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Background: developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition characterized by abnormal hip development in infancy. Early diagnosis allows for effective treatment, while late presentation often necessitates complex surgical interventions. Current recommendations advise screening between the 6th and 8th week postnatal using an ultrasound, typically employing the Graf method. However, there is no universal consensus on whether ultrasound screening significantly increases treatment likelihood compared to clinical examination-guided ultrasound. This study aims to explore the feasibility of prenatal ultrasound for the early identification of DDH risk. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 100 pregnant women undergoing fetal hip ultrasounds during the second and third trimesters. Using the modified Graf method, alpha and beta angles were calculated on the fetus. Postnatally, alpha and beta angles were compared with the prenatal values. Results: Prenatal ultrasound at the 24th week showed inconclusive results because of the difficulty in identification of Graf landmarks, while ultrasound at the 34th week proved to be a reliable and safe method for the quantitative determination of alpha and beta angles. Significant correlations were found between prenatal and postnatal alpha and beta angles. Moreover, significant differences in prenatal alpha and beta values were observed in patients developing mature/immature hips postnatally. Conclusions: Prenatal diagnostics show promise for predicting infant hip development. Further research is warranted to validate correlation strength and clinical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a major role in the maintenance of bodily homeostasis and adaptive response to external insults. It has been shown to regulate crucial physiological processes and behaviors, spanning nervous functions, anxiety, cognition, and pain sensation. Due to this broad activity, the ECS has been explored as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of select diseases. However, until there is a more comprehensive understanding of how ECS activation by exogenous and endogenous ligands manifests across disparate tissues and cells, discretion should be exercised. Previous work has investigated how endogenous cannabinoid signaling impacts skeletal muscle development and differentiation. However, the effects of activation of the ECS by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the most psychoactive component of cannabis) on skeletal muscle development, particularly in utero, remain unclear. To address this research gap, we used a highly translational non-human primate model to examine the potential impact of chronic prenatal THC exposure on fetal and infant musculoskeletal development. RNA was isolated from the skeletal muscle and analyzed for differential gene expression using a Nanostring nCounter neuroinflammatory panel comprised of 770 genes. Histomorphological evaluation of muscle morphology and composition was also performed. Our findings suggest that while prenatal THC exposure had narrow overall effects on fetal and infant muscle development, the greatest impacts were observed within pathways related to inflammation and cytokine signaling, which suggest the potential for tissue damage and atrophy. This pilot study establishes feasibility to evaluate neuroinflammation due to prenatal THC exposure and provides rationale for follow-on studies that explore the longer-term implications and functional consequences encountered by offspring as they continue to mature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Positional preferences, asymmetry of body position and movements potentially indicate abnormal clinical conditions in infants. However, a lack of standardized nomenclature hinders accurate assessment and documentation of these preferences over time. Video tools offer a safe and reproducible method to analyze and describe infant movement patterns, aiding in physiotherapy management and goal planning. The study aimed to develop an objective classification system for infant movement patterns with particular emphasis on the specific distribution of muscle tension, using methods of computer analysis of video recordings to enhance accuracy and reproducibility in assessments. Methods: The study involved the recording of videos of 51 infants between 6 and 15 weeks of age, born at term, with an Apgar score of at least 8 points. Based on observations of a recording of infant spontaneous movements in the supine position, experts identified postural-motor patterns: symmetry and typical asymmetry linked to the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex. Deviations from the typical postural-motor system were indicated, and subcategories of atypical patterns were distinguished. A computer-based inference system was developed to automatically classify individual patterns. Results: The following division of motor patterns was used: (1) normal patterns, including (a) typical (symmetrical, asymmetrical: variants 1 and 2); and (b) atypical (variants: 1 to 4), (2) positional preference, and (3) abnormal patterns. The proposed automatic classification method achieved an expert decision mapping accuracy of 84%. For atypical patterns, the high reproducibility of the system's results was confirmed. Lower reproducibility, not exceeding 70%, was achieved with typical patterns. Conclusions: Based on the observation of infant spontaneous movements, it is possible to identify movement patterns divided into typical and atypical patterns. Computer-based analysis of infant movement patterns makes it possible to objectify and satisfactorily reproduce diagnostic decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding patterns during the first 6 months on weight development of infants ages 0–12 months. Using monitoring data from the Maternal and Child Health Project conducted by the National Center for Women and Children's Health of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention from September 2015 to June 2019, we categorized feeding patterns during the first 6 months as exclusive breastfeeding, formula feeding, or mixed feeding. We calculated weight-for-age Z scores (WAZ) according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2006 Child Growth Standard using WHO Anthro version 3.2.2. A multilevel model was used to analyze the effect of feeding patterns during the first 6 months on the WAZ of infants ages 0–12 months in monitoring regions. Length of follow-up (age of infants) was assigned to level 1, and infants was assigned to level 2. Characteristics of infants, mothers, and families and region of the country were adjusted for in the model. The average weight of infants ages 0–12 months in our study (except the birth weights of boys who were formula fed or mixed fed) was greater than the WHO growth standard. After we adjusted for confounding factors, the multilevel model showed that the WAZ of exclusively breastfed and mixed-fed infants were statistically significantly higher than those of formula-fed infants (coefficients = 0.329 and 0.159, respectively; P < 0.05), and there was a negative interaction between feeding patterns and age (both coefficients = − 0.020; P < 0.05). Infants who were exclusively breastfed were heavier than formula-fed infants from birth until 12 months of age. Mixed-fed infants were heavier than formula-fed infants before 8 months, after which the latter overtook the former. Infants' weight development may be influenced by feeding patterns during the first 6 months. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months may be beneficial for weight development of infants in infancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, most mothers work during pregnancy. Yet, until the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in 2022, pregnant employees did not have a right to reasonable accommodations to work under safe conditions. This law is expected to increase employment among pregnant women, making it critical to understand the effects of work during pregnancy on health and the potential benefits of the law. Because the prenatal period has long‐lasting consequences for health, employment during pregnancy can affect children's health and development in childhood and beyond. In this article, we review theory and empirical evidence on the effects of work during pregnancy on maternal and infant health. We propose a conceptual framework that outlines the pathways through which work during pregnancy affects health, discuss policies that are expected to affect work during pregnancy and health and conclude with priorities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple factors influence infant and child neurodevelopment in low resource settings. In offspring of participants in the preconception maternal nutrition trial, Women First (WF), we examined the impact of providing a preconception (Arm 1) or prenatal (Arm 2) nutrient supplement (compared to controls, Arm 3) on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months; predictors of neurodevelopment scores; and associations of infant anthropometrics with neurodevelopmental scores. Follow‐up visits for anthropometry were conducted at 6‐, 12‐, 18‐ and 24‐month of age. At 24‐months, in a randomized subset, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd edition (BSID‐III), including cognitive, motor and social‐emotional subscales, and the Family Care Indicators (FCI) questionnaire, assessing family and home environment, were completed. Multiple covariates (intervention arm, site, maternal sociodemographic characteristics, FCI subscales, birthweight and 6–24 months' change in anthropometry z‐scores, (e.g., ΔLAZ6–24) were evaluated by linear regression to predict BSID‐III outcomes and to assess associations of anthropometric changes with BSID‐III scores. The analysis consisted of 1386 infants (n = 441, 486, 459 for Arms 1, 2 and 3, respectively). None of the domain‐specific BSID‐III subscale scores differed by maternal intervention arm. Four covariates significantly predicted (p ≤ 0.01) all 3 BSID‐III subscales: secondary maternal education, ΔLAZ6–24, birthweight >2500 g, and FCI play materials. Linear growth was associated with all domains of neurodevelopment. The results underscore the multi‐dimensional aspects of child development represented by the nurturing care framework, including prenatal