Asymmetry In Children Research Articles

Resting State EEG Hemispheric Power Asymmetry in Children with Dyslexia.

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder estimated to affect between 4 and 7% of the population. It is often referred to as a learning disability and is characterized by deficits in the linguistic system. To better understand the neural underpinnings of dyslexia, we examined the electroencephalography (EEG) power spectra between pre-adolescents with dyslexia and neurotypical control children during eyes closed state. We reported the differences in spontaneous oscillatory activity of each major EEG band (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) adopting a global as well as in a region-by-region and hemispheric approach to elucidate whether there are changes in asymmetry in children with dyslexia compared to controls. We also examined the relationship between EEG power spectra and clinical variables. The findings of our study confirm the presence of an atypical linguistic network, evident in children with dyslexia. This abnormal network hallmarked by a dominance of theta activity suggests that these abnormalities are present prior to these children learning to read, thus implicating delayed maturation and abnormal hypoarousal mechanisms.

Functional changes after early treatment of unilateral posterior cross-bite associated with mandibular shift: a systematic review.

The objective of this systematic review was to investigate whether oral functional asymmetry in children treated for unilateral functional posterior cross-bite disappears after orthodontic treatment with a resulting normalisation of oral functions. A literature search was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library to locate longitudinal studies reporting on clinical oral functional changes, recorded by methods including masseter muscle thickness, bite force, masticatory/chewing cycle or electromyographic masticatory muscle activity, following the treatment of unilateral functional posterior cross-bite. All potential articles were initially screened according to their title and abstract, the full text of selected articles was evaluated, and the final study selection was made based on the pre-defined criteria. Data extraction was subsequently carried out. The initial literature search identified 736 articles, with 12 articles fulfilling pre-defined criteria. Although there was a lack of high-quality prospective studies, based on the available evidence, results suggest that the abnormal masticatory cycle associated with functional posterior unilateral cross-bite tends to normalise following early cross-bite treatment. Masticatory muscle activity shows an increase after early functional unilateral posterior cross-bite treatment, and this activity approaches normal levels. Insufficient evidence was available to conclude on maximal molar bite force or masticatory muscle thickness changes following early treatment of functional unilateral posterior cross-bite. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of high-quality controlled studies. Well-designed prospective studies with large patient samples and long-term follow-up are necessary before making reliable conclusions concerning change in functional asymmetry following unilateral functional posterior cross-bite correction.

Biological predictors of mandibular asymmetries in children with mixed dentition

Biological predictors of mandibular asymmetries in children with mixed dentition

The role of botulinum toxin a in the establishment of symmetry in pediatric paralysis of the lower lip.

Botulinum toxin A has been described as an effective adjunct treatment for achieving symmetry in adults with facial paralysis. Few investigators have described the use of botulinum toxin A in pediatric patients with facial paralysis. To present our preliminary experience with botulinum toxin A in pediatric patients presenting with asymmetry of the lower lip. We performed a retrospective medical record review of all pediatric patients (age range, 4-17 years; mean [SD] age, 11.2 [4.7] years) with facial paralysis who were treated with botulinum toxin A injections from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2012. Patients presented for treatment at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, or the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston. Using facial analysis software, we measured lower lip asymmetry in the patients' photographs before and after treatment, at rest, and in a dynamic state. We performed analysis of variance to assess for improvement in symmetry. We identified 18 patients with the following 3 primary indications for treatment: focal lip asymmetry (n = 11), extensive hemifacial asymmetry (n = 5), and focal synkinesis (n = 2). We found no complications related to botulinum toxin A treatment. The mean (SD) dynamic deviation before the injection was 3.5 (1.7) mm, whereas the mean dynamic deviation after the injection was 1.5 (0.8) mm. The mean (SD) deviation correction was evaluated at 61% (6%) and was statistically significant (P = .04). Botulinum toxin A injection is a safe procedure for improving localized asymmetry in pediatric patients with facial paralysis. Preliminary results indicate that botulinum toxin A may be an effective treatment for lower lip asymmetry in children and adolescents. 4.

Mandibular asymmetry in patients with the crouzon or apert syndrome.

