Critical Developmental Period Research Articles

Development of a comprehensive open access “molecules with androgenic activity resource (MAAR)” to facilitate risk assessment of chemicals

The increasing prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their potential adverse effects on human health underscore the necessity for robust tools to assess and manage associated risks. The androgen receptor (AR) is a critical component of the endocrine system, playing a pivotal role in mediating the biological effects of androgens, which are male sex hormones. Exposure to androgen-disrupting chemicals during critical periods of development, such as fetal development or puberty, may result in adverse effects on reproductive health, including altered sexual differentiation, impaired fertility, and an increased risk of reproductive disorders. Therefore, androgenic activity data is critical for chemical risk assessment. A large amount of androgenic data has been generated using various experimental protocols. Moreover, the data are reported in different formats and in diverse sources. To facilitate utilization of androgenic activity data in chemical risk assessment, the Molecules with Androgenic Activity Resource (MAAR) was developed. MAAR is the first open-access platform designed to streamline and enhance the risk assessment of chemicals with androgenic activity. MAAR’s development involved the integration of diverse data sources, including data from public databases and mining literature, to establish a reliable and versatile repository. The platform employs a user-friendly interface, enabling efficient navigation and extraction of pertinent information. MAAR is poised to advance chemical risk assessment by offering unprecedented access to information crucial for evaluating the androgenic potential of a wide array of chemicals. The open-access nature of MAAR promotes transparency and collaboration, fostering a collective effort to address the challenges posed by androgenic EDCs.

270 Prenatal stress programming: Impact on dam and offspring immune phenotype and performance

Abstract Maternal stress during critical periods of fetal development is linked to the modified expression of several physiological processes. Despite attempts to minimize chronic stress and enhance sow well-being, some animals still experience stress, which can have short and long-term effects on future progeny. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of maternal stress on the immune phenotype and performance of pregnant gilts who had experienced pre- and post-natal stress and whether their offspring were affected. A total of 11 primiparous females (201.32 ± 17.18 kg at farrowing) clustered into treatment groups based on the treatment of their dams were used in this study. Their dams had been randomly allotted to receive either a placebo (CON) or Hydrocortisone Acetate capsules twice per day for 21 d during either mid (MID; d 51 to 72) or late (LATE; d 81 to 102) gestation. Prenatally stressed dams were sampled on gestational d 45, 60, 75, and 105 to determine descriptive and functional immune analysis. Productivity measures were assessed, including farrowing duration and the interval between piglets. Blood samples were taken from a subset of piglets born to these dams on d 7, 14, and 21 of lactation and then 24 h, 7, and 14 d post-wean. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS with repeated measures. Numbers of lymphocytes were elevated in gilts from LATE-treated dams compared with those from MID or CON dams for the entire study period (P < 0.05). All other descriptive immune measures, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were not different between groups during the gestational period. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation did not differ across treatments for prenatally stressed dams. No maternal treatment effects for any litter traits, farrowing duration, or interval between each piglet, but there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for piglets born to MID-stressed dams to be heavier than those born to CON dams. Total lymphocyte numbers were least in the progeny of MID-treated dams compared with piglets from LATE and CON dams for the entire lactation period. Over time, progeny from LATE-treated gilts had a more stimulated B-cell proliferation index during lactation (P < 0.05). Conversely, Concanavalin-A-induced lymphocyte proliferation tended to be least in offspring from MID-treated dams compared with CON. They also tended to have less percentage and numbers of lymphocytes than offspring from LATE and CON dams for the entire post-wean period. The offspring from MID-treated dams also had the greatest (P < 0.05) neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for the entire period. While prenatal stress had minimal impact on the immune expression of the dam, its influence was evident in their progeny, particularly with MID. Results indicate that the programming effects may only be apparent in later generations. The study also suggests that mid-gestation is a more sensitive period for maternal stress in fetal development.

In Utero Exposure to Di-n-butyl Phthalate Causes Modulation in Neurotransmitter System of Wistar Rats: A Multigenerational Assessment.

