Parentage Research Articles

Development of a novel parent-report measure of food allergy impact.

The aim of this study was to develop an outcome measure for caregivers of children with food allergy. A community-informed measure development process was utilised to generate a novel parent-reported outcome tool for caregivers of children with food allergy. We conducted focus groups with parents and caregivers of food-allergic (n = 18) children, following which a team of coders identified themes and generated an initial set of candidate items. These items were reviewed by content-area experts (n = 10) using content validity indices. We then conducted a series of cognitive interviews with parents of children with food allergy (n = 12) validating the instrument draft. We describe the results of these development steps as well as future steps to produce the final, validated form of the measure. The resultant 91-item measure is intended for parents of children ages two to 12 years. This measure fills a unique need in the field by leveraging key stakeholders' perspectives to develop and subsequently validate a novel parent-reported measure of parent and family food allergy impacts of children ages two to 12 years old.

Culturally Tailored Messages and Trial Registry Enrollment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Marginalized populations have lower levels of clinical trial representation than other populations. Tailoring recruitment materials and providing incentives may improve representation. To determine whether culturally tailored video improves parents' decision to enroll (DTE) Black children in a research registry. A randomized clinical trial, using mixed methods and consecutive sampling, was conducted in an urban primary care pediatric clinic. A post hoc study assessed the association of a monetary incentive with DTE. Ninety-three parents were recruited before their child's scheduled clinic visit. Participants completed a survey during which they were randomly assigned to review a paragraph (control group), generic video, or tailored video and received a gift card. Video watchers completed questions about its effectiveness. All participants were invited to join the registry. In the post hoc study, consenting participants followed the control group protocol and the coordinator promised them an ink pen for participating. The study was conducted between November 15, 2022, and August 29, 2023. A survey regarding the importance of being included in research studies was administered after participants watched a culturally tailored video. The primary outcome was DTE. Covariates were message effectiveness, clinical trial knowledge, and trust. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. A total of 125 individuals were included. All groups had similar mean (SD) parent age (overall, 32.6 [7.35] years), gender (110 [88.0%] women), and race (116 [92.8%] Black or African American). There was no significant difference in the odds of DTE between the appeal video and control (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% CI, 0.38-3.72) or between the generic video and control (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 0.54-6.71). However, DTE was higher for all 3 gift card groups vs the ink pen incentive group (eg, control vs ink pen incentive: OR, 5.01; 95% CI, 1.68-14.95). After adjusting for trust, monetary incentives were associated with higher odds of DTE (adjusted OR, 5.92; 95% CI, 2.44-14.39). In this randomized clinical trial, targeted messaging was not associated with a higher decision to enroll in a pediatric clinical trial registry. There may be a role for combining holistic messaging with monetary incentives to improve enrollment. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06138145.

Understanding Parental Decision-Making and Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination for Children in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Background/Objectives: In Vietnam, COVID-19 vaccination campaigns for children have encountered numerous challenges due to acceptance issues among parents. This study aimed to assess parental decision-making and identify factors influencing their decision to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey conducted between April and May 2023 among parents of children aged 6–17 years enrolled in urban and rural schools in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam. Data on parental and child demographics, vaccination decision-making, COVID-19 experiences, and health beliefs based on the Health Belief Model were collected and analyzed, using univariate and multivariable multinomial regression analyses. Results: Among 4235 respondents (median age 41 years, 80.4% female), 81.3% had accepted all vaccine doses for their children, 9.7% had accepted some doses, 4.6% had rejected all doses, and 4.5% had not vaccinated their children for reasons unrelated to vaccine acceptance. Factors influencing parental decision-making included parental age, educational status, area of residence, health beliefs, prior experience with COVID-19 vaccination, and their child’s age and health status. Conclusions: We found overall high levels of parental acceptance for COVID-19 vaccination for children in Thai Nguyen province. To enhance COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, targeted communication strategies should focus on younger parents, those living in urban areas, parents with higher educational levels, and those with children who are younger or have underlying medical conditions. Trusted sources such as healthcare workers, teachers, and official health websites are essential for disseminating accurate information and fostering trust in vaccination programs.