The aim of this study was to describe directional and fluctuating mandibular asymmetry over time in children with Crouzon or Apert syndrome. Mandibular asymmetry of children between 7.5 and 14 years of age with Crouzon syndrome (n = 35) and Apert syndrome (n = 24) were compared with controls (n = 327). From panoramic radiographs, mandibular directional and fluctuating asymmetry was determined for the three groups. Multilevel statistical techniques were used to describe mandibular asymmetry changes over time. Patients with Crouzon and Apert syndromes showed statistically significant more fluctuating asymmetry for mandibular measures than did controls. Between the Crouzon and Apert syndromes groups, no statistical differences were found in directional and fluctuating asymmetry. The control group showed statistically significantly more directional asymmetry than did patients with Crouzon or Apert syndrome. The controls showed no change over time for the directional asymmetry of condylar-ramal height; however, the directional asymmetry of the gonial angle increased. Patients with Crouzon syndrome showed side dominance for only condylar-ramal height; whereas, patients with Apert syndrome did not show dominance for any of the measurements. Apert and Crouzon syndromes showed developmental instability, in contrast to the controls. No statistically significant longitudinal differences were found for either the directional or the fluctuating asymmetry between Crouzon and Apert syndromes. Findings for fluctuating and directional asymmetry for both syndromes may indicate an inability to cope with genetic and environmental stress during development and treatment, compared with untreated nonsyndromic individuals.

Corticopontocerebellar Connectivity Disruption in Congenital Hemiplegia

Background. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis is the disruption of functional connectivity between cerebrum and cerebellum after hemispheric unilateral brain lesions. In adults and to a lesser extent in children, crossed cerebellar diaschisis has been largely investigated by functional connectivity and demonstrated to influence paretic hand function. Objective. We aim to demonstrate a disruption in structural corticopontocerebellar (CPC) connectivity in children with congenital brain lesions and examine its correlation with paretic hand motor function. Methods. Thirty-six children (Manual Ability Classification System: I, n = 21; II, n = 15) with unilateral brain lesions and 18 controls were analyzed in a case-control study, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired at 3T. High angular resolution diffusion imaging probabilistic tractography was employed for the region of interest–based reconstruction of CPC tracts. To identify statistical differences in structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity between case and control groups, an asymmetry index based on the number of streamlines of CPC tracts was used. In the case group, the correlation between asymmetry index and hand function measures was also determined. Results. Projections through the middle cerebellar peduncle to the contralateral cerebral cortex showed greater asymmetry in children with congenital unilateral brain lesion compared to controls (P = .03), thus indicating a disruption of structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity. The degree of asymmetry index showed a correlation (P < .03; r = −0.31) with impaired hand abilities in bimanual tasks. Conclusions. Disruption of structural cerebrocerebellar connectivity is present in patients with congenital unilateral brain injury and might be related to impaired hand function in bimanual skills, with potential implication in tailoring early intervention strategies.

Does pelvic asymmetry in children is related to pelvic asymmetry of their parents?

Objectives Asymmetry within the pelvic structure can lead to a cascade of postural compensations throughout the spine, predisposing people to recurrent somatic dysfunction and decreased functionality. As a basic structural element, the pelvis should be fully symmetric with respect to the sagittal plane. However, many studies conducted by different researchers showed, that the asymmetry of the pelvis is a very common case. This asymmetry was recorded as a result of various types of measurements made on the basis of X-rays, TK as well as sectional preparations. The reason for this was seen in the shortened one of the lower limbs or the lumbar spine pathology. The aim of this paper is to answer the question: If there is any relationship between pelvic asymmetry in children and pelvic asymmetry of their parents?

Altered anatomical asymmetry in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a pilot optimized voxel-based morphometric study

Mounting evidence suggests that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is related with abnormal anatomical asymmetry in some brain regions, such as basal ganglia.However, few cross-sectional studies have examined the abnormalities of anatomical asymmetry in whole brain of ADHD. Thus this cross-sectional study was to explore the anatomical asymmetry in whole brain of ADHD with optimized voxel-based morphometry (OVBM). Twenty-five boys with ADHD and 27 age and gender-matched controls were recruited. All participants were right-handed. The grey matter concentration of each voxel was calculated with OVBM. A statistical evaluation of grey matter asymmetry was then conducted on normalized grey matter images and their flipped counterparts. One-sample t-test revealed that the whole-brain anatomical asymmetry pattern was similar in two groups. Through group comparisons, ADHD showed reversed left-greater-than-right asymmetry in superior and middle frontal gyri versus controls. Anatomical asymmetry of prefrontal cortex is abnormal in children with ADHD. And abnormal anatomical asymmetry may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ADHD.

