Search Results (108)

Since its discovery in the late 19th century, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has had a significant medical and societal impact, primarily affecting newborns, toddlers, and young adults. While new pharmaceutical strategies are effective in treating SMA in a particular subset of patients, continued research is necessary to improve the well-being of patients. Treatments are needed for those who do not respond to newly approved drugs and older patients with significantly compromised neuron systems. After summarizing SMA genotypes, phenotypes, and approved pharmacological treatments, this review presents ongoing trials for approved and new molecules, new formulations, and administration methods. Based on the work of our lab, we also discuss nutritional interventions that aim to counteract the oxidative stress present in SMA cells. Finally, we assess rehabilitative interventions, focusing on psychological approaches. Full article

This story began half a century ago with the discovery of an unusually high presence of tryptophan (Trp, W) in transthyretin (TTR), one of the three carrier proteins of thyroid hormones. With the Trp-rich retinol-binding protein (RBP), TTR forms a plasma complex implicated in the delivery of retinoid compounds to body tissues. W has the lowest concentration among all AAs involved in the sequencing of human body proteins. The present review proposes molecular maps focusing on the ratio of W/AA residues found in the sequence of proteins involved in immune events, allowing us to ascribe the guidance of inflammatory processes as fully under the influence of W. Under the control of cytokine stimulation, plasma biomarkers of protein nutritional status work in concert with major acute-phase reactants (APRs) and with carrier proteins to release, in a free and active form, their W and hormonal ligands, interacting to generate hot spots affecting the course of acute stress disorders. The prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI) scoring formula contributes to identifying the respective roles played by each of the components prevailing during the progression of the disease. Glucagon demonstrates ambivalent properties, remaining passive under steady-state conditions while displaying stronger effects after cytokine activation. In developing countries, inappropriate weaning periods lead to toddlers eating W-deficient cereals as a staple, causing a dramatic reduction in the levels of W-rich biomarkers in plasma, constituting a novel nutritional deficiency at the global scale. Appropriate counseling should be set up using W implementations to cover the weaning period and extended until school age. In adult and elderly subjects, the helpful immune protections provided by W may be hindered by the surge in harmful catabolites with the occurrence of chronic complications, which can have a significant public health impact but lack the uncontrolled surges in PINI observed in young infants and teenagers. Biomarkers of neurodegenerative and neoplastic disorders measured in elderly patients indicate the slow-moving elevation of APRs due to rampant degradation processes. Full article

Background/Objective: A growing body of international research continues to show evidence of worsening youth mental health since the beginning of the COVID-19 global pandemic, yet very little research in this area has included young children under 6 years. Given the potential impact of early life stress during this critical period of development, it is crucial to better understand the effects on this age group. The objective of this study was to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional health of very young children. Methods: This study utilized retrospective chart review of primary care records to compare the prevalence of markers of stress in two cohorts of children under the age of 6 years, comparing children presenting for care prior to the pandemic (1 April 2019–31 March 2020; control period) with those presenting for care during the first year of the pandemic (1 April 2020–31 March 2021; study period) in a large pediatric primary care clinic in Washington, DC, USA. Based on power calculations, charts of 200 patients from each cohort were reviewed and prevalence of stress markers were summarized using counts and percentages and compared between groups using chi-squared tests. Multivariable logistic regression models were also conducted for each domain adjusting for age, gender, and insurance type. Results: Overall, sleep difficulties were significantly more prevalent during the pandemic period compared to the control period (14% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.013). In addition, signs of stress presented differently across age groups. For example, during the pandemic period toddlers (13–35 months) were 13 times more likely (OR = 13, 95% CI [2.82, 60.4], p < 0.001) and preschool-aged children (36–71 months) were 18.5 times more likely (OR = 18.5, 95% CI [4.0, 86], p < 0.001) than infants to present with behavior problems, indicating substantially higher risk of externalizing symptoms in older children compared to infants. Toddlers were less likely than infants to present with mood changes (e.g., fussiness or crying) (OR = 0.15, 95% CI [0.03, 0.65], p = 0.011). In addition, toddlers (OR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.31, 0.97], p = 0.038) and preschool-aged children (OR = 0.15, 95% CI [0.06, 0.4], p < 0.001) were also less likely to present with feeding difficulties compared to infants. Conclusions: One of the very few studies of young children under 6 years (including infants) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study found that even very young children experienced stress during the pandemic. Signs of emotional stress were identified in a primary care office during routine care, highlighting an important opportunity for early intervention and/or prevention, such as counseling and resources for caregivers, in settings where young children are already presenting for routine care. Full article

