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Abdul Jafar NK, Tham EK, Eng DZ, Rifkin-Graboi A, Gooley JJ, Goh DY, Teoh OH, Lee YS, Shek LPC, Yap F, Gluckman PD, Chong YS, Meaney MJ, Cai S, Broekman BF. Chronotype and time-of-day effects on spatial working memory in preschool children. J Clin Sleep Med 2023; 19:1717-1726. [PMID: 37143359 PMCID: PMC10545990 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10650] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Spatial working memory (SWM) capacity subserves complex cognitive functions, yet it is unclear whether individual diurnal preferences and time-of-day influence SWM in preschool children. The main and interaction effects of chronotype and time-of-day on SWM and SWM differences in preschoolers with different chronotypes within each time-of-day group will be examined. METHODS We studied a subset of typically developing 4.5-year-olds taking part in a birth cohort study (n = 359). The Children's Chronotype Questionnaire categorized children into morning-, intermediate-, and evening-types. Using a computerized neuropsychological test (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery), SWM was determined from the total number of between-search errors (ie, between search-total errors) and Strategy scores. Higher between search-total errors or lower Strategy scores indicated worse SWM. Time-of-day was categorized into late morning (10:00 am to 11:59 am), afternoon (12:00 pm to 3:59 pm), and late afternoon (4:00 pm to 6:30 pm). In a subsample (n = 199), caregiver-reported chronotype was validated using actigraphy-measured sleep midpoint. RESULTS After controlling for ethnicity, no significant main and interaction effects of chronotype and time-of-day on between search-total errors and Strategy scores were seen (all P > .05). However, evening-types outperformed morning-types (ie, lower mean between search-total errors) in the late afternoon (P = .013) but not in the late morning and afternoon (all P > .05). Actigraphy data in the subsample confirmed that evening-types had later sleep midpoints during weekdays and weekends (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Since evening-type preschoolers had better SWM in the late afternoon compared to morning-type preschoolers, this gives insights into optimal learning opportunities in early childhood education. CITATION Abdul Jafar NK, Tham EKH, Eng DZH, et al. Chronotype and time-of-day effects on spatial working memory in preschool children. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(10):1717-1726.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur K. Abdul Jafar
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Elaine K.H. Tham
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Derric Z.H. Eng
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Centre for Research in Child Development, Office of Educational Research, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Joshua J. Gooley
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Daniel Y.T. Goh
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Oon-Hoe Teoh
- Respiratory Medicine Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yung S. Lee
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Lynette Pei-Chi Shek
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Fabian Yap
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Peter D. Gluckman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yap-Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Shirong Cai
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Human Potential Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Birit F.P. Broekman
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Psychiatry, OLVG and Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Martín-Pozuelo N, Robles-García V, Piccardi L, Quintela del Rio A, Cudeiro J, De las Cuevas-Terán I. Adaptations of the Walking Corsi Test (WalCT) for 2- and 3-year-old preterm and term-born toddlers: A preliminary study. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1081042. [PMID: 37009286 PMCID: PMC10064058 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1081042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Topographical memory is crucial for navigation and environmental representation. The Walking Corsi Test (WalCT) has been used to evaluate topographical memory in children from 4 years upward. The present study aims to determine whether adapted versions of the WalCT- by simplifying instructions and increasing motivation- can be adopted to test topographical memory in 2- and 3-year-old toddlers born at term and preterm. Assessing this skill in such young children is important in light of recent studies that have shown how spatial cognition underlies the development of skills in other cognitive domains as well. Methods: For this purpose, 47 toddlers (27.39 ± 4.34 months, 38.3% females), 20 born at term and 27 preterm, performed two aimed-designed versions of WalCT. Results The results showed better performance of the term groups with increasing age and for both versions. On the other hand, performance was better in 2-year-old term toddlers vs. preterm. When rising motivation, 2-year-old preterm toddlers improve their performance but differences between both groups were still significant. The preterm group showed lower performance related to lower levels of attention. Discussion This study provides preliminary data on the suitability of the adapted versions of WalCT in early ages and prematurity conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Martín-Pozuelo
- Neuroscience and Motor Control Group, Department of Physical Therapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Escuelas Universitarias Gimbernat, University of Cantabria, Torrelavega, Spain
| | - Verónica Robles-García
- Neuroscience and Motor Control Group, Department of Physical Therapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Correspondence: Verónica Robles-García
| | - Laura Piccardi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- San Raffaele Cassino Hospital, Cassino, Italy
| | | | - Javier Cudeiro
- Neuroscience and Motor Control Group, Department of Physical Therapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Institute of A Coruña (INIBIC), Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Isabel De las Cuevas-Terán
- Neonatal Unit, Pediatric Department, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Research Institute Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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3
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Aylward GP, Taylor HG, Anderson PJ, Vannier LC. Assessment of Executive Function in Infants and Toddlers: A Potential Role of the Bayley-4. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2022; 43:e431-e441. [PMID: 35580313 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The development of executive function (EF) in infants and toddlers has received increased interest by clinicians and researchers. Higher rates of deficits in EF have been reported in at-risk groups of infants such as those born extremely preterm. These deficits play an important role in the etiology of early neurodevelopmental problems and are predictive of subsequent nonoptimal educational outcomes. In this study, the Bayley-4 is used to follow the developmental course of EF and to determine whether EF is a unitary concept or can be parsed into discrete components over the first 42 months. METHOD All 81 cognitive items from the Bayley-4 normative sample of 1700 infants and toddlers were classified a priori into 6 EFs, and then, 5 age groups derived from Bayley-4 start points were factor analyzed to determine at what age EFs emerge and to address the controversy of whether the factor structure of the cognitive items for each of 5 age groups reflect a single factor or multiple factors. RESULTS Bayley-4 items form 1 to 5 EF factors for each age group, accounting for 59% to 74% of the variance. There is a developmental progression in EF as well. The results indicate EF constructs can be identified early. CONCLUSION Executive function tasks in infants and toddlers are interrelated with task content either remaining the same or changing with advancing age (i.e., content that is homotypic or heterotypic, respectively). EFs measured by Bayley-4 items are useful clinically and become more complex with increasing age, corresponding to more advanced brain development and integration. The findings have the potential of providing additional information in the assessment of infants at risk such as those born preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen P Aylward
- Department of Pediatrics, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL
| | - H Gerry Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Peter J Anderson
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; and
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4
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Altered functional connectivity in children born very preterm at school age. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7308. [PMID: 35508563 PMCID: PMC9068715 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11184-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Children born very preterm are at significant risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. This study sought to identify differences in cognitive function in children born very preterm compared to term-born controls and investigate alteration in white matter microstructure and functional connectivity (FC) based on tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and resting-state functional MRI, respectively. At 6 years of age, 36 children born very preterm (< 32 weeks' gestation) without major neurological disabilities and 26 term-born controls were tested using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th edition, and Child Behavior Checklist. Whole-brain deterministic tractography and FC measurements were performed in both groups. The very preterm group had significantly lower intelligence scores than the term-born controls. The TBSS revealed no significant differences between the two groups, whereas FC was significantly increased between the frontoparietal network and the language network and was significantly decreased between the right salience network nodes in the very preterm group. The altered FC patterns between specific regions of the higher-order networks may reflect underlying deficits in the functional network architecture associated with cognitive function. Further studies are needed to demonstrate a direct connection between FC in these regions and cognitive function.