Neuroendocrine regulation is disrupted by di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) when exposure occurs during the critical periods of fetal development, which can lead to neurological disorders. To evaluate the toxic potential of DBP, it is necessary to conduct teratological studies, which could determine impacts on the development of the fetus. The present study was designed to understand the sequelae of neuroendocrine regulation in one-month-old pups when rats were exposed to DBP (F1-F3) in utero and during lactation. The rats received DBP (500mg/kg BW/day) dissolved in olive oil through oral gavage from gestation day 6 to postnatal day 30, while the control group received the olive oil (vehicle) during the same timeline. Following the exposure, thyroid profile and estradiol, which were measured at GD-19, exhibited a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in dams (F0-F2). The exposure resulted in developmental outcomes, including underdeveloped fetuses, and a notable number of resorptions in experimental rats. The one-month-old pups were assessed for serum thyroid profile and testosterone and neurotransmitters in discrete brain regions, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus for up to three generations. The levels of dopamine and cortisol showed a significant increase (P < 0.05), but serotonin levels decreased when examined in distinct brain regions of the experimental group as compared to the control. DBP, which is considered an endocrine disruptor, had the most impact on the third generation in this study, leading to a significant decrease in testosterone levels. In summary, in utero exposure to DBP impaired the neuroendocrine system and had an antiandrogenic effect in the three successive generations.

Genetics and Epigenetic in Mental Health

Genetics and epigenetics play critical roles in mental health, offering insights into the complex interplay between biological predisposition and environmental influences in the development and progression of mental disorders. Genetic studies have identified numerous risk loci associated with conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, highlighting the polygenic nature of these illnesses. However, the presence of genetic risk factors alone does not fully account for the variability in disease onset, severity, or response to treatment. This gap is increasingly understood through the lens of epigenetics, which involves heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence itself but are influenced by environmental factors, such as stress, diet, and exposure to toxins. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, can modulate gene activity in response to external stimuli, leading to long-lasting effects on brain function and behavior. These processes are particularly important during critical periods of brain development, where epigenetic modifications can shape neural circuits involved in emotion regulation, cognition, and stress response. Emerging research suggests that the interaction between genetic predisposition and epigenetic changes contributes to the heterogeneity observed in mental health disorders, explaining why individuals with similar genetic risks can have different outcomes. Understanding these intricate genetic and epigenetic networks is essential for developing personalized therapeutic strategies, which could revolutionize the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Advances in this field hold the promise of identifying biomarkers for early intervention and creating targeted interventions that consider an individual’s unique genetic and epigenetic profile, ultimately improving mental health outcomes on a global scale.

A multi-modal assessment of self-knowledge in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: a research domains criteria (RDoC) study.

Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, consolidation of self-understanding, and onset of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). This study evaluated the RDoC (Research Domain Criteria) sub-construct of Self-Knowledge in relation to adolescent NSSI using multiple units of analysis. One hundred and sixty-four adolescents assigned female at birth (AFAB), ages 12-16 years with and without a history of NSSI entered a study involving clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including structural, resting-state functional MRI (fMRI), and fMRI during a self-evaluation task. For imaging analyses, we used an a priori defined Self Network (anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal, and posterior cingulate cortices; precuneus). We first examined interrelationships among multi-level Self variables. We then evaluated the individual relationships between NSSI severity and multi-level Self variables (self-report, behavior, multi-modal brain Self Network measures), then conducted model testing and multiple regression to test how Self variables (together) predicted NSSI severity. Cross-correlations revealed key links between self-reported global self-worth and self-evaluation task behavior. Individually, greater NSSI severity correlated with lower global self-worth, more frequent and faster negative self-evaluations, lower anterior Self Network activation during self-evaluation, and lower anterior and posterior Self Network resting-state connectivity. Multiple regression analysis revealed the model including multi-level Self variables explained NSSI better than a covariate-only model; the strongest predictive variables included self-worth, self-evaluation task behavior, and resting-state connectivity. Disruptions in Self-Knowledge across multiple levels of analysis relate to NSSI in adolescents. Findings suggest potential neurobiological treatment targets, potentially enhancing neuroplasticity in Self systems to facilitate greater flexibility (more frequently positive) of self-views in AFAB adolescents.

