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Treatment modalities of ependymoma in infants remain controversial. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy could prolong overall survival but has the potential to affect nervous system development in infants. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in prolonging overall survival for infants with ependymoma is still unclear. Therefore we designed this study to explore the effect of treatment modalities on survival time of infants with ependymoma. We studied 72 infants with ependymoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database in this retrospective analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were adopted to determine hazard ratios and compare overall survival. Among 72 infants with ependymoma, 35 were male (48.6%) and 37 were female (51.4%). The 5-year overall survival of all patients was 67%. Forty-six infants (63.9%) received gross total resection, 20 (27.8%) received subtotal resection, and 6 (8.3%) did not receive surgical resection or only autopsy. Twenty-one infants (29.2%) received radiotherapy, and 45 (62.5%) received chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients accepted surgical resection (No vs. gross total resection, P < 0.001; No vs. subtotal resection, P = 0.026) and chemotherapy (No vs. Yes, P = 0.024) are the independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Treatment modality is associated with survival time in infants with ependymoma. The extent of resection and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for infants with ependymoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about the influences of maternal postpartum anxiety disorders (PAD) on infant development is limited. Aim of this present study is to evaluate the influence of PAD on infant attachment. In a longitudinal study, self-reported anxiety symptoms of N = 70 mothers (N = 28 with PAD diagnosed according to the DSM-IV, N = 42 controls) were examined in the postpartum period and one year later. Infants' attachment was observed in the Strange Situation Test (SST) at the age of 12–24 months. Results indicate a strong relationship between PAD and infant attachment: infants of mothers with PAD were significantly more likely to be classified as insecure or disorganized than infants of control mothers. Logistic regression analysis led to a significant model with 76.8 % correct classification of infant attachment dependent on the maternal fear of anxiety associated body sensations (OR = 4.848) in the postpartum period. Including maternal sensitivity and interaction behavior, only maternal intrusiveness was additionally associated with infant attachment (ρ = 0.273, p <.05; OR = 45.021, p =.153). Participants were highly educated. Different anxiety disorders included led to a heterogenous sample. Generalization is diminished. Maternal sensitivity was measured on a global scale, and body tension was self-reported. PAD plays a crucial role in the development of infant attachment. Interaction-focused interventions, helping mothers to decrease intrusiveness, and body-focused interventions, helping mothers to deal with their fear of anxiety symptoms, might be promising pathways to buffer the influence of PAD on infant attachment. • Maternal postpartum anxiety disorders influence infant attachment. • Development of infant attachment is associated with maternal body sensations. • Fear of anxiety-related body sensations is related to infant attachment insecurity. • Maternal intrusive behavior increases the likelihood of infant attachment insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (henceforth autism) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can be reliably diagnosed in children by age 18-24 months. Prospective longitudinal studies of infants aged 1 year and younger who are later diagnosed with autism are elucidating the early developmental course of autism and identifying ways of predicting autism before diagnosis is possible. Studies that use MRI, EEG, and near-infrared spectroscopy have identified differences in brain development in infants later diagnosed with autism compared with infants without autism. Retrospective studies of infants younger than 1 year who received a later diagnosis of autism have also showed an increased prevalence of health conditions, such as sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and vision problems. Behavioural features of infants later diagnosed with autism include differences in attention, vocalisations, gestures, affect, temperament, social engagement, sensory processing, and motor abilities. Although research findings offer insight on promising screening approaches for predicting autism in infants, individual-level predictions remain a future goal. Multiple scientific challenges and ethical questions remain to be addressed to translate research on early brain-based and behavioural predictors of autism into feasible and reliable screening tools for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the long-term impact of infant colic on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis development and the moderating role of attachment security, in a low-risk Dutch sample of 193 children. We assessed infant colic at 6 weeks, circadian cortisol concentrations at ages 1, 2.5, 6, and 10 years, and attachment security at 1 year. Findings indicated that infant colic was associated with steeper diurnal cortisol slopes and slightly higher cortisol concentrations throughout childhood. Attachment security did not moderate these associations. This is the first study to reveal a link between infant colic and the development of the HPA axis in healthy children beyond infancy. These findings have important implications for understanding early risk and protective factors in the stress system's development. • Infant colic was linked with steeper diurnal cortisol slopes throughout childhood. • Infant colic was also linked with slightly higher cortisol concentrations. • Findings were not moderated by attachment security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have suggested that prenatal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) may have adverse effect on early neurodevelopment, but limited data are available in China, and the overall effects of OPFRs mixture are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to OPFR metabolites mixture and the neurodevelopment of 1-year-old infants. A total of 270 mother-infant pairs were recruited from the Laizhou Wan (Bay) Birth Cohort in China. Ten OPFR metabolites were measured in maternal urine. Neurodevelopment of 1-year-old infants was assessed using the Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) and presented by the developmental quotient (DQ) score. Multivariate linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were conducted to estimate the association of prenatal exposure to seven individual OPFR metabolites and their mixture with infant neurodevelopment. The positive rates of seven OPFR metabolites in the urine of pregnant women were greater than 70% with the median concentration ranged within 0.13–3.53 μg/g creatinine. The multivariate linear regression model showed significant negative associations between bis (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP), din-butyl phosphate (DnBP), and total OPFR metabolites exposure and neurodevelopment in all infants. Results from the WQS model consistently revealed that the OPFR metabolites mixture was inversely associated with infant neurodevelopment. Each quartile increased in the seven OPFR metabolites mixture was associated with a 1.59 decrease (95% CI: 2.96, −0.21) in gross motor DQ scores, a 1.41 decrease (95% CI: 2.38, −0.43) in adaptive DQ scores, and a 1.08 decrease (95% CI: 2.15, −0.02) in social DQ scores, among which BCIPP, bis (1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) and DnBP were the main contributors. Prenatal exposure to a mixture of OPFRs was negatively associated with early infant neurodevelopment, particularly in gross motor, adaptive, and social domains. • The relationship between prenatal OPFRs exposure and infant neurodevelopment were assessed in a Chinese birth cohort. • Prenatal exposure to a mixture of OPFR was negatively associated with early infant neurodevelopment. • BCIPP, BDCIPP and DnBP were the main contributors to the effects of OPFR metabolites mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants are at high risk of morbidity, mortality, and long-term neurodevelopmental disorders. Evaluating infants' early spontaneous movements and postural patterns could facilitate the early detection of neurological dysfunction. This study aimed to analyze the results of global-and detailed-General Movements Assessment (GMA) in ELBW infants at a corrected age of three to five months and to compare with normal-birth-weight (NBW) infants.Methods: Fifty-two ELBW infants (median birth weight = 915.5 g) and 50 NBW infants were included. All infants were assessed according to GMA using Motor Optimality Score for 3- to 5-Month-Old Infants-Revised score sheet (MOS-R). In addition, later diagnoses of ELBW infants with atypical development were presented.Results: Fidgety movements were observed in 36 (69.2%) of ELBW infants and all NBW infants. MOS-R scores were lower in the ELBW group (median = 24) compared with the NBW group (median = 26). The ELBW infants scored lower than NBW infants in all MOS-R subcategories. Twenty-three (44.2%) of ELBW infants were diagnosed as atypical in the later period, although all control infants had normal development.Conclusions: The study indicated that ELBW might increase the risk of atypical development in infants. The MOS-R could help us to find the risk of atypical development in infants with ELBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate nutrition during the complementary feeding period is critical for optimal child growth and development and for promoting long-term educational attainment and economic potential. To prioritize limited public health resources, there is a need for studies that rigorously assess the influence of multicomponent integrated nutrition interventions in children younger than age 2 years in different contexts. This study aimed to describe the rationale and protocol for the Saqmolo' Project using the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines. The Saqmolo' (ie, "egg" in the Mayan language, Kaqchiquel) Project is an individually randomized, partially blinded, controlled comparative effectiveness trial to evaluate the influence of adding delivery of a single whole egg per day to local standard