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5
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Lu J, Lu L, Yu Y, Oliphant K, Drobyshevsky A, Claud EC. Early preterm infant microbiome impacts adult learning. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3310. [PMID: 35228616 PMCID: PMC8885646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07245-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interventions to mitigate long-term neurodevelopmental deficits such as memory and learning impairment in preterm infants are warranted. Manipulation of the gut microbiome affects host behaviors. In this study we determined whether early maturation of the infant microbiome is associated with neurodevelopment outcomes. Germ free mice colonized at birth with human preterm infant microbiomes from infants of advancing post menstrual age (PMA) demonstrated an increase in bacterial diversity and a shift in dominance of taxa mimicking the human preterm microbiome development pattern. These characteristics along with changes in a number of metabolites as the microbiome matured influenced associative learning and memory but not locomotor ability, anxiety-like behaviors, or social interaction in adult mice. As a regulator of learning and memory, brain glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor increased with advancing PMA and was also associated with better performance in associative learning and memory in adult mice. We conclude that maturation of the microbiome in early life of preterm infants primes adult associative memory and learning ability. Our findings suggest a critical window of early intervention to affect maturation of the preterm infant microbiome and ultimately improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine/Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Lei Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine/Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Yueyue Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine/Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Oliphant
- Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine/Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Alexander Drobyshevsky
- Department of Pediatrics, NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, Evanston, IL, 60202, USA
| | - Erika C Claud
- Department of Pediatrics, Pritzker School of Medicine/Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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6
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Walczak-Kozłowska T, Chrzan-Dętkoś M, Harciarek M. Heterogeneity of the attentional system's efficiency among very prematurely born pre-schoolers. Child Neuropsychol 2021; 28:120-142. [PMID: 34348594 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2021.1961702] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Very preterm birth increases the risk of ADHD as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. Deficits within the attentional system were previously signaled in preterm children; however, studies lacked in consideration of an intragroup differentiation. Thus, this study aimed to verify whether deficits in the attentional mechanisms are inter-individually differentiated among very prematurely born children and if so, which biomedical and non-biomedical factors are associated with the profile of deficits within the attentional system. We tested the efficiency of attentional processes among 5-year-old children with the Attention Network Task - Child Version. The results have indicated that 26% of very preterm children presented with the suboptimal functioning of the attentional system (more than 1 SD below mean score of full-term children in attentional alerting and orienting), whereas 74% were characterized by the normal efficiency of attention. The profile of attentional deficits observed among very preterm preschoolers was associated with significantly lower birth weight and decreased family living standard. Very prematurely born children are thus a relatively heterogeneous group in terms of the efficiency of attentional system and deficits apply to only some of those children. Early developmental support aimed at enhancing attentional functioning should be addressed to children with lower birth weight in the first place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Walczak-Kozłowska
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Department of the Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Chrzan-Dętkoś
- Division of Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology, Institute of Psychology, Department of the Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Harciarek
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, Department of the Social Sciences, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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7
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Sandoval CC, Gaspardo CM, Linhares MBM. The impact of preterm birth on the executive functioning of preschool children: A systematic review. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2021; 11:873-890. [PMID: 33984255 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2021.1915145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a systematic review of the impact of preterm childbirth on the later executive functioning of preschool-aged children. A systematic search for studies published between 2014 and 2019 was performed using the following keywords: executive funct* AND preterm AND child. The methodological quality of the reports was examined using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. Thirty-two studies were reviewed and scored at least 67% on the methodological quality assessment. In comparison to children born full-term, preschool children born preterm exhibit executive functioning deficits in the dimensions of the global index, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and planning/executive functioning. These findings are independent of the degree of prematurity at birth. Since executive functioning has many complex components, future studies should assess the dimensions of executive functioning separately in preschool-aged children born preterm, rather than as a single measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cruvinel Sandoval
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Maria Gaspardo
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Beatriz Martins Linhares
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
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8
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Abstract
Working memory is a central cognitive system that plays key role in development, with increases in working memory capacity and speed of processing as children move from infancy through adolescence. Here, I focus on two questions: what neural processes underlie working memory and how do these processes change over development? Answers to these questions lie in computer simulations of artificial neural network models that shed light on how development happens. These models open up new avenues for optimizing clinical interventions aimed at boosting the working memory abilities of at-risk infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Spencer
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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9
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Fernandez-Baizan C, Caunedo-Jimenez M, Martinez JA, Arias JL, Mendez M, Solis G. Development of visuospatial memory in preterm infants: A new paradigm to assess short-term and working memory. Child Neuropsychol 2020; 27:296-316. [PMID: 33191857 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2020.1847264] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Preterm infants have a higher risk of showing visuospatial memory impairment, the function that allows to encode and remember visual and spatial information. It has been studied in late childhood in preterm children. Studies on visuospatial memory throughout the first 2 years of life are still scarce. Behavior, temperament, and overall cognition could be altered in preterm children affecting memory performance. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate short-term and visuospatial working memory performance in a preterm sample followed longitudinally at 12, 15, 18, and 22 months (N = 15), and compare their performance with that of full-term children (N = 65). The secondary aim was to analyze the course of mnesic development in preterm infants and relate their memory performance to other cognitive abilities and behavioral tendencies. Assessment included previously published tasks and an experimental paradigm. Results showed that preterm children scored lower than full-term children on visuospatial short-term and working memory at 12 and 22 months of age, although these results varied depending on the memory test used. Preterm children's memory results showed that these skills improve in this population between the first and second year of life. Finally, memory performance was directly associated with the level of cognitive development and the presence of proactive behaviors, while being inversely correlated with the presence of disruptive behaviors and a difficult temperamental style. These preliminary findings suggest that it is possible to detect visuospatial memory difficulties in the preterm population before the age of two.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fernandez-Baizan
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - M Caunedo-Jimenez
- Pediatric Clinic Area, Neonatology, University Central Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - J A Martinez
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Electronic Technology, University of Oviedo, Gijón, Spain
| | - J L Arias
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - M Mendez
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - G Solis
- Neuroscience Institute of Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Pediatric Clinic Area, Neonatology, University Central Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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10
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Delgado Reyes L, Wijeakumar S, Magnotta VA, Forbes SH, Spencer JP. The functional brain networks that underlie visual working memory in the first two years of life. Neuroimage 2020; 219:116971. [PMID: 32454208 PMCID: PMC7443700 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Visual working memory (VWM) is a central cognitive system used to compare views of the world and detect changes in the local environment. This system undergoes dramatic development in the first two years; however, we know relatively little about the functional organization of VWM at the level of the brain. Here, we used image-based functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to test four hypotheses about the spatial organization of the VWM network in early development. Four-month-olds, 1-year-olds, and 2-year-olds completed a VWM task while we recorded neural activity from 19 cortical regions-of-interest identified from a meta-analysis of the adult fMRI literature on VWM. Results showed significant task-specific functional activation near 6 of 19 ROIs, revealing spatial consistency in the brain regions activated in our study and brain regions identified to be part of the VWM network in adult fMRI studies. Working memory related activation was centered on bilateral anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS), left temporoparietal junction (TPJ), and left ventral occipital complex (VOC), while visual exploratory measures were associated with activation in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left TPJ, and bilateral IPS. Results show that a distributed brain network underlies functional changes in VWM in infancy, revealing new insights into the neural mechanisms that support infants’ improved ability to remember visual information and to detect changes in an on-going visual stream. A distributed brain network underlies functional changes in VWM in infancy and toddlerhood. This network shows robust engagement of similar brain regions identified in fMRI studies with adults as early as four months. Working memory related activation was centered on bilateral anterior intraparietal sulcus, left temporoparietal junction, and left ventral occipital complex Visual exploratory measures were associated with activation in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral anterior intraparietal sulcus, and left temporoparietal junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Delgado Reyes
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Pérez-Pereira M, Fernández MP, Gómez-Taibo ML, Martínez-López Z, Arce C. A Follow-Up Study of Cognitive Development in Low Risk Preterm Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2380. [PMID: 32244477 PMCID: PMC7178262 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The results of a longitudinal study on the cognitive development of one group of full-term and three groups of low risk preterm children with different gestational ages (GA) are presented. The 181 participants were divided into four GA groups of similar size. The aims were: 1) To check if there are differences in cognitive development (measured through the Batelle scale) among the GA groups. 2) To establish the predictive factors of cognitive development at 22 and 60 months of age, taking into account biomedical, environmental and individual factors. The results of the repeated measures ANOVA performed at 22 and 60 months of age indicated that the cognitive trajectories of the four GA groups were similar. Linear regression analyses showed that the effect of the different predictors changed in relation to the time of measurement of cognitive development. Biological factors and the quality of home environment had a moderate effect on the cognitive development at 22 months of age. Cognitive results obtained at 22 months of age, and, to a lesser extent, working memory had the greatest effect on cognitive development at 60 months. GA does not predict cognitive development. Preterm children do not show cognitive delay if they are healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pérez-Pereira
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - María Pilar Fernández
- Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, 15190 A Coruña, Spain; (M.P.F.); (M.L.G.-T.)
| | - María Luisa Gómez-Taibo
- Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, 15190 A Coruña, Spain; (M.P.F.); (M.L.G.-T.)