Effect modifications of parents’ age at childbirth on association between ambient particulate matter and children obesity

BackgroundThere is limited evidence regarding the modifying effects of parents’ age at childbirth on the relationship between air pollution and obesity in plateau areas. This study aimed to explore the association between particulate matter (PM) and child obesity, specifically investigating whether parents’ age at childbirth could modify this relationship in the Tibetan plateau, China.MethodsSatellite-based random forest models were used to estimate the concentrations of PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 μm), PMc (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters between 2.5 μm and 10 μm), and PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 10 μm). Linear and logistic regression models were employed to assess associations between PM exposure and obesity indicators, and effect estimates of PM across different particle sizes were compared.ResultsThe study comprised 2,015 children under five years old. Postnatal exposure to PM was positively associated with overweight and obesity (OWO), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). Among these pollutants, PM10 exhibited the strongest association with BMI and OWO, whereas PMc showed the strongest association with WHR. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 (5.67 µg/m3), PMc (5.25 µg/m3), and PM10 (11.06 µg/m3) was positively associated with OWO (odd ratio [OR] for PM2.5 = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] for PM2.5 = 1.24 to 1.85; OR for PMc = 1.50, 95% CI for PMc = 1.19 to 1.88; OR for PM10 = 1.56, 95% CI for PM10 = 1.25 to 1.96), respectively. Stratified analysis by parents’ age at childbirth indicated that the effects of PM on obesity indicators were more pronounced in the advanced age group.ConclusionsLong-term exposure to PM was positively associated with OWO, WHR, and BMI. Our findings also underscore the importance of examining the effects of ambient PM exposure on OWO, particularly in parents of advanced age at childbirth.

Autism, intelligence, language, and adaptive behavior, disentangling a complex relationship

IntroductionAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a range of intellectual and language abilities. Its heterogeneity is acknowledged in modern diagnostics, complicating research and necessitating precision medicine and a multidimensional approach for individualized treatment and accurate assessment. Intellectual and language functioning influence adaptive skills and symptomatology. Thus, assessing adaptive functioning in a multidimensional and multi-informant manner is crucial, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluations. This study explores the interplay between autistic traits, demographic variables, IQ, adaptive functioning, and the applicability of ICD-11 classifications.MethodsWe analyzed data from the initial global evaluation of 60 diverse autistic children (aged 35 to 120 months; IQ range 16 to 118). Parent-reports using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS-II) were compared with standardized assessments from the PsychoEducational Profile (PEP-3). Children’s intellectual levels were assessed using Griffiths Scales of Child Development (Griffiths III) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) was used for autistic traits. They were further classified according to the ICD-11 diagnostic system, functional language, and intellectual functioning levels. Correlations among variables, group comparisons, and multivariate analyses were performed.ResultsThe analysis indicates a linear effect of IQ on all adaptive scales and the impact of autistic traits on directly measured adaptive functioning. A factorial effect was observed due to changes concerning specific age, intellectual, and linguistic levels, which do not completely align with ICD-11 categorization. Additionally, a negative correlation between intelligence and measured autistic traits was found. Parental age, education level, and age at childbirth were also found to affect various adaptive scales.DiscussionThe study questions the ICD-11’s proposed distinctions in IQ and language functioning for ASD, advocating for more refined categorization and developmental considerations. It underscores the intricate relationship between autistic traits, IQ, and communication skills, casting doubt on the precision of diagnostic tools across the spectrum. Parental reports and direct assessments are essential for comprehensive evaluation, with parental education and age influencing children’s behaviors and skills. The study calls for a nuanced approach to ASD assessment, integrating various metrics and sources of information for a detailed phenotyping necessary for personalized interventions and biological research.

Quality of Life in Children With Chronic Health Conditions and Its Contribution to Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Families.