nutrition care (ie, growth monitoring, medical care, deworming medication, multiple micronutrient powders for point-of-use food fortification [ chispitas ], and individualized complementary and responsive feeding education for caregivers) for 6 months, compared with the local standard nutrition care package alone, on child development, growth, and diet quality measures in rural indigenous Mayan infants aged 6 to 9 months at baseline (N = 1,200). The study is being executed in partnership with the Wuqu' Kawoq/Maya Health Alliance, a primary health care organization located in central Guatemala. Primary outcomes for this study are changes in global development scores, assessed using the Guide for Monitoring Global Development and the Caregiver Reported Child Development Instruments. Secondary outcomes include changes in infant hemoglobin, anthropometric measures (including z scores for weight for age, length for age, weight for length, and head circumference for age), and diet quality as measured using the World Health Organization's infant and young child feeding indicators. The results of the Saqmolo' Project may help to inform public health decision making regarding resource allocation for effective nutrition interventions during the complementary feeding period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early intervention is highly recommended for infants who present some biological risk. Some principles of this intervention are well established, such as family-centered practice, parental involvement in-home therapy, and environmental enrichment. However, although participation is currently considered the main goal to be achieved in the intervention, few protocols assess this component, and even fewer use participation as a component of early intervention. Furthermore, it is essential to verify the effectiveness of remote protocols, considering that this modality of therapy delivery has been adopted more frequently in recent years. To verify the effectiveness of the remote STEP protocol (composed of stimulation of motor skills, participation, mother-child interaction, and environmental enrichment) in the participation of infants at biological risk at home in the first year of life. This is a randomized controlled clinical trial. The study included 46 infants with biological risk (prematurity, low birth weight, hospitalization, cardiopulmonary resuscitation) between 3 and 9 months, who were randomized into the STEP Group (n=24, mean age=6.3 months) and the Control Group (n=22, mean age=6.4 months). Assessments were blinded, and infants were assessed for their frequency and involvement in participation at home by Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM) via telephone interview, before and after the intervention. The STEP group 79had goals established by the parents and the intervention consisted of specific motor training (based on the principles of motor learning, focus on repetition, variation, and increasing the complexity of the task); stimulation of participation (increased involvement of the infant in daily tasks, such as feeding and self-care, and playing with family members); guidance regarding mother-child interaction and environmental enrichment (promotion of an environment rich in stimuli, with greater possibilities for exploration). The control group had its goals defined by the therapist, and the intervention was based on motor stimulation, according to the infant's abilities. In both groups, the intervention was carried out by the parents at home, with instructions given by the therapist remotely, lasting 10 weeks (5 times a week, 30 minutes a day). Infants showed no differences in baseline measurements. A Mann-Whitney test was applied to verify the difference between the change of groups after the intervention, with a significance of 5%. The STEP group showed significantly higher improvement compared to the control group after the intervention, in the domain of frequency (p=0.005) and participation involvement (p=0.005). The STEP protocol proved to be promising to enhance the participation at home of infants at biological risk in the first year of life. This result reinforces the importance of stimulating participation in activities of daily living and interactions with the family. Early intervention protocols that stimulate not only motor domains but also involve a biopsychosocial approach, should be included in clinical practice. The results demonstrate how this model, which takes into account preferences and family involvement, encourages participation, and has a low investment cost, can improve functionality in the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to coordinate the hands together to act on objects where each hand does something different is known as role-differentiated bimanual manipulation (RDBM). This study investigated two motor skills that may support the development of RDBM: infants' early object skill and their early sitting skill. To evaluate these potential predictors of RDBM growth, 90 infants were examined in a lab-based longitudinal design over a 9-month period. Latent growth modeling was used to estimate RDBM growth trajectories over 9 to 14 months from infants' object and sitting skills at 6 months, controlling for infant's sex, mother's education, and family income. Higher object skill, controlling for sitting skill, was related to a higher increase in RDBM over time. Sitting did not predict infants' change in RDBM over time, controlling for object skill. The ability to manage multiple objects may support collaborative hand use by providing infants with opportunities to practice actions that will be needed later for RDBM. By comparison, sitting may free the hands in an unspecified manner for manipulation. [Display omitted] • Object skill and sitting skill were rated when infants were 6 months. • Role-differentiated bimanual manipulation (RDBM) was measured from 9 to 14 months. • Higher object skill predicted higher increase in RDBM growth, controlling for sitting. • The ability to manage multiple objects may prepare infants for later RDBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine if the United States reference values of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, version III motor scale are suitable for Surinamese infants, we assessed 151 healthy infants at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months of age. The mean fine motor, gross motor, and composite scores of the total group did not significantly differ from the US norms, although some significant but not clinically relevant differences were found (lower fine motor scores at 12 months, lower gross motor and total composite scores at 24 months, and higher scores for gross motor and composite scores at 3 months). • Per age group five out of twelve scores differed significantly. • Found differences were small, ≤ 1 SD and considered as not clinically relevant. • Fewer Surinamese infants were classified as delayed, which clinically is relevant. • The US reference values can be used at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months in Suriname. • The US values might underestimate, and at 3 months overestimate motor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a considerable literature documents associations between early mother-infant interaction and cognitive outcomes in the first years of life, few studies examine the contributions of contingently coordinated mother-infant interaction to infant cognitive development. This study examined associations between the temporal dynamics of the contingent coordination of mother-infant face-to-face interaction at 4 months and cognitive performance on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at age one year in a sample of (N = 100) Latina mother-infant pairs. Split-screen videotaped interactions were coded on a one second time base for the communication modalities of infant and mother gaze and facial affect, infant vocal affect, and mother touch. Multi-level time-series models evaluated self- and interactive contingent processes in these modalities and revealed 4-month patterns of interaction associated with higher one-year cognitive performance, not identified in prior studies. Infant and mother self-contingency , the moment-to-moment probability that the individual's prior behavior predicts the individual's future behavior, was the most robust measure associated with infant cognitive performance. Self-contingency findings showed that more varying infant behavior was optimal for higher infant cognitive performance, namely, greater modulation of negative affect; more stable maternal behavior was optimal for higher infant cognitive performance, namely, greater likelihood of sustaining positive facial affect. Although interactive contingency findings were sparse, they showed that, when mothers looked away, or dampened their faces to interest or mild negative facial affect, infants with higher 12-month cognitive performance were less likely to show negative vocal affect. We suggest that infant ability to modulate negative affect, and maternal ability to sustain positive affect, may be mutually reinforcing, together creating a dyadic climate that is associated with more optimal infant cognitive development. • Contingent coordination of 4-month mother-infant interaction was associated with infant cognitive development at 1 year. • Mother and infant gaze and vocal affect, infant vocal affect, and mother touch were coded (1 s time-base) for 100 dyads. • More varying infant self-contingency & more stable maternal self-contingency were associated with higher cognitive outcomes. • Greater infant modulation of negative affect was associated with higher infant cognitive outcomes. • Greater likelihood of the mother sustaining positive facial affect was associated with higher infant cognitive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We re-examine whether the type of object played with influences parent-infant joint attention. A within-participants comparison of 24 parent-9-month-old dyads, used head-mounted eye-tracking to measure parental naming and infant attention during play with touchscreen apps on a touchscreen tablet or matched interactive toys. Infants engaged in sustained attention more to the toy than the tablet. Parents named objects less in toy play. Infants exhibited more gaze shifts between the object and their parent during tablet play. Contrasting previous studies, these findings suggest that joint tablet play can be more interactive than with toys, and raise questions about the recommendation that infants should not be exposed at all to such technology. • Infants engaged