Resting frontal EEG asymmetry in children: Meta‐analyses of the effects of psychosocial risk factors and associations with internalizing and externalizing behavior

Asymmetry of frontal cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) activity in children is influenced by the social environment and considered a marker of vulnerability to emotional and behavioral problems. To determine the reliability of these associations, we used meta-analysis to test whether variation in resting frontal EEG asymmetry is consistently associated with (a) having experienced psychosocial risk (e.g., parental depression or maltreatment) and (b) internalizing and externalizing behavior outcomes in children ranging from newborns to adolescents. Three meta-analyses including 38 studies (N = 2,523) and 50 pertinent effect sizes were carried out. The studies included in the analyses reported associations between frontal EEG asymmetry and psychosocial risk (k = 20; predominantly studies with maternal depression as the risk factor) as well as internalizing (k = 20) and externalizing (k = 10) behavior outcomes. Psychosocial risk was significantly associated with greater relative right frontal asymmetry, with an effect size of d = .36 (p < .01), the effects being stronger in girls. A non-significant relation was observed between right frontal asymmetry and internalizing symptoms (d = .19, p = .08), whereas no association between left frontal asymmetry and externalizing symptoms was observed (d = .04, p = .79). Greater relative right frontal asymmetry appears to be a fairly consistent marker of the presence of familial stressors in children but the power of frontal asymmetry to directly predict emotional and behavioral problems is modest.

Effects of equine interaction on EEG asymmetry in children with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study

Background: This purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between resting frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) brain activity and the interaction with the horse in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods: Resting frontal EEG alpha asymmetry was recorded from two young children with ASD and two young typical children matched for age and gender during a baseline and an interaction conditions with the horse.Results: Young children with ASD exhibited higher left frontal dominance during the baseline condition. While grooming the horse, young children with ASD exhibited the right frontal dominance.Conclusions: This change may be attributed to the interaction with the horse. It changed the attentional focus of young children with ASD. In addition, the calmness of the horse might be transformed to young children with ASD. Future studies with larger sample sizes and behavioural measures of social functioning may help explain the horse related benefits in children with ASD.

Assimetrias na força muscular isométrica, taxa de desenvolvimento de força e na eficiência neuromuscular de extensores do joelho em diferentes faixas de idade

The aim of this study was to evaluate force, rate of force development and knee extensor neuromuscular efficiency asymmetries in children, adults and elderly. Each subject performed maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVC) and submaximal trials (15% and 30% MIVC). Maximal force, rate of force development (RFD) and neuro-muscular efficiency were evaluated and compared between groups and between preferred and non-preferred lower limb. Children (mean age 8.4, SD 0.7 yrs), female adults (mean age 23.2, SD 3.5 yrs) and elderly (mean age 65.9 SD 7.0 yrs) were evaluated. RFD was higher in young adults, and similar between children and elderly. Neuromuscular efficiency decreased significantly with aging (P&lt;0.05). Inter-limb asymmetries were observed for force and RFD in favor of the preferred lower limb in the elderly (P&lt;0.05). Force and RFD asymmetries in the elderly are supported by the right hemisphere-aging model contribut-ing to increased motor asymmetries. It was suggested that both physical assessment and training in the elderly should consider asymmetries that apparently are inherent to the aging process. A simple protocol for maximal and submaximal force assessment may be useful for delineating impairments in force and power in the elderly.

Congenital muscular torticollis concurrent with sagittal synostosis: a case report.

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and craniosynostosis are diseases that cause plagiocephaly and craniofacial asymmetry in children. In our literature review, we did not find any report of concurrent manifestation of CMT and craniosynostosis. A 41-month-old boy visited our hospital with left torticollis, right laterocollis, and craniofacial asymmetry as the main findings. During clinical examination, prominent right sternocleidomastoid muscle and limited range of motion of the neck were noted, and right CMT was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging of the neck. Three-dimensional computed tomography of the skull, which was conducted due to the unusual appearance of the skull with a large head circumference, mild brachycephaly, as well as left plagiocephaly, revealed premature closure of the sagittal suture. Thus, we report the first case that showed concurrence of CMT and sagittal synostosis. We recommend that concurrently manifested craniosynostosis needs to be examined if the subject with CMT displays unusual craniofacial asymmetry to a greater extent than deformational plagiocephaly.