| | - Zeltia Martínez-López
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Constantino Arce
- Deparment of Social, Basic and Methodological Psychology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
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12
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Kim HS, Kim EK, Park HK, Ahn DH, Kim MJ, Lee HJ. Cognitive Outcomes of Children with Very Low Birth Weight at 3 to 5 Years of Age. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e4. [PMID: 31898433 PMCID: PMC6942132 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cognitive consequences and risk factors based long-term outcome of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; < 1,500 g) infants in Korea has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of perinatal and neonatal risk factors on the cognitive performance of VLBW children at 3 to 5 years of age. METHODS We enrolled 88 VLBW infants without cystic periventricular leukomalacia for the assessment of their demographic data, cognitive performance, and development of cerebral palsy (CP) at 3 to 5 years of age. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Korean version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence IV. Growth data were assessed with measurements of weight, height, and head circumference (HC) at the corrected ages of 6, 12, and 18 months, and 3 to 5 years of age. RESULTS In the VLBW group, the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) was 96.1 ± 15.2 at the mean age of 4.5 years. The incidence rate of CP was 3.4%. Overall, 17% (15/88) of the VLBW children had a below-average FSIQ (< 85). We divided the VLBW children into the abnormal FSIQ group (< 85, n = 15) and the normal FSIQ group (≥ 85, n = 73). VLBW children with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was associated with a below-average FSIQ at the mean age of 4.5 years (< 85, 8/15, 53.3% vs. ≥ 85, 5/73, 6.8%; P < 0.001). After controlling for associated clinical factors, IUGR in the VLBW children was found to be associated with an abnormal FSIQ at the mean age of 4.5 years (P = 0.025). The weight, height, and HC obtained for both groups showed that normal growth was maintained at the mean age of 4.5 years with no significant difference between abnormal and normal FSIQ groups. CONCLUSION Fifteen of 88 (17%) of the VLBW children had a below-average FSIQ (< 85). VLBW with IUGR is associated with poor cognitive outcomes at the mean age of 4.5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Sun Kim
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Hanyang Inclusive Clinic for Developmental Disorders, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ee Kyung Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Kyung Park
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Hanyang Inclusive Clinic for Developmental Disorders, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Ahn
- Hanyang Inclusive Clinic for Developmental Disorders, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Child Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Jung Kim
- Hanyang Inclusive Clinic for Developmental Disorders, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Lee
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Hanyang Inclusive Clinic for Developmental Disorders, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
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13
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Coelho CVG, Ribeiro F, Lopes AF. Assessment of the executive functions of moderate preterm children in preschool age. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2019; 10:308-318. [PMID: 31852245 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2019.1699095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study assesses EF and socioemotional development in 30 MPT children between 4 and 6 years, comparing them with 31 FT children. Working Memory was assessed with Digit Span and Corsi Block, verbal inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility with The Shape School Test, visuomotor inhibition with Go/No-Go and socioemotional development with SDQ for parents. In our study, MPT preschoolers had a poorer working memory, inhibitory control and verbal cognitive flexibility, and more emotional problems compared. Our results suggest that there is no safe gestational age in prematurity, for this reason, EF of preterm children should be evaluated at an early age, so early intervention plans can be implemented, preventing preterm from entering primary education in disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- C V G Coelho
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Institute of Health Sciences, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Portugal
| | - F Ribeiro
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Institute of Health Sciences, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Portugal
| | - A F Lopes
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC) of the University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Neuropaediatric Unit, Garcia de Orta Hospital, Portugal
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14
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Sato J, Mossad SI, Wong SM, Hunt BAE, Dunkley BT, Urbain C, Taylor MJ. Spectral slowing is associated with working memory performance in children born very preterm. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15757. [PMID: 31673006 PMCID: PMC6823447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Children born very preterm (VPT) often demonstrate selective difficulties in working memory (WM), which may underlie academic difficulties observed in this population. Despite this, few studies have investigated the functional networks underlying WM in young children born VPT, a period when cognitive deficits become apparent. Using magnetoencephalography, we examined the networks underlying the maintenance of visual information in 6-year-old VPT (n = 15) and full-term (FT; n = 20) children. Although task performance was similar, VPT children engaged different oscillatory mechanisms during WM maintenance. Within the FT group, we observed higher mean whole-brain connectivity in the alpha-band during the retention (i.e. maintenance) interval associated with correct compared to incorrect responses. VPT children showed reduced whole-brain alpha synchrony, and a different network organization with fewer connections. In the theta-band, VPT children demonstrated a slight increase in whole-brain connectivity during WM maintenance, and engaged similar network hubs as FT children in the alpha-band, including the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and superior temporal gyrus. These findings suggest that VPT children rely on the theta-band to support similar task performance. Altered oscillatory mechanisms may reflect a less mature pattern of functional recruitment underlying WM in VPT children, which may affect the processing in complex ecological situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sato
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Sarah I Mossad
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Simeon M Wong
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benjamin A E Hunt
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benjamin T Dunkley
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Charline Urbain
- UR2NF - Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Group at Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences (CRCN) and ULB Neurosciences Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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15
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Maternal Smoking and Infant Low Birth Weight: Exploring the Biological Mechanism Through the Mother’s Pre-pregnancy Weight Status. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11113-019-09554-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Soncini TCB, Belotto GA, Diaz AP. Association Between Prematurity and Diagnosis of Neurodevelopment Disorder: A Case-Control Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 50:145-152. [PMID: 31552529 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04235-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the association between prematurity and diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] or autism spectrum disorder [ASD]) in Brazilian children and adolescents. Case-control study based on medical records data from a specialized outpatient clinic. Prematurity was defined as gestational age less than 37 weeks. Prematurity was independently associated with diagnosis of a ND (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.46, 95% CI 1.15 - 7.92), as well as with ADHD and ASD diagnosis after a multiple logistic regression analysis. These findings from Brazilian patients are related to what is found in the literature worldwide. Efforts to modify risk factors, such as prematurity, may impact incidence reduction of both ADHD and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaise C B Soncini
- Médica Pediatra, Maternidade Carmela Dutra, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre P Diaz
- Médico Psiquiatra, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rua Maria Flora Pausewang S/N, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, CEP 88040-900, Brazil.
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17
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Shaw JC, Berry MJ, Dyson RM, Crombie GK, Hirst JJ, Palliser HK. Reduced Neurosteroid Exposure Following Preterm Birth and Its' Contribution to Neurological Impairment: A Novel Avenue for Preventative Therapies. Front Physiol 2019; 10:599. [PMID: 31156466 PMCID: PMC6529563 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Children born preterm are at an increased risk of developing cognitive problems and neuro-behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Whilst neonates born at all gestational ages, even at term, can experience poor cognitive outcomes due to birth-complications such as birth asphyxia, it is becoming widely known that children born preterm in particular are at significant risk for learning difficulties with an increased utilization of special education resources, when compared to their healthy term-born peers. Additionally, those born preterm have evidence of altered cerebral myelination with reductions in white matter volumes of the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum evident on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This disruption to myelination may underlie some of the pathophysiology of preterm-associated brain injury. Compared to a fetus of the same post-conceptional age, the preterm newborn loses access to in utero factors that support and promote healthy brain development. Furthermore, the preterm ex utero environment is hostile to the developing brain with a myriad of environmental, biochemical and excitotoxic stressors. Allopregnanolone is a key neuroprotective fetal neurosteroid which has promyelinating effects in the developing brain. Preterm birth leads to an abrupt loss of the protective effects of allopregnanolone, with a dramatic drop in allopregnanolone concentrations in the preterm neonatal brain compared to the fetal brain. This occurs in conjunction with reduced myelination of the hippocampus, subcortical white matter and cerebellum; thus, damage to neurons, astrocytes and especially oligodendrocytes of the developing nervous system can occur in the vulnerable developmental window prior to term as a consequence reduced allopregnanolone. In an effort to prevent preterm-associated brain injury a number of therapies have been considered, but to date, other than antenatal magnesium sulfate and corticosteroid therapy, none have become part of standard clinical care for vulnerable infants. Therefore, there remains an urgent need for improved therapeutic options to prevent brain injury in preterm neonates. The actions of the placentally derived neurosteroid allopregnanolone on GABAA receptor signaling has a major role in late gestation neurodevelopment. The early loss of this intrauterine neurotrophic support following preterm birth may be pivotal to development of neurodevelopmental morbidity. Thus, restoring the in utero neurosteroid environment for preterm neonates may represent a new and clinically feasible treatment option for promoting better trajectories of myelination and brain development, and therefore reducing neurodevelopmental disorders in children born preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary J. Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca M. Dyson
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gabrielle K. Crombie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan J. Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K. Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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18