in more sustained attention during play with toys than tablets. • Parental naming was lower during toy- than tablet-play. • Infants exhibited more gaze shifts during tablet-play compared to toy play. • Tablet play at 9 months can stimulate more interaction than toy play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of infant-directed speech (IDS) and infant-directed singing (IDSi) are considered vital to children, but empirical studies on protomusical qualities of the IDSi influencing infant development are rare. The current prospective study examines the role of IDSi acoustic features, such as pitch variability, shape and movement, and vocal amplitude vibration, timbre, and resonance, in associating with infant sensorimotor, language, and socioemotional development at six and 18 months. The sample consists of 236 Palestinian mothers from Gaza Strip singing to their six-month-olds a song by their own choice. Maternal IDSi was recorded and analyzed by the OpenSMILE- tool to depict main acoustic features of pitch frequencies, variations, and contours, vocal intensity, resonance formants, and power. The results are based on completed 219 maternal IDSi. Mothers reported about their infants' sensorimotor, language-vocalization, and socioemotional skills at six months, and psychologists tested these skills by Bayley Scales for Infant Development at 18 months. Results show that maternal IDSi characterized by wide pitch variability and rich and high vocal amplitude and vibration were associated with infants' optimal sensorimotor, language vocalization, and socioemotional skills at six months, and rich and high vocal amplitude and vibration predicted these optimal developmental skills also at 18 months. High resonance and rhythmicity formants were associated with optimal language and vocalization skills at six months. To conclude, the IDSi is considered important in enhancing newborn and risk infants' wellbeing, and the current findings argue that favorable acoustic singing qualities are crucial for optimal multidomain development across infancy. • Acoustic features of infant directed singing can enhance optimal development at early infancy, especially language development. • Acoustic features characterized by pitch variability, vocal amplitude and vibration are salient for high quality singing • Developmentally favorable acoustic features reflect maternal sensitivity and synchronization with infant's needs and abilities [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telehealth can be a viable option for improving equitable access to early motor assessment for financially vulnerable individuals. This review aimed to identify the psychometric properties of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) when applied via telehealth and assess its feasibility. Papers were systematically retrieved from electronic databases until October 4, 2023. We included studies that assessed the motor development of infants using the AIMS through telehealth. Thirteen studies, encompassing 897 infants (449 male and 396 female), were included in this review. Among them, 805 were typical infants and 92 were at risk of motor delay. The age range of participants spanned from 4.9 weeks to 20 months. The studies found good concurrent validity between telehealth and in-person assessments (ICC > 0.98, SEM < 1.6, mean difference = 0.5) and good to excellent reliability (ICC > 0.80) using home videos recorded by parents or video calls with researchers. Telehealth was perceived as feasible by parents, who expressed high satisfaction, and the quality of images and assessments met commendable standards. Considering the limited number of studies that have assessed infants with neuromotor disorders, this scale has the potential for telehealth application in evaluating typical infants. • We verified the psychometric properties of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale applied by telehealth. • Three studies found convergent validity for synchronous/asynchronous and in-person application of the AIMS in typical infants. • The AIMS applied by telehealth was feasible, as perceived by the parents. • Telehealth using the AIMS has the potential to be applied in typical infants. • Further investigation is required to use the AIMS by telehealth in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

to verify the relationship between the level of trunk control and the acquisition of gross motor skills in the first year of life. a searching strategy was developed using the PICO tool and performed in the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Virtual Library in Health, Embase, and Scopus, from September 2020 to July 2022. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated by the Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale Cohort Studies (NOS). six studies that evaluated the level of trunk control and gross motor development in infants aged 4 to 12 months were found. Four studies evaluated full-term infants, and only two studies evaluated preterm infants comparing them to full-term ones. Five studies showed high methodological quality and one study, low methodological quality. Most studies found significant correlation between the levels of segmental trunk control (static, active, and reactive), by the Segmental Assessment Trunk Control (SATCo), and gross motor development (prone, supine, sitting, standing, and walking) by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). trunk control is directly related to gross motor development in different postures in infants between 7 and 12 months. • Because of easy applicability and low cost, AIMS and SATCo are instruments used to direct the intervention in infants. • The assessment of gross motor development and segmental trunk control provides information that can help therapeutic decision-making. • The motor performance evaluated by AIMS can be related to the levels of trunk control [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite improvements in survival for very low birthweight (VLBW) premature infants, there continues to be significant morbidity for these infants at remarkable cost to the healthcare system. Concurrent development of the preterm infant intestine alongside the gut microbiome in the clinical setting rather than in the protected in utero environment where it would usually occur creates significant vulnerabilities for the infant's immature intestine and immune system, resulting in devastating illness and neurological injury. However, the microbiome also has the capacity to promote healthy development. Studies of parallel gut microbiome and preterm infant development have given key insight into the impact of the microbiome on intestinal as well as neural development and may provide potential therapeutic targets to prevent preterm infant morbidities. Development of the microbiome, intestine, and brain occurs in parallel in preterm infants. The microbiome of preterm infants is distinct from that of full term infants, and may be important for normal development. The microbiome of preterm infants follows a distinct pattern of development, divergence from which is seen in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) patients prior to disease onset. This may be an opportune window for therapeutic intervention. Microbiome research in preterm infants, has been limited by small cohorts and focused on disease states. Studies from larger populations focused on normal development, including long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, are key to identification of predictive biomarkers of health as well as at-risk preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Surface EMG analysis offers an objective assessment of muscle activation in infants. • Muscle network assessment shows potential for analysing central movement control. • Adaptive template matching can effectively remove cardiac artefacts from truncal EMG in moving infants. To develop methods for recording and analysing infant's proximal muscle activations. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of truncal muscles was recorded in three months old infants (N = 18) during spontaneous movement and controlled postural changes. The infants were also divided into two groups according to motor performance. We developed an efficient method for removing dynamic cardiac artefacts to allow i) accurate estimation of individual muscle activations, as well as ii) quantitative characterization of muscle networks. The automated removal of cardiac artefacts allowed quantitation of truncal muscle activity, which showed predictable effects during postural changes, and there were differences between high and low performing infants. The muscle networks showed consistent change in network density during spontaneous movements between supine and prone position. Moreover, activity correlations in individual pairs of back muscles linked to infant́s motor performance. The hereby developed sEMG analysis methodology is feasible and may disclose differences between high and low performing infants. Analysis of the muscle networks may provide novel insight to central control of motility. Quantitative analysis of infant's muscle activity and muscle networks holds promise for an objective neurodevelopmental assessment of motor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are unconjugated glycans associated with infant health and development.Objectives: To investigate the associations between HMO concentrations at 1 month and infant development throughout the first year of life.Methods: A prospective cohort of Brazilian women between 18-40 years of age and their infants was studied from baseline (between 28-35 gestational weeks) and followed at 1 (n = 73), 6 (n = 51), and 12 months (n = 45). A total of 19 HMOs were quantified by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Infant development was evaluated by the Brazilian Ages and Stages Questionnaire. A directed acyclic graph was used to define the minimally sufficient adjustment (gestational age at birth, gestational weight gain, prepregnancy BMI, maternal age, parity, and the mode of breastfeeding at 1 month). Cox regression models with HRs and Benjamini-Hochberg multiple corrections were performed to estimate associations of HMOs with the cumulative risk of inadequate development for 5 developmental domains or for ≥2 developmental domains in all women and in the subset of secretor women (defined as the presence or near absence of 2'-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-fucopentaose I).Results: The multivariate models with multiple corrections revealed an inverse association between lacto-N-tetrose (LNT) and the risk of inadequate development for personal-social skills (0.06; 95% CI: 0.01-0.76) and for ≥2 developmental domains (0.06; 95% CI: 0.01-0.59). The secretor mothers analysis also showed inverse associations with slightly different results for personal-social skills (0.09; 95% CI: 0.02-0.84) and ≥2 developmental domains (0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.70).Conclusions: Higher concentrations of LNT HMOs in Brazilian women are associated with their infants being less likely to be at risk of inadequate development for personal-social skills or for ≥2 developmental domains during the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota transmission from mother to offspring has attracted much interest in recent years. The gut microbiota in the infant plays a potentially significant role in modulating and maintaining the development of infant immunity. