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Duss I, Ruedisueli C, Wustmann Seiler C, Lannen P. Development of Playfulness in Children with Low Executive Functions: The Role of Parental Playfulness and Parental Playtime with Their Child. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:542. [PMID: 39062365 DOI: 10.3390/bs14070542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Children with low executive functions (EFs) are described as having lower levels of playfulness, the quality of children's play, compared to children with EFs within the normal range. However, how playfulness in children with low EFs develops over time remains unclear. Additionally, little is known about how parental playfulness and parental playtime with their child affect these developmental trajectories in children with low EFs. To address these research gaps, we measured playfulness in 62 children with low EFs and 62 children with EFs within the normal range aged 3 to 6 years at three time points over 2 years. We used the Children's Playfulness Scale, which captures multi-informant perspectives from parents and teachers. Moreover, the parents of children with low EFs reported their own playfulness and their playtime with their children at T1. Repeated-measures hierarchical linear models indicated significantly lower levels of playfulness in the children with low EFs than in the controls, with no significant changes observed over 2 years in either group. In the children with low EFs, we found a significant positive relationship between parental playfulness at T1 and children's playfulness 2 years later but a significant negative relationship between parental playtime at T1 and children's playfulness 2 years later. These results prompt a broad discussion on potential implications for the enhancement of playfulness in children with low EFs within the family environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Duss
- Marie Meierhofer Children's Institute (MMI), Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Ruedisueli
- Department of Pre-Primary and Lower Primary Level and Department of Research & Development, Zurich University of Teacher Education (PH Zurich), 8090 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Corina Wustmann Seiler
- Department of Pre-Primary and Lower Primary Level and Department of Research & Development, Zurich University of Teacher Education (PH Zurich), 8090 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Lannen
- Marie Meierhofer Children's Institute (MMI), Associated Institute of the University of Zurich, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland
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Reid BM, Horne R, Donzella B, Szamosi JC, Coe CL, Foster JA, Gunnar MR. Microbiota-immune alterations in adolescents following early life adversity: A proof of concept study. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:851-863. [PMID: 33249563 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Early adverse care has long-term impacts on physical and mental health. The influence of rearing conditions on the infant's gut microbiota and its relationship with developmental health has become more evident. The microbiome is essential for normal growth and metabolism, and the signaling from the gut to the brain may underlie individual differences in resilience later in life. Microbial diversity and composition were determined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in fecal samples from 17 adolescents adopted internationally from orphanages into the United States and 18 adolescents reared in birth families who had similar educational and income levels. Analyses focused on diversity of the microbial community structure and differences in the abundance of specific bacterial taxa. Blood samples were used to immunophenotype the numbers of several T-cell subsets and cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity. Negative binomial regression analysis revealed several operational taxonomic units that were significantly different based on early rearing conditions and CMV seropositivity. There were significant associations between the relative abundance of certain taxa, the percentages of T-cell subsets in circulation, and CMV seropositivity. These findings demonstrate a possible link between the gut microbiota and associations with immune alterations initiated by early life adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brie M Reid
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rachael Horne
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, USA
| | - Bonny Donzella
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jake C Szamosi
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, USA
| | | | - Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, USA
| | - Megan R Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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East P, Doom JR, Blanco E, Burrows R, Lozoff B, Gahagan S. Iron deficiency in infancy and neurocognitive and educational outcomes in young adulthood. Dev Psychol 2021; 57:962-975. [PMID: 34424013 PMCID: PMC8386013 DOI: 10.1037/dev0001030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the extent to which iron deficiency in infancy contributes to adverse neurocognitive and educational outcomes in young adulthood directly and indirectly, through its influence on verbal cognition and attention problems in childhood. Young adults (N = 1,000, M age = 21.3 years, 52% female; of Spanish or indigenous descent) from working-class families in Santiago, Chile, completed instruments assessing memory, processing speed, mental flexibility, and educational attainment. Iron status was assessed at ages 6, 12, and 18 months, and verbal intelligence, inattention, and sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms were assessed at age 10. Results indicated that young adults who had iron-deficiency in infancy had poor executive control at age 21. Severity of iron deficiency during infancy was associated with lower verbal IQ and more frequent inattention and SCT symptoms in childhood, and with lower educational attainment in young adulthood through its effect on inattention. No additional indirect effects were found. Interventions directed toward improving cognitive and attention deficits linked to early-life iron deficiency appear warranted and could alter the course to adult functioning. Further research on the impact of such interventions would be helpful. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia East
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | | | - Estela Blanco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - Raquel Burrows
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile
| | - Betsy Lozoff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan
| | - Sheila Gahagan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
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Mohamed WE, Abou El Fadl RK, Thabet RA, Helmi M, Kamal SH. Iron deficiency anaemia and early childhood caries: a cross-sectional study. Aust Dent J 2021; 66 Suppl 1:S27-S36. [PMID: 33840096 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the association between iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and dental caries in early childhood. METHODS A total of 40 children with proven IDA and another 40 healthy age and sex-matched children were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Legal guardians were interviewed to collect data on oral hygiene measures and dietary habits. Anthropometric measurements were performed for all participants, and blood samples were collected to assess complete blood count and body iron status. Patients were confirmed to have IDA based on haemoglobin level (Hb), red blood cells indices and body iron status. Caries experience was determined based on the number of decayed, missing and filled primary teeth using dmft index. RESULTS A statistically significant negative correlation between dmft index scores and haemoglobin level (r = -0.454, P < 0.001) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) level (r = -0.380, P = 0.001) was detected, and in accordance there was a positive statistically significant correlation between caries experience and the presence of anaemia (r = -0.60, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION In early childhood, dental caries might coexist with IDA even in its mildest form. All children exhibiting severe early childhood caries should be investigated for IDA and anaemia should be managed if present.
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Affiliation(s)
- W E Mohamed
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - R K Abou El Fadl
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,MPH, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - R A Thabet
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Helmi
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S H Kamal
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Egyptian Ministry of Health, Cairo, Egypt
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Goutines J, Miller LC, Sorge F. Infections and nutritional status of internationally adopted children in France. Acta Paediatr 2021; 110:1359-1365. [PMID: 33040353 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM In the context of global changes in the epidemiology of internationally adopted children (IACs), the prevalence of infectious diseases and nutritional impairment has not been recently reviewed. Moreover, in France, these characteristics of the children according to their continents of origin and preadoption special needs (SN) status have been incompletely explored. METHODS Demographic, infectious data and anthropometric of all the newly arrived IACs seen in a specialised clinic for international adoptees in Paris, France, between 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Three hundred and fifty IACs [mean age: 3.4 years (±2.7), 204 male] from 39 countries were included; 55% had SN. Ninety-nine patients had at least one infection, 42% being classified as 'serious' (chronic viral infection, tuberculosis or malaria). Chronic viral infection was diagnosed in 26 (7%) patients (HIV: 16 cases, HBV: 5, HCV: 4) and affected especially Asian children (P < .001). The prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting and microcephaly was, respectively, 25%, 22%, 15% and 8%. Stunting was more frequent in children from Eastern Europe (P = .02), while SN children were more often microcephalic or underweight (respectively P = .03 and .02). CONCLUSION The prevalence of serious infections and nutritional impairment remains high in IACs and requires early detection and careful follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Goutines
- Department of Paediatrics Necker‐Enfants‐Malades University Hospital Paris France
| | - Laurie C. Miller
- Department of Paediatrics Necker‐Enfants‐Malades University Hospital Paris France
| | - Frederic Sorge
- Department of Paediatrics Necker‐Enfants‐Malades University Hospital Paris France
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Intestinal parasites may be associated with later behavioral problems in internationally adopted children. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245786. [PMID: 33493225 PMCID: PMC7833226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim At arrival in new home country, internationally adopted children often have intestinal parasites. International adoptees also exhibit more behavioral problems than their biological peers. We examined whether intestinal parasite infections in international adoptees on arrival in Finland are associated with their later behavioral and emotional problems. Methods Data for this study were sourced from the Finnish Adoption Study (FinAdo) based on parental questionnaires for all internationally adopted children under 18 years (n = 1450) who arrived in Finland from 1985 to 2007. A total of 1293 families provided sufficient information on the adoptee’s background, parasitic status on arrival, and behavioral symptoms at the median time of 5 years after arrival (mean age = 7.8 years). Behavioral and emotional disorders were evaluated with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Statistical analyses were conducted using linear regression. Results Of the 1293 families, parents of 206 adoptive children reported intestinal parasites in their adopted children on arrival. Parasite-infected children had subsequently higher CBCL problem scores than the children without parasites (p < 0.001). The association between intestinal parasites and later behavioral problems was stronger than that between intestinal parasites and any other factors measured in this study, except disability. Limitations The control group was naturally provided by the adopted children without parasite infections, but we could not compare the adopted children to non-adopted children without a defined parasite infection. We were unable to specify the effects associated with a specific parasite type. It was not possible either to include multiple environmental factors that could have been associated with behavioral problems in the models, which indicated only modest explanatory values. Conclusions In this study, intestinal parasite infections in early childhood may be associated with children’s later psychological wellbeing, even in children who move to a country with a low prevalence of parasites. Our findings may support further developments pertaining to the gut-brain theory.