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Lu J, Claud EC. Connection between gut microbiome and brain development in preterm infants. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 61:739-751. [PMID: 30460694 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome in preterm infants predisposes the neonate to various major morbidities including neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit, and adverse neurological outcomes later in life. There are parallel early developmental windows for the gut microbiota and the nervous system during prenatal to postnatal of life. Therefore, preterm infants represent a unique population in which optimization of initial colonization and microbiota development can affect brain development and enhance neurological outcomes. In this review, we will first discuss the factors affecting the assembly of neonatal gut microbiota and the contribution of dysbiosis in preterm infants to neuroinflammation and neurodevelopmental disorders. We then will discuss the emerging pathways connecting the gut microbiome and brain development. Further we will discuss the significance of current models for alteration of the gut microbiome (including humanized gnotobiotic models and exposure to antibiotics) to brain development and functions. Understanding the role of early optimization of the microbiome in brain development is of paramount importance for developing microbiome-targeted therapies and protecting infants from prematurity-related neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erika C Claud
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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19
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Varela V, Torres F, Rosselli M, Quezada C. Neuropsychological assessment of Chilean children with a history of extreme prematurity: An exploratory study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2018; 9:56-67. [PMID: 30295517 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2018.1510328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the neuropsychological abilities of premature Chilean children. Two groups (Premature and Control, 10 children each, age ranging from 5 to 7.11) were established based on weeks of gestation and/or weight at birth. Relevant variables such as age, gender, schooling, and socioeconomic level were matched considering Chile's particular demographic context. Children were assessed by means of the Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil (ENI-2) battery, measuring nine cognitive domains encompassing 23 subscales. In turn, subscales are grouped in two scales: Cognitive Functions and Executive Functions. Since the ENI-2 battery provides norms for Spanish-speaking children, obtained data were inspected both for possible between-group differences and either adjustment or deviance from average range. Results show that premature children perform within typical ranges in all subscales except for Visual attention and Graphic fluency. When comparing both groups, some differences emerged. These differences are most prominent in subscales related to visuoperceptual skills. Interestingly, between-group linguistic performance is very similar. The point is made that early linguistic interventions conducted on premature children seem to positively impact on oral language expression and comprehension. On the contrary, early interventions focused on visuospatial abilities did not seem to attain the same impact. This may be a consequence of visual-information processing problems derived from cortical dorsal stream's vulnerability, which literature correlates with prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Varela
- Departamento de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Torres
- Departamento de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mónica Rosselli
- Department of Psychology Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Camilo Quezada
- Departamento de Fonoaudiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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20
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Cleal M, Parker MO. Moderate developmental alcohol exposure reduces repetitive alternation in a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2018; 70:1-9. [PMID: 30201482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The damaging effects of alcohol on a developing fetus are well known and cause a range of conditions known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). High levels of alcohol exposure lead to physical deformity and severe cognitive deficits, but more moderate exposure leads to a range of subtle cognitive effects such as reduced social behavior, higher propensity to develop addictions, and reduced spatial working memory. Previous studies have demonstrated that following exposure to relatively low levels of ethanol during early brain development (equivalent in humans to moderate exposure) zebrafish display a range of social and behavioral differences. Here, our aim was to test the hypothesis that moderate developmental ethanol exposure would affect aspects of learning and memory in zebrafish. In order to do this, we exposed zebrafish embryos to 20 mM [0.12% v/v] ethanol from 2 to 9 dpf to model the effects of moderate prenatal ethanol (MPE) exposure. At 3 months old, adult fish were tested for appetitive and aversive learning, and for spatial alternation in a novel unconditioned y-maze protocol. We found that MPE did not affect appetitive or aversive learning, but exposed-fish showed a robust reduction in repetitive alternations in the y-maze when compared to age matched controls. This study confirms that moderate levels of ethanol exposure to developing embryos have subtle effects on spatial working memory in adulthood. Our data thus suggest that zebrafish may be a promising model system for studying the effects of alcohol on learning and decision-making, but also for developing treatments and interventions to reduce the negative effects of prenatal alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Cleal
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, UK.
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21
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Abstract
Technological advances in neonatal-perinatal medicine have led to a steady increase in the survival of preterm infants. Although the increase in survival is a remarkable success, children born preterm remain at high risk for brain injury and long-term neurodevelopmental deficits. Children born preterm may have abnormal muscle tone or movements, cognitive deficits, language impairments, and behavioral problems. This article reviews neurodevelopmental outcomes and factors that influence outcomes in preterm children during early childhood.
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22
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The relationship between spatial working memory precision and attention and inhibitory control in young children. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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23
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Hodel AS. Rapid Infant Prefrontal Cortex Development and Sensitivity to Early Environmental Experience. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2018; 48:113-144. [PMID: 30270962 PMCID: PMC6157748 DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the last fifteen years, the emerging field of developmental cognitive neuroscience has described the relatively late development of prefrontal cortex in children and the relation between gradual structural changes and children's protracted development of prefrontal-dependent skills. Widespread recognition by the broader scientific community of the extended development of prefrontal cortex has led to the overwhelming perception of prefrontal cortex as a "late developing" region of the brain. However, despite its supposedly protracted development, multiple lines of research have converged to suggest that prefrontal cortex development may be particularly susceptible to individual differences in children's early environments. Recent studies demonstrate that the impacts of early adverse environments on prefrontal cortex are present very early in development: within the first year of life. This review provides a comprehensive overview of new neuroimaging evidence demonstrating that prefrontal cortex should be characterized as a "rapidly developing" region of the brain, discusses the converging impacts of early adversity on prefrontal circuits, and presents potential mechanisms via which adverse environments shape both concurrent and long-term measures of prefrontal cortex development. Given that environmentally-induced disparities are present in prefrontal cortex development within the first year of life, translational work in intervention and/or prevention science should focus on intervening early in development to take advantages of this early period of rapid prefrontal development and heightened plasticity.
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24
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Gresch LD, Marchman VA, Loi EC, Fernald A, Feldman HM. Nonword Repetition and Language Outcomes in Young Children Born Preterm. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2018; 61:1203-1215. [PMID: 29800357 PMCID: PMC6195080 DOI: 10.1044/2018_jslhr-l-17-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The aims of this study were to examine phonological short-term memory in children born preterm (PT) and to explore relations between this neuropsychological process and later language skills. Method Children born PT (n = 74) and full term (FT; n = 60) participated in a nonword repetition (NWR) task at 36 months old. Standardized measures of language skills were administered at 36 and 54 months old. Group differences in NWR task completion and NWR scores were analyzed. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined the extent to which NWR ability predicted later performance on language measures. Results More children born PT than FT did not complete the NWR task. Among children who completed the task, the performance of children born PT and FT was not statistically different. NWR scores at 36 months old accounted for significant unique variance in language scores at 54 months old in both groups. Birth group did not moderate the relation between NWR and later language performance. Conclusions These findings suggest that phonological short-term memory is an important skill underlying language development in both children born PT and FT. These findings have relevance to clinical practice in assessing children born PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D. Gresch
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | | | - Elizabeth C. Loi
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Anne Fernald
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, CA
| | - Heidi M. Feldman
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA
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25
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Zimmerman E. Do Infants Born Very Premature and Who Have Very Low Birth Weight Catch Up With Their Full Term Peers in Their Language Abilities by Early School Age? JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2018; 61:53-65. [PMID: 29255846 DOI: 10.1044/2017_jslhr-l-16-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the extent to which children born preterm (< 37 weeks) and/or who have low birth weight (< 2,500 g) catch up with their full term peers in terms of their language abilities at early school age (≥ 5 to < 9 years). METHOD A systematic literature search identified empirical studies that fit the inclusion criteria. Data from the tests/questionnaires used for meta-analysis spanned the following language categories: total language score, expressive language, receptive language, pragmatics, phonological awareness, and grammar. The means (standard deviations) were extracted from the studies and were converted to mean difference and 95% confidence intervals to test for overall effect. RESULTS Sixteen studies met the inclusionary criteria, for a total of 2,739 participants, of which 1,224 were born full term and 1,515 were born preterm. It is important to note that the preterm cohort represented very preterm infants who have a very low birth weight. The meta-analysis found that preterm infants scored significantly worse on total language (p < .001), receptive language (p < .001), expressive language (p < .001), phonological awareness (p < .001), and grammar (p = .03) than their full term peers. However, preterm infants did not score significantly worse than their peers on their pragmatics (p = .19). CONCLUSIONS Children born VPT and who have VLBW perform worse than their peers on their total language, receptive language, expressive language, phonological awareness, and grammar abilities by early school age. This information is important for speech-language pathologists to consider as children born prematurely reach school age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Zimmerman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
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26
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Doellinger PV, Soares I, Sampaio A, Mesquita AR, Baptista J. Prematuridade, Funções Executivas e Qualidade dos Cuidados Parentais: Revisão Sistemática de Literatura. PSICOLOGIA: TEORIA E PESQUISA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/0102.3772e3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Este artigo de revisão visa contextualizar o desenvolvimento das funções executivas (FE) em crianças prematuras, com especial atenção para o efeito dos cuidados parentais. As principais bases eletrônicas foram utilizadas para essa revisão: 31 estudos originais, duas meta-análises, uma meta-síntese e dois artigos de revisão foram identificados. Concluiu-se que as crianças prematuras têm maior risco de disfunção executiva global, sendo a qualidade dos cuidados parentais fundamentais para a modulação das FE, nomeadamente no que concerne às variáveis socioemocionais da interação, como a sensibilidadematerna. Salientam-se ainda as principais limitações dos estudos analisados e apontam-se recomendações para futura investigação sobre os efeitos dos cuidados parentais no desenvolvimento de FE em crianças prematuras.