There is an increasing number of multilingual children attending early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings around the world. Early childhood teachers play a crucial role in supporting these multilingual young children. As teachers’ teaching practices are directed by their beliefs, it is significant to understand early childhood teachers’ beliefs about multilingualism in the existing literature in order to better support multilingual children. From 14 studies, this review categorised three main themes of early childhood teachers’ beliefs about multilingualism: multilingualism as a problem, multilingualism as a right, and concerns about multilingualism as a resource. Two studies examined factors associated with the variation in teachers’ beliefs. The findings of this review summarised various perspectives of teachers’ misconceptions and negative beliefs about multilingualism, although a small number of studies reported teachers’ positive beliefs about multilingualism in ECEC. This review addresses early childhood teachers’ knowledge gaps in child language development and multilingual pedagogies. In addition, this review identifies several research gaps for future studies. For example, more studies conducted in non-Western contexts and studies on teachers’ beliefs about supporting multilingual infants and toddlers are much needed. This review also contributes to informing future directions for professional development to empower early childhood teachers to support multilingualism. Full article

Human parechoviruses, officially known as Parechovirus A (PeV-A), are more frequently reported as a significant cause of serious infections in newborns and young infants. We aimed to describe the clinical features and neurological outcomes of PeV-A encephalitis cases identified in Warsaw. Infants with suspected encephalitis were retrospectively identified in three hospitals in the summer of 2022. Cases of confirmed PeV-A infection had their comprehensive demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, and outcome data reviewed. The psychomotor development of the children up to the age of 2 years was assessed by using the standardized tools. We identified 18 cases of confirmed encephalitis with a PeV-A infection. Their median age was 16 days. Fourteen cases were included in the analysis, while one patient dropped out after the first visit. Most were boys (9/14), and one patient was born preterm. Three patients had white matter alterations on brain MRI at discharge. No significant neurologic sequelae were observed after acute illness. At the 24-month follow-up, based on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-IV) and the Brunet–Lézine Scale, the children showed no neurodevelopmental sequelae. Brain MRIs were obtained in all of the participants up to 12 months of age and revealed no significant lesions. Neurodevelopmental complications are not frequent in children after PeV-A encephalitis at 24 months of age. Continued follow-up in larger cohorts is needed to explore the predictors of long-term morbidity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Increased burdens on caregivers of infants and toddlers significantly affect caregivers’ quality of life and health. Although adequate care during infancy contributes to child development and special health care needs affect caregiver burden, the risk factors for and protective factors against increased caregiver burden remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate children’s health care needs and required caregiving time and identify factors associated with increased caregiver burden. Methods: We conducted an online survey of 287 Japanese caregivers who were randomly selected from a web panel and were raising children aged <4 years. The survey comprised a sociodemographic data form, Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Screener, caregiving time survey form, and questions on increased burden. Needs and caregiving time were evaluated by dividing the participants into CSHCN and non-CSHCN groups. Related factors were analyzed using increased burden as the dependent variable. The chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, and modified Poisson regression were used for data analysis. Results: Among the children of the 287 participating caregivers, 16.4% were identified as CSHCN, while 96.9% had no specific diagnosis. Overall, 38.3% of the CSHCN group met only one of the five CSHCN Screener items. The CSHCN group spent significantly more time providing and arranging/coordinating health care. The non-CSHCN group spent significantly more time providing daily care. After adjusting for covariates, increased caregiver burden was significantly associated with a younger age of the child, more caregiving time required 6 months prior to the survey, and providing care for CSHCN. Conclusions: To help reduce the burden of childcare on caregivers of infants and young children, children’s needs should be identified and generous childcare provided from an early age. Early identification of CSHCN and appropriate support for families may help reduce caregiver burden during early childhood. Full article

Objective: This study explores the current state of science regarding DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in young children. It examines the effectiveness of existing diagnostic methods and evaluates the potential of transdiagnostic approaches for early intervention. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, focusing on peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2023. The search followed PRISMA guidelines, selecting articles investigating ASD diagnosis in toddlers and preschoolers using DSM-5 criteria, behavioral assessments, and emerging diagnostic tools. Results: Findings indicate that DSM-5 provides a structured framework for ASD diagnosis, but it has limitations in early identification. It is necessary to integrate multiple assessment tools. Recent research highlights transdiagnostic models, which move beyond rigid diagnostic categories to capture the complexities of ASD presentation in young children. Conclusion: The literature supports a shift towards a transdiagnostic approach that combines behavioral, biological, and environmental assessments. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to refine ASD diagnostic frameworks to ensure more accurate and timely diagnoses that better serve affected children and their families. Full article