maternal nutrition, post‐natal growth, maternal education for responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study employs structural equation modelling (sEM) to explore both direct and indirect effects of parental level of education and child individual factors on the length-for-age outcomes in children aged 6–24 months assisted by the Bolsa Família Program in the State of Alagoas. A total of 1448 children were analysed by the sEM technique. A negative standardised direct effect (sDE) of the children's younger age (sDE: −0·06; P = 0·017), the use of bottle feeding (sDE: −0·11; P < 0·001) and lack of a minimum acceptable diet (sDE: −0·09; P < 0·001) on the length-for-age indicator was found. Being female (SDE: 0·08; P = 0·001), a higher birth weight (SDE: 0·33; P < 0·001), being ever breastfed (sdE: 0·07; P = 0·004) and a higher level of parental education (SDE: 0·09; P < 0·001) showed a positive SDE effect on the child's length-for-age. The model also demonstrated a negative standardised indirect effect (SIE) of the sweet beverage consumption (SIE: −0·08; P = 0·003) and a positive effect of being ever breastfed (SIE: 0·06; P = 0·017) on the child's length-for-age through parental level of education as a mediator. This research underscores the crucial role of proper feeding practices and provides valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions, policies and programmes to improve nutritional well-being and promote adequate linear growth and development among young children facing similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory pathogens, commonly colonizing nasopharynx, are among the leading causes of death due to antimicrobial resistance. Yet, antibiotic resistance determinants within nasopharyngeal microbial communities remain poorly understood. In this prospective cohort study, we investigate the nasopharynx resistome development in preterm infants, assess early antibiotic impact on its trajectory, and explore its association with clinical covariates using shotgun metagenomics. Our findings reveal widespread nasopharyngeal carriage of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) with resistomes undergoing transient changes, including increased ARG diversity, abundance, and composition alterations due to early antibiotic exposure. ARGs associated with the critical nosocomial pathogen Serratia marcescens persist up to 8–10 months of age, representing a long-lasting hospitalization signature. The nasopharyngeal resistome strongly correlates with microbiome composition, with inter-individual differences and postnatal age explaining most of the variation. Our report on the collateral effects of antibiotics and prolonged hospitalization underscores the urgency of further studies focused on this relatively unexplored reservoir of pathogens and ARGs. Here, the authors use metagenomics to study the resistome development in the nasopharynx of preterm infants during early life, uncovering a dynamic environment affected by early-life antibiotics and showing long-lasting signature of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Receiving donor human milk for a baby can have a protective effect upon parental wellbeing. A growing body of research also finds that being able to donate milk to a milk bank, particularly after infant loss, can also boost maternal wellbeing through feelings of altruism and purpose. However, most studies are qualitative, with small sample sizes outside the United Kingdom, and often do not include the experiences of those who have been unable to donate. Our aim was therefore to examine the impact of being able to donate milk, as well as the impact of not being able to do so, using a survey containing open and closed questions in a large UK sample. Overall, 1149 women completed the survey, 417 (36.3%) who donated their milk and 732 (63.7%) who did not. Most women who donated found it had a positive impact upon their wellbeing, feeling proud, useful and that they had achieved something important. Conversely, those unable to donate often felt rejected, frustrated, and excluded, especially if they received no response or felt that restrictions were unfair. Thematic analysis found that being able to donate could help women heal from experiences such as birth trauma, difficult breastfeeding experiences, neonatal unit stays, and infant loss; however, being unable to donate could exacerbate negative emotions arising from similar experiences. A minority of women who donated experienced raised anxiety over following guidelines. These findings further extend the impacts of milk banking services beyond infant health and development and support expanded service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited research has explored the associations of gestational age (GA) and breastfeeding practices with growth and nutrition in term infants. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study recruited 7299 singleton term infants from well-child visits in Shandong, China, between March 2021 and November 2022. Data on GA, gender, ethnicity, birth weight, parental heights, gestational diabetes and hypertension, age at visit, breastfeeding practices (point-in-time data at visit for infants < 6 months and retrospective data at 6 months for infants ≥ 6 months), complementary foods introduction, infant length and weight, were collected. 7270 infants were included in the analysis after excluding outliers with Z-scores of length (LAZ), weight or weight for length (WLZ) <-4 or > 4. Linear regression models adjused for covariates explored the impact of GA and breastfeeding practices on LAZ and WLZ, while logistic regression models evaluated their effect on the likelihood of moderate and severe stunting (MSS, LAZ<-2), moderate and severe acute malnutrition (MSAM, WLZ<-2) and overweight/obesity (WLZ > 2). Sensitivity analysis was conducted on normal birth weight infants (2.5–4.0 kg). Results: Infants born early-term and exclusively breastfed accounted for 31.1% and 66.4% of the sample, respectively. Early-term birth related to higher WLZ (< 6 months: β = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16, 0.29; ≥6 months: β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.20) and an increased risk of overweight/obesity throughout infancy (< 6 months: OR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.08, 1.84; ≥6 months: OR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.03, 1.79). Before 6 months, early-term birth correlated with lower LAZ (β=-0.16, 95% CI: -0.21, -0.11) and an increased risk of MSS (OR: 1.01, 95%CI 1.00, 1.02); Compared to exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive formula-feeding and mixed feeding linked to lower WLZ (β=-0.15, 95%CI -0.30, 0.00 and β=-0.12, 95%CI -0.19, -0.05, respectively) and increased risks of MSAM (OR: 5.57, 95%CI 1.95, 15.88 and OR: 3.19, 95%CI 1.64, 6.19, respectively). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the health risks of early-term birth and the protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding in singleton term infants, underscoring the avoidance of nonmedically indicated delivery before 39 weeks and promoting exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (HEU) are at risk for early neurodevelopmental impairment. Smaller basal ganglia nuclei have been reported in neonates who are HEU compared to HIV-unexposed (HU); however, neuroimaging studies outside infancy are scarce. We examined subcortical brain structures and associations with neurocognition in children who are HEU. Methods This neuroimaging study was nested within the Drakenstein Child Health Study birth cohort in South Africa. We compared (T1-weighted) magnetic resonance imaging–derived subcortical brain volumes between children who were HEU (n = 70) and HU (n = 92) at age 2–3 years using linear regression. Brain volumes were correlated with neurodevelopmental outcomes measured with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III. Results Compared to HU children, on average children who were HEU had 3% lower subcortical grey matter volumes. Analyses of individual structures found smaller volume of the putamen nucleus in the basal ganglia (−5% difference, P =.016) and the hippocampus (−3% difference, P =.044), which held on adjustment for potential confounders (P <.05). Maternal viremia and lower CD4 count in pregnancy were associated with smaller child putamen volumes. Children who were HEU had lower language scores than HU; putamen and hippocampus volumes were positively correlated with language outcomes. Conclusions Overall, children who are HEU had a pattern of smaller subcortical volumes in the basal ganglia and hippocampal regions compared to HU children, which correlated with language function. Findings suggest that optimizing maternal perinatal HIV care is important for child brain development. Further studies are needed to investigate underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate prospectively the impact of physical activity during pregnancy on infant neurodevelopment, considering relevant confounding factors, physical activity intensity and the trimester of pregnancy in which it is performed. Prospective follow-up study of 791 pregnant women from the first trimester of pregnancy to 40 days postpartum. Three intensity levels of physical activity were assessed in each trimester of pregnancy by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Infant neuro development was assessed at 40 days postpartum by the third edition of the Bayley Scales for Infant Development-Third Edition (BSID-III). Analysis adjusted by sociodemographics, anxiety symptoms, lifestyle habits, quality of diet, body mass index, postpartum depressive symptoms and mother-infant attachment. ANCOVA analysis have shown that 40 days old infants of mothers in the moderate and high PA groups in the third trimester obtained 3.2 and 3.8 points higher scores respectively in the language total scale; and 4.1 and 5.1 points higher scores respectively in the motor total scale than infants of mothers in the low PAgroup. Moderate to high intensity physical activity during pregnancy has a positive impact on infant neurodevelopment. More specific recommendations must be incorporated in international guidelines and into maternal education sessions to improve infants' neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the evolution of neonatal care practices in the United States, focusing on the transition from early incubator-based care to developmental or neuroprotective approaches. Topics include the initial emphasis on survival and infection control for premature infants, the shift toward developmental care informed by brain research, and historical practices in the care of "incubator babies" as documented in early 20th-century nursing literature.