While theoretical models have established the bidirectional relationship between health and wellbeing of parents and children with chronic health conditions (CHCs), previous work has predominantly emphasised the impact of parent functioning on child outcomes. This study examines how quality of life (QoL) domains in children with CHCs are associated with unmet supportive care needs (SCN) of their parents and explores whether these associations vary by health condition. Parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), type 1 diabetes (T1D) and cancer diagnosed before the age of 12 years and receiving treatment within the last 5 years were eligible. Parents recruited through charity organisations and social media platforms completed a secure, online survey via Qualtrics. The PedsQL examined child QoL across four dimensions: physical, emotional, social and school functioning. A 34-item survey assessed parents' unmet SCN in the previous month across six need domains (e.g., care and informational). Linear regressions examined associations between child QoL and unmet SCN domains and moderation analyses determined whether associations varied as a function of CHC. The study included 186 parents (age range 25-56 years) of children diagnosed with various CHCs (52% CHD; 27% T1D, 21% cancer). The child's emotional functioning was inversely related to all unmet SCN domains, social functioning was inversely related to three domains (physical and social; support; financial), school functioning was inversely related to two domains (physical and social; care), and child's physical functioning was not associated with any SCN domains. Only the association between child school functioning and unmet care needs was significantly moderated by CHC type (p < 0.05). Poorer emotional functioning in children with a CHC is a key factor in determining parents unmet SCN. Larger studies are required to replicate these findings and inform design of interventions addressing QoL and unmet SCN in families of children with common CHCs.

School travel behaviors: How the pandemic impacted communities

The global pandemic in early 2020 significantly disrupted life for many families, and the trip to and from school was not immune to these disruptions. Parents and children alike made travel adjustments depending on their preferences with regard to personal health and safety, social distancing, and aversion to risk. Each school district and individual school also made decisions with regard to in-person or remote learning during this period of uncertainty.In this study, a research gap was filled by examining the effect of the pandemic on school transportation-related decisions for hundreds of families living in the United States. An online survey was developed and administered with the help of Qualtrics, an experience management company. Over 600 responses were gathered from across three Pacific Northwest states. In addition to collecting demographic data about the respondents, the survey asked about travel mode choices and characteristics of the trip to and from school. The collective results were then analyzed to determine which factors directly contributed to pandemic-related changes in travel behavior.The study concluded that parent education level, household income, and age of child were all statistically significant variables that affected behavioral change. Additionally, common travel assumptions associated with rural students, when compared with urban students, were confirmed. These factors included a greater reliance on a yellow school bus and lesser availability of critical infrastructure.

Parental age at birth, telomere length, and autism spectrum disorders in the UK Biobank cohort.

Older parental age at birth is associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in offspring. Independently, shorter telomere length (TL) has also been shown to be associated with ASD in children. However, older paternal age at birth, with or without controlling for maternal age, has been associated with longer TL, a seemingly contradictory finding. Here, we conducted a retrospective cohort study among participants in the UK Biobank to disentangle associations between leukocyte TL and ASD status in adults, and the potential moderation by parental age on adult offspring's TL. Participants with ASD diagnosis (N = 87) with a mean age of 46.0 (SD 4.4) years were matched to participants without ASD diagnosis (N = 870) based on age, sex, ethnicity, education, household income, and assessment center. No statistically significant differences were seen in TL between participants with and without ASD when parental age at birth was not considered. However, there was a significant interaction between ASD diagnostic status and parental age on participants' TL, such that older paternal or maternal age at birth was more strongly associated with longer TL in participants with ASD. This study suggests that the shortened TL observed in children with ASD in previous research may partially depend on parental age at birth. Future studies tracking TL attrition before ASD diagnosis are warranted to depict temporal associations and the interacting effects of parental age at birth and ASD status on TL across the lifespan.

Systems biology approaches identify metabolic signatures of dietary lifespan and healthspan across species

Dietary restriction (DR) is a potent method to enhance lifespan and healthspan, but individual responses are influenced by genetic variations. Understanding how metabolism-related genetic differences impact longevity and healthspan are unclear. To investigate this, we used metabolites as markers to reveal how different genotypes respond to diet to influence longevity and healthspan traits. We analyzed data from Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) strains raised under AL and DR conditions, combining metabolomic, phenotypic, and genome-wide information. We employed two computational and complementary methods across species—random forest modeling within the DGRP as our primary analysis and Mendelian randomization in human cohorts as a secondary analysis. We pinpointed key traits with cross-species relevance as well as underlying heterogeneity and pleiotropy that influence lifespan and healthspan. Notably, orotate was linked to parental age at death in humans and blocked the DR lifespan extension in flies, while threonine supplementation extended lifespan, in a strain- and sex-specific manner. Thus, utilizing natural genetic variation data from flies and humans, we employed a systems biology approach to elucidate potential therapeutic pathways and metabolomic targets for diet-dependent changes in lifespan and healthspan.