Self-Control Moralization: The Role of Moral Identity and Moral Foundations in Young Adults

Despite the morality and self-control relationship having been studied in the past, there is still not enough information about how different moral variables, and their possible interaction, affect self-control levels; especially when referring to young adulthood, a critical period for development of self-control and morality. Within the framework of self-control moralization, the current study aimed to explore whether self-control scores were affected by levels of moral identity and binding-individualizing foundations through early adulthood. Data were obtained by an online survey from a non-probabilistic sample (n=626) of young adults from Bolivia. Having found significant correlations between variables, hypotheses were tested employing t-tests and an ANCOVA, with age as a covariate. Findings showed that binding foundations, moral identity, age and the interaction between moral identity and both types of moral foundations had a significant effect on self-control scores and marginal means, with small to moderate effect sizes. Finally, finding’s implications within the theoretical framework of self-control moralization are discussed.

Transcriptome analysis reveals miRNA expression profiles in hypothalamus tissues during the sexual development of Jining grey goats

BackgroundExploring the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying goat sexual maturation can enhance breeding practices and optimize reproductive efficiency and is therefore substantially important for practical breeding purposes. As an essential neuroendocrine organ in animals, the hypothalamus is involved in sexual development and other reproductive processes in female animals. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as significant regulators of goat reproduction, there is a lack of research on the molecular regulatory mechanisms of hypothalamic miRNAs that are involved in the sexual development of goats. Therefore, we examined the dynamic changes in serum hormone profiles and hypothalamic miRNA expression profiles at four developmental stages (1 day (neonatal, D1, n = 5), 2 months (prepubertal, M2, n = 5), 4 months (sexual maturity, M4, n = 5), and 6 months (breeding period, M6, n = 5)) during sexual development in Jining grey goats.ResultsTranscriptome analysis revealed 95 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in the hypothalamus of goats across the four developmental stages. The target genes of these miRNAs were significantly enriched in the GnRH signalling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, and the Ras signalling pathway (P < 0.05). Additionally, 16 DEMs are common among the M2 vs. D1, M4 vs. D1, and M6 vs. D1 comparisons, indicating that the transition from D1 to M2 represents a potentially critical period for sexual development in Jining grey goats. The bioinformatics analysis results indicate that miR-193a/miR-193b-3p-Annexin A7 (ANXA7), miR-324-5p-Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor A1 (ADGRA1), miR-324-3p-Erbb2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), and miR-324-3p-Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (RAPGEF3) are potentially involved in biological processes such as hormone secretion, energy metabolism, and signal transduction. In addition, we further confirmed that miR-324-3p targets the regulatory gene RAPGEF3.ConclusionThese results further enrich the expression profile of hypothalamic miRNAs in goats and provide important insights for studying the regulatory effects of hypothalamic miRNAs on the sexual development of goats after birth.

Functional connectivity of the pediatric brain.

This review highlights the importance of functional connectivity in pediatric neuroscience, focusing on its role in understanding neurodevelopment and potential applications in clinical practice. It discusses various techniques for analyzing brain connectivity and their implications for clinical interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders. The principles and applications of independent component analysis and seed-based connectivity analysis in pediatric brain studies are outlined. Additionally, the use of graph analysis to enhance understanding of network organization and topology is reviewed, providing a comprehensive overview of connectivity methods across developmental stages, from fetuses to adolescents. Findings from the reviewed studies reveal that functional connectivity research has uncovered significant insights into the early formation of brain circuits in fetuses and neonates, particularly the prenatal origins of cognitive and sensory systems. Longitudinal research across childhood and adolescence demonstrates dynamic changes in brain connectivity, identifying critical periods of development and maturation that are essential for understanding neurodevelopmental trajectories and disorders. Functional connectivity methods are crucial for advancing pediatric neuroscience. Techniques such as independent component analysis, seed-based connectivity analysis, and graph analysis offer valuable perspectives on brain development, creating new opportunities for early diagnosis and targeted interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders, thereby paving the way for personalized therapeutic strategies.