Being looked at is an important communicative signal, and attenuated responses to such direct gaze have been suggested as an early sign of autism. Using live eye tracking, we examined whether direct gaze elicits different gaze responses in infants at ages 10, 14 and 18 months with and without later autism in real-life interaction. The sample consisted of 169 infants: 35 with elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis, 94 without subsequent diagnosis and 40 with typical likelihood of autism. Infants in all groups tended to look more towards the adult's face shortly after the direct gaze occurred. Neither how much nor how quickly the infants responded to the direct gaze differentiated the without elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis and with elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis groups. Infants in the typical likelihood group looked more at the face after the direct-gaze event than infants in the two elevated likelihood groups, but this result is tentative. In an exploratory analysis, infants in the elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis group looked away quicker from faces with direct gaze than infants in the typical likelihood group, but this measure did not correlate with dimensional autism or differentiate between the two elevated likelihood groups. The current results suggest that attenuated behavioural responses to direct gaze in infancy are neither strong nor specific early markers of autism. When other people look directly towards us, we often respond by looking back at them, and such direct-gaze responses are important for establishing eye contact. Atypical eye contact is common in autism, but how and when this aspect of autism develops is not well understood. Here, we studied whether how much and how quickly infants respond to others' direct gaze is associated with autism in toddlerhood. We did this by measuring direct-gaze responses in a playful social interaction using live eye tracking. The study included 169 infants, of whom 129 had an elevated likelihood of developing autism due to having a first-degree family member with the condition, and 40 with typical likelihood of autism. In the elevated likelihood group, 35 were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 3 years of age, and 94 were not. The results showed that infants in all three groups tended to increase their looking towards the adult's face after the adult looked directly at them. However, neither how much nor how quickly the infants responded to direct gaze by looking back at the adult reliably differentiated the infants with or without subsequent autism. While infants in the elevated likelihood of autism and subsequent diagnosis group tended to look away quicker from faces with direct gaze than infants in the typical likelihood group, this measure did not differentiate between the two elevated likelihood groups. We interpret the results as supporting the view that atypical direct-gaze responses are not early markers of autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved survival of preterm low birthweight (LBW) infants due to advances in neonatal care has brought issues such as postnatal development trajectories to the foreground. This study pools evidence from three cluster‐randomized experiments evaluating community‐based psychosocial stimulation programs conducted from 2014 to 2017 that included 3571 rural Chinese children aged 6–24 months (51.1% male, 96.2% Han Chinese). The risk of severe cognitive delay was found to be 26.5 percentage points higher for preterm LBW children than for their peers at age 2.5, with a prevalence rate of 48.3%. Results show that psychosocial stimulation interventions can improve child cognitive development at scale, with beneficial impacts on child cognition disproportionately larger for preterm LBW children, helping them to catch up developmentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4-month-old full-term female presented with growth faltering associated with progressive feeding difficulty, rash, abdominal distension, and developmental delays. She was found to have disconjugate gaze, abnormal visual tracking, mixed tone, bruising, and splenomegaly on examination. Initial workup was notable for thrombocytopenia and positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies. She initially presented to the infectious diseases CMV clinic, where she was noted to have severe malnutrition, prompting referral to the emergency department for hospital admission to optimize nutrition with nasogastric tube feeding and facilitate additional evaluation. An active CMV infection with viruria and viremia was confirmed, but elements of her presentation and workup including brain magnetic resonance imaging were not consistent with isolated CMV infection. To avoid premature diagnostic closure, a multidisciplinary workup was initiated and ultimately established her diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early infant development is a maturation process critically depends on the infant's interaction with primary caregivers. Hence, neonatal units prioritize their proximity. In COVID‐19, parental visitation hours were limited, reducing caregivers time with their infants. This follow‐up study analyzes and compares levels of maternal depression and stress, infant development, and bonding quality in preterm mother‐infant dyads hospitalized, before and during the pandemic. Out of 66 dyads participated, 36 were admitted before COVID‐19, and 30 during COVID‐19. The assessed was two video‐call sessions in which mothers completed selected questionnaires. No significant differences between mothers' levels of depression and stress. However, low birth weight was associated with greater difficulties in children's communication and interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, infants hospitalized in COVID‐19 had a higher risk of experiencing delayed communication. No significant differences were observed in bonding quality. Lower infant gestational age and longer breastfeeding time were associated with better bonding quality in both groups. Psychosocial intervention is considered a valuable tool, capable of preventing maternal mental health difficulties and protecting bonding in premature infants and in highly complex healthcare settings. Nevertheless, it is essential to more actively address the socio‐affective needs of newborns during their hospital stay to promote adequate development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responsive feeding serves as an important protective factor for infant growth and overall health development. This study based on self‐determination theory (SDT) aimed to assess the effects of a responsive breastfeeding (RBF) intervention programme on maternal breastfeeding and infant growth and development. A total of 110 mother–infant pairs were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 55). The primary outcomes were breastfeeding motivation score, breastfeeding self‐efficacy (BSE) and exclusive breastfeeding rate; the secondary outcomes were infant physical development at 6 weeks and 3 months. A repeated measures ANOVA indicated that the intervention group had significantly higher Enjoyment scores compared to the control group at three time points: at discharge (MD: 5.28; 95% CI: 3.68 to 6.89; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 5.06; 95% CI: 3.80 to 6.31; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 5.24; 95% CI: 4.12 to 6.35; p < 0.001). Similarly, the intervention group reported significantly higher connection and mother's self‐perception scores at discharge (MD: 4.31; 95% CI: 3.07 to 5.56; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 4.69; 95% CI: 3.71 to 5.68; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 4.93; 95% CI: 4.14 to 5.72; p < 0.001), compared to the control group. In contrast, the pressure from significant others scores were higher in the control group relative to the intervention group at discharge (MD: −2.09; 95% CI: −2.88 to −1.31; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: −4.35; 95% CI: −5.20 to −3.49; p < 0.001) and 3 months (MD: −4.89; 95% CI: −5.70 to −4.08; p < 0.001). Finally, the intervention group also reported higher Instrumental Needs scores at all three time points: at discharge (MD: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.35 to 2.58; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 3.58; 95% CI: 3.05 to 4.11; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.69; p < 0.001). BSE scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group at discharge (MD: 14.29; 95% CI: 10.38 to 18.21; p < 0.001), 6 weeks post‐partum (MD: 14.04; 95% CI: 11.05 to 17.02; p < 0.001) and 3 months post‐partum (MD: 6.80; 95% CI: 4.66 to 8.94; p < 0.001). The rates of exclusive breastfeeding were higher in the intervention group than in the control group at each stage of the intervention (p < 0.01). At 6 weeks post‐partum, the intervention group's infants showed slower weight (t = −0.90, p = 0.371) and length (t = −0.69, p = 0.495) growth compared to the control group, though not significantly. By 3 months post‐partum, there was a significant difference in both weight (t = −3.46, p = 0.001) and length (t = −2.95, p = 0.004) between the groups. The findings in this study suggest that the RBF intervention programme based on SDT may be effective in improving mothers' motivation to breastfeed, building breastfeeding self‐confidence and increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding. The effects of the intervention on infant physical development will need to be verified with longer follow‐up in future research. Key messages: This study validated the application of responsive breastfeeding (RBF) intervention during the exclusive breastfeeding phase of Chinese infants.The RBF intervention may help to increase mothers' level of autonomous motivation for breastfeeding, enhance breastfeeding self‐efficacy and increase exclusive breastfeedingrates. The intervention had no significant effect on the weight and length of 6 week old infants but