Predict Later Autism Symptoms. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2021; 6:59-69. [PMID: 32798139 PMCID: PMC7736067 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional brain connectivity is altered in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Functional disruption during infancy could provide earlier markers of ASD, thus providing a crucial opportunity to improve developmental outcomes. Using a whole-brain multivariate approach, we asked whether electroencephalography measures of neural connectivity at 3 months of age predict autism symptoms at 18 months. METHODS Spontaneous electroencephalography data were collected from 65 infants with and without familial risk for ASD at 3 months of age. Neural connectivity patterns were quantified using phase coherence in the alpha range (6-12 Hz). Support vector regression analysis was used to predict ASD symptoms at age 18 months, with ASD symptoms quantified by the Toddler Module of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition. RESULTS Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule scores predicted by support vector regression algorithms trained on 3-month electroencephalography data correlated highly with Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule scores measured at 18 months (r = .76, p = .02, root-mean-square error = 2.38). Specifically, lower frontal connectivity and higher right temporoparietal connectivity at 3 months predicted higher ASD symptoms at 18 months. The support vector regression model did not predict cognitive abilities at 18 months (r = .15, p = .36), suggesting specificity of these brain patterns to ASD. CONCLUSIONS Using a data-driven, unbiased analytic approach, neural connectivity across frontal and temporoparietal regions at 3 months predicted ASD symptoms at 18 months. Identifying early neural differences that precede an ASD diagnosis could promote closer monitoring of infants who show signs of neural risk and provide a crucial opportunity to mediate outcomes through early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dickinson
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Manjari Daniel
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andrew Marin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Bilwaj Gaonkar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mirella Dapretto
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nicole M McDonald
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shafali Jeste
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Frühgeborene (FG) haben ein erhöhtes langfristiges Entwicklungsrisiko. Dennoch gibt es in Deutschland kein konzertiertes Vorgehen zur Nachsorge bis ins Schulalter. Die heutigen Erkenntnisse zu Entwicklungsstörungen sind Grundlage einer qualifizierten Förderung. Fragestellung: Wie hoch sind Schulrückstellungsraten bei FG? Wie wird den schulischen Bedürfnissen FG Rechnung getragen? Methode: Evaluation der Schulrückstellung in einer aktuellen Kohorte sehr kleiner FG und qualitative Befragung von Lehrer_innen. Ergebnisse: Das Risiko für Schulrückstellungen ist bei FG erhöht. Lehrer_innen haben ein limitiertes Wissen zu Bedürfnissen FG und gleichzeitig hilfreiche Vorschläge für spezifische Förderung im Unterricht. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Langfristige entwicklungsneurologische Nachsorge für FG ist dringend empfohlen, um potenzielle Probleme früh zu identifizieren, Interventionen zu initiieren und eine optimale Entfaltung des Entwicklungspotentials zu fördern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Maria Hüning
- Neonatologie, Pädiatrische Intensivmedizin und Neuropädiatrie, Klinik für Kinderheilkunde I, Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Julia Jäkel
- Department of Child and Family Studies, Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
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Sen U, Gredebäck G. Making the World Behave: A New Embodied Account on Mobile Paradigm. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:643526. [PMID: 33732116 PMCID: PMC7956955 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.643526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we describe the mobile paradigm, a method used for more than 50 years to assess how infants learn and remember sensorimotor contingencies. The literature on the mobile paradigm demonstrates that infants below 6 months of age can remember the learning environment weeks after when reminded periodically and integrate temporally distributed information across modalities. The latter ability is only possible if events occur within a temporal window of a few days, and the width of this required window changes as a function of age. A major critique of these conclusions is that the majority of this literature has neglected the embodied experience, such that motor behavior was considered an equivalent developmental substitute for verbal behavior. Over recent years, simulation and empirical work have highlighted the sensorimotor aspect and opened up a discussion for possible learning mechanisms and variability in motor preferences of young infants. In line with this recent direction, we present a new embodied account on the mobile paradigm which argues that learning sensorimotor contingencies is a core feature of development forming the basis for active exploration of the world and body. In addition to better explaining recent findings, this new framework aims to replace the dis-embodied approach to the mobile paradigm with a new understanding that focuses on variance and representations grounded in sensorimotor experience. Finally, we discuss a potential role for the dorsal stream which might be responsible for guiding action according to visual information, while infants learn sensorimotor contingencies in the mobile paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umay Sen
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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48
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Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) are cognitive processes that support flexible goal pursuit. Healthy development of EFs during childhood is critical for later life outcomes including health, wealth and educational attainment. As such it is crucial to understand how EFs can be supported and protected against insult. Here we examine whether there are sensitive periods in the development of EFs, by drawing on deprivation and enrichment studies in humans. While there is suggestive evidence that pre-6 months of age constitutes a sensitive period for EF development, given the higher-order nature of EF, we argue for the possibility of multiple sensitive periods of constituent processes. We identify relevant future questions and outline a research agenda to systematically test for sensitive period in EF development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Thompson
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, UCL, London, WC1H 0AP, UK
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49
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Chen SH, Cohodes E, Bush NR, Lieberman AF. Child and caregiver executive function in trauma-exposed families: Relations with children’s behavioral and cognitive functioning. J Exp Child Psychol 2020; 200:104946. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2020.104946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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50
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Abstract
Humans develop in the context of environmental information that can be considered either experience-expectant or experience-dependent. Though the exact timing of sensitive period closures and consequences of environmental experiences have not been well delineated, early life is a period of increased vulnerability. While some forms of care (e.g., institutional care for children; representing the absence of experience-expectant caregiving) are not present in the evolutionary history of humans, it is likely that what is considered significant hardship today may have been more typical experience-dependent environmental information in the evolutionary timescale. Thus, assumptions that threatening or neglectful experiences are unexpected for the human child may not fit well in the scope of the broader timescale of human history. We argue that it is important to consider early caregiving experiences from the context of what has been expected in our evolutionary past rather than what is expected in modern sociocultural terms.
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