A review of the risk factors for Autism

Abstract Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (or Autism) is a neurodevelopmental and neurological condition, with prevalence of 1 in 100 children globally. This review examines the most common factors associated with Autism. Methods We conducted a scoping review of factors associated with an increased risk of developing Autism. These included genetic predisposition, parental age, gender, birth complications and morbidities due to other medical conditions. Results Evidence from twin studies shows a 90% genetic predisposition towards Autism - with 102 genes strongly associated with Autism, including SCN1A and SLC6A1. There are also genetic syndromes and chromosomal disorders associated with Autism, including Fragile X syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis complex (TSC). Several studies have demonstrated an increased risk with advanced parental age (&amp;gt;35 years) (e.g., fathers &amp;gt;50 years are 2.2 times more likely to have a child with Autism than those &amp;lt;30 years). Other factors include infections during pregnancy (e.g. immune dysfunction) and gestational diabetes. Prematurity, such as low birth weight (&amp;lt;1500g) and low gestational age (&amp;lt;32 weeks) are also associated with an increased risk of Autism. With regard to gender, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with Autism - gender ratio of 3:1 and 4:1 has been reported in different populations. Abnormalities in brain development during early prenatal or postnatal periods may increase the risk of Autism. These abnormalities can lead to social, communication, and behavioural challenges characteristic of Autism. Conclusions Autism is a complex and heterogeneous condition that likely arises from a combination of factors such as genetic susceptibility and pre- and postnatal factors. An understanding of these factors is important for early detection, intervention, and support for children to improve their quality of life and reduce morbidity. Key messages • Risk factors associated with an increased risk of developing Autism include genetic predisposition, parental age, gender, birth complications and other comorbidities. • There is need to increase awareness of the risk factors of Autism to improve quality of life.

TOPSE for babies in Norwegian: Examining the reliability of a tool to measure parenting self-efficacy

Abstract Background Parents’ confidence in their parenting abilities and self-efficacy (PSE) is an important factor for parenting practices. The Tool to measure Parenting Self-Efficacy (TOPSE) is a questionnaire created to evaluate parenting programs by measuring PSE. Initially, it was designed for parents with children between 0-6 years old. A modified version specifically for parents of infants aged 0-6 months (TOPSE for babies) is currently being piloted. In this study, we have investigated the reliability of the Norwegian version. Methods The study included 123 parents of children aged 0-18 months who completed a digital version of the TOPSE questionnaire. Professional translators performed the translation from English to Norwegian and a back translation in collaboration with the author group. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for each of the questionnaire’s six domains, and a reliability analysis was conducted using a Bayesian framework for the total sample (parents of children aged 0-18 months) and specifically for the parents of the youngest group of children (0-6 months). Results The overall Bayesian alpha coefficient for the six domains ranged from 0.54 to 0.83 for the entire sample, and from 0.63 to 0.86 for parents with children aged 0-6 months. For two of the domains, one item in each proved to primarily contribute to the low alpha coefficients and removing them improved the reliability, especially for parents of the youngest group of children. Conclusions Reliable tools to assess PSE and evaluate parenting programs is important. The Norwegian version of TOPSE for babies seems to be a reliable tool for measuring PSE, although there are variations across the children’s age groups and domains. Key messages • The findings from this study indicate that TOPSE in Norwegian is a reliable tool for assessing PSE. • While our findings are promising, further research is warranted to establish a more robust evaluation, across both mothers and fathers, parental age and socioeconomic groups.

Electromagnetic fields exposure and neuropsychological effects in young people

Abstract Background In recent years, there has been a large increase in the use of communication/connected devices and technologies. This raises a question about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure levels and neuropsychological effects of RF-EMF in young people. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of use of communication/connected devices and technologies and its impact on cognition and mental health of early school age children in Poland. Methods The study population consists of 293 children from Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL). The study was based on questionnaire data covering type and duration of usage of communication/connected devices and technologies by mothers during pregnancy and children at age of 7 years. The environmental exposure to RF-EMF was also taken into account. Based on such data RF-EMF exposure was assessed. Child emotional and behavioral assessment was done by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire whereas IQ and psychomotor development of children was performed by psychologist using Intelligence and Development Scales. Results About 75% of young people used smartphones (2% for voice calls and 7% for Internet browsing at least one hour per day). Tablet or laptop use was declared by 59% and 56% of respondents, respectively. More than 10% declared that they use these devices at least one hour a day. The main factors determining the use of new technology devices were parental age and education (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and the age at which youth started school education (p = 0.06). In multivariable regression model higher level of RF-EMF was associated with total difficulties and emotional problems (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions This study presents the pattern of use of new technology devices by early school age children in Poland and the association between the exposure to RF-EMF and child mental health. Key messages • The use of communication/connected devices and technologies is common among young people in Poland. • The exposure to RF-EMF can increase mental health problems among young people.