significantly impacted 3monthold infants, with slower growth observed in the intervention group compared to the control group.Future intervention programmes shouldinclude extended follow‐up periods to investigate the long‐term effects of RBF on infant growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key content: The perinatal period confers an elevated risk of both relapses and new onset of mental illness. Suboptimal treatment can have a profound impact on maternal mortality and morbidity, neonatal outcomes and longer term child development.Most psychotropic medication can be used safely in pregnancy, with some notable exceptions.While decisions on the use of psychotropic medications in pregnancy are often complex and should be multidisciplinary, it is imperative that obstetricians and gynaecologists familiarise themselves with current literature to provide evidence‐based counselling and care.Existing guidelines on the use of psychotropic medication are largely aimed at psychiatrists, and to date there has been a lack of concise, digestible information with a focus on core knowledge for obstetricians and gynaecologists.We summarise existing evidence on the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers and sedatives in the perinatal period. For each drug class we describe the teratogenicity, impact on pregnancy, breastfeeding and the newborn. Learning objectives: To be familiar with common psychotropic medication used in pregnancy and the postpartum period.To understand key evidence on the safety profile of psychiatric medication in the perinatal period and apply this to individualised counselling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several hypotheses link reduced microbial exposure to increased prevalence of allergies. Here we capitalize on the opportunity to study a cohort of infants (CORAL), raised during COVID‐19 associated social distancing measures, to identify the environmental exposures and dietary factors that contribute to early life microbiota development and to examine their associations with allergic outcomes. Methods: Fecal samples were sequenced from infants at 6 (n = 351) and repeated at 12 (n = 343) months, using 16S sequencing. Published 16S data from pre‐pandemic cohorts were included for microbiota comparisons. Online questionnaires collected epidemiological information on home environment, healthcare utilization, infant health, allergic diseases, and diet. Skin prick testing (SPT) was performed at 12 (n = 343) and 24 (n = 320) months of age, accompanied by atopic dermatitis and food allergy assessments. Results: The relative abundance of bifidobacteria was higher, while environmentally transmitted bacteria such as Clostridia was lower in CORAL infants compared to previous cohorts. The abundance of multiple Clostridia taxa correlated with a microbial exposure index. Plant based foods during weaning positively impacted microbiota development. Bifidobacteria levels at 6 months of age, and relative abundance of butyrate producers at 12 months of age, were negatively associated with AD and SPT positivity. The prevalence of allergen sensitization, food allergy, and AD did not increase over pre‐pandemic levels. Conclusions: Environmental exposures and dietary components significantly impact microbiota community assembly. Our results also suggest that vertically transmitted bacteria and appropriate dietary supports may be more important than exposure to environmental microbes alone for protection against allergic diseases in infancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of young child formula (YCF) consumption on children's growth, particularly under suboptimal conditions, has scarcely been studied. In the current study, weight-for-age (WAZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and BMI-for-age (BAZ) z-score development was evaluated in children from five different countries (n = 668) who participated in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Methods: The children (1–3 years old) were randomized to one of two intervention YCFs (with presence or absence of prebiotics and n-3 LCPUFAs) during 52 weeks of intervention. Additional stratified analyses evaluated the growth patterns of underweight, overweight, or stunted children. Results: No apparent differences in anthropometric measurements were observed between the intervention groups. In both YCF intervention groups, mean WAZ, LAZ and BAZ development was indicative of adequate growth during the intervention period. Stratified analyses showed stable WAZ and BAZ development among children with a healthy weight or overweight at baseline. Among underweight and stunted children, normalization in mean weight (∼1 SD) and length (∼0.8 SD) gain, respectively, was observed. Conclusion: The current study suggests that consumption of YCF, either or not containing prebiotics and n-3 LCPUFAs, is associated with adequate growth among young children. This association may depend on the child's baseline nutritional status. Future studies to assess the potential role of YCF in supporting adequate weight/length gain among children at risk for undernutrition are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal health assessment is crucial for detecting and intervening in various disorders. Traditional gene expression analysis methods often require invasive procedures during sample collection, which may not be feasible or ideal for preterm infants. In recent years, saliva has emerged as a promising noninvasive biofluid for assessing gene expression. Another trend that has been growing is the use of "omics" technologies such as transcriptomics in the analysis of gene expression. The costs for carrying out these analyses and the difficulty of analysis make the detection of candidate genes necessary. These genes act as biomarkers for the maturation stages of the oral feeding issue. Methodology: Salivary samples (n = 225) were prospectively collected from 45 preterm (<34 gestational age) infants from five predefined feeding stages and submitted to RT-qPCR. A better description of the targeted genes and results from RT-qPCR analyses were included. The six genes previously identified as predictive of feeding success were tested. The genes are AMPK, FOXP2, WNT3, NPHP4, NPY2R, and PLXNA1, along with two reference genes: GAPDH and 18S. RT-qPCR amplification enabled the analysis of the gene expression of AMPK, FOXP2, WNT3, NPHP4, NPY2R, and PLXNA1 in neonatal saliva. Expression results were correlated with the feeding status during sample collection. Conclusions: In summary, the genes AMPK, FOXP2, WNT3, NPHP4, NPY2R, and PLXNA1 play critical roles in regulating oral feeding and the development of premature infants. Understanding the influence of these genes can provide valuable insights for improving nutritional care and support the development of these vulnerable babies. Evidence suggests that saliva-based gene expression analysis in newborns holds great promise for early detection and monitoring of disease and understanding developmental processes. More research and standardization of protocols are needed to fully explore the potential of saliva as a noninvasive biomarker in neonatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escape from cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses toward HIV-1 Gag and Nef has been associated with reduced control of HIV-1 replication in adults. However, less is known about CTL-driven immune selection in infants as longitudinal studies of infants are limited. Here, 1,210 gag and 1,264 nef sequences longitudinally collected within 15 months after birth from 14 HIV-1 perinatally infected infants and their mothers were analyzed. The number of transmitted founder (T/F) viruses and associations between virus evolution, selection, CTL escape, and disease progression were determined. The analyses indicated that a paraphyletic-monophyletic relationship between the mother-infant sequences was common (80%), and that the HIV-1 infection was established by a single T/F virus in 10 of the 12 analyzed infants (83%). Furthermore, most HIV-1 CTL escape mutations among infants were transmitted from the mothers and did not revert during the first year of infection. Still, immune-driven selection was observed at approximately 3 months after HIV-1 infection in infants. Moreover, virus populations with CTL escape mutations in gag evolved faster than those without, independently of disease progression rate. These findings expand the current knowledge of HIV-1 transmission, evolution, and CTL escape in infant HIV-1 infection and are relevant for the development of immune-directed interventions in infants. IMPORTANCE Despite increased coverage in antiretroviral therapy for the prevention of perinatal transmission, paediatric HIV-1 infection remains a significant public health concern, especially in areas of high HIV-1 prevalence. Understanding HIV-1 transmission and the subsequent virus adaptation from the mother to the infant’s host environment, as well as the viral factors that affect disease outcome, is important for the development of early immune-directed interventions for infants. This study advances our understanding of vertical HIV-1 transmission, and how infant immune selection pressure is shaping the intra-host evolutionary dynamics of HIV-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to longitudinally investigate the preterm infant feeding regimens, feeding behaviors, effect on infant growth, and caregiver perceptions and experiences with feeding in the first 4 weeks following hospital discharge. Background: Preterm infants face high nutritional risk due to their underdeveloped gastrointestinal systems and feeding coordination. Methods: Caregivers of preterm infants were recruited to participate in a weekly telephone survey for the first 4 weeks following the infant's hospital discharge. Responses for infant feeding behaviors and caregiver experiences were scored on a 3-point Likert scale. Growth and feeding data were collected from the infant's first neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) developmental follow-up visit. Results: Twenty-four caregivers completed the study. Changes in feeding regimens were common (8/24 infants; 33%), with the percentage of infants receiving any human milk feedings decreasing from 70% at hospital discharge to 54% at 4 weeks post-discharge. Poor infant feeding skills were weakly associated with poor caregiver feeding experiences, and 