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Roberts SB, Franceschini MA, Silver RE, Taylor SF, de Sa AB, Có R, Sonco A, Krauss A, Taetzsch A, Webb P, Das SK, Chen CY, Rogers BL, Saltzman E, Lin PY, Schlossman N, Pruzensky W, Balé C, Chui KKH, Muentener P. Effects of food supplementation on cognitive function, cerebral blood flow, and nutritional status in young children at risk of undernutrition: randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2020; 370:m2397. [PMID: 32699176 PMCID: PMC7374799 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of food supplementation on improving working memory and additional measures including cerebral blood flow in children at risk of undernutrition. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING 10 villages in Guinea-Bissau. PARTICIPANTS 1059 children aged 15 months to 7 years; children younger than 4 were the primary population. INTERVENTIONS Supervised isocaloric servings (≈1300 kJ, five mornings each week, 23 weeks) of a new food supplement (NEWSUP, high in plant polyphenols and omega 3 fatty acids, within a wide variety and high fortification of micronutrients, and a high protein content), or a fortified blended food (FBF) used in nutrition programs, or a control meal (traditional rice breakfast). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was working memory, a core executive function predicting long term academic achievement. Additional outcomes were hemoglobin concentration, growth, body composition, and index of cerebral blood flow (CBFi). In addition to an intention-to-treat analysis, a predefined per protocol analysis was conducted in children who consumed at least 75% of the supplement (820/925, 89%). The primary outcome was assessed by a multivariable Poisson model; other outcomes were assessed by multivariable linear mixed models. RESULTS Among children younger than 4, randomization to NEWSUP increased working memory compared with the control meal (rate ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.41, P=0.03), with a larger effect in the per protocol population (1.25, 1.06 to 1.47, P=0.009). NEWSUP also increased hemoglobin concentration among children with anemia (adjusted mean difference 0.65 g/dL, 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 1.07, P=0.003) compared with the control meal, decreased body mass index z score gain (-0.23, -0.43 to -0.02, P=0.03), and increased lean tissue accretion (2.98 cm2, 0.04 to 5.92, P=0.046) with less fat (-5.82 cm2, -11.28 to -0.36, P=0.04) compared with FBF. Additionally, NEWSUP increased CBFi compared with the control meal and FBF in both age groups combined (1.14 mm2/s×10-8, 0.10 to 2.23, P=0.04 for both comparisons). Among children aged 4 and older, NEWSUP had no significant effect on working memory or anemia, but increased lean tissue compared with FBF (4.31 cm2, 0.34 to 8.28, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Childhood undernutrition is associated with long term impairment in cognition. Contrary to current understanding, supplementary feeding for 23 weeks could improve executive function, brain health, and nutritional status in vulnerable young children living in low income countries. Further research is needed to optimize nutritional prescriptions for regenerative improvements in cognitive function, and to test effectiveness in other vulnerable groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03017209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan B Roberts
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria A Franceschini
- Athinoula A Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Rachel E Silver
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Salima F Taylor
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Augusto Braima de Sa
- International Partnership for Human Development, Leesburg, VA, USA and Bissau, Guinea Bissau
| | - Raimundo Có
- International Partnership for Human Development, Leesburg, VA, USA and Bissau, Guinea Bissau
| | - Aliu Sonco
- International Partnership for Human Development, Leesburg, VA, USA and Bissau, Guinea Bissau
| | | | - Amy Taetzsch
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick Webb
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sai Krupa Das
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C-Y Chen
- Biofortis, Mérieux NutriSciences, Addison, IL, USA
| | - Beatrice L Rogers
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward Saltzman
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pei-Yi Lin
- Athinoula A Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Nina Schlossman
- Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
- Global Food and Nutrition, Washington, DC, USA
| | - William Pruzensky
- International Partnership for Human Development, Leesburg, VA, USA and Bissau, Guinea Bissau
| | - Carlito Balé
- International Partnership for Human Development, Leesburg, VA, USA and Bissau, Guinea Bissau
| | - Kenneth Kwan Ho Chui
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Muentener
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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McCann S, Perapoch Amadó M, Moore SE. The Role of Iron in Brain Development: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2001. [PMID: 32635675 PMCID: PMC7400887 DOI: 10.3390/nu12072001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
One-third of children falter in cognitive development by pre-school age. Iron plays an important role in many neurodevelopmental processes, and animal studies suggest that iron sufficiency in pregnancy and infancy is particularly important for neurodevelopment. However, it is not clear whether iron deficiency directly impacts developmental outcomes, and, if so, whether impact differs by timing of exposure or developmental domain. We searched four databases for studies on iron deficiency or iron supplementation in pregnancy, or at 0-6 months, 6-24 months, or 2-4 years of age. All studies included neurodevelopmental assessments in infants or children up to 4 years old. We then qualitatively synthesized the literature. There was no clear relationship between iron status and developmental outcomes across any of the time windows or domains included. We identified a large quantity of low-quality studies, significant heterogeneity in study design and a lack of research focused on pregnancy and early infancy. In summary, despite good mechanistic evidence for the role of iron in brain development, evidence for the impact of iron deficiency or iron supplementation on early development is inconsistent. Further high-quality research is needed, particularly within pregnancy and early infancy, which has previously been neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha McCann