An Exploration of Sexual Consent Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors among Middle School Students in Canada

An essential component of healthy sexual exploration is the understanding of sexual consent. Unfortunately, sexual consent is not consistently taught in sex education programs developed for adolescents. Furthermore, although early adolescence is a critical developmental period for the formation of sexual identity, norms, attitudes, and relationships, this population is underrepresented in the sexual consent literature. To fill this important gap, this study examined the sexual consent beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of 254 middle school students from a large, urban city in the province of Ontario. Correlates and predictors of sexual consent endorsement were tested via bivariate and multiple regression analyses. Greater perceived negative sanctions of dating violence and higher endorsement of gender stereotypes emerged as variables significantly related to and predictive of sexual consent attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and affirmative consent norms. Gender was also a significant correlate, as girls were more likely than boys to endorse affirmative sexual consent beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. The findings highlight important group differences and provide guidance for the design and implementation of sexual education and prevention programs.

Depressive symptoms during the transition to adolescence: Left hippocampal volume as a marker of social context sensitivity

The transition to adolescence is a critical period for mental health development. Socio-experiential environments play an important role in the emergence of depressive symptoms with some adolescents showing more sensitivity to social contexts than others. Drawing on recent developmental neuroscience advances, we examined whether hippocampal volume amplifies social context effects in the transition to adolescence. We analyzed 2-y longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD®) study in a diverse sample of 11,832 youth (mean age: 9.914 y; range: 8.917 to 11.083 y; 47.8% girls) from 21 sites across the United States. Socio-experiential environments (i.e., family conflict, primary caregiver's depressive symptoms, parental warmth, peer victimization, and prosocial school environment), hippocampal volume, and a wide range of demographic characteristics were measured at baseline. Youth's symptoms of major depressive disorder were assessed at both baseline and 2 y later. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analyses showed that negative social environments (i.e., family conflict, primary caregiver's depressive symptoms, and peer victimization) and the absence of positive social environments (i.e., parental warmth and prosocial school environment) predicted greater increases in youth's depressive symptoms over 2 y. Importantly, left hippocampal volume amplified social context effects such that youth with larger left hippocampal volume experienced greater increases in depressive symptoms in more negative and less positive social environments. Consistent with brain-environment interaction models of mental health, these findings underscore the importance of families, peers, and schools in the development of depression during the transition to adolescence and show how neural structure amplifies social context sensitivity.

Implications of Developmental 17-OHPC Exposure on the Mesocorticolimbic Serotonergic and Dopaminergic Pathways and Adolescent Mood-Related Behavior in Rats.

The synthetic progestin, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC), is administered to pregnant individuals at risk for recurrent preterm birth during a critical period of fetal mesocorticolimbic serotonergic and dopaminergic pathway development. These pathways play an important role in regulating cognitive behaviors later in life. Despite this, there has been very little research regarding the potential long-term effects of 17-OHPC on the behavioral and neural development of exposed children. In rodents, developmental exposure to 17-OHPC disrupts serotonergic and dopaminergic innervation of the medial prefrontal cortex and impairs decision-making in complex cognitive tasks in adulthood. The present study tested the hypothesis that developmental exposure to 17-OHPC similarly disrupts the development of serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways within limbic targets and subsequent mood-related behaviors. Developmental 17-OHPC exposure significantly increased the density of serotonin transporter-IR fibers in CA1, CA2/3, and the suprapyramidal blade of dentate gyrus in hippocampus and significantly reduced the density of TH-IR fibers within the nucleus accumbens shell in males but had no effect in females during adolescence. Irregular microglia activational phenotype and number were also observed in the hippocampus of 17-OHPC-exposed males. Developmental 17-OHPC reduced the latency to immobility in males in the forced swim test but did not affect sucrose consumption in a sucrose preference test. These findings suggest that 17-OHPC exerts sex-specific effects on the development of mesocorticolimbic pathways and mood-related behavior in adolescence and highlight the need to investigate effects in adolescent children.

Dynamics of gas exchange and heart rate signal entropy in standard cardiopulmonary exercise testing during critical periods of growth and development.