46% of caregivers reported contacting their healthcare provider with feeding-related questions. Thirty-eight percent of infants required nutritional intervention at NICU developmental follow-up visit. Infants who received fortified feedings during the first 4 weeks after hospital discharge grew an average of 2.5 g/day faster than infants who did not receive fortified feedings. Conclusion: The postdischarge period for preterm infants is characterized by feeding regimen changes, a decrease in human milk use, and caregiver questions about feeding. Implications for Practice and Research: Future studies should further investigate the period after hospital discharge to enable better feeding support for preterm infants and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Premature infants (born before 37 weeks of gestational age) frequently experience feeding difficulties due to underdeveloped oral motor skills and poor chewing, swallowing, and breathing coordination. In order to improve oral feeding efficiency in these infants, Oral-Motor Stimulation (OMS) has been used in various studies. This systematic review study will aim to assess the effectiveness of OMS for oral feeding in preterm infants. Materials & Methods The authors will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. They will conduct a search in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Medline via PubMed, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for nursing and related healthcare texts without language restrictions from the first month of 1991 to the fifth month of 2024 to achieve the study objectives. All Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials (RCT) examining the effect of OMS on oral feeding in preterm infants will be included in this study. Results The primary outcome of this systematic review will be oral feeding, and the secondary outcomes will include duration of hospitalization, weight gain, and feeding efficiency. Two independent reviewers will select and extract data for the study. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2) will be used to evaluate potential biases in the study. Publication bias will be evaluated using funnel plots, Begg's, and Egger's tests. The degree of heterogeneity among the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic and the χ² test. Analyses of subgroups will also be carried out. All meta-analyses will be conducted using Stata V.14. Conclusion This systematic review protocol for preterm infants will aim to promote evidencebased decision-making and support the development of clinical practice guidelines in preterm feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the impact of developmental monitoring on child referrals, a retrospective data review, comparing seven pilot programs with seven matched controls in Special Supplemental Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) was completed. Pilot programs were trained on developmental monitoring and how to refer families to their local Early Intervention (EI) program, Special Education, or Family TIES (Together in Enhancing Support), services when there is a developmental concern. The "Learn the Signs. Act Early" developmental monitoring program was implemented, and the outcomes included the number of referrals made over a 6-month period. The results indicated a statistically significant difference (p = <.001) in referrals made preimplementation compared to postimplementation with a large effect size (d = 0.96) for pilot programs. Additionally, when analyzing between-groups there were significantly more referrals (p = .001) made at the pilot programs compared to the control programs, again with a large effect size (d = 2.10). This study shows that the implementation of developmental monitoring within WIC programs was effective in increasing referrals to intervention services designed to support families with early identification of developmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal clinicians utilize prefeeding interventions with premature infants to promote a natural process of oral-sensory development, hoping to prepare the infant for future oral feeding. Prefeeding interventions require a holistic approach, ensuring infants are actively involved in learning. Therapists can achieve this by prioritizing the development of intentionality, which is the conscious pursuit of action driven by motivation. The authors present a conceptual model of six neonatal behavioral states of learning called the "Neonatal Intentional Capacities." This model illustrates how purposeful actions evolve into extended learning sequences and helps determine how well an infant can participate in learning experiences. The authors will elucidate the dynamic relationship between intentionality and the development of adaptive motor skills of prefeeding. Lastly, this article presents a consolidated and categorized grouping of current evidence-based prefeeding interventions. Utilizing the framework presented, the authors offer clinical guidance to support prefeeding treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Investigating how nuchal umbilical cord tension affects the developmental journey of newborns until their first year's completion. Methods: Our study, conducted in two participating hospitals, spanned a duration of five years. The study encompassed newborns categorized into three groups: those with a tightly wrapped nuchal cord, those with a loosely wrapped nuchal cord, and a control group consisting of newborns without a nuchal cord. Both cohorts underwent evaluations utilizing Apgar scores and conventional cardiotocography (CTG) results. The developmental advancements of the newborns were assessed by employing the Munich Functional Scale upon reaching the conclusion of their initial year. Results: The incidence of Apgar scores below 7 was markedly higher (p<0.001) among newborns with a nuchal cord when compared to the control group. Within the group of newborns with a nuchal cord, those with a tightly wrapped cord exhibited considerably lower Apgar scores in comparison to those with a loosely wrapped cord (p<0.001). Statistically significant pathological cardiotocographic findings were identified in newborns with a nuchal cord in comparison to the control group. Within the neonatal cohort, the cardiotocographic data of infants with a tightly wrapped nuchal cord were significantly lower than those with a loosely wrapped nuchal cord (p<0.001). At the age of two years, infants who were born with a tightly wrapped nuchal cord exhibited a notable developmental delay when compared to those born with a loosely wrapped nuchal cord and the control group (p<0.001). Discussion and Conclusion: The presence of a nuchal cord poses a risk factor for subsequent developmental concerns. Timely identification of the nuchal cord, particularly when it is tightly wrapped around the neck, is of utmost importance in mitigating potential future health complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A fifteen-week-old infant was presented for chiropractic care with the mother listing concerns that the infant could not participate in life the way she should. The infant was behind on all her milestones, was showing head asymmetry, and inability to to lift her head or respond to caregivers the way she should. Intervention: The infant commenced a course of chiropractic care, during which the patient was adjusted using the Diversified technique, with assistance from the baby drop piece, vibrations, hands-on adjusting, Sacro-occipital technique basics and cranial adjusting. Dural support was used, along with Activator methods and logan, all of which were modified for age-appropriateness. Outcomes: In addition to significant improvements in her subluxations, the infant was able to make strong leaps forward in tone, responses and reflex integration. She was able to fully regain age-appropriate developmental milestones and undertake strength and skill-based tests appropriate to her age. Parents remarked that she was like a completely different child. Conclusion: This case report illustrates an instance in which a child's developmental trajectory was significantly changed by chiropractic care. Given the outcomes of this case, the impact of chiropractic care on infant development is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review considers the growing body of literature on fine motor skills in infants at elevated genetic likelihood (EL) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This area of study aims to identify crucial motor markers associated with the disorder, facilitating earlier and more accurate identification of ASD, using various experimental methodologies, including standardized assessments, observational measures, and technological tools. The reviewed evidence revealed distinct developmental trajectories in EL infants, marked by differences in fine motor skills and exploratory behaviors compared to typically developing infants. We discuss the developmental trajectory of fine motor skills in infants and their predictive value for later ASD diagnosis, highlighting the significance of fine motor skills as early indicators of ASD risk in infants and emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate their predictive value and underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Findings: The influence of early childhood teachers' professional development on fundamental movement skills remains unknown in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to examine how early childhood teachers' professional development in physical education (PE) contributes to predicting children's fundamental movement skills. For this purpose, sixty early childhood teachers from Spain completed the Questionnaire Professional Development in Infant PE (QPD-IPE) to assess the teachers' professional development concerning PE. The Test of Gross Motor Development-2 was applied to evaluate the fundamental movement skills of their children (N = 300). Two separate hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to examine the effect of teachers' professional development in PE on locomotor and object control skills. The results illustrated that 18% of the variance in locomotor skills was predicted by minutes of PE, training and professional development, and external perception. Additionally, 22% of the variance in object control was predicted by minutes of PE, training and professional development, personal