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK;
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, P.O. Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Marta Perapoch Amadó
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Sophie E. Moore
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, UK;
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, P.O. Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
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Cheatham CL. Nutritional Factors in Fetal and Infant Brain Development. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2020; 75 Suppl 1:20-32. [PMID: 32564018 DOI: 10.1159/000508052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fetal and infant brain development determine the trajectory of the organism across the lifespan. Optimal maternal and infant nutrition during the period of rapid brain development is vital to the integrity of the neural substrate for subsequent lifelong functions. The goal of this review is to educate the reader on the effects of fetal and infant nutrition on the developing human brain. A review of the literature reveals 6 nutrients that have been studied with respect to maternal nutrition and subsequent offspring brain development: folate, iodine, iron, vitamin D, choline, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). The research is discussed with a focus on the timing of nutrient needs (preconception, prenatally, and postnatally) as well as potential confounding and unobserved variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Cheatham
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA,
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King LS, Humphreys KL, Gotlib IH. The Neglect-Enrichment Continuum: Characterizing Variation in Early Caregiving Environments. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2019; 51:109-122. [PMID: 32669751 DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy S King
- Stanford University, Department of Psychology
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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: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [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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Howell BR, Styner MA, Gao W, Yap PT, Wang L, Baluyot K, Yacoub E, Chen G, Potts T, Salzwedel A, Li G, Gilmore JH, Piven J, Smith JK, Shen D, Ugurbil K, Zhu H, Lin W, Elison JT. The UNC/UMN Baby Connectome Project (BCP): An overview of the study design and protocol development. Neuroimage 2018; 185:891-905. [PMID: 29578031 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The human brain undergoes extensive and dynamic growth during the first years of life. The UNC/UMN Baby Connectome Project (BCP), one of the Lifespan Connectome Projects funded by NIH, is an ongoing study jointly conducted by investigators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Minnesota. The primary objective of the BCP is to characterize brain and behavioral development in typically developing infants across the first 5 years of life. The ultimate goals are to chart emerging patterns of structural and functional connectivity during this period, map brain-behavior associations, and establish a foundation from which to further explore trajectories of health and disease. To accomplish these goals, we are combining state of the art MRI acquisition and analysis techniques, including high-resolution structural MRI (T1-and T2-weighted images), diffusion imaging (dMRI), and resting state functional connectivity MRI (rfMRI). While the overall design of the BCP largely is built on the protocol developed by the Lifespan Human Connectome Project (HCP), given the unique age range of the BCP cohort, additional optimization of imaging parameters and consideration of an age appropriate battery of behavioral assessments were needed. Here we provide the overall study protocol, including approaches for subject recruitment, strategies for imaging typically developing children 0-5 years of age without sedation, imaging protocol and optimization, a description of the battery of behavioral assessments, and QA/QC procedures. Combining HCP inspired neuroimaging data with well-established behavioral assessments during this time period will yield an invaluable resource for the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin A Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Wei Gao
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Pew-Thian Yap
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Kristine Baluyot
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Essa Yacoub
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Geng Chen
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Taylor Potts
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Andrew Salzwedel
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, USA
| | - Gang Li
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - John H Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Joseph Piven
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - J Keith Smith
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Dinggang Shen
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Kamil Ugurbil
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Hongtu Zhu
- The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, USA
| | - Weili Lin
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Jed T Elison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, USA.