Standard cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) produces a rich dataset but its current analysis is often limited to a few derived variables such as maximal or peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2). We tested whether breath-by-breath CPET data could be used to determine sample entropy (SampEn) in 81 healthy children and adolescents (age 7-18 years old, equal sex distribution). To overcome challenges of the relatively small time-series CPET data size and its nonstationarity, we developed a Python algorithm for short-duration physiological signals. Comparing pre- and post-ventilatory threshold (VT1) CPET phases, we found: (1) SampEn decreased by 9.46% for V̇O2 and 5.01% for V̇CO2 (p < 0.05), in the younger, early-pubertal participants; and (2) HR SampEn fell substantially by 70.8% in the younger and 77.5% in the older participants (p < 0.001). Across all ages, females exhibited greater HR SampEn than males during both pre- and post VT1 CPET phases by 14.10% and 23.79%, respectively, p < 0.01. In females, late-pubertal had 17.6% lower HR SampEn compared to early-pubertal participants (p < 0.05). Breath-by-breath gas exchange and HR data from CPET are amenable to SampEn analysis that leads to novel insight into physiological responses to work intensity, and sex and maturational effects.

Tyrosine hydroxylase expression and neuronal loss in the male and female adolescent ventral tegmental area

Adolescence is a critical period of development characterized by numerous behavioral and neuroanatomical changes. While studies of adolescent neurodevelopment typically compare adolescent age groups with young adults, there are fewer studies that assess developmental trajectories within the adolescent period. In the adolescent prefrontal cortex, some maturational changes take place linearly/chronologically, while others are associated specifically with pubertal onset. The adolescent ventral tegmental area (VTA), a primary source of forebrain dopamine, is relatively understudied during this period. In the present study, dopamine neuron number, total neuron number and tyrosine hydroxylase expression are assessed in the male and female rat VTA at three timepoints: postnatal day(P) 30 (pre-pubertal), P40 (post-pubertal for females, pre-pubertal for males) and P60 (post-pubertal). There was a non-significant trend for a reduction in total VTA neuron number between P30 and P60, but there was a significant reduction in dopamine neuron number across age. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase did not change with age. However, in a second cohort of subjects, brain tissue was collected pre-pubertal, from recently post-pubertal males and females, and young adults. In this cohort, there was a sex-specific and transient decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase expression in recently post-pubertal males. These results suggest a selective pruning of VTA dopamine cells between early adolescence and young adulthood, while pubertal onset may coincide with a rapid maturation of these neurons. These findings may have implications for psychiatric disorders associated with dopamine dysfunction that tend to manifest during adolescence.

Disinhibition enables vocal repertoire expansion after a critical period

The efficiency of motor skill acquisition is age-dependent, making it increasingly challenging to learn complex manoeuvres later in life. Zebra finches, for instance, acquire a complex vocal motor programme during a developmental critical period after which the learned song is essentially impervious to modification. Although inhibitory interneurons are implicated in critical period closure, it is unclear whether manipulating them can reopen heightened motor plasticity windows. Using pharmacology and a cell-type specific optogenetic approach, we manipulated inhibitory neuron activity in a premotor area of adult zebra finches beyond their critical period. When exposed to auditory stimulation in the form of novel songs, manipulated birds added new vocal syllables to their stable song sequence. By lifting inhibition in a premotor area during sensory experience, we reintroduced vocal plasticity, promoting an expansion of the syllable repertoire without compromising pre-existing song production. Our findings provide insights into motor skill learning capacities, offer potential for motor recovery after injury, and suggest avenues for treating neurodevelopmental disorders involving inhibitory dysfunctions.

Schizophrenia and Neurodevelopment: Insights From Connectome Perspective.