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27
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Multimodal Executive Function Measurement in Preschool Children Born Very Low Birth Weight and Full Term: Relationships Between Formal Lab-Based Measure Performance, Parent Report, and Naturalistic Observational Coding. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40817-017-0047-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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28
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Dilworth-Bart JE, Poehlmann-Tynan JA, Taub A, Liesen CA, Bolt D. Longitudinal associations between self-regulation and the academic and behavioral adjustment of young children born preterm. EARLY CHILDHOOD RESEARCH QUARTERLY 2017; 42:193-204. [PMID: 29403148 PMCID: PMC5796547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Much of the research to date about the structure of self-regulation in early childhood has been conducted with low medical risk samples, with the general conclusion that self-regulation can be separated into overlapping executive function and effortful control factors that differentially predict child outcomes. We examined the factor structure of 36-month self-regulation among children born prematurely (n = 168) and the extent to which self-regulation predicted maternal ratings of children's socioemotional and academic competence when they were six years of age. Statistical analyses revealed a single self-regulation factor for this high neonatal risk sample, and this self-regulation factor mediated associations between early sociodemographic risk and mothers' ratings of academic competence and externalizing problems. Our findings suggest that early intervention research with children born preterm should focus on promoting supportive early environments, particularly parental sensitivity to infant cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janean E Dilworth-Bart
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison when this research was completed
| | - Julie A Poehlmann-Tynan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison when this research was completed
| | - Amy Taub
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison when this research was completed
| | - Carolyn A Liesen
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison when this research was completed
| | - Daniel Bolt
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison when this research was completed
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29
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Mulder H, Verhagen J, Van der Ven SHG, Slot PL, Leseman PPM. Early Executive Function at Age Two Predicts Emergent Mathematics and Literacy at Age Five. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1706. [PMID: 29075209 PMCID: PMC5643463 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work has shown that individual differences in executive function (EF) are predictive of academic skills in preschoolers, kindergartners, and older children. Across studies, EF is a stronger predictor of emergent mathematics than literacy. However, research on EF in children below age three is scarce, and it is currently unknown whether EF, as assessed in toddlerhood, predicts emergent academic skills a few years later. This longitudinal study investigates whether early EF, assessed at two years, predicts (emergent) academic skills, at five years. It examines, furthermore, whether early EF is a significantly stronger predictor of emergent mathematics than of emergent literacy, as has been found in previous work on older children. A sample of 552 children was assessed on various EF and EF-precursor tasks at two years. At age five, these children performed several emergent mathematics and literacy tasks. Structural Equation Modeling was used to investigate the relationships between early EF and academic skills, modeled as latent factors. Results showed that early EF at age two was a significant and relatively strong predictor of both emergent mathematics and literacy at age five, after controlling for receptive vocabulary, parental education, and home language. Predictive relations were significantly stronger for mathematics than literacy, but only when a verbal short-term memory measure was left out as an indicator to the latent early EF construct. These findings show that individual differences in emergent academic skills just prior to entry into the formal education system can be traced back to individual differences in early EF in toddlerhood. In addition, these results highlight the importance of task selection when assessing early EF as a predictor of later outcomes, and call for further studies to elucidate the mechanisms through which individual differences in early EF and precursors to EF come about.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Mulder
- Department of Special Education: Cognitive and Motor Disabilities, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Shaw JC, Palliser HK, Dyson RM, Berry MJ, Hirst JJ. Disruptions to the cerebellar GABAergic system in juvenile guinea pigs following preterm birth. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 65:1-10. [PMID: 29024720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children that are born preterm are at an increased risk of developing cognitive problems and behavioural disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is increasing interest in the role of the cerebellum in these processes and the potential involvement of GABAergic pathways in neurodevelopmental disorders. We propose that preterm birth, and the associated loss of the trophic intrauterine environment, alters the development of the cerebellum, contributing to ongoing neurobehavioral disorders. METHODS Guinea pigs were delivered preterm (GA62) or spontaneously at term (GA69), and tissues collected at corrected postnatal day (PND) 28. Neurodevelopmental and GABAergic markers myelin basic protein (MBP), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), calbindin (Purkinje cells), and GAD67 (GABA synthesis enzyme) were analysed in cerebellar lobules IX and X by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression of GAD67 and GAT1 (GABA transporter enzyme) were quantified by western blot, whilst neurosteroid-sensitive GABAA receptor subunits were measured by RT-PCR. RESULTS MBP immunostaining was increased in lobule IX of preterm males, and reduced in lobule X of preterm females when compared to their term counterparts. GAD67 staining was decreased in lobule IX and X of the preterm males, but only in lobule X of the preterm females compared to term cohorts for each sex. Internal granule cell layer width of lobule X was decreased in preterm cohorts of both sexes compared to terms. There were no differences between gestational age groups for NeuN staining, GAD67 and GAT1 protein expression as measured by western blotting, or GABAA receptor subunits as measured by RT-PCR between preterm and term for either sex. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that components of the cerebellar GABAergic system of the ex-preterm cerebellum are disrupted. The higher expression of myelin in the preterm males may be due to a deficit in axonal pruning, whereas females have a deficit in myelination at 28 corrected days of age. Together these ongoing alterations may contribute to the neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders observed in those born preterm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Shaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Australia.
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Dyson
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand; Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mary J Berry
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand; Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan J Hirst
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia; Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Australia
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31
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Arthursson PMSH, Thompson DK, Spencer-Smith M, Chen J, Silk T, Doyle LW, Anderson PJ. Atypical neuronal activation during a spatial working memory task in 13-year-old very preterm children. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:6172-6184. [PMID: 28940977 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Children born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks' gestational age) are at risk for unfavorable outcomes in several cognitive domains, including spatial working memory (WM). The underlying neural basis of these cognitive impairments is poorly understood. We investigated differences in neuronal activation during spatial WM using a backward span (BS) task relative to a control (C) task in 45 VP children and 19 term-born controls aged 13 years. VP children showed significantly more activation in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus and significantly less activation in the left parahippocampal gyrus compared with controls. We further explored the distinct contributions of maintenance and manipulation processes of WM using forward span (FS)>C and BS > FS, respectively. There were no significant group differences in neuronal activation for FS > C. However, BS > FS revealed that VP children had significantly greater activation in the left middle frontal gyrus, in the left superior parietal gyrus and right cerebellar tonsil, and significantly less activation in the right precentral and postcentral gyrus and left insula compared with controls. Taken together these results suggest that VP children at 13 years of age show an atypical neuronal activation during spatial WM, specifically related to manipulation of spatial information in WM. It is unclear whether these findings reflect delayed maturation and/or recruitment of alternative neuronal networks as a result of neuroplasticity. Hum Brain Mapp 38:6172-6184, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia-Maria S H Arthursson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Deanne K Thompson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Megan Spencer-Smith
- School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jian Chen
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Tim Silk
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Lex W Doyle
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Peter J Anderson
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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32
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Oudgenoeg-Paz O, Mulder H, Jongmans MJ, van der Ham IJM, Van der Stigchel S. The link between motor and cognitive development in children born preterm and/or with low birth weight: A review of current evidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017. [PMID: 28642071 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The current review focuses on evidence for a link between early motor development and later cognitive skills in children born preterm or with Low Birth Weight (LBW). Studies with term born children consistently show such a link. Motor and cognitive impairments or delays are often seen in children born preterm or with LBW throughout childhood and studies have established a cross-sectional association between the two. However, it is not yet clear if, and if so, how, motor and cognitive skills are longitudinally interrelated in these children. Longitudinal studies with this population including measures of motor development during the first year of life and cognitive measures at later measurement points were included. The 17 studies included usually show a link between level and/or quality of motor development during the first year of life and later cognitive skills in children born preterm and/or with LBW. However, given the small number of studies, and a possible effect of early interaction between motor and cognitive skills affecting this relation, more work is clearly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ora Oudgenoeg-Paz
- Department of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
| | - Hanna Mulder
- Department of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Marian J Jongmans
- Department of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke J M van der Ham
- Department of Health, Medical, and Neuropsychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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33
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Slot PL, Mulder H, Verhagen J, Leseman PP. Preschoolers' cognitive and emotional self-regulation in pretend play: Relations with executive functions and quality of play. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Louise Slot