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East P, Delker E, Lozoff B, Delva J, Castillo M, Gahagan S. Associations Among Infant Iron Deficiency, Childhood Emotion and Attention Regulation, and Adolescent Problem Behaviors. Child Dev 2018; 89:593-608. [PMID: 28233303 PMCID: PMC5569004 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether iron deficiency (ID) in infancy contributes to problem behaviors in adolescence through its influence on poor regulatory abilities in childhood. Chilean infants (N = 1,116) were studied when there was no national program for iron fortification (1991-1996), resulting in high rates of ID (28%) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA, 17%). Infants (54% male) were studied at childhood (Mage = 10 years) and adolescence (Mage = 14 years). IDA in infancy was related to excessive alcohol use and risky sexual behavior in adolescence through its effect on poor emotion regulation in childhood. Attentional control deficits at age 10 were also related to both infant IDA and heightened risk taking in adolescence. Findings elucidate how poor childhood regulatory abilities associated with infant IDA compromise adjustment in adolescence.
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Zelazo PD, Forston JL, Masten AS, Carlson SM. Mindfulness Plus Reflection Training: Effects on Executive Function in Early Childhood. Front Psychol 2018. [PMID: 29535661 PMCID: PMC5834482 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Executive function (EF) skills are essential for academic achievement, and poverty-related stress interferes with their development. This pre-test, post-test, follow-up randomized-control trial assessed the impact of an intervention targeting reflection and stress reduction on children's EF skills. Preschool children (N = 218) from schools serving low-income families in two U.S. cities were randomly assigned to one of three options delivered in 30 small-group sessions over 6 weeks: Mindfulness + Reflection training; Literacy training; or Business as Usual (BAU). Sessions were conducted by local teachers trained in a literacy curriculum or Mindfulness + Reflection intervention, which involved calming activities and games that provided opportunities to practice reflection in the context of goal-directed problem solving. EF improved in all groups, but planned contrasts indicated that the Mindfulness + Reflection group significantly outperformed the BAU group at Follow-up (4 weeks post-test). No differences in EF were observed between the BAU and Literacy training groups. Results suggest that a brief, small-group, school-based intervention teaching mindfulness and reflection did not improve EF skills more than literacy training but is promising compared to BAU for improving EF in low-income preschool children several weeks following the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip David Zelazo
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Ann S Masten
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Stephanie M Carlson
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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15
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East P, Lozoff B, Blanco E, Delker E, Delva J, Encina P, Gahagan S. Infant iron deficiency, child affect, and maternal unresponsiveness: Testing the long-term effects of functional isolation. Dev Psychol 2017; 53:2233-2244. [PMID: 28933876 DOI: 10.1037/dev0000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Children who are iron deficient (ID) or iron-deficient anemic (IDA) have been shown to seek and receive less stimulation from their caregivers, contributing to functional isolation. Over time, the reduced interactions between child and caregiver are thought to interfere with the acquisition of normative social competencies and adversely affect the child's development. The current study examined functional isolation in children who were ID or IDA in infancy in relation to social difficulties in middle childhood and problem behaviors in adolescence. Using a sample of 873 Chilean children, 45% of whom were ID or IDA in infancy, structural equation modeling results indicated that infant IDA was associated with children's dull affect and social reticence at age 5, which were related to mothers' unresponsiveness and understimulation. Mothers' limited responsiveness and stimulation were, in turn, related to children's peer rejection at age 10, which further linked to problem behaviors and associating with deviant peers at adolescence. Findings support the functional isolation hypothesis and suggest that early limited caregiver responsiveness and stimulation contribute to long-term social difficulties in adolescents who were iron-deficient anemic in infancy. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia East
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - Betsy Lozoff
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan
| | - Estela Blanco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - Erin Delker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - Jorge Delva
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan
| | - Pamela Encina
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile
| | - Sheila Gahagan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
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16