Retinal Asymmetry in Children Measured With Optical Coherence Tomography

To determinate the physiological asymmetry of retinal measurements in the pediatric population with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD-OCT). Prospective cross-sectional study. Three hundred and fifty-seven healthy children were recruited. All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination and an evaluation of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), optic nerve head, and macula with Cirrus OCT. Differences between right and left eyes were calculated and values were compared by means of a paired t test. Normal ranges of interocular differences were established as the 2.5th and the 97.5th percentiles. The correlations between right and left eyes were assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficients. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) was-0.01. Differences in the average RNFL between right and left eyes were not statistically significant. The RNFL in the right eyes was thicker in the temporal and nasal quadrants, whereas the left eyes showed thicker RNFL in the superior quadrant. The interocular difference tolerance limits for average RNFL and macular thicknesses were 13.00μm and 23.20μm, respectively. There was a strong correlation for all the parameters between the right and the left eyes. The asymmetry of retinal parameters might be more valuable than the absolute values in assessing certain early diseases. The interocular differences in average RNFL and macular thickness of normal individuals should not exceed 13μm and 23μm, respectively, if measured with Cirrus HD-OCT.

Asymmetry in children's salivary cortisol and alpha‐amylase in the context of marital conflict: Links to children's emotional security and adjustment

Recent research supports the promise of examining interactive models of physiological processes on children's adjustment. The present study investigates interactions between children's autonomic nervous system activity and adrenocortical functioning in the context of marital discord; specifically, testing models of concurrent responses proposed by Bauer et al. ([2002] Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 23:102-113) in the prediction of children's behavioral responses to conflict and adjustment. Asymmetry and symmetry in children's salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol were examined in 195 children (M age = 8 years) in response to viewing conflict vignettes. Results were partially consistent with an interactive model in the context of high marital discord; asymmetry among higher alpha-amylase and lower cortisol related to higher emotional insecurity and concurrent and subsequent maladjustment. In contrast, patterns of symmetrical responses were related to greater maladjustment for children exposed to lower levels of marital discord, supporting an additive model. Findings support the importance of a multisystem approach to investigating the adaptiveness of children's physiological stress responses, while also highlighting the value of considering physiological responses in the context of family risk.

Analysis of anterior trunk symmetry index (ATSI). Preliminary report

BackgroundSpinal deformities and postural disorders can beassessed by evaluation of trunk surface deformity.Usually, the back shape is assessed. However, the ante-rior trunk can also develop deformity, which is observedby the patient more easily than the back surface.Aim of the studyTo introduce a new parameter, Anterior Trunk Symme-try Index (ATSI), for anterior trunk deformityassessment.MethodsSeventy primary school children, free of idiopathic scolio-sis, both sexes, aged 6-7 years, mean 6.9 ± 0.3 years wereexamined with digital photography of their trunk, takenfrom the front in standardized conditions. The anatomi-cal landmarks were: sternal notch, acromions, axillafolds, waist lines, and umbilicus. ATSI was defined as thesum of six indices: three frontal plane asymmetry indices(one for sternal notch, axilla folds and waist lines, respec-tively) and three height diffe rence indices, (one for acro-mions, axilla folds, and waist lines, respectively). Thesoftware was developed for semi-automatic calculation ofATSI, after the anatomical points are indicated on a digi-tal photo by the observer. The intra-observer error wascalculated by the first author, by measuring four timesthe pictures of 20 children, in the interval of at least oneday. The inter-observer error was calculated by one sur-geon, and three experienced physiotherapists, by measur-ing the pictures of 20 children. The normal value limitwas calculated as mean ± 3SD.ResultsThe assessment of the ATSI on digital photography tookaround 1 minute. The mean ATSI value for 70 childrenwas 22.6 ± 10.8. The intra-observer error was 1.23. Theinter-observer error for the four observers was 3.08. Thenormal value limit was 32.3.ConclusionThis new surface parameter can be easily calculated onregular digital photographs of the anterior trunk. Bothintra- and inter-observer e rrors are small, indicatingpossible reliability of ATSI for the assessment of ante-rior trunk asymmetry in children. Further studies areneeded to assess the clinica l usefulness of the ATSIparameter.