- Department of Child, Family, and Education Studies; Universiteit Utrecht; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Mulder
- Department of Child, Family, and Education Studies; Universiteit Utrecht; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Josje Verhagen
- Department of Child, Family, and Education Studies; Universiteit Utrecht; Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Paul P.M. Leseman
- Department of Child, Family, and Education Studies; Universiteit Utrecht; Utrecht The Netherlands
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34
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Schutte AR, Keiser BA, Beattie HL. Developmental Differences in the Influence of Distractors on Maintenance in Spatial Working Memory. JOURNAL OF COGNITION AND DEVELOPMENT 2017; 18:338-357. [PMID: 30906231 DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2017.1300155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether attention to a location plays a role in the maintenance of locations in spatial working memory in young children as it does in adults. This study was the first to investigate whether distractors presented during the delay of a spatial working memory task influenced young children's memory responses. Across two experiments, 3- and 6-year-olds completed a spatial working memory task featuring a static target location and distractor location. Results indicated a change between 3 and 6 years of age in how distractors influenced memory. Six-year-olds' memory responses were biased away from a distractor that was close to the target location and on the outside of the target location relative to the center of the monitor. Distractors that were far from the target or that were toward the center of the monitor relative to the target location had no effect. Three-year-olds' responses were biased toward a distractor when the distractor was on the outside of the target location and farther from the target. Distractors that were near the target location or toward the center of the monitor had no effect. These biases provide evidence that young children's maintenance of a location in memory is influenced by attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne R Schutte
- Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior and the Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
| | - Brian A Keiser
- Children, Youth, and Family Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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Abstract
Executive function (EF) refers to the set of cognitive processes involved in the self-regulation of emotion and goal-directed behavior. These skills and the brain systems that support them develop throughout childhood and are frequently compromised in preterm children, even in those with broadly average global cognitive ability. Risks for deficits in EF in preterm children and attendant problems in learning and psychosocial functioning are higher in those with more extreme prematurity, neonatal complications, and related brain abnormalities. Associations of higher levels of EF with more supportive home and school environments suggest a potential for attenuating these risks, especially with early identification. Further research is needed to understand how deficits in EF evolve in preterm children, refine assessment methods, and develop interventions that either promote the development of EF in this population or help children to compensate for these weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Gerry Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Caron A.C. Clark
- Department of Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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36
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Di Rosa G, Cavallaro T, Alibrandi A, Marseglia L, Lamberti M, Giaimo E, Nicotera A, Bonsignore M, Gagliano A. Predictive role of early milestones-related psychomotor profiles and long-term neurodevelopmental pitfalls in preterm infants. Early Hum Dev 2016; 101:49-55. [PMID: 27405056 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental milestones are useful signposts developed to assess the pace and the trajectory of maturation occurring during specific time-windows called critical periods. The predictive role of their clinical assessment in premature infants is challenging, however, it actually represents an easy and reliable tool at follow-up. AIM AND STUDY DESIGN Relying on a milestone-based neurological examination, we aimed to detect the interdependence between time of achievement of each milestone with long-term neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The influence of pre-perinatal events was also considered. PATIENTS & METHODS Two-hundred-eighty patients (53.2% M) were serially assessed by classic neurological examination during the first 18months and subsequently evaluated by Griffiths Developmental Mental Scale. Children were sorted by ranges of gestational age and compared according to their different profiles. RESULTS The Extremely PreTerms appeared to have a globally delayed development with subsequent attentional and behavioral troubles. Differently, the older peers, from Moderately to Full Term ones, although did not show significant differences in achievement of gross motor skills, had a stable delay of visual and social skills across the age ranges. This gap was not evidenced at the long-term evaluation, except for the Extremely PreTerm children. Pre-perinatal factors played a significant role on short and long term neurodevelopmental outcome. CONCLUSIONS Early assessed classic neurological examination might address neurodevelopmental trajectories in PreTerm children in which visual and social skills appear to be the mostly affected. It remains the easiest and most reliable tool of evaluation throughout the follow-up programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Di Rosa
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Cavallaro
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economical, Business and Environmental Sciences and Quantitative Methods, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Lucia Marseglia
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Neonatal Intensive Care, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marco Lamberti
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Elisa Giaimo
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Nicotera
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Bonsignore
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Petkovic M, Rat-Fischer L, Fagard J. The Emergence of Tool Use in Preterm Infants. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1104. [PMID: 27486429 PMCID: PMC4949218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm born children without neurological impairments have been shown to present some visual-manual coordination deficits, more or less depending on their tonicity and the degree of prematurity. In this paper, we compare the development of tool use in 15-23-month-old preterm infants born after 33-36 weeks of gestation without neurological complications with that of full-term infants according to corrected age. Understanding the affordance of a tool is an important cognitive milestone in early sensorimotor period. Using a tool to bring within reach an out-of-reach object, for instance, has been shown to develop during the 2nd year in full-term infants. Here we presented preterm infants with an attractive toy out of reach and with a rake-like tool within reach in five conditions of spatial relationships between the toy and the tool. Like full-terms, preterm infants used the tool with success in conditions of spatial contiguity around 15-17 months. In conditions of a spatial gap between tool and toy, i.e., the only conditions which shows without ambiguity that the infant understands the affordance of the tool, preterm infants as a group showed no delay for tool use: the frequency of spontaneous successes started to increase after 18 months, and demonstration became effective after that age. However, further analyses showed that only the preterm infants without hypotonia and born after 36 weeks of pregnancy developed tool use without delay. Hypotonic preterm infants were still largely unsuccessful in the conditions of spatial gap, even at the end of the study. The degree of prematurity also influenced the performance at tool use. These results, following the observation of a delay in the development of bimanual coordination and of handedness in the same infants at 10-12 months in a previous study, show that low risk preterm infants can still be impaired for the development of new manual skills beyond the 1st year. Thus, hypotonic preterm infants and infants born before 36 weeks of pregnancy should be followed and might benefit from early intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Petkovic
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Centre Biomédical des Saints-Pères, CNRS UMR 8158, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Lauriane Rat-Fischer
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Centre Biomédical des Saints-Pères, CNRS UMR 8158, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
| | - Jacqueline Fagard
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Centre Biomédical des Saints-Pères, CNRS UMR 8158, Université Paris Descartes Paris, France
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38
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Lee CSC, Pei J, Andrew G, A Kerns K, Rasmussen C. Effects of working memory training on children born preterm. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2016; 6:281-296. [PMID: 27259472 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2016.1161513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have reported benefits of working memory training in various populations, however, the training gains in preterm population is still inadequately studied. This study aimed to investigate the transfer and lasting effects of an online working memory training program on a group of preterm children aged between 4 and 6 years (mean gestational age = 28.3 weeks; mean birth weight = 1153 grams). Children were asked to perform the Cogmed JM at home for approximately 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Their nontrained working memory and attention were assessed pre-training, post-training, and at 5-week follow-up. Parent ratings on children's executive functions were obtained at the three time points. Results revealed that significant improvements in verbal working memory was emerging in preterm children at 5-week follow-up, while significant gains in visuospatial working memory was found post-training and at 5-week follow-up in age-matched term-born children. These results indicated that working memory training has benefits on preterm children; however, the gains are different from those observed in term-born children. No significant differences in attention and parent-rated EF were found in either group across time. The possible explanations for the training benefits observed in preterm children were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara S C Lee
- a Educational Psychology, University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- a Educational Psychology, University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Gail Andrew
- b Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Kimberly A Kerns
- c Psychology, University of Victoria , Victoria , British Colombia , Canada
| | - Carmen Rasmussen
- d Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Pediatrics , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
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39