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), the major immunoglobulin in the intestine, can target polysaccharides and flagellin on the bacterial surface, resulting in sIgA-coated bacteria. The presentation of specific bacteria coated with sIgA may be a signal of disease and provide novel insights into the relationship between infant microbiota and disease. Here, we review the composition of sIgA-coated bacteria in the adult intestine, human milk, and the infant intestine, as well as the factors that influence the development of gut microbiota in early life. Then, we highlight the diseases that are related to variations in sIgA-coated bacteria in the infant and adult intestine. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility that sIgA-coated bacteria could play a role in mediating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Finally, we propose directions for future research to promote our understanding within this field. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA)-coated bacteria in the intestine exhibit different profiles dependent on the age and diet of the host and no core composition has been identified due to the fact that members of the same species can exist in two different forms (sIgA+ and sIgA–). sIgA-coated bacteria may translocate from the maternal intestine to human milk. The infant gut exhibits a time-dependent sIgA-coated bacterial composition, and factors such as genetics, feeding method, zygosity, and delivery mode influence this composition. The alteration of sIgA-coated bacteria may indicate the occurrence of disease within the newborn period. sIgA-coated bacteria modulate the immune system (both innate immunity and adaptive immunity) via unique modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal seafood intake during pregnancy is associated with child neurodevelopment. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the effect of maternal lean fish consumption during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment.Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine the effect of increased maternal cod intake during pregnancy on infant general and socio-emotional development in the first year of life, and whether any effects observed were mediated by maternal iodine status.Methods: In an RCT, 133 pregnant women (≤19 weeks of gestation) were randomly assigned to receive 200 g cod fillet twice weekly (intervention) or to continue with their habitual diet (control) for 16 wk. The mothers completed the developmental screening questionnaires Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 2nd edition (ASQ-2) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) when the infants were 3, 6, and 11 mo old. We compared scores between groups using linear mixed-effects models and examined whether iodine status postintervention mediated the effect on child development.Results: We found no difference between infants in the intervention and control groups on total ASQ-2 scores (P = 0.633), but a difference on the ASQ:SE scores in favor of the intervention group (20.9 and 20.5 in the intervention group and 26.1 and 26.8 in the control group for 3 and 6 mo, respectively; P = 0.020). There was no difference in change of the scores between the groups over time (P = 0.946). The effect of group on the total ASQ:SE scores was not mediated via maternal urinary iodine concentration postintervention (β = -1.03, SE = 0.68, P = 0.126).Conclusions: Our results provide no evidence for an effect of increased cod intake during pregnancy on general child development in the first year of life, but there was a positive effect on socio-emotional problems. More studies are needed to define the role of fish consumption during pregnancy and the effects on child neurodevelopment.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02610959. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the relationships between transient structural brain patterns on MRI at preterm and at term-equivalent age (TEA) as a predictor of general movements (GMs) and motor development at 1-year corrected age (CA) in very preterm infants. In this prospective study, 30 very preterm infants (median = 28wks; 16 males) had structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at preterm (median = 31wks + 6d) and at TEA (median = 40wks) and neuromotor assessments. The quality of GMs was assessed by Prechtl's general movements assessment and a detailed analysis of the motor repertoire was performed by calculating a motor optimality score (MOS), both at term age and at 3 months post-term. Motor development at 1-year CA was evaluated with the Infant Motor Profile (IMP). Associations between qualitative MRI findings and neuromotor scores were investigated. Abnormal GMs and low motor performance at 1-year CA were associated with the poor visibility of transient structural pattern, that is with sagittal strata. Transient structural MRI pattern, sagittal strata, at preterm age is related to the quality of GMs and later motor development in preterm infants. This transient fetal brain compartment may be considered as a component of neurobiological basis for early neuromotor behavior, as expressed by GMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants from low-income backgrounds receive nutrition care from both community and clinical care settings. However, mothers accessing these services have reported receiving conflicting messages related to infant growth between settings, although this has not been examined quantitatively. Describe the agreement in infant growth assessments between community (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) and clinical (primary care providers) care settings. A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of infant growth measures abstracted from electronic data management systems. Participants included a convenience sample of infants (N = 129) from northeastern Pennsylvania randomized to the WEE Baby Care study from July 2016 to May 2018. Infants had complete anthropometric data from both community and clinical settings at age 6.2 ± 0.4 months. Average time between assessments was 2.7 ± 1.9 weeks. Limits of agreement and bias in weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, and body-mass-index-for-age z scores as well as cross-context equivalence in weight status between care settings. Bland-Altman analyses were used to describe the limits of agreement and bias in z scores between care settings. Cross-context equivalence was examined by dichotomizing infants' growth indicators at the 85th and 95th percentile cut-points and cross-tabulating equivalent and discordant categorization between settings. Strongest agreement was observed for weight-for-age z scores (95% limits of agreement –0.41 to 0.54). However, the limits of agreement intervals for growth indicators that included length were wider, suggesting weaker agreement. There was a high level of inconsistency for classification of overweight/obesity using weight-for-length z scores, with 15.5% (85th percentile cut-point) and 11.6% (95th percentile cut-point) discordant categorization between settings, respectively. Infant growth indicators that factor in length could contribute to disagreement in the interpretation of infant growth between settings. Further investigation into the techniques, standards, and training protocols for obtaining infant growth measurements across care settings is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rolling is a critical step of infant development, encouraging muscle coordination and enabling independent exploration. Understanding muscle activity during infant rolling movements on a flat surface is necessary to more fully characterize how the rolling milestone is achieved. The purpose of this study was to determine infants' muscle activation throughout roll initiation for six previously established coordinated movements. Thirty-eight healthy infants (age: 6.5 ± 0.7 months; 23M/15F) were enrolled in this IRB-approved in-vivo biomechanics study. Surface electromyography sensors recorded muscle utilization from the erector spinae, abdominal muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings while infants rolled. Each rolling movement was categorized as one of six roll types, and the mean muscle activity was analyzed. All roll types required initial activation of all measured muscle groups. Movements featuring axial rotation of the torso relative to the pelvis required highly active erector spinae muscles. Movements featuring trunk and hip flexion required highly active abdominal muscles. Infants used distinct coordinated muscle activations to achieve the six different roll types on a flat surface. A foundational understanding of the different muscle activation patterns required during infant rolling will provide crucial insight into motor development. This study quantified muscle coordination required of infants to achieve rolling on a firm flat surface. Previous research indicates that the mechanical environment in which an infant is placed impacts muscle activity and body position during normal lying. Therefore, future work should explore if mechanical environments that differ from a flat and firm surface also influence these coordinated movements and muscle activations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food digestion is a complex process. It is difficult to investigate the multiple stages in humans and animals, due to technical and ethical issues. Therefore, in-vitro digestive models have been a useful approach to understand the digestive dynamics of food that mimics the digestive process in the body. The human digestive system is age-dependent, especially in infants and young children. As the physiological situation of