Tenant Right-to-Counsel and Adverse Birth Outcomes in New York, New York

In 2017, New York, New York, launched the United States' first right-to-counsel program, guaranteeing lawyers to low-income tenants in select zip codes, which was associated with reducing eviction risk by half. Given documented associations between evictions during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, the right-to-counsel program may be associated with improved birth outcomes. To measure associations between zip code-level right-to-counsel access and risk of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight, among infants born to Medicaid-insured birthing parents. This retrospective cohort study leveraged the staggered rollout of New York's right-to-counsel program from January 2016 to February 2020 as a natural experiment using a population-based sample of live births to Medicaid-insured birthing parents residing in New York, New York. Data were analyzed from February 2022 to September 2024. Zip code right-to-counsel status 9 months prior to birth. Adverse birth outcomes were measured using individual birth records from the New York Bureau of Vital Statistics. Outcomes included dichotomous indicators of low birth weight (<2500 g), preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation), and a composite of both. Difference-in-differences linear probability models controlled for year, month, and zip code and included clustered standard errors. Among 260 493 live births (mean [SD] birthing parent age, 29 [6] years) from January 2016 to February 2020, 43 081 births (17%) were to birthing parents residing in zip codes where right-to-counsel was available during pregnancy. Exposure to right-to-counsel during pregnancy was associated with statistically significant reductions in infants' probability of adverse birth outcomes, with reductions of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.06-1.41) percentage points in low birth weight, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.10-1.71) percentage points in preterm birth, and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.09-1.84) percentage points in the composite outcome in treated vs untreated zip codes. This cohort study found that right-to-counsel was associated with reduced risk of adverse birth outcomes among Medicaid-insured birthing parents. These findings suggest that eviction prevention via right-to-counsel may have benefits that extend beyond the courtroom and across the life-course.

Youth Self-Disclosure to Parents in Post-Divorce Families

ABSTRACT Using data from 389 divorced parents (58.1% mothers, M parent age = 38.58, 82.5% White non-Hispanic, 23.7% repartnered, M sepration length = 6.21 years), we explored parent-adolescent and family system correlates of divorced parents’ perceptions of their children’s self-disclosure about their day-to-day lives. For mothers, perceptions of youth self-disclosure were positively associated with parental warmth, but negatively associated with inconsistent discipline, family system boundary ambiguity, and parenting stress. For fathers, perceptions of youth self-disclosure were positively associated with parental warmth, but negatively associated with family system boundary ambiguity. The knowledge parents gain from youth self-disclosure may be especially valuable in post-divorce families. Our results appear to indicate that how much youth tell their parents about what is occurring in their day-to-day lives may be rooted, in part, in the quality of post-divorce family relationships. However, mothers’ perceptions, compared to fathers’ perceptions, of youth self-disclosure appear to be impacted by more aspects of their family systems.

Sensory-processing sensitivity, parenting styles, and adult attachment patterns in parents of young children

ABSTRACT Background Increased sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, known as sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS), has been linked to attachment insecurity and less optimal parenting styles in parents of children aged 4–13 years. Associations between these parenting factors in parents of children aged 3 years and younger have not yet been investigated. Understanding the relationships between these factors will facilitate the development of strategies to better support highly sensitive parents. Methods A sample of 153 parents of children aged 3 years and younger completed an online survey comprising standardised measures of SPS, attachment, and infant parenting styles. The underlying factor structure of the Infancy Parenting Styles Questionnaire was investigated. Results Factor analysis identified 33 items loading onto five factors: Discipline, Routine, Anxiety, Nurturance, and Involvement, with moderate to high reliability. SPS was positively correlated with parenting anxiety, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance, but did not predict parenting style. Younger parent age was associate with more insecure attachment styles. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that variability in parenting anxiety was predicted only by attachment anxiety and having fewer children. Conclusion While SPS was not seen to predict parenting anxiety, relationships between SPS, parenting anxiety, and insecure attachment suggest that strategies tailored to SPS would support highly sensitive parents to care for their children and promote improved parent–child relationships. These strategies may therefore be a beneficial addition to attachment-based parenting programs. Further studies using the Toddler Parenting Styles Questionnaire (TPSQ) are needed to identify optimal parenting styles for parents of infants and toddlers.