Planum temporale morphology in children with developmental dyslexia

The planum temporale is a highly lateralized cortical region, located within Wernicke's area, which is thought to be involved in auditory processing, phonological processing, and language. Research has linked abnormal morphology of the planum temporale to developmental dyslexia, although results have varied in large part due to methodological inconsistencies in the literature. This study examined the asymmetry of the planum temporale in 29 children who met criteria for dyslexia and 26 children whose reading was unimpaired. Leftward asymmetry of the planum temporale was found in the total sample and this leftward asymmetry was significantly reduced in children with dyslexia. This reduced leftward asymmetry in children with dyslexia was due to a planum temporale that is larger in the right hemisphere. This study lends support to the idea that planum temporale asymmetry is altered in children with developmental dyslexia.

Space and time in the child's mind: metaphoric or ATOMic?

Space and time are intimately linked in the human mind, but different theories make different predictions about the nature of this relationship. Metaphor Theory (MT) predicts an asymmetric relationship between space and time. By contrast, A Theory of Magnitude (ATOM) does not predict any cross-dimensional asymmetry, since according to ATOM spatial and temporal extents are represented by a common neural metric for analog magnitude. To date, experiments designed to contrast these theories support MT over ATOM, in adults and children. Yet, proponents of ATOM have questioned whether some of the observed cross-dimensional asymmetries could be task-related artifacts. Here we conducted a test of the asymmetric relationship between space and time in children's minds, equating the perceptual availability of spatial and temporal information in the stimuli more stringently than in previous experiments in children. Results showed the space-time asymmetry predicted by MT. For the same stimuli (i.e., snails racing along parallel paths), spatial information influenced temporal judgments more than temporal information influenced spatial judgments. These results corroborate previous findings in Greek children and extend them to children who speak Dutch and Brazilian Portuguese. The space-time asymmetry in children's judgments is not due to task-related differences in the perceptual availability of spatial and temporal information in the stimuli; rather, it appears to be a consequence of how spatial and temporal representations are associated in the child's mind.

Maxillary Sinus Asymmetry in Children: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Asymmetry of the Maxillary Sinus in children can be caused by various benign and malignant pathologies. Facial asymmetry is part of the clinical picture of these patients and sufficient investigation is necessary. We present a case of idiopathic asymmetry of the maxillary sinus and a case of hypoplasia of the maxillary sinus as well as a description of the main differential diagnoses. Keywords: Facial asymmetry, maxillary sinus, silent sinus syndrome, children, differential diagnosis, maxillary hypoplasia. Read more →

Asimetría de extremidades inferiores: Evaluación por imágenes en la edad pediátrica

Limb length discrepancy or anisomelia has long been objectified with imaging.The biomechanical impli - cations for patients with a developing skeleton are more relevant than the cosmetic aspects, both in treatment and in follow-up. The aim of this publication is to review the most common causes of lower limb asymmetry in children, with emphasis on imaging findings, which are of great importance for clinical management. A retrospective review was performed on patients younger than 15 years, who required evaluation at our center for lower limb asymmetry, using simple X-ray, CT scan and /or MRI. The anatomical findings and morphometric analysis were recorded for each case. The causes of limb length discrepancy are many, including congenital and sequelae conditions. A knowledge and proper assessment of the imaging findings helps to improve and standardize the radiology report.

Word comprehension and production asymmetries in children and adults

Two studies investigated differences in the comprehension and production of words in 2-year-old children and adults. Study 1 compared children’s speaking and understanding of the names of 12 novel objects presented over three weekly sessions. Study 2 tested adults’ performance under similar training and testing conditions over two sessions. The findings indicated a comprehension advantage for both age groups. A fine-grained temporal analysis of individual words revealed that acquisition does not resemble a linear stage-wise progression from comprehension to production. Rather, dimensions of lexical knowledge develop at different rates, with words acquired, lost, and maintained over the course of learning. The findings support a dynamic and graded view of lexical processing and have implications for understanding what it means to know a word.