infants is immature, the growth and development processes are relatively complex and the conditions change rapidly with time, and thus the physiological parameters in the in-vitro digestive models of infants at different ages should be altered accordingly. However, there is currently no reported in-vitro digestion model that are designed closely according to the development state of the infants and young children. It is really necessary to develop such models for the design and development of accessory food for infants and young children, as they provide necessary nutrition for them. This study summarizes the impact of the state and types of food on the digestive system in infants and young children of different ages. When applying an in-vitro digestion model, researchers need to select appropriate parameters based on the liquid or solid state and nutrients content of different foods, as well as the physiological characteristics of the study population. • The digestion system of infants and young children are immature, and simulating their digestion in-vitro is challenging. • Many factors affect the efficiency of the in-vitro digestion models, including food states and food types. • Parameters of in-vitro digestive models should be adjusted based on the state and nutrients of different foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents play a vital role in promoting infant motor development and physical activity; however, there is little information available to parents on how to support healthy movement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of implementing video-based education to improve infant physical activity and motor development. This multiple case study consisted of semi-structured interviews with mothers (n = 12) and early childhood experts (n = 5, e.g., pediatrician, home visitor). Participants watched pre-recorded videos and answered questions which were developed following Bowens and colleagues guide for designing feasibility studies. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Most mothers (91.7 %) reported they were highly likely to recommend the videos to others and said the best way to share these videos would be through an app or social media (83.3 %) or health care entities (e.g., hospital, pediatrician, 75 %). Half of mothers (50 %) reported they would be interested in seeing videos once a month or once every couple of months. Further, all experts agreed parents would be somewhat or highly likely to use the videos and a majority (80 %) stated they were highly likely to recommend and share videos like these. Experts' top suggestions for sharing the videos was through an app/social media (40 %) and credible websites (40 %). Overall, the videos appear feasible for mothers. Both groups primarily suggested that videos be disseminated through social media, online, or through an app. Future research should engage parents and healthcare providers in developing videos. • Little education is available in the US for mothers of infants on motor development. • Video-based education to support infant movement appeared feasible and acceptable. • Most mothers and experts would recommend the videos to others. • The most common suggested way to share videos was through an app or online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants with complex congenital heart disease are at increased risk of impaired fetal brain growth, brain injury, and developmental impairments. The General Movement Assessment (GMA) is a valid and reliable tool to predict cerebral palsy (CP), especially in preterm infants. Predictive properties of the GMA in infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) are unknown. To evaluate predictive properties of the GMA to predict developmental outcomes, including cerebral palsy (CP), at 18-months corrected age (CA) in children with CCHD undergoing heart surgery in the first month of life. A prospective cohort of 56 infants with CCHD (35 males, 21 females) was assessed with GMA at writhing age (0–6 weeks CA) and fidgety age (7–17 weeks CA) and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 18 months. GMA focused on markedly reduced GM-variation and complexity (definitely abnormal (DA) GM-complexity) and fidgety movements. Predictive values of GMA for specific cognitive, language and motor delay (composite scores <85th percentile) and general developmental delay (delay in all domains) were calculated at 18 months. At fidgety age, all infants had fidgety movements and no child was diagnosed with CP. DA GM-complexity at fidgety age predicted general developmental delay at 18 months (71 % sensitivity, 90 % specificity), but predicted specific developmental delay less robustly. DA GM-complexity at writhing age did not predict developmental delay, nor did it improve prediction based on DA GM-complexity at fidgety age. In infants with CCHD and fidgety movements, DA GM-complexity at fidgety age predicted general developmental delay. • In infants with CCHD and no CP, GMA predicts general developmental delay. • In infants with CCHD, reduced GM-complexity predicts general developmental delay. • In CCHD, reduced GM-complexity at writhing age did not predict delayed development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sleep difficulties are highly prevalent and often persistent in young children, but sometimes parents are worried about sleep symptoms that belong to the normative range rather than to actual disturbances. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the normative development of sleep at the ages of 3, 6, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months in healthy children.Methods: The present study is based on two birth cohorts that comprise representative samples of families recruited systematically during pregnancy. In the CHILD-SLEEP cohort, the sample sizes were 1427 at three, 1301 at eight, 1163 at 18, and 950 at 24 months. In the Finnbrain cohort, the sample sizes were 2002 at six months and 1693 at 12 months. Healthy term-born children were eligible for this study. To assess the infants' sleep duration and sleep quality, the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire was used in both cohorts and additionally the Infant Sleep Questionnaire in the CHILD-SLEEP cohort. The distributions of the study variables were reported using standard parameters.Results: We found that sleep quality is highly variable particularly during the first two years of life, but this variability decreased markedly towards the second year. First, sleep latency decreased by the age of six months, while night-time sleep began to consolidate during the second year. However, parent-reported sleeping problems were common during the entire study period.Conclusion: As many families struggle with infants' sleeping problems, the reference values reported in this article can be valuable tools in various clinical settings to define clinically significant deviances in the sleep development and to identify individuals benefitting from counselling and clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Doula home visiting intervention positively impacts early mother–infant reading. • Intervention mothers engage infants in learning activities more than control mothers. • Tests of moderation showed stronger effects for certain subgroups of mothers. • Intervention has positive effects on stimulation and speech for mothers of boys. • Positive impact on infant-directed speech among mothers with high social support. This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of a doula home visiting intervention on maternal stimulation and support for learning during infancy. In this intervention, evidence-based home visiting programs incorporate community doulas, who provide support and education to mothers around pregnancy, childbirth, and fetal and infant development. In this study, 312 young, low income mothers from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and from four geographic locations were interviewed during pregnancy and then randomized to receive either doula home visiting services or low intensity case management services. At 3 weeks, 3 months, and 13 months postpartum, mothers were again interviewed and were video-recorded while interacting with their infants. Results showed that mothers assigned to the intervention were more likely to read to their infants and engage them in activities that foster cognitive development during early infancy. Additionally, moderation analyses revealed that mothers of boys and mothers with high levels of social support experienced additional benefits of the program. These findings add to a growing literature that community doulas, working in family homes, can positively affect the parenting behavior of low-income mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sex differences in the behaviour of children exposed to prenatal maternal depression and anxiety have been reported. This study compared depression and anxiety symptoms reported by mothers at term with maternal perceptions of one year old male and female infant temperament and with researcher observed infant characteristics, identifying differences for males and females with both approaches.Methods: Infant behaviour and temperament was assessed via maternally completed questionnaires including Infant Behavioural Questionnaire Revised - Short form and by researcher administered subcomponents of Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery and Bayley Scales of Infant Development III.Results: For female infants, higher prenatal scores for depression and anxiety were associated with maternal perceptions of lower bonding, higher aggression and negativity, and lower soothability (n = 67 mother-infant dyads). In the laboratory assessment, intensity of escape was the only female infant factor significantly associated with maternal mood (n = 41). For male infants, there was minimal association between prenatal mood scores and maternal perceptions (n = 46) whereas in the laboratory assessment (n = 35) depression scores were associated with expressive language, facial interest and facial fear while anxiety scores were associated with expressive and receptive language, parent behaviour and facial fear.Limitations: Findings may be restricted to a single ethnicity or mode of delivery. Fewer infants attended the infant assessment. A laboratory setting may mask symptomatology in females.Conclusions: Atypical maternal perceptions may present a barrier to the early identification of male infants impacted by maternal depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The severity and treatment of