New Age Parenting and Its Impact on Child’s Oral Health: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study

Abstract Background: With increased globalization, East culture is meeting West culture and parenting style has been completely changed. Children depend significantly on their parents for provision, instruction, and supervision of crucial preventive oral hygiene habits. The education level and awareness of parents regarding preventive oral health measures play a pivotal role in this aspect. Therefore, it becomes imperative to evaluate and educate parents about proper oral hygiene care for their children, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the child. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess an impact of new age parenting on oral health of their children. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 204 parents of children aged 5–10 years, consisting of 27-item questionnaires containing four domains of demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice, which was distributed among the participants. A descriptive analysis was done using IBM SPSS software (version 22.0 Chicago, IL, USA). Results: It was surprising to note that 32.84% of parents were unaware about the specialist dentist is available for children. About 65.69% of parents had low level of knowledge regarding oral health of their children. The correlation among knowledge, attitude, and practice was determined to be highly statistically significant (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Our study concluded that knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral health care of children are low among new age parents and there is a need to educate these parents regarding the same.

Changes in the prevalence of intellectual disability among 10-year-old children in Sweden during 2011 through 2021: a total population study

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested an increasing prevalence of intellectual disability diagnoses in some countries. Our aim was to describe the trend in the prevalence of intellectual disability diagnoses in Sweden and explore whether associated sociodemographic and perinatal factors can explain changes in the prevalence.MethodsWe used a register-based nationwide cohort of residents in Sweden born between 2001 and 2011. We calculated the prevalence of intellectual disability diagnoses by age 10 for each birth cohort and the prevalence ratios in relation to the baseline year 2011, overall and by severity of intellectual disability, and comorbidity of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The prevalence ratios were stratified and adjusted for associated sociodemographic and perinatal factors.ResultsAmong 1,096,800 individuals, 8,577 were diagnosed with intellectual disability by age 10. Among these, 3,949 (46%) and 2,768 (32%) were also diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, respectively, and 4% were diagnosed with profound, 8% severe, 20% moderate, 52% mild, and 16% other/unspecific intellectual disability. The recorded age-10 prevalence of intellectual disability diagnoses increased from 0.64% (95% confidence interval 0.59–0.69%) in 2011 to 1.00% (0.94–1.06%) in 2021, corresponding to an annual prevalence ratio of 1.04 (1.04–1.05). The increase was, however, restricted to mild, moderate, and other/unspecific intellectual disability diagnoses, while the trends for profound and severe intellectual disability diagnoses were stable. The increasing trend was perhaps less pronounced among females and children with diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but independent of the co-occurrence of autism. The prevalence ratios did not change with stratification or adjustment for other associated demographic and perinatal factors.ConclusionThe recorded prevalence of diagnosed mild and moderate intellectual disability among 10-year-olds in Sweden has increased over the recent decade. This increase could not be explained by changes in associated sociodemographic or perinatal factors, including birth weight, gestational age, and parental age, migration status, and education at the child’s birth. The increase instead may be due to changes in diagnostic practices in Sweden over time.

Environmental Stress-Induced Alterations in Embryo Developmental Morphokinetics.

The association between embryo morphokinetics and its developmental competence is well documented. For instance, early cleaved embryos are more competent in developing to blastocysts, whereas the proportion of abnormally cleaved embryos that further developed to blastocysts is low. Numerous factors, such as the parental age, lifestyle, health, and smoking habits have been reported to affect the embryo morphokinetics and, consequently, its development. However, less is known about the effect of environmental stressors on embryo morphokinetics. The current review discusses the effect of the most concerning environmental stressors on embryo morphokinetics. These stresses include heat stress and human-made chemicals such as phthalates (e.g., bis-(2-ethylhexyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, and their primary metabolites), herbicides (e.g., diaminochlorotriazine, the primary metabolite of atrazine), pharmaceutical compounds (e.g., carbamazepine, nocodazole) and pro-oxidant agents (cumene hydroperoxide, Triton X-100), as well as naturally occurring toxins such as mycotoxin (e.g., aflatoxin B1 and its metabolite, and ochratoxin A). In addition, this review discusses the effect of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation and viral infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, papillomavirus). Finally, it points out some potential mechanisms that underlie the impairment of embryo morphokinetics, and it suggests protective compounds, mainly the supplementation of antioxidants to improve the morphokinetics, and consequently, the embryo developmental competence.