Schizophrenia is conceptualized as a brain connectome disorder that can emerge as early as late childhood and adolescence. However, the underlying neurodevelopmental basis remains unclear. Recent interest has grown in children and adolescent patients who experience symptom onset during critical brain development periods. Inspired by advanced methodological theories and large patient cohorts, Chinese researchers have made significant original contributions to understanding altered brain connectome development in early-onset schizophrenia (EOS). We conducted a search of PubMed and Web of Science for studies on brain connectomes in schizophrenia and neurodevelopment. In this selective review, we first address the latest theories of brain structural and functional development. Subsequently, we synthesize Chinese findings regarding mechanisms of brain structural and functional abnormalities in EOS. Finally, we highlight several pivotal challenges and issues in this field. Typical neurodevelopment follows a trajectory characterized by gray matter volume pruning, enhanced structural and functional connectivity, improved structural connectome efficiency, and differentiated modules in the functional connectome during late childhood and adolescence. Conversely, EOS deviates with excessive gray matter volume decline, cortical thinning, reduced information processing efficiency in the structural brain network, and dysregulated maturation of the functional brain network. Additionally, common functional connectome disruptions of default mode regions were found in early- and adult-onset patients. Chinese research on brain connectomes of EOS provides crucial evidence for understanding pathological mechanisms. Further studies, utilizing standardized analyses based on large-sample multicenter datasets, have the potential to offer objective markers for early intervention and disease treatment.

Early-Life Exposure to 4-Hydroxy-4'-Isopropoxydiphenylsulfone Induces Behavioral Deficits Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Mice.

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during gestation and lactation is considered to be a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in both humans and animals. As a novel alternative to BPA, 4-hydroxy-4'-isopropoxydiphenylsulfone (BPSIP) is frequently detected in breast milk and placental barrier systems, suggesting potential transmission from the mother to offspring and increased risk of exposure. Gestation and lactation are critical periods for central nervous system development, which are vulnerable to certain environmental pollutants. Herein, we investigated the behavioral impacts and neurobiological effects of early-life exposure to BPSIP (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg body weight/day) in mice offspring. Behavioral studies indicated that BPSIP exposure induced ASD-like behaviors, including elevated anxiety-related behavior and decreased spatial memory, in both male and female pups. A distinct pattern of reduced social novelty was observed only in female offspring, accompanied by significant alterations in antioxidant levels. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in pathways related to behaviors and neurodevelopment, which were consistent with the observed phenotype. Besides, a decrease in the protein levels of complex IV (COX IV) across all tested populations suggests a profound impact on mitochondrial function, potentially leading to abnormal energy metabolism in individuals with autism. Additionally, changes in synaptic proteins, evidenced by alterations in synapsin 1 (SYN1) and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD95) levels in the cerebellum and hippocampus, support the notion of synaptic involvement. These findings suggest that BPSIP may induce sex-specific neurotoxic effects that involve oxidative stress, energy generation, and synaptic plasticity.

VARIABILITY REGULARITIES OF THE CEPHALOMETRICAL PARAMETERS OF THE HUMAN FETAL SKULL

The purpose of the study – to find out the regularities of the age dynamics of cephalometricparameters and critical periods of the development of the skull of human fetuses.Material and methods. 60 preparations of skulls and 63 computer tomograms of theheads of human fetuses aged from 4 to 10 months of intrauterine development werestudied. A complex of morphological research methods was applied, which includedanthropometry, morphometry, three- dimensional reconstruction and statistical analysis.Linear and angular parameters of the skull were measured, and their ratios, characterizingthe constitutional and cephalometric parameters of the individual (cranial and facialindices), were determined. Results. The analysis of absolute cephalometric parameters (longitudinal, transversediameters, skull circumference, height dimensions) demonstrated the predominanceof logarithmic dynamics of their changes in human fetuses, that is explained by theiraccelerated growth during the 4th month of intrauterine development and a slowdownduring the 7th month with subsequent acceleration in the 8th month of prenatal development.A straight trend line is characteristic of the V-S height (distance from the Sella turcica tothe highest point of the skull), which is explained by the accelerated growth of the anteriorand posterior cranial fossae, while the sphenoid bone and the region of anterior fontanelledevelop in a consistent direction and pace. The linear pattern of growth is typical for theforamen magnum, hard palate, length of the orbit, body and ramus of the mandible, aswell as for relative cephalometric parameters that show a wide range of morphometricvariability. Analysis of the scatter diagram using the method of weighted least squaresdistances showed a decrease in the angle of the front part of the cranial base until the5th month of intrauterine development, followed by an increase in the 7th-8th months ofprenatal development. Multivariate regression analysis of the relationship between fetalage, cranial index and the value of the angle of the front part of the cranial base showedpronounced anatomical variability, which depended on the craniotype. Before the end ofintrauterine development, the N-S-Ba angle increases, but at the beginning of the fetal periodof ontogenesis, it decreases. It has the smallest values in dolichocephals compared to othercraniotypes. The largest values of this angle are found in mesocephals at the beginning of thefetal period, and in brachiocephals and mesocephals at the end of intrauterine development.Conclusions. 1. Critical periods of skull development in the fetal period of humanontogenesis are the 4-5th and 7-8th months, during which uneven changes in absoluteand relative craniometric parameters are observed. 2. The value of the angle of the frontpart of the cranial base can be a diagnostic and prognostic indicator in combinationwith the cranial index, which characterize the craniotype of the individual, during themonitoring of the normal development of the skull and brain of the fetus.