perspective, and years of teaching experience. Age and sex were controlled for in both models. Practice or Policy: Early teachers' professional development should receive attention to support preschoolers' fundamental movement skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbilirubinemia is a physiological health problem of newborn infants, mostly occurring in the first week of life, which can delay development or cause disabilities or death. Massaging newborn infants early after delivery can promote bilirubin excretion and reduce hyperbilirubinemia. This quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the effect of infant massage performed by mothers on bilirubin levels and re-hospitalization for hyperbil- irubinemia. The study was conducted at an obstetrics and gynecology ward of a secondary hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. The participants were 30 paired full-term infants and mothers who met the inclusion criteria. The experimental group (n = 15) received body massage performed by their mother for 15 minutes twice a day for four consecutive days, while the control group (n = 15) received only usual care. The transcutaneous bilirubin levels were recorded at 6, 48, and 96 hours after birth. Data on re-hospitalization with hyperbilirubinemia were recorded on Day 7 after birth and analyzed using Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. The results revealed that the infants who received the massage had significantly lower mean bilirubin levels than those in the control group. However, there was no difference in the re-hospitalization with hyperbilirubinemia between the groups. In addition, the frequency of defecation on the first and fourth days in the experimental group was significantly greater than in the control group. The present study's result indicated that mothers' infant massage can help reduce bilirubin levels in full-term infants. The findings hold promise for nurses to integrate infant massage in training mothers at an early stage after birth for the prevention of hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants. However, further testing with a larger sample size and randomized controlled trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the variations in a child's overall body shape and figure among different countries are attributable to differences in genetics, environmental factors, and the interaction between these elements. This study aims to evaluate the validity, reliability, and appropriateness of applying international growth standards to Jordanian children and adolescents aged 2–19 years old. Methods: 65,828 Jordanian children and adolescents (43% males; 57% females) aged 2–19 years old were selected from the Hakeem Program database and various private schools across Jordan. Height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were analyzed comparatively for Jordanian children and adolescents against international growth standards. The z-score for each record was computed based on international equations. Results: Mean z-scores for height-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age for both genders showed significant deviation from international standards across most age intervals. It was found that in most age groups, Jordanian children and adolescents were shorter and lighter than CDC and WHO standards, except for females at ages ≥ 16 years, who were heavier with higher BMI-for-age values than CDC standards based on weight-for-age and BMI-for-age equations. Moreover, Jordanian males at ages ≥ 12 years had lower BMI-for-age values than CDC standards. Conclusions: Jordanian children and adolescents showed significant deviations in their measurements from international standards and growth reference values. The development of a population-specific growth chart is highly recommended to enhance the accuracy of evaluating children's and adolescents' wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite global public health organizations endorsing breastfeeding or human milk (HM) as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, detailed knowledge of how HM composition influences infant growth is lacking. In this commentary we summarize and interpret the key findings of a large systematic review on HM components and child growth (N = 141 articles included). We highlight the most consistent associations, discuss study quality issues, explore socio-economic and time trends in this body of research, and identify gaps and future research directions. Key Findings of Systematic Review: We grouped HM components into three categories: micronutrients (28 articles), macronutrients (57 articles), and bioactives (75 articles). Overall, we struggled to find consistent associations between HM components and infant growth. The majority of studies (85%) were of moderate or low-quality, with inconsistent HM collection and analysis strategies being identified as the most substantial quality concerns. Additional quality issues included failing to account for potential confounding by factors such as breastfeeding exclusivity and maternal body mass index. Considerations for Future Human Milk Research: Many opportunities exist for the future of HM research. Using untargeted metabolomics will expand our understanding of HM components beyond previously defined and well-understood components. Machine learning will allow researchers to investigate HM as an integrated system, rather than a collection of individual components. Future research on HM composition should incorporate evidence-based HM sampling strategies to encompass circadian variation as well as infant consumption. Additionally, researchers need to focus on developing high quality growth data using consistent growth metrics and definitions. Building multidisciplinary research teams will help to ensure that outcomes are meaningful and clinically relevant. Conclusion: Despite a large body of literature, there is limited quality evidence on the relationship between HM composition and infant growth. Future research should engage in more accurate collection of breastfeeding data, use standardized HM collection strategies and employ assays that are validated for HM. By systematically evaluating the existing literature and identifying gaps in existing research methods and practice, we hope to inspire standardized methods and reporting guidelines to support robust strategies for examining relationships between HM composition and child growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimMethodologyResultsConclusionVitamin D is involved in several processes related to the development of neuronal and non-neuronal cells. There is a possible link between maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy and delayed neurocognitive development in the offspring. The aim of the study was to explore the association of maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels with infants’ neurodevelopment at 6 and 9 months of age.A cohort study was conducted in western Rajasthan, India. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery. Serum 25(OH)-vitamin D levels were measured in both. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed at 6 and 9 months of age in six domains namely cognitive, receptive language, expressive language, fine motor, gross motor and social-emotional using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development- III (BSID-III).A total of 175 mother–child pairs were enrolled. Among the mothers taking part in this study, 7.3% had deficient and 59.09% had insufficient levels of serum 25(OH) vitamin D during the third trimester of their pregnancy. Maternal and cord blood serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were 18.86 ± 8.53 ng/mL and 17.39 ± 8.87 ng/mL, respectively, and there was a significant correlation (r = 0.9778, p = 0.000) between levels of vitamin D. Based on the repeated measures ANOVA, post hoc Tukey’s HSD test, maternal vitamin D levels had a significant relationship (p = 0.047) to the cognitive development of infants at 6 months of age. Furthermore, cord serum vitamin D levels showed a significant association (p = 0.023 and p = 0.010) with the social-emotional development of the infant at the age of 6 and 9 months.Maternal and cord serum 25-OH vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with the cognitive and social-emotional development of infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial features of immature individuals play a pivotal role in eliciting caretaking behaviors in humans. It has been posited that non-human animals share particular infantile facial features with humans, which can elicit caregivers' attention and caretaking behaviors. Nevertheless, the empirical examination of this hypothesis is extremely limited. In this study, we investigated infantile facial features in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), their developmental processes, and their correlation with caretaking and infant behaviors, based on 470 facial photographs from one free-ranging group. We measured the size of facial parts and evaluated these features using non-contact procedures with the animals. The results indicated that, although some partial species differences were observed, the infantile facial features in Japanese macaques were broadly consistent with those previously observed in humans and great apes. Furthermore, half of the infant subjects displayed non-linear developmental trajectories of infantile faces, similar to those suggested in humans. However, unlike previous studies in humans, infantile faces were not significantly associated with maternal or non-maternal caretaking behaviors, nor were their developmental changes correlated with infant behavioral development. These findings indicate that while many aspects of infantile facial features are shared among particular primates, humans may have evolved a uniquely elevated preference for selecting such features among the primate lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a sense of internal safety and security depends mainly on others: numerous neuromodulators play a significant role in the homeostatic process, regulating the importance of proximity to a caregiver and experiencing feelings that enable us to regulate our interdependence with our conspecifics since birth. This array of neurofunctional structures have been called the SEPARATION DISTRESS system (now more commonly known as the PANIC/GRIEF system). This