depression/anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum has important implications for maternal and child well-being. Yet, little is known about prenatal SSRI use and early child socioemotional development. This study explores effects of prenatal SSRI exposure, and pre- and postnatal internalizing symptoms on trajectories of infant temperament, identifying potential differences for boys and girls.Methods: Using latent growth models, sex differences in infant temperament trajectories from 3- to 10-months were examined in relation to prenatal and postpartum internalizing symptoms and prenatal SSRI exposure among 185 mother-infant dyads.Results: For girls, prenatal internalizing symptoms were associated with greater initial distress to limitations, and lower duration of orienting, smiling/laughter, and soothability. Postnatal symptoms predicted slower decreases in girls' duration of orienting. SSRI exposure predicted decreases in distress to limitations and slower increases in smiling and laughter. For boys, maternal internalizing symptoms did not generally affect temperament profiles. SSRI exposure was associated with higher initial activity level and slower declines in distress to limitations.Limitations: Only parent-report indicators of infant temperament across 10 months of infancy were provided. Maternal internalizing symptoms were measured at discrete times during pregnancy and postpartum, with no analysis of changes in symptoms across time.Conclusions: Prenatal SSRI treatment, and both prenatal and postpartum internalizing symptoms, exert unique effects on infant temperament. Overall, the present study suggests sex-dependent fetal programming effects that should be further evaluated in future research. Results have implications for perinatal mental health treatment and perceived impacts on child socioemotional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior work has examined the links between pre- and postnatal maternal distress and infant negative affectivity; however, there is little understanding about how the continuity of infant exposure to pre- and postnatal maternal distress relates to infant development. This study investigated the continuity of maternal pre- and postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms and their relations with infant fear among 391 mother-infant dyads. An additional aim was to consider infant sex as a moderating factor.Methods: Maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured during gestational weeks 14, 24 and 34 and 3 and 6 months postpartum. Subsequently, infant fear was measured using mother reports (IBQ-R) at 6 months and in a laboratory setting (Lab-TAB Masks episode) at 8 months. Using growth mixture modeling, a three-class model describing the course of maternal symptoms across pregnancy and the early postnatal period was identified, consisting of mothers with "Consistently Low Distress", "Prenatal-Only Distress", and "Consistently High Distress".Results: Infant girls exposed to prenatal-only maternal distress were higher in observed fear than infant boys exposed to prenatal-only distress. Infant girls exposed to consistently high distress also showed lower observed fear than their counterparts exposed to prenatal-only maternal distress.Limitations: The main limitation of the study is the relatively small group size within the Consistently High subgroup.Conclusions: The findings suggest that girls might be particularly sensitive to maternal distress, and that prenatal-only and continuous distress exposure are differentially related to female infant fear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Caregiver-infant interactions were assessed with a standardized observational task. • Quality of caregiving interactions is associated with expressive language in infants. • Stimulation and growth-fostering behaviors may be important areas to target. Early caregiving is one of the strongest influences on children's development, and among the most significant modifiable environmental factor. The aim of this study was to explore the association between quality of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopment of infants living in banana-growing communities in rural Costa Rica characterized as having environmental toxic exposures. Home visits were conducted with 94 caregiver-infant dyads from the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA), living within Matina county, Limón province. One-year infant neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development®, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Quality of caregiver-infant interaction was assessed with a standardized observational task: Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training Teaching scale (NCATS) at around two years of age. Multiple regression analyses examined associations between components of caregiver-infant interactions and neurodevelopmental outcomes, adjusting for mancozeb and manganese exposure and other potential confounders. Compared to NCATS normative data for U.S. Hispanic mothers, 35% of the sample had overall caregiving interaction scores ≤10th percentile cut-off, indicating less than optimal interactions. Higher quality of caregiver-infant interaction was associated with higher expressive communication ability in infants [ß = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.06)], controlling for pesticide exposure and confounders. Aspects of caregiving such as stimulation and growth-fostering of infants were most strongly associated with language outcomes. Results suggest an association between positive caregiving on language development for infants living in a rural agricultural area in Costa Rica, and highlight aspects of caregiving that could be targeted to improve resilience of these children who live in vulnerable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbilirubinemia is a clinical picture frequently occurring in the neonatal period and may negatively affect the development of infants. To evaluate term infants with hyperbilirubinemia in terms of both motor development and sensory processing skills and to compare them with their healthy peers without hyperbilirubinemia. A cross-sectional study. Children born at term, aged 10–18 months, with and without a history of hyperbilirubinemia were included in the study. After demographic information was recorded, motor development was evaluated with the Peabody Motor Development Scale-2 and sensory processing skills were evaluated with the Test of Sensory Function in Infant. A total of 42 children (mean ± SD age of the children 13.07 ± 1.47 months, 22 with hyperbilirubinemia and 20 without hyperbilirubinemia) were included in the study. A statistically significant difference was found in the gross motor (p = 0.02), fine motor (p = 0.03), and total motor (p = 0.017) development scores of the Peabody Motor Development Scale-2 and in the adaptive motor functions (p = 0.004), visual tactile integration (p < 0.001), and total scores (p = 0.004) of The Test of Sensory Function in Infant in favor of the control group. The motor and sensory processing skills of children born at term with hyperbilirubinemia may be negatively affected. Infants with hyperbilirubinemia should be evaluated from the early period not only in terms of motor but also sensory processing skills and should be supported with appropriate intervention programs. • Hyperbilirubinemia is a common clinical condition in newborn infants. • Hyperbilirubinemia can adversely affect the development of infants. • Motor development and sensory processing skills of infants with hyperbilirubinemia were negatively affected. • Children with a history of hyperbilirubinemia should also be evaluated in terms of sensory processing skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) system is an infant-focused, family-centered, relationship-based tool designed to help parents become aware of their baby's abilities and to promote a positive parent-child relationship from the very beginning of birth. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of the key characteristics of the research and evidence accumulated over the past 17 years on the early NBO intervention for infants and their parents to identify the existing research gaps and to inform the future direction of research on the NBO System. A scoping review guided by Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework and the PRISMA-ScR Checklist was conducted. This review used six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Ichushi-Web, and CiNii) and was limited to English and Japanese language articles from January 2006, when the NBO was developed, to September 2022. Reference lists were also hand-searched to further identify relevant articles from the NBO site. A total of 29 articles were selected. Through the analysis of included articles, four overarching themes were identified: (1) usage pattern of the NBO; (2) participants, setting, duration, and frequency of the NBO intervention; (3) outcome measures and effects of the NBO intervention; and (4) findings from a qualitative perspective. The review suggested that early NBO intervention had a positive impact on maternal mental health and sensitivity to the infant, confidence and knowledge of practitioners, and infant development. This scoping review shows that the early NBO intervention has been implemented in a variety of cultures and settings and by professionals of various disciplines. However, research to evaluate the long-term effects of this intervention on a wider range of subjects is needed. • The NBO is used in a variety of cultures and settings and by professionals of various disciplines. • Early NBO intervention had a positive impact on maternal mental health and infant development. • A lack of longitudinal studies and of studies that targeted fathers was also identified. • The NBO was able to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and family-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the relationship between imitation and locomotor development among peers during infancy, we observed free play in a class of infants in a day-care center over a one-year period. The analysis included 16 infants (mean age was 8.3 months (SD =2.3) at the beginning of the observation) and 5 caregivers. The longitudinal data were divided into the crawling, cruising, and walking periods, and the imitation of object manipulation that took place among the infants during each period was analyzed. With the development of locomotion, peer-to-peer imitation became frequent. Infants who had acquired the ability to walk demonstrated imitation more frequently in triadic interactions than in dyadic