Developmental Lag Research Articles

Brain networks in newborns and infants with and without sensorineural hearing loss: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study.

Understanding the impact of early sensory deficits on brain development is essential for understanding developmental processes and developing potential interventions. While previous studies have looked into the impact of prenatal experiences on language development, there is a lack of research on how these experiences affect early language and brain function development in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). To investigate SNHL effects on early brain development and connectivity in 4-month-olds vs healthy newborns and controls. The research involved analyzing the functional brain networks of 65 infants, categorized into three groups: 28 healthy newborns, 22 4-month-old participants with SNHL, and 15 age-matched healthy participants. The resting-state functional connectivity was measured and compared between the groups using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and graph theory to assess the brain network properties. Significant differences were found in resting-state functional connectivity between participants with SNHL and age-matched controls, indicating a developmental lag in brain connectivity for those with SNHL. Surprisingly, SNHL participants showed better connectivity development compared to healthy newborns, with connectivity strengths of 0.13 ± 0.04 for SNHL, 0.16 ± 0.08 for controls, and 0.098 ± 0.04 for newborns. Graph theory analysis revealed enhanced global brain network properties for the SNHL group, suggesting higher communication efficiency at 4 months. No significant differences were noted in network properties between 4-month-old SNHL participants and neonates. A unique pattern of central hubs was observed in the SNHL group, with 2 hubs in the left hemisphere compared