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Durlak W, Herman-Sucharska I, Urbanik A, Klimek M, Karcz P, Dutkowska G, Nitecka M, Kwinta P. Relationship between Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Frontoinsular Gray Matter and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Children at the Age of 4. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156064. [PMID: 27223474 PMCID: PMC4880287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Very low birth weight is associated with long term neurodevelopmental complications. Macroscopic brain abnormalities in prematurity survivors have been investigated in several studies. However, there is limited data regarding local cerebral metabolic status and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the relationship between proton magnetic resonance spectra in basal ganglia, frontal white matter and frontoinsular gray matter, neurodevelopmental outcomes assessed with the Leiter scale and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception and selected socioeconomic variables in a cohort of very low birth weight children at the age of four. Children were divided in three groups based on the severity of neurodevelopmental impairment. There were no differences in spectroscopy in basal ganglia and frontal white matter between the groups. Lower concentrations of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho) and myoinositol (mI) were observed in the frontoinsular cortex of the left hemisphere in children with neurodevelopmental impairment compared to children with normal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Higher parental education, daycare attendance and breastfeeding after birth were associated with more favorable neurodevelopmental prognosis, whereas rural residence was more prevalent in children with moderate and severe impairment. Our study demonstrates the role of long term neurometabolic disruption in the left frontoinsular cortex and selected socioeconomic variables in determination of neurodevelopmental prognosis in prematurity survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Durlak
- Department of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
| | - Izabela Herman-Sucharska
- Department of Electroradiology, Jagiellonian University, Michalowskiego 12, 31-126 Cracow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Urbanik
- Department of Radiology, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 19, 31-501 Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Klimek
- Department of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
| | - Paulina Karcz
- Department of Electroradiology, Jagiellonian University, Michalowskiego 12, 31-126 Cracow, Poland
| | - Grażyna Dutkowska
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Jagiellonian University, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Nitecka
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Jagiellonian University, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
| | - Przemko Kwinta
- Department of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
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40
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Ambrose JP, Wijeakumar S, Buss AT, Spencer JP. Feature-Based Change Detection Reveals Inconsistent Individual Differences in Visual Working Memory Capacity. Front Syst Neurosci 2016; 10:33. [PMID: 27147986 PMCID: PMC4835449 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2016.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual working memory (VWM) is a key cognitive system that enables people to hold visual information in mind after a stimulus has been removed and compare past and present to detect changes that have occurred. VWM is severely capacity limited to around 3–4 items, although there are robust individual differences in this limit. Importantly, these individual differences are evident in neural measures of VWM capacity. Here, we capitalized on recent work showing that capacity is lower for more complex stimulus dimension. In particular, we asked whether individual differences in capacity remain consistent if capacity is shifted by a more demanding task, and, further, whether the correspondence between behavioral and neural measures holds across a shift in VWM capacity. Participants completed a change detection (CD) task with simple colors and complex shapes in an fMRI experiment. As expected, capacity was significantly lower for the shape dimension. Moreover, there were robust individual differences in behavioral estimates of VWM capacity across dimensions. Similarly, participants with a stronger BOLD response for color also showed a strong neural response for shape within the lateral occipital cortex, intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and superior IPS. Although there were robust individual differences in the behavioral and neural measures, we found little evidence of systematic brain-behavior correlations across feature dimensions. This suggests that behavioral and neural measures of capacity provide different views onto the processes that underlie VWM and CD. Recent theoretical approaches that attempt to bridge between behavioral and neural measures are well positioned to address these findings in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Ambrose
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA, USA
| | | | - Aaron T Buss
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN, USA
| | - John P Spencer
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia Norwich, UK
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41
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Petkovic M, Chokron S, Fagard J. Visuo-manual coordination in preterm infants without neurological impairments. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 51-52:76-88. [PMID: 26812594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The extent of and reasons for visuo-manual coordination deficits in moderate and late preterm born infants without neurological impairments are not well known. This paper presents a longitudinal study on the visuo-manual development of twelve preterm infants, born after 33-36 weeks of gestation without neurological complications, between the ages of 6 and 12 months. Visuo-manual integration and grasping were assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, along with bimanual coordination and handedness tests. Visual function was examined once prior to the beginning of the study. Gross motor development was also evaluated every month. Preterm infants were compared to a control group of ten full-term infants according to corrected age. Compared to full-terms, the visual perception of preterm infants was close to normal, with only a measure of visual fixation lower than in full-terms. In contrast, preterm infants had delayed development of visuo-manual integration, grasping, bimanual coordination, and handedness even when compared using corrected age. Tonicity and gestational age at birth were the main variables associated to the delays. These results are discussed in terms of the possible factors underlying such delays. They need to be confirmed on a larger sample of preterm born children, and to be correlated with later development. This would allow developing markers of future neuropsychological impairments during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Petkovic
- Djecji vrtic Sopot, V.Kovacica 18c, Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb Croatia; Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Centre Biomédical des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris France.
| | - Sylvie Chokron
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Centre Biomédical des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris France; Unité Vision & Cognition, Fondation Ophtalmologique Rothschild, 25 rue Manin, 75019, Paris France
| | - Jacqueline Fagard
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Centre Biomédical des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris France
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Ohls RK, Cannon DC, Phillips J, Caprihan A, Patel S, Winter S, Steffen M, Yeo RA, Campbell R, Wiedmeier S, Baker S, Gonzales S, Lowe J. Preschool Assessment of Preterm Infants Treated With Darbepoetin and Erythropoietin. Pediatrics 2016; 137:e20153859. [PMID: 26908704 PMCID: PMC4771132 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-3859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported improved neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years among infants treated with the erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) darbepoetin alfa (darbepoetin) or erythropoietin. Here we characterize 4-year outcomes. METHODS Former preterm infants randomly assigned to receive darbepoetin (10 μg/kg, once per week), erythropoietin (400 U/kg, 3 times/week), or placebo through 35 weeks' postconceptual age were evaluated at 3.5 to 4 years of age. For comparison, healthy children formerly delivered full term (term controls [TCs]) were also recruited. All participants were assessed by using measures of full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and general language from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Third Edition, and an overall measure of executive function, on the basis of tests evaluating inhibitory control and spatial working memory. Rates of neurodevelopmental impairment were compared across groups. RESULTS Multivariate analysis of variance compared children randomly assigned to ESAs (n = 39), placebo (n =14), and TCs (n = 24). FSIQ and performance IQ were significantly higher in the ESA group than in the placebo group (FSIQ: 91.1 ± 17.5 vs 79.2 ± 18.5, P = .036; performance IQ: 93.0 ± 17.0 vs 79.5 ± 19.5, P = .018). Follow-up analyses revealed that the children receiving ESAs performed better than those who received placebo on executive function tasks. The ESA group's performance was below that of TCs, but the results did not reach significance on executive function. The incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment was greater in the placebo group than in the ESA group. CONCLUSIONS ESA-treated infants had better cognitive outcomes and less developmental impairment at 3.5 to 4 years of age compared with placebo-treated infants. ESAs show promise in improving long-term cognitive outcomes of infants born prematurely.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Richard Campbell
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | - Shawna Baker
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah; and
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Gaudet CM, Lim YP, Stonestreet BS, Threlkeld SW. Effects of age, experience and inter-alpha inhibitor proteins on working memory and neuronal plasticity after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. Behav Brain Res 2016; 302:88-99. [PMID: 26778784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI) commonly results in cognitive and sensory impairments. Early behavioral experience has been suggested to improve cognitive and sensory outcomes in children and animal models with perinatal neuropathology. In parallel, we previously showed that treatment with immunomodulator Inter-alpha Inhibitor Proteins (IAIPs) improves cellular and behavioral outcomes in neonatal HI injured rats. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the influences of early experience and typical maturation in combination with IAIPs treatment on spatial working and reference memory after neonatal HI injury. A second aim was to determine the effects of these variables on hippocampal CA1 neuronal morphology. Subjects were divided into two groups that differed with respect to the time when exposed to eight arm radial water maze testing: Group one was tested as juveniles (early experience, Postnatal day (P) 36-61) and adults (P88-113), and Group two was tested in adulthood only (P88-113; without early experience). Three treatment conditions were included in each experience group (HI+Vehicle, HI+IAIPs, and Sham subjects). Incorrect arm entries (errors) were compared between treatment and experience groups across three error types (reference memory (RM), working memory incorrect (WMI), working memory correct (WMC)). Early experience led to improved working memory performance regardless of treatment. Combining IAIPs intervention with early experience provided a long-term behavioral advantage on the WMI component of the task in HI animals. Anatomically, early experience led to a decrease in the average number of basal dendrites per CA1 pyramidal neuron for IAIP treated subjects and a significant reduction in basal dendritic length in control subjects, highlighting the importance of pruning in typical early life learning. Our results support the hypothesis that early behavioral experience combined with IAIPs improve outcome on a relativity demanding cognitive task, beyond that of a single intervention strategy, and appears to facilitate neuronal plasticity following neonatal brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Gaudet
- Department of Biology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI 02904, USA
| | - Yow-Pin Lim
- ProThera Biologics, Inc., 349 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Barbara S Stonestreet
- Department of Pediatrics, The Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA
| | - Steven W Threlkeld
- Department of Psychology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave. Providence, RI 02904, USA.