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Tooley UA, Makhoul Z, Fisher PA. Nutritional status of foster children in the U.S.: Implications for cognitive and behavioral development. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2016; 70:369-374. [PMID: 28626279 PMCID: PMC5472390 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children in foster care are at greater risk for poor health, physical, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental outcomes than are children in the general population. Considerable research links early nutrition to later cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the prevalence of poor nutrition and its relation to subsequent health and development in foster children. METHOD Relevant studies for inclusion were identified from numerous sources (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and reference sections). Inclusion criteria were studies published between 1990 and 2016 of (i) the nutritional status of children in foster care or (ii) the nutritional status of children exposed to early adversity (e.g., low-income and internationally adopted children) or (iii) the developmental effects of poor nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. RESULTS Two key findings that have adverse implications for cognitive development emerged: (i) the prevalence of anemia and iron-deficiency anemia is higher among foster children than among the general population of children in the U.S., and (ii) the developmental demands of catch-up growth post-placement may lead to micronutrient deficiencies even after children have begun sufficient dietary intake of these nutrients. Moreover, there is a paucity of recent studies on the nutritional status of children in foster care, despite the multiple factors that may place them at risk for malnutrition. CONCLUSION Attention to nutritional status among care providers and medical professionals may remove one of the possible negative influences on foster children's development and in turn significantly alter their trajectories and place them on a more positive path early in life. Recommendations for further research, policy, and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula A. Tooley
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, UO Prevention Science Institute, 6217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Zeina Makhoul
- SPOON Foundation, 135 SE Main St, Suite 201, Portland, OR 97214, USA
| | - Philip A. Fisher
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, UO Prevention Science Institute, 6217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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Prager EO, Sera MD, Carlson SM. Executive function and magnitude skills in preschool children. J Exp Child Psychol 2016; 147:126-39. [PMID: 27082019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Executive function (EF) has been highlighted as a potentially important factor for mathematical understanding. The relation has been well established in school-aged children but has been less explored at younger ages. The current study investigated the relation between EF and mathematics in preschool-aged children. Participants were 142 typically developing 3- and 4-year-olds. Controlling for verbal ability, a significant positive correlation was found between EF and general math abilities in this age group. Importantly, we further examined this relation causally by varying the EF load on a magnitude comparison task. Results suggested a developmental pattern where 3-year-olds' performance on the magnitude comparison task was worst when EF was taxed the most. Conversely, 4-year-olds performed well on the magnitude task despite varying EF demands, suggesting that EF might play a critical role in the development of math concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily O Prager
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA.
| | - Maria D Sera
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA
| | - Stephanie M Carlson
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA
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Merz EC, Harlé KM, Noble KG, McCall RB. Executive Function in Previously Institutionalized Children. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES 2016; 10:105-110. [PMID: 27528884 DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In studies of children adopted from institutions, being raised in an institution has been associated consistently with an increased risk of persistent cognitive, academic, and social-emotional problems. These findings raise questions about the neurocognitive mechanisms that contribute to these negative outcomes. Theory and models based on studies of animals indicate that development of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and executive function (EF) may be particularly susceptible to environmental influences during early childhood. In this article, we review recent studies of postinstitutionalized children that examined EF components such as inhibitory control, working memory, shifting, and planning. We then describe emerging research on the structure and function of the PFC. Converging evidence suggests both EF difficulties and alterations in development of the PFC following early institutionalization. We conclude by discussing possible explanations for these findings and implications for prevention and intervention, and by offering suggestions for ongoing research.