Background: Seasonal influenza viruses are primarily known for causing respiratory illness, but rare hematologic complications can occur, especially in young children. While influenza A is more commonly linked to severe manifestations, influenza B can similarly precipitate life-threatening cytopenias, particularly in toddlers. Case Presentation: We report the case of a previously healthy 1-year-and-8-months-old girl who presented with a high fever, cough, and marked pallor during peak influenza season. Laboratory tests revealed significant microcytic, hypochromic anemia and severe thrombocytopenia. Rapid antigen testing was positive for influenza B. An extensive workup for other causes of bicytopenia, including leukemia, hemolysis, aplastic anemia, and other viral infections, yielded negative results. The child was managed with urgent red blood cell and platelet transfusions, oseltamivir antiviral therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, and supportive care. Bone marrow aspiration was deferred in light of the rapid hematologic recovery. Her hemoglobin greatly improved, and her platelet count reached normal values at discharge. Conclusions: Our case underscores the need to consider influenza in the differential diagnosis of unexplained cytopenias during flu season. This case illustrates that influenza B can mimic hematologic malignancies. Rapid diagnosis and supportive treatment are essential to avoid fatal outcomes. Influenza vaccination plays a significant role in preventing severe complications, such as those we encountered. Full article

Objectives: To analyse whether breastfeeding (BF) is related to better psychomotor development in the first two years of life. Methods: Prospective longitudinal study of a cohort of children born in Spain (between April 2017 and March 2018) and followed during the first two years of life by their primary care paediatrician in eight visits (LAyDI study—PAPenRed research network). The Haizea-Llevant development chart was used to assess the psychomotor development (DPM), and the subjects were divided according to whether or not they met each milestone. Results: The initial sample was 1946 children (50.1% boys), which varied at each visit from 1946 on the first and second visit to 1076 on the last visit; DPM at 12, 18 and 24 months was compared according to the type of BF at 6 months; at 24 months, significant differences were found in the achievement of milestones in the BF-at-6-months group (“scribbles spontaneously”, p 0.007 and “descends stair”, p 0.002). When comparing the mean duration of BF and exclusive breastfeeding, according to milestones reached or not, statistically significant differences were observed in more milestones at the 24-month visit, including “eats with a spoon” (5.6 months in the group that reached it vs. 2.4 months in the group that did not, p 0.014), and again for the milestone ‘scribbles spontaneously’ (5.6 months vs. 1.8 months, p 0.021), among others. Conclusions: In our study, psychomotor development in the first two years of life does not show major differences in relation to the type of feeding; from this age onwards, the differences may be greater. Many factors influence psychomotor development in the first years of life, with breastfeeding not being an isolated factor. Full article

Among the multiple zoomorphic and geometric images that dominate Upper Paleolithic decorated cave walls in Europe, some intriguing human hand stencils and finger flutings stand out. Dozens of these marks are attributed to toddlers and children aged 2–12. Accompanied by older group members, they entered these deep, oxygen-depleted and sensory-deprived spaces, climbing and crawling in dark, wet, difficult-to-navigate environments where one might easily get lost or separated from the group. So, why would anyone bring young children into such dangerous locations? Relevant archaeological and anthropological studies form the basis of our hypothesis that the journeys of Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherers to the depths of deep caves along with their young children should be seen in the framework of active connection with the cosmos as practiced by many indigenous societies worldwide. Indigenous societies often view children as liminal agents with unique physical, cognitive, and mental qualities that allow them to return to the supernatural realm more easily than adults. This makes them especially adept mediators between the world of the living and that of the spirits. In this paper, we examine children’s contribution to the creation of Paleolithic cave art as active agents. Their presence in caves (liminal spaces in themselves) and their participation in the creation of rock art might thus reflect their unique role in early human cosmology and ontology. Full article

This research explored the occurrence of aha-experiences in young children during participatory creative processes within STEAM learning. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific conditions that contribute to the emergence of these aha-experiences. A series of activities were designed and implemented as part of a participatory observation study at the Municipal Center for Early Childhood Education and Care in Tokyo, Japan. The STEAM sessions involved the use of a Wind Tunnel and colorful scarves, engaging infants and toddlers in exploratory interactions with the device and materials alongside their classmates, teachers, and the first author, referred to as researcher T. Through video recordings, the researchers conducted microanalysis of the collected data. The findings confirmed that children’s aesthetic sensitivity was activated during aha-experiences. Furthermore, this heightened sensitivity encouraged active participation from their teachers in the creative process. The study employed a socio-cultural approach to creativity theory to interpret these aha-experiences in the context of STEAM learning. It highlighted the participatory nature of creativity and the role of aesthetic sensitivity in young children’s learning. Additionally, the study provided insights for educators and caregivers on how to support the development of creativity in infants and toddlers within STEAM learning environments. Full article