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Eardley AF, Edwards G, Malouin F, Kennedy JM. Allocentric Spatial Performance Higher in Early-Blind and Sighted Adults Than in Retinopathy-of-Prematurity Adults. Perception 2015; 45:281-99. [PMID: 26562868 DOI: 10.1177/0301006615607157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The question as to whether people totally blind since infancy process allocentric or external spatial information like the sighted has caused considerable debate within the literature. Due to the extreme rarity of the population, researchers have often included individuals with retinopathy of prematurity (RoP--over oxygenation at birth) within the sample. However, RoP is inextricably confounded with prematurity per se. Prematurity, without visual disability, has been associated with spatial processing difficulties. In this experiment, blindfolded sighted participants and two groups of functionally totally blind participants heard text descriptions from a survey (allocentric) or route (egocentric) perspective. One blind group lost their sight due to RoP and a second group before 24 months of age. The accuracy of participants' mental representations derived from the text descriptions was assessed via questions and maps. The RoP participants had lower scores than the sighted and early blind, who performed similarly. In other words, it was not visual impairment alone that resulted in impaired allocentric spatial performance in this task but visual impairment together with RoP. This finding may help explain the contradictions within the existing literature on the role of vision in allocentric spatial processing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geoffrey Edwards
- Centre de Recherche en Géomatique, Université Laval, Quèbec, CanadaCentre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation & Social Integration (CIRRIS), Laval University, Quèbec, Canada
| | - Francine Malouin
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation & Social Integration (CIRRIS), Laval University, Quèbec, Canada
| | - John M Kennedy
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Scarborough, ON, Canada
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Su ZW, Liao JY, Zhang H, Zhang T, Wu F, Tian XH, Zhang FT, Sun WW, Cui QL. Postnatal high-protein diet improves learning and memory in premature rats via activation of mTOR signaling. Brain Res 2015; 1611:1-7. [PMID: 25796434 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study investigated whether a high-protein diet affects spatial learning and memory in premature rats via modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. METHODS Pre- and full-term Sprague-Dawley pups were fed a normal (18% protein) or high-protein (30% protein) diet (HPD) for 6 or 8 weeks after weaning. Spatial learning and memory were tested in the Morris water maze at week 6 and 8. The activation of mTOR signaling pathway components was evaluated by western blotting. RESULTS Spatial memory performance of premature rats consuming a normal and HPD was lower than that of full-term rats on the same diet at 6 weeks, and was associated with lower levels of ribosomal protein S6 kinase p70 subtype (p70S6K) and initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Spatial memory was improved in 8-week-old premature rats on an HPD as compared to those on a normal diet. Premature rats on an HPD had p70S6K and 4EBP1 phosphorylation levels in the hippocampus that were comparable to those of full-term rats on an HPD. CONCLUSION Long-term consumption of a protein-rich diet can restore the impairment in learning and memory in pre-term rats via upregulation of mTOR/p70S6K signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Wen Su
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhong, China
| | - Jia-Yi Liao
- Jinan University, Guangzhong, China; Guangzhou Yuexiu District Children׳s Hospital, Guangzhong, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhong, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Guangzhou Yuexiu District Children׳s Hospital, Guangzhong, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhong, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Tian
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhong, China
| | - Fei-Tong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhong, China
| | - Wei-Wen Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhong, China
| | - Qi-Liang Cui
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhong, China.
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Cimadevilla JM, Roldán L, París M, Arnedo M, Roldán S. Spatial learning in a virtual reality-based task is altered in very preterm children. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2014; 36:1002-8. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2014.963520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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47
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Clark CAC, Woodward LJ. Relation of perinatal risk and early parenting to executive control at the transition to school. Dev Sci 2014; 18:525-42. [PMID: 25288501 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Executive control (EC) develops rapidly during the preschool years and is central to academic achievement and functional outcome. Although children with perinatal adversity are at known risk for EC impairments, little is known about the underlying nature of these impairments or the mechanisms that contribute to their development over time. Drawing on a cohort of 110 high-risk children born very preterm (VPT; < 33 weeks / < 1500 g) and 113 healthy full-term children, this study examined the implications of perinatal adversity and early parenting for children's EC as they transitioned to formal schooling. Parent supportive presence, intrusiveness, and parent-child synchrony were observed during a series of problem-solving tasks at ages 2 and 4 years. At age 6, children completed a comprehensive battery of EC tasks. Academic outcomes were assessed at age 9. The VPT group showed global EC impairments at age 6, although the unitary factor that best characterized the structure of EC was the same in both groups. High-risk dyads were characterized by more intrusive and less synchronous parent-child interactions in early childhood, which in turn predicted poorer child EC at age 6. EC partially mediated the relation of risk status to poorer academic achievement at age 9. Findings demonstrate the cumulative effects of perinatal adversity on children's EC in the crucial transition to schooling. They also highlight the importance of the parent-child relationship as a target for intervention efforts to help mitigate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caron A C Clark
- Department of Psychology and Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, USA
| | - Lianne J Woodward
- Departments of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Mulder H, Hoofs H, Verhagen J, van der Veen I, Leseman PPM. Psychometric properties and convergent and predictive validity of an executive function test battery for two-year-olds. Front Psychol 2014; 5:733. [PMID: 25101015 PMCID: PMC4106275 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive function (EF) is an important predictor of numerous developmental outcomes, such as academic achievement and behavioral adjustment. Although a plethora of measurement instruments exists to assess executive function in children, only few of these are suitable for toddlers, and even fewer have undergone psychometric evaluation. The present study evaluates the psychometric properties and validity of an assessment battery for measuring EF in two-year-olds. A sample of 2437 children were administered the assessment battery at a mean age of 2;4 years (SD = 0;3 years) in a large-scale field study. Measures of both hot EF (snack and gift delay tasks) and cool EF (six boxes, memory for location, and visual search task) were included. Confirmatory Factor Analyses showed that a two-factor hot and cool EF model fitted the data better than a one-factor model. Measurement invariance was supported across groups differing in age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), home language, and test setting. Criterion and convergent validity were evaluated by examining relationships between EF and age, gender, SES, home language, and parent and teacher reports of children's attention and inhibitory control. Predictive validity of the test battery was investigated by regressing children's pre-academic skills and behavioral problems at age three on the latent hot and cool EF factors at age 2 years. The test battery showed satisfactory psychometric quality and criterion, convergent, and predictive validity. Whereas cool EF predicted both pre-academic skills and behavior problems 1 year later, hot EF predicted behavior problems only. These results show that EF can be assessed with psychometrically sound instruments in children as young as 2 years, and that EF tasks can be reliably applied in large scale field research. The current instruments offer new opportunities for investigating EF in early childhood, and for evaluating interventions targeted at improving EF from a young age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Mulder
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Huub Hoofs
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands ; Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Josje Verhagen
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Paul P M Leseman
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University Utrecht, Netherlands
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Hassanpoor H, Fallah A, Raza M. Mechanisms of hippocampal astrocytes mediation of spatial memory and theta rhythm by gliotransmitters and growth factors. Cell Biol Int 2014; 38:1355-66. [PMID: 24947407 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Our knowledge about encoding and maintenance of spatial memory emphasizes the integrated functional role of the grid cells and the place cells of the hippocampus in the generation of theta rhythm in spatial memory formation. However, the role of astrocytes in these processes is often underestimated in their contribution to the required structural and functional characteristics of hippocampal neural network operative in spatial memory. We show that hippocampal astrocytes, by the secretion of gliotransmitters, such as glutamate, d-serine, and ATP and growth factors such as BDNF and by the expression of receptors and channels such as those of TNFα and aquaporin, have several diverse fuctions in spatial memory. We specifically focus on the role of astrocytes on five phases of spatial memory: (1) theta rhythm generation, (2) theta phase precession, (3) formation of spatial memory by mapping data of entorhinal grid cells into the place cells, (4) storage of spatial information, and (5) maintenance of spatial memory. Finally, by reviewing the literature, we propose specific mechanisms mentioned in the form of a hypothesis suggesting that astrocytes are important in spatial memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hassanpoor
- Department of Bioelectrics, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, IR, Iran
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Abstract
Long-term follow-up of infants born prematurely is necessary to determine neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly with the expansion of interest from major disabilities to high prevalence/low severity dysfunctions. Models of pathogenesis include changes due to developmental disruptions and to injury, the magnitude and type of change influenced by the infant's age, and central nervous system recovery and reorganization. Alterations in neurogenesis, migration, myelination, cell death, and synaptogenesis occur even in the absence of insult. Despite increased knowledge regarding these processes, the functional significance of brain abnormalities is unclear. Because of methodologic problems in follow-up studies, it is difficult to characterize outcome definitively. Nonetheless, an acceptable degree of agreement across studies is found with regard to specific neurodevelopmental outcomes: motor/neurologic function, visuomotor integrative skills, IQ, academic achievement, language, executive function, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder/behavioral issues. In general, children born prematurely have more problems in these areas than do their normal birth weight counterparts. Suggestions for improved analyses and clarification of outcomes include use of cluster analysis, structural equation modeling, growth curve analysis, developmental epidemiologic approaches, and better control of background variables using risk indexes and factor scores. Better assessment techniques measuring functions documented to be at higher risk of problems are discussed.
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