interactions. Imitation took place between infants, but it was often mediated by caregivers rather than directly between infants. The results suggest that the acquisition of locomotor skills is a link in a developmental cascade from motor development to infant peer interaction. However, it is reasonable to interpret the results as indicating that the development of locomotion does not directly affect infant interactions in isolation, but rather that walking increases both the sharing and manipulation of objects with caregivers and proximity to peers, and their combined effects form a cascade. • With the acquisition of locomotor skills, infants begin to interact more frequently with peers in the nursery environment. • Infants did not often initiate direct interactions with their peers. • Most interactions were indirectly mediated by caregivers. • Caregivers play an important role in infant peer imitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the present longitudinal study is to describe the progression of early adult-child interactions between the first and second years of life. Changes identified in interactions are described, focusing on both the qualitative aspects of maternal responses, as well as maternal response latency to the child's behavior using a microanalytical methodology that collected data on maternal and child behavior in real-time without losing sight of the temporal dimension. This study examined 52 mother-child dyads from intact families that presented no psychological, social, or biological risk factors at 6, 12 and 18 months of age. CITMI-R (early mother-child interaction coding system, revised edition) was used to assess early mother-infant interactions during free play sessions between mother and child the. The results indicate that some components of maternal sensitivity improve as children progress towards the second year of life, detecting an increase in sensitive maternal behavior and a decrease in intrusive behavior in the evolutive observed period; moreover, regarding latency of maternal response, we observed that mothers of older children give more time for their children to explore, which stimulates autonomy. Finally, the implication of these results for intervention directed to optimizing early adult-child interactions are addressed. • This Longitudinal study describes the progression of early mother-child interactions between the first and second years of life • Identifies patterns of Mother-Child Interaction attending to the qualitative aspects and the latency of maternal responses to the child's behaviors. • Uses a microanalytical methodology that collected data on maternal and child behavior in real-time. • The results of this research have impact in Early intervention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antenatal depression is associated with adverse social-emotional and behavioural outcomes during childhood but there has been little investigation of the impact on infant neurodevelopment during the first postnatal year.Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of depression during pregnancy on infant cognitive, language and motor development at six and twelve months using a prospective longitudinal study design.Participants: Pregnant women with a clinical diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD; n = 23), a history of MDD (n = 34) and a control group (n = 43) and their infants.Outcome Measures: MDD was measured during pregnancy and both maternal depression and infant cognitive, language and motor development were measured at six and twelve months postpartum.Results: At six months, infants in the MDD group had lower motor development scores (M = 95.48, SD = 11.87) compared with controls (M = 99.97, SD = 10.64, p = .026) after controlling for maternal concurrent depression scores. At twelve months, infants in the MDD group had lower language scores (M = 87.33, SD = 10.54) compared with controls (M = 95.06, SD = 11.78, p = .037) which attenuated after controlling for maternal concurrent depression.Conclusions: These data contribute to the growing literature investigating the impact of antenatal depression on infant cognitive, language and motor development within the first postnatal year. The association between maternal depression and lower infant motor scores highlights the importance of early intervention for both mothers and infants in situations where maternal well-being is at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In higher quality classrooms, infants spent more time actively engaged. • In higher quality classrooms, infants spent less time non-engaged. • In higher quality classrooms, infants have higher levels of adaptive behaviors. In this study, we examine associations between the quality of teacher-child interactions and infant outcomes during their first months in Portuguese childcare centers. Participants were 90 infants, their mothers and their teachers. A set of multiple regression models were conducted to determine whether classroom quality related to active engagement and non-engagement and to adaptive behavior six months later, controlling for important covariates, namely developmental age, child temperament, mothers' education, and home quality. Results showed that, in higher quality classrooms, infants spent more time actively engaged, less time non-engaged and six months later were rated as having higher levels of adaptive behaviors. Findings provide further evidence for the need to better support teachers in fostering infant active engagement and unfolding capacities as part of high-quality daily experiences in childcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder. Infants with PWS show a neurodevelopmental dysfunction which entails a delayed motor and language development, but studies on their spontaneous movements (i.e. general movements) or pre-linguistic speech-language development before 6 months of age are missing so far.Aim: To describe early motor and pre-linguistic verbal development in an infant with PWS.Methods and Procedures: Prospective case report; in addition to the assessment of general movements and the concurrent movement repertoire, we report on early verbal forms, applying the Stark Assessment of Early Vocal Development-Revised.Outcomes and Results: General movements were abnormal on days 8 and 15. No fidgety movements were observed at 11 weeks; they only emerged at 17 weeks and lasted until at least 27 weeks post-term. The movement character was monotonous, and early motor milestones were only achieved with a delay. At 27 weeks the infant produced age-adequate types of vocalisations. However, none of the canonical-syllable vocalisations that typically emerge at that age were observed. Early vocalisations appeared monotonous and with a peculiarly harmonic structure.Conclusions and Implications: Early motor and pre-linguistic verbal behaviours were monotonous in an infant with PWS throughout his first 6 months of life. This suggests that early signs of neurodevelopmental dysfunction (i.e. abnormal general movements) might already be diagnosed in infants with PWS during their first weeks of life, potentially enabling us to diagnose and intervene at an early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unexpected events provide us with opportunities for learning about what to expect from the world around us. Using a saccadic-planning paradigm, we investigated whether and how infants and adults represent the statistics of a changing environment (i.e. build an internal model of the environment). Participants observed differently colored bees that appeared at an unexpected location every few trials. The color cues indicated whether the subsequent bees would appear at this new location (i.e. update trials) or at the same location as previously (i.e. no-update trials). Infants learned the predictive value of the color cues and updated their internal models when necessary. Unlike infants, adults had a tendency to update their models each time they observed a change in the structure. We argue that infants are open to learning from current evidence due to being less influenced by their prior knowledge. This is an advantageous learning strategy to form accurate representations in dynamic environments, which is fundamental for successful adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants from low-income households typically spend less time exploring objects and use less mature strategies when they do explore compared to their higher-income peers (e.g., Clearfield et al., 2014). The current study tested a novel intervention designed to boost early object exploration in infants from low-income households. The intervention, called Play for Success, was administered through the Early Head Start home visiting program, and asked all infants to explore a toy with a caregiver for 10 min a day every day for two weeks. Forty-two 6- to 10-month-old infants were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups: Social (unstructured direction), Teach Two (simple structured direction), or Teach Many (complex structured direction). Infants' exploratory behaviors were tested three times: before the intervention, immediately following, and again four weeks later. The results demonstrated that only infants in Teach 2 maintained their level of exploration at both the post-test and 4 weeks later while infants in the other groups showed significant decreases in exploration over time. These results suggest that Play for Success is a promising new intervention, but only in the condition that included repeated simple structured direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To verify the home opportunities to the motor development offered to infants with and without risk indicators for hearing loss (RIHL). Methods Observational transversal study was done with infants between 8 and 10 months, being 77 with RIHL (Study Group-SG) and 77 without RIHL (Control Group-CG) The instrument used to characterize the sample and obtain information about the home affordances was the questionnaire Affordances in the Home Environment for the Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS). The results of the AHEMD-IS between the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney and Chi-Squared tests. The significance test adopted for the study was 5%. Results Absolute values in the frequency of homes considered "moderately adequate" and "less than adequate" were greater in the SG in the most part of the categories, except the item Toys for Fine Motricity. It was possible to observe a statistically significant difference in the Total Score of the groups (p-value = 0.01346). Even