Animal-assisted activities (AAAs) effectively improve the self-esteem of infants and young children, thereby playing a significant role in their growth into adolescence. In particular, in modern society, self-esteem during childhood and adolescence can influence self-esteem during adulthood. Therefore, this study evaluates whether animal-assisted activities could improve infants’ self-esteem. There were ten participants in this study, with six one-hour sessions conducted twice a week with six-year-old children. The study proceeded with one host, two assistant hosts, one animal manager, one observer, and two helper rabbits. A self-esteem test was used as the research tool. Before and after the program, the pre-and post-tests were conducted separately to confirm the effect. Animal-mediated therapy in the program resulted in reducing the average scores in certain sub-areas of self-esteem. Additionally, the average score demonstrated a statistically significant increase in other areas. This study’s results showed that play programs involving animal-assisted activities can positively improve the self-esteem of infants and toddlers who develop early social skills. Full article

Background/Objectives: While studies suggest that young children can learn and think about sustainability, most research has focused on children aged three to five, leaving a significant gap in understanding how to engage toddlers (one to three years of age) in early-childhood education in sustainability (ECEfS). This study aims to address this gap, a crucial and often overlooked area, by investigating preschool teachers’ views of ECEfS and their daily practices for nurturing sustainability in a toddler group in a Swedish preschool. Methods: We employed a case study approach, incorporating observations, interviews, and document analysis for data collection. Qualitative techniques were used for data analysis. The research was conducted with a strong commitment to ethical considerations, including obtaining participants’ consent, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, informing them of their right to withdraw, and maintaining anonymity. Results: The findings demonstrate that the teachers possessed a solid understanding of education for sustainability and were capable of effectively implementing sustainability-related daily practices in toddler groups. By creating suitable learning environments and integrating sustainability issues into daily classroom activities, they enhanced the children’s overall learning experiences. Conclusions: This study’s findings underscore the pivotal role of educators in shaping the mindsets and behaviors of future generations, thereby supporting the long-term goals of sustainable development. By nurturing toddlers’ innate curiosity and harnessing their brains’ plasticity, educators can effectively engage toddlers in ECEfS and promote sustainable development from an early age. This study’s implications highlight the need to prioritize ECEfS during toddlerhood to realize the full potential of this critical investment in the future of our planet. Full article

The decline in birth rates has raised concerns about the safety of infants and young children (0–18 months), particularly those who suffer suffocation or even death during sleep from their own or external causes. How to ensure that infants and young children can safely pass through this dangerous period after birth is the focus of this project. This article focuses on sleeping infants and young children as the subject of research. Blood oxygen sensors and heart rate sensors attached to socks are used to monitor changes in blood oxygen and heart rate when infants and young children experience asphyxia. The changes are then transmitted via Bluetooth to a mobile app and an alarm sound is generated to act as a good warning. At the same time, the researchers received good feedback from testing the garments on two babies and toddlers, indicating they provide an effective warning. Full article

Background: Early motor development is fundamental in driving cognitive skill acquisition. Motor delays in children with cerebral palsy (CP) often limit exploratory behaviors, decreasing opportunities or the quality of cognitive development, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. This study aimed to assess immediate and 5-month motor and cognitive changes in infants and toddlers at risk of or with CP after participation in a community-based program. Methods: Twenty-two children (mean age: 22 ± 7 months) classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and mini-Manual Ability Classification System (mini-MACS) participated in a 6-day community-based activity program, with outcomes assessed using the Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC-2). Results: Participants who met their motor goals post-participation had significantly higher cognitive scores (p = 0.006) 5 months after the program. Participants with higher functional motor abilities (GMFCS levels I–II, p = 0.052; mini-MACS levels I–II, p = 0.004) demonstrated better cognitive scores at 5 months, adjusted for baseline scores, than those with lower functional motor abilities. Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of motor improvements following an evidence-based community program on later cognitive development. Prospective studies investigating the mechanisms and mediation of cognitive progress in children with CP should investigate the effects of early motor interventions on long-term developmental trajectories. Full article