Parental Age and Severity of Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts: Relationship with De Novo Mutations

Background: This study investigates the relationship between paternal and maternal age, and the severity of orofacial clefts and the presence of de novo mutations in children. Methods: This was a retrospective study of individuals who were diagnosed with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and their unaffected parents, from 2012 to 2019. We obtained data from the AfriCRAN project database for Nigerians with non-syndromic orofacial clefts. These individuals were recruited at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. Results: There was no statistically significant association between type of CL ± P and parental age in young fathers (p = 0.93). When older fathers were considered, the percentage of complete (more severe) CL ± P cases increased, especially when they were married to older mothers, and this was statistically significant (p = 0.036). In older fathers, the risk of CL ± P in their offspring was increased (OR: 2.66, CI: 1.04-6.80), and there was also an increased risk of developing right-sided CL ± P (OR: 1.61, CI: 1.0-2.59). There was a reduced risk of isolated clefts of the soft palate in younger fathers (OR: 0.36, CI: 0.07–1.71), but the risk increased when considering complete types (more severe) of isolated clefts of the hard and soft palates (OR: 1.63, CI: 0.7–1.7). There was an increase in de novo mutation in children as the difference between paternal and maternal age increased. Conclusion: The study showed that a higher risk of CL ± P and de novo mutations in children is associated with increased parental age.

Prevalence of Autosomal Monosomy and Trisomy Estimated Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotype Intensity Chip Information in a Large Population of Juvenile Dairy and Beef Cattle.

Aneuploidy, a genetic condition characterised by the deletion (monosomy) or duplication (trisomy) of a chromosome, has been extensively studied in humans, particularly in the context of trisomy on chromosome 21, also known as Down syndrome. Research on autosomal aneuploidy in live-born cattle has been limited to case reports, resulting in a lack of prevalence estimates of aneuploidy in cattle. Furthermore, the viability or lethality of aneuploidy on specific autosomes in cattle has not been well documented. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of autosomal aneuploidy in a large population of new-born and juvenile beef and dairy cattle using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip genotype intensity data. Of the population of 779,138 cattle genotyped when younger than 15 months of age, 139 cattle (i.e., 0.017%) were diagnosed with one case of autosomal trisomy. Trisomy in only 10 different autosomes were detected (BTA 4, 6, 12, 15, 20, 24, 26, 27, 28 and 29) albeit the one case of trisomy detected on Bos taurus autosome (BTA) 4 was in an additional population of 341,927 cattle that were genotyped at > 15 months of age and was therefore excluded from prevalence estimates to minimise bias. The prevalence of trisomy per chromosome was generally inversely related to the length of the chromosome. Although the number of affected individuals was few, there was no evidence of differences in prevalence by breed, inbreeding level or parental age. The parental origin of the detected cases of trisomy was maternal for 92% of the cases. No cases of monosomy were detected despite the large dataset, which included calves genotyped at birth, indicating the potential lethal nature of monosomy in cattle. Cytogenetic testing was used to verify three of the animals with detected autosomal trisomy who were still alive. Eighteen of the 139 animals identified with autosomal trisomy were recorded as being stillborn, resulting in a prevalence of autosomal aneuploidy in live-born cattle of 0.015%. Of the 121 live-born cattle with autosomal trisomy, a total of 68 died on farm at, on average (standard deviation), 6.8 (8.7) months of age. All animals with autosomal trisomy on BTA 6, 12, 15, 20 or 24 were either stillborn or died on farm within 15 days of birth. This study is the first report of trisomy on BTA 4, 6, 15, 20 and 27 in live-born cattle, as well as the first to document fertile cows with trisomy on BTA 4, 27 or 28. Given that genotype intensity SNP data from SNP-chips are readily available, identifying animals affected with autosomal aneuploidy as well as quantifying and monitoring the incidence can be easily undertaken.