with better results when compared with the SG, the number of homes of the CG group with affordances below expected is more than half of the sample. Conclusions It was possible to verify that home of infants with risk indicators for hearing loss have statistically less affordances when compared to the homes of infants without the indicators. The results alert us to the need of orientation to the infant's responsible/caretakers regarding to the importance of a favorable environment with stimulation of the infant motor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Moderate preterm infants (MPI) and late preterm infants (LPI) account for the majority of children born preterm. Up to 5% of MPI and LPI are estimated to manifest neurodevelopmental impairments. However, information about normal early motor development in these patients is lacking.Aim: To find characteristic patterns for motor development in the first four months of life among MPI and LPI without risk factors for developmental impairment by using accelerometry of spontaneous movements.Study Design: Prospective and observational study.Subjects: Twenty-three MPI and LPI (9 female, 14 male) without known risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment were included in this study. Spontaneous movements were measured by accelerometry at the time of hospital discharge (mean: 36.6wks postmenstrual age (PMA)) and at the corrected age of three months (mean: 53.0wks PMA).Outcome Measures: Motor development was described by analyzing 36 parameters calculated from the acceleration signal. Normal neurodevelopmental outcome was confirmed by Bayley Scales of Infant Development at the corrected age of two years.Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two measurements could be shown in 26 out of the 36 parameters. Striking changes in motor development were an increase in acceleration and variability of the spontaneous movements, the main criterion for analyzing spontaneous movements. Furthermore, the regularity of spontaneous movements increased significantly.Conclusion: Characteristic patterns of normal motor development in MPI and LPI can be identified and provide a basis for future investigations aiming at the early detection of abnormal motor development for this specific patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether attention to a talker's eyes in 12 month-old infants is related to their communication and social abilities. We measured infant attention to a talker's eyes and mouth with a Tobii eye-tracker and examined the correlation between attention to the talker's eyes and scores on the Adaptive Behavior Questionnaire from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III). Results indicated a positive relationship between eye gaze and scores on the Social and Communication subscales of the BSID-III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-system theory as the dominant approach in the field of infant numerical representation is characterized by three features: precise representation of small sets of objects, approximate representation of large magnitudes and failure to compare small and large sets. Comparison of single- and multimodal numerical abilities suggests that infants' performance in multimodal conditions is consistent with these three features. Nevertheless, the influence of multimodal stimulation on infants' numerical representation is characterized by preventing the formation of perceptual overlaps across different sensory modalities which can lead to an understanding of numerical values of small sets and also by creating a conceptual overlap about numbers that increases infants' accuracy for discriminating quantities when numerical information is presented bimodally and synchronously. Such multisensory benefits provide numerical capabilities beyond what is depicted by the two-system view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observational learning is important to development, but not all adult models are equally informative and accurate. Selectivity is important in observational learning. Past research studies have not always differentiated competence and confidence, so the current study investigated infants' selective imitation after observing third-party interactions, when confidence and competence were varied independently. Forty-eight 16-month-olds watched a model demonstrate the function of tools while displaying high or low levels of confidence and competence. Infants were significantly more likely to imitate individuals who were competent and were influenced less by their confidence level. Infants were more likely to reach for and use the working tool if the model was competent in her tool choice, but infant behavior was less affected by differences in confidence. Results suggest that by 16-months of age infants are sensitive to the competence of a demonstrator, suggesting a bias in social learning towards more valuable information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodevelopmental impairments are the most prevalent non-cardiac long-term sequelae in children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). Deficits include the social-emotional and social-cognitive domains. Little is known about the predecessors of social-cognitive development in infants with CHD during the first year of life. Gaze-following behaviour can be used to measure early social-cognitive abilities. To assess gaze-following development in infants with CHD compared to healthy controls. Prospective cohort study. Twenty-three infants who underwent neonatal correction for CHD and 84 healthy controls. Gaze-following behaviour was assessed by eye tracking at 6 and 12 months. Difference scores for first fixation, fixation frequency and fixation duration towards the gaze-cued object were calculated across 6 trials and compared between groups at both testing time points while adjusting for known confounders. Linear mixed models were calculated to assess the longitudinal trajectory of gaze-following development while accounting for the nested and dependent data structure. At 6 months, no difference in gaze-following behaviour between CHD and healthy controls was found. At 12 months, fixation frequency towards the gaze-cued was lower and looking duration was shorter in CHD compared to controls (p = 0.0077; p = 0.0068). Infants with CHD showed less increase with age in the fixation frequency towards the congruent object (p = 0.041) compared to controls. During the first year of life, gaze-following development diverges in infants with CHD compared to healthy controls. Further research is needed to investigate the clinical relevance of these findings and the association with later social-cognitive development. • Infants with CHD look less often and long towards a gaze-cued object at 12 months • Gaze-following abilities in infants with CHD diverge from typical development • Atypical gaze-following in CHD might precede later social-cognitive impairments [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess neurodevelopment in young patients with biliary atresia (BA) and to determine the predictive value of General Movement Assessment (GMA) at infant age for neurodevelopmental impairments at toddler age. Infants diagnosed with BA were prospectively included in a longitudinal study. Neurodevelopmental status was previously assessed before Kasai porto-enterostomy (KPE) and one month after KPE using Prechtl's GMA, including motor optimality scores. At 2–3 years, neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and compared to the Dutch norm population. The predictive value of GMA at infant age for motor skills and cognition at toddler age was determined. Neurodevelopment was assessed in 41 BA patients. At toddler age (n = 38, age 29 ± 5 months, 70 % liver transplantation), 13 (39 %) patients scored below-average on motor skills, and 6 (17 %) patients on cognition. Abnormal GMA after KPE predicted both below-average motor skills and cognitive score at toddler age (sensitivity, 91 % and 80 %; specificity 83 % and 67 %; negative predictive value, 94 % and 94 %; and, positive predictive value, 77 % and 33 %, resp.). One-third of toddlers with BA show impaired motor skills. GMA post-KPE has a high predictive value to identify infants with BA at risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. • One-third of infants and toddlers with biliary atresia have impaired motor skills. • General movements analysis in infants with biliary atresia predicts motor outcomes. • Children with biliary atresia may benefit from targeted interventions. • Targeted interventions seem to be most beneficial in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report the current state of maternal infant bonding (MIB) in mothers of tracheostomy-dependent infants and identify demographic factors associated with MIB. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a pediatric tertiary care hospital. Mothers of tracheostomy-dependent children below the age of two, seen during the 24 months prior to June 2021, were recruited to participate. The exclusion criteria consisted of clinical instability of the infant at the time of recruitment or lack of custody. The Maternal Infant Bonding Questionnaire (MIBQ) was administered to biological mothers. The possible range of scores was 0–24 with higher scores indicating poorer bonding. Mean MIBQ scores, as well as elevated MIBQ scores (greater than 0), were evaluated with respect to patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Of 46 eligible participants, the response rate was 6 7% (n = 31). The median maternal age was 30 (IQR:8.5), and the median infant age was 15 months (IQR: 7.5). The mean MIBQ score in the tracheostomy-dependent infant population was 1.38 (SD: 1.96), and 45% had a score greater than 0. The mean MIBQ of our cohort was not statistically different from the control group of healthy infants. Elevated MIBQ scores signaling poorer bonding were seen in caregivers of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and older caregivers. Preliminary evidence suggests that caregivers of infants with mechanical ventilation and neurologic comorbidities may have improved bonding compared to other tracheostomized infants. MIBQ scores were not associated with other sociodemographic or clinical characteristics, such as gestational age at birth, previous history of psychiatric illness, admission status or sociodemographic characteristics. We observe a mean MIBQ score of 1.38 in mothers of tracheostomy-dependent infants. Efforts to improve bonding may aid infant development and maternal affect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]