emotional system is mainly involved in the production of depressive symptoms. The disruption of this essential emotional balance leads to the onset of feelings of panic followed by depression. We will focus on the neuropeptides that play a crucial role in social approach behavior in mammals, which enhance prosocial behavior and facilitate the consolidation of social bonds. We propose that most prosocial behaviors are regulated through the specific neuromodulators acting on salient intersubjective stimuli, reflecting an increased sense of inner confidence (safety) in social relationships. This review considers the neurofunctional link between the feelings that may ultimately be at the base of a sense of inner safety and the central neuromodulatory systems. This link may shed light on the clinical implications for the development of early mother-infant bonding and the depressive clinical consequences when this bond is disrupted, such as in post-partum depression, depressive feelings connected to, addiction, neurofunctional disorders, and psychological trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infant nutrition and immune protection require the consumption of human milk, with macrophages mainly contributing to immune defense and infant development. This study was performed to investigate the correlation between macrophage cell numbers in human milk and various maternal factors. Thirteen human milk samples were collected from lactating mothers and were evaluated for macrophage cell numbers using a hemacytometer. The recorded questionnaire containing several questions, including age, multivitamin consumption, coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination status, allergy history, and lactation duration, was used to determine the maternal factors. Pearson's correlation and Mann-Whitney test was employed in statistical analysis, with p-values < 0.05 considered significant. The macrophage cell number reached 54.236 ± 7.456 cells per mL. Notably, a significant correlation was observed between maternal allergy history and the number of macrophage cells in human milk (p = 0.049). Meanwhile, no statistically significant associations were detected among multivitamin consumption (p = 0.833), vaccination status (p = 0.923), and lactation duration (p = 0.236). This study emphasizes the effect of maternal characteristics on the composition and immune properties of human milk. The specific mechanisms underlying these correlations and their potential influence on infant health and development must be explored in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Infant and Family Centered Developmental Care (IFCDC) standards, which guide professionals in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to prioritize the well-being of babies and families through evidence-based practices. Topics include the integration of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) standards into NICU social work, emphasizing an integrative approach that enhances care quality and specificity for this vulnerable population.

A designated psychologist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may seem like an obvious choice, given psychologists' expertise in trauma, attachment, neurodevelopment, mental health, and grief; however, few NICUs have a psychologist on staff. As National Network of NICU Psychologists members, we hope to increase access to psychology services as a routine part of care in NICUs. US News and World Reports (USNWR) ranks NICUs annually on multiple criteria, including having a "designated psychologist or psychiatrist" for consultations with families. We evaluated the psychology services provided by several NICUs of hospitals ranked in the top 50 by USNWR between 2015 and 2019. Many of these respondents had a designated NICU psychologist at varying capacities across the division of Neonatology. This indication should motivate other NICUs to hire a NICU psychologist as the standard of care for families and increase their overall USNWR score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Analysis of parent-provided home videos is a mode of technology that can facilitate a telehealth assessment, allowing observation of function in the child's natural home environment. This scoping review investigated areas of use of home videos for functional assessment by health professionals with a pediatric population with disabilities. Methods:Four databases were searched for articles in which parent-provided home videos were employed by health professionals for functional assessment in children with disabilities. Articles published from 2013 to 2023 were included in the review if they met the inclusion criteria, and the data were extracted into an Excel file. Results:After screening 3,019 articles, 30 articles were included in the data extraction. The majority of studies utilized home videos for diagnosis of autism, followed by assessment of motor development in infants. Studies found that using home videos for assessment is feasible and empowers parents. The validity and reliability of various home video platforms were demonstrated. Conclusions:Analysis of home videos can aid in making a timely diagnosis for prompt intervention, and can be used to assess various body functions, interchangeable with a live clinic assessment. It is important to provide parents with clear instructions when using this method. Future studies are necessary to determine whether parent-provided home videos can be utilized by a multidisciplinary team to assess diverse factors, including activity, participation, and the environment, in a variety of populations of children with disabilities, thus extending services beyond the physical borders of the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is a complex biochemical fluid that includes macronutrients and microbiota, which, together, are known to facilitate infant growth, mediate the colonization of infant microbiomes, and promote immune development. Examining factors that shape milk microbiomes and milk‐nutrient interplay across host taxa is critical to resolving the evolution of the milk environment. Using a comparative approach across four cercopithecine primate species housed at three facilities under similar management conditions, we test for the respective influences of the local environment (housing facility) and host species on milk (a) macronutrients (fat, sugar, and protein), (b) microbiomes (16S rRNA), and (c) predicted microbial functions. We found that milk macronutrients were structured according to host species, while milk microbiomes and predicted function were strongly shaped by the local environment and, to a lesser extent, host species. The milk microbiomes of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at two different facilities more closely resembled those of heterospecific facility‐mates compared to conspecifics at a different facility. We found similar, facility‐driven patterns of microbial functions linked to physiology and immune modulation, suggesting that milk microbiomes may influence infant health and development. These results provide novel insight into the complexity of milk and its potential impact on infants across species and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early interventions may promote reductions in mothers' anxiety-depression (AD) symptoms and improvements in their offspring. This longitudinal randomized research was conducted to assess the effects of interdisciplinary online therapeutic groups (GIO) in at-risk mothers and babies during the COVID-19 pandemic in a disadvantaged neighborhood in Barcelona (Spain). A total of 135 babies were born from March 2020 to June 2021 in a primary healthcare center of Barcelona (Spain). Pregnant woman and new mothers were screened for AD symptomatology through EPDS and STAI questionnaires. Seventy-two of them met high-risk criteria for AD and were included in the study. They were randomly assigned into the two groups of the study: 40 participants were assigned to GIO, the therapeutic group (TG), while 32 of them were assigned to the control group (CG) and received treatment as usual. The course of the mothers' symptomatology was assessed, as well as the baby's development at 6 months old in a blind pediatric follow-up. No differences were found in AD between both groups before the intervention. However, we obtained a significant decrease in AD symptomatology (EPDS p <.001; STAI state p =.015 and STAI trait p <.001at 6 months of life) after the intervention in the TG compared to the CG. Pediatric follow-up at 6 months demonstrated significant differences between groups in babies' development assessment (manipulation p =.003; language p <.001; sociability p <.001). The GIO helped to ensure healthy development of the baby and reduction of the mothers' depressive-anxiety symptomatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been mainly described from a risk perspective, with a focus on endogenous, exogenous, and temporal risk factors that can interact to facilitate lethal outcomes. Here we discuss the limitations that this risk-based paradigm may have, using two of the major risk factors for SIDS, prone sleep position and bed-sharing, as examples. Based on a multipronged theoretical model encompassing evolutionary theory, developmental biology, and cultural mismatch theory, we conceptualize the vulnerability to SIDS as an imbalance between current physiologic-regulatory demands and current protective abilities on the part of the infant. From this understanding, SIDS appears as a developmental condition in which competencies relevant to self-protection fail to develop appropriately in the future victims. Since all of the protective resources in question are bound to emerge during normal infant development, we contend that SIDS may reflect an evolutionary mismatch situation—a constellation in which certain modern developmental influences may overextend the child's adaptive (evolutionary) repertoire. We thus argue that SIDS may be better understood if the focus on risk factors is complemented by a deeper appreciation of the protective resources that human infants acquire during their normal development. We extensively analyze this evolutionary-developmental theory against the body of epidemiological and experimental evidence in SIDS research and thereby also address the as-of-yet unresolved question of why breastfeeding may be protective against SIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Combining research from infant and child development, public health, anthropology, and history, this research examines the relationship between growth, growth disruption, and skeletal indicators of chronic and/or episodic physiological stress (stress) among juvenile individuals (n = 60) interred at the late antique infant and child cemetery at Poggio Gramignano (PG) (ca. 5th century CE), associated with a rural agricultural community. Materials and methods: Growth disruption—evidenced by decreased long bone length compared to dental age—and stress experience—evidenced by skeletal stress indicators—within these individuals are compared to those within juveniles from a comparative sample (n = 66) from two urban Roman‐era cemeteries, Villa Rustica (VR) (0–250 CE) and Tragurium City Necropolis (TCN) (0–700 CE). Results: Results indicate that individuals from PG had significantly smaller femoral lengths‐for‐age than those from VR and TCN; however, the frequency of skeletal stress indicators was higher among juveniles from VR and TCN. Discussion: These differences in growth and stress experience are likely related to the different biosocial and ecological environments present in these two regions. For the community at PG, internal and external violent conflicts, as well as social, political, and economic turmoil, and subsistence shortages, endemic and epidemic infectious disease, nutritional deficiencies, and inherited or acquired anemia may have synergized to create chronically and/or episodically deleterious conditions for its juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of the present research was to compare the nutritional status, weight gain, length of hospital stay, and the development of some complications in very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants who received and those who did not receive olive oil supplementation enterally. Materials and Methods: This study was a single-blind, randomized controlled trial with 96 VLBW infants (intervention: 48, control: 48) in a neonatal intensive care unit. In this study, those infants who met the inclusion criteria for the study were divided into two groups by using a random number table. The same feeding protocol (breast milk and/or formula milk) was applied to the infants in both groups. From the seventh day of life (after starting to take 25-30 mL/kg/day orally), 0.5 cc/30 mL of olive oil was added to the milk at each feeding of those infants in the intervention group. Results: In comparison with the control group, the infants in the intervention group had a higher daily weight gain rate in the first month and a higher weight on the tenth day, a shorter transition time to full enteral feeding, a higher amount of calories on the day of transition to full enteral feeding, and a shorter length of hospital stay (p<0.05). Furthermore, the need for rectal enema and the prevalence of sepsis, gastrointestinal system intolerance, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were significantly lower in the intervention group in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that olive oil supplementation administered enterally to preterm infants can be recommended since it positively affects the development of infants. Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the following ID: NCT05815849. This study was retrospectively registered on the 14th of April, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, texts on methods in animal behavior research have stressed the need for observers of behavior to work to minimize potential unconscious biases in their coding of data. Two major ways of minimizing these biases are to carry out data coding blind to the key comparisons being made in the study and to have high inter‐observer reliability. Over 10 years ago, Burghardt et al. (2012, Ethology, 118, 511) reviewed five major journals in the field of animal behavior and coded randomly selected articles from five decadal volumes (1970 to 2010). That earlier article found poor rates of reporting these two common methods for minimizing potential biases. Here, we carried out similar coding for the 2020 volumes from those same five journals. We found that rates of reporting have increased in all five journals – some substantially. However, rates of reporting still lag behind the journal Infancy, which publishes research on human infant development and relies on many of the same behavioral observation and coding methods used by animal behavior researchers. Given increased calls for transparency and reproducibility in many different fields of scientific study, we argue that we – researchers, reviewers, and editors – can and need to do better at making sure we are actively conducting research in ways to minimize potential observer biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing evidence that prenatal stress elevates the risk of children's social–emotional development, but the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. Home environment provides learning opportunities and stimulation required for children's early development and can be influenced by prenatal maternal stress. This study aimed to examine whether home environment can mediate the association between prenatal stress during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their offspring's social–emotional problems thereafter. A pilot sample was derived from 2020 to 2021 Maternal and Child Health Cohort study (N = 82) with the pregnant women recruited during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020. Prenatal stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Home environment was measured using the Child Home Nurture Environment Scales. Mother-reported toddler social–emotional problems were assessed at 12 months of age. The mediation model was used for data analysis. The mean scores of social–emotional problems, which include externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation, and competence, were 10.98 (5.08), 14.72 (6.49), 15.15 (6.31), and 36.73 (10.26), respectively. Prenatal stress, home environment, and social–emotional problems were significantly related (P < 0.05). Home environment significantly mediated the association between prenatal stress and social–emotional problems with the indirect effect [95% CI] of 0.06 [0.01, 0.14] for externalizing behaviors, 0.10 [0.00, 0.24] for internalizing behaviors, − 0.15 [− 0.31, − 0.01] for competence, 0.08 [0.01, 0.17] and 0.08 [0.01, 0.21] for dysregulation. These findings suggest that prenatal stress may affect offspring's social–emotional problems through the home environment. Screening for prenatal stress and promoting supportive home environment may be potential strategies for social–emotional problems interventions in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the extent to which estimates of a latent trait or underlying construct of motor ability differ in infants born at term and preterm, based on caregiver ratings of the motor domain of PediaTrac v3.0. Method: The sample consisted of 571 caregiver–infant dyads (331 born at term, 240 born preterm), 48% female, with 51.7% of caregivers identifying as an ethnic minority. Latent trait of motor ability was estimated based on item response theory modeling. Gestational group differences (term and preterm birth) were examined at the newborn/term‐equivalent, 2‐, 4‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month time points. Results: Caregiver ratings of latent trait of motor ability were reliably modeled across the range of abilities at each time point. While the group born preterm exhibited significantly more advanced motor abilities at the term‐equivalent time point, by 6 months the group born at term was more advanced. Biological sex difference main and interaction effects were not significant. Interpretation: Caregivers provided reliable, longitudinal estimates of motor ability in infancy, reflecting important differences in the motor development of infants born at term and preterm. The findings suggest that significant motor development occurs in infants born preterm from birth to the term‐equivalent time point and provide a foundation to examine motor growth trajectories as potential predictors in the early identification of neurodevelopmental conditions and needs. What this paper adds: Longitudinal caregiver ratings of motor function in early infancy yielded reliable estimates of the latent trait of motor ability.Motor ability at the term‐equivalent time point was higher in infants born preterm than infants born at term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV has been a global success. But little is known about the growth parameters of infants delivered by mothers with HIV or the drug resistance of infants with HIV in China. The study aimed to assess growth parameters and drug resistance in Chinese infants exposed to HIV. Methods: We conducted an 18‐month longitudinal follow‐up study of 3283 infants (3222 without HIV; 61 with HIV) born to mothers with HIV in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region between January 2015 and December 2021. The weight and length of all participants was recorded. In addition, genetic subtypes and drug resistance analysis were performed for infants with HIV. Results: Compared with infants without HIV, those with HIV had significantly lower weight/length Z‐scores, except at 18 months of age. The length/age Z‐scores of infants with HIV was significantly reduced, except at 1 month of age. The weight/age Z‐scores of infants with HIV were significantly lower at all follow‐up time points. The weight/length Z‐scores of male infants without HIV were significantly lower than for female infants without HIV at all follow‐up time points. Male infants without HIV had lower length/age and weight/age Z‐scores than female infants at the remaining follow‐up points, except at 1 month of age. Of a total of 61 infants with HIV, subtype and drug‐resistance data were obtained from 37 (60.66%) samples. Infants with HIV were dominated by the CRF01_AE genotype and showed a diversity of mutation sites dominated by non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the growth of infants exposed to HIV in southwest China and provides detailed information on subtype distribution and drug resistance of those with HIV. Nutritional support and drug‐resistance surveillance for infants exposed to HIV need to be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]