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Doom JR, Georgieff MK, Gunnar MR. Institutional care and iron deficiency increase ADHD symptomology and lower IQ 2.5-5 years post-adoption. Dev Sci 2015; 18:484-94. [PMID: 25070881 PMCID: PMC4309749 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increased ADHD symptomology and lower IQ have been reported in internationally adopted (IA) children compared to non-adopted peers (Hostinar, Stellern, Schaefer, Carlson & Gunnar, 2012; Kreppner, O'Connor & Rutter, 2001). However, it is unclear whether these outcomes are due to institutional deprivation specifically or to co-occurring micronutrient deficiencies that disrupt brain development (Fuglestad, Rao & Georgieff, 2008b). In this study, IA children were compared to children raised in their biological families to examine differences in ADHD symptomology and IQ 2.5-5 years post-adoption and to assess the contributions of iron deficiency (ID) and duration of deprivation to these cognitive outcomes. ADHD symptoms (parent- and experimenter-reported) and IQ were evaluated in 88 IA (M = 62.1 months, SD = 2.4) and 35 non-adopted children (M = 61.4 months, SD = 1.6). IA children were assessed 29-64 months post-adoption (M = 41.9 months, SD = 10.2). ID was assessed during the initial post-adoption medical visit in 69 children, and children were classified into four groups by iron status, ranging from normal to ID anemia (most severe). IA children had greater ADHD symptomology, p < .01, and lower IQ, p = .001, than non-adopted children. Within the IA group, children with more severe ID at adoption had greater ADHD symptomology, r(69) = 0.40, p = .001, and lower IQ, r(68) = -0.28, p < .05. Duration of institutional care was positively correlated with ADHD symptoms, r(86) = .28, p < .01, but not IQ, r(85) = -.08, p = .52. Longitudinal results indicate improvement in IQ from 12 months post-adoption to age 5 for children with greater ID severity at adoption and longer duration of institutional care but no improvement in ADHD symptoms. These results signify continuing effects of early deprivation and ID on ADHD symptoms and IQ years after adoption. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUFDAS3DD1c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenalee R Doom
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, USA; Center for Neurobehavioral Development, University of Minnesota, USA
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Striking while the iron is hot: Understanding the biological and neurodevelopmental effects of iron deficiency to optimize intervention in early childhood. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2014; 2:291-298. [PMID: 25512881 DOI: 10.1007/s40124-014-0058-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal and early postnatal iron deficiency (ID) is associated with long-term neurobiological alterations and disruptions in cognitive, social, and behavioral development. Early life ID is particularly detrimental as this is a period of rapid neurodevelopment. Even after iron supplementation, cognitive and social disruptions often persist in formerly iron deficient individuals. Observational studies of the acute and long-term effects of early life ID yield different results based on the timing of ID. Further, intervention studies demonstrate some improvement for certain domains but still show residual effects years later, which are dependent on the timing of ID and treatment. This review will cover the effects of ID during infancy and early childhood on brain structure and function, cognition, and behavior in relation to preclinical models of ID and sensitive periods of human brain development.
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Fuglestad AJ, Whitley ML, Carlson SM, Boys CJ, Eckerle JK, Fink BA, Wozniak JR. Executive functioning deficits in preschool children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Child Neuropsychol 2014; 21:716-31. [PMID: 25011516 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2014.933792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Executive function (EF) deficit is a hallmark of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), but the vast majority of available evidence comes from school-age children and adolescents. Very little is known about EF during the critical developmental period prior to 6 years of age in FASD. We evaluated EF in 39 children with FASD (3.0-5.5 years) and a comparison group of 50 age-matched, nonexposed controls. Measures included the EF Scale for Early Childhood and a Delay of Gratification task. Compared to age-matched controls, preschool children with FASD had impairments on the EF Scale and showed more impulsivity on the Delay of Gratification task. To confirm the EF Scale finding, FASD group performance was compared to a separate normative dataset (N = 1,400). Those with FASD performed below normal (M = -0.57, SD = 0.92). Within the FASD group, IQ was correlated with the EF Scale (partial r = .60, p = .001) and Delay of Gratification (partial r = .58, p = .005). EF Scale performance did not differ significantly across levels of FASD severity (fetal alcohol syndrome [FAS], partial FAS, or alcohol-related neurobehavioral disorder [ARND]). However, compared to normative data, those with FAS had the largest deficits (M = -0.91 SD from the mean, SE = 0.23), followed by partial FAS (M = -0.66 SD from the mean, SE = 0.26), then ARND (M = -0.36 SD from the mean, SE = 0.20). These novel data show that EF deficits manifest well before the age of 6 years in children with FASD, that they occur across the spectrum, and that EF may be most impaired in children with more severe forms of FASD and/or lower IQs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita J Fuglestad
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Marisa L Whitley
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Stephanie M Carlson
- b Institute of Child Development , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Christopher J Boys
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Judith K Eckerle
- c Department of Pediatrics , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Birgit A Fink
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Jeffrey R Wozniak
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
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