Relationship between Infant Feeding and the Microbiome: Implications for Allergies and Food Intolerances.

Childhood is a critical period for immune system development, which is greatly influenced by the gut microbiome. Likewise, a number of factors affect the gut microbiome composition and diversity, including breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid foods introduction. In this regard, several studies have previously demonstrated that breastfeeding promotes a favorable microbiome. In contrast, formula feeding and the early incorporation of certain solid foods may adversely affect microbiome development. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that disruptions in the early microbiome can lead to allergic conditions and food intolerances. Thus, developing strategies to promote optimal infant nutrition requires an understanding of the relationship between infant nutrition and long-term health. The present review aims to examine the relationship between infant feeding practices and the microbiome, as well as its implications on allergies and food intolerances in infants. Moreover, this study synthesizes existing evidence on how different eating habits influence the microbiome. It highlights their implications for the prevention of allergies and food intolerances. In conclusion, introducing allergenic solid foods before six months, alongside breastfeeding, may significantly reduce allergies and food intolerances risks, being also associated with variations in gut microbiome and related complications.

The Influence of Emo Demo on Mother’s Knowledge and Attitudes in Providing Infant Feeding

Children under two years old are a critical period in child development, characterized by rapid growth and development. One nutritional issue, stunting, can arise from inappropriate feeding practices and leads to impaired brain development, intelligence, physical growth, and metabolic function. To address this, we implemented Emotional Demonstration education on baby and child feeding schedules for young mothers. This study aimed to analyze the impact of Emotional Demonstration education on mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding toddler feeding practices at Dahlia Posyandu, Pabuaran Village, Bogor Regency. A Pre-Experimental One Group Pre-Test Post-Test design was employed involving 32 young women from the Bojonggede Community Health Center. Data were collected through pre-test and post-test questionnaires, analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Results indicate a significant improvement in mothers’ knowledge following Emotional Demonstration education. However, no significant change was observed in their attitudes. In conclusion, Emotional Demonstration education effectively enhances maternal knowledge about baby and child feeding schedules but does not influence their attitudes

Global research trends and hotspots in overweight/obese comorbid with depression among children and adolescents: A bibliometric analysis.

Overweight/obesity combined with depression among children and adolescents (ODCA) is a global concern. The bidirectional relationship between depression and overweight/obesity often leads to their comorbidity. Childhood and adolescence represent critical periods for physical and psychological development, during which the comorbidity of overweight/obesity and depression may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes. To evaluate the relationship between ODCA, we conduct a bibliometric analysis to aid in formulating prevention and treatment strategies. From 2004 to 2023, articles related to ODCA were selected using the Science Citation Index Expanded from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analysis of relevant publications, including countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords, was conducted using the online bibliometric analysis platforms, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and bibliometrix. Between 2004 and 2023, a total of 1573 articles were published on ODCA. The United States has made leading contributions in this field, with Harvard University emerging as the leading contributor in terms of research output, and Tanofsky being the most prolific author. The J Adolescent Health has shown significant activity in this domain. Based on the results of the keyword and reference analyses, inequality, adverse childhood experiences, and comorbidities have become hot topics in ODCA. Moreover, the impact of balanced-related behavior and exploration of the biological mechanisms, including the potential role of key adipocytokines and lipokines, as well as inflammation in ODCA, have emerged as frontier topics. The trend of a significant increase in ODCA publications is expected to continue. The research findings will contribute to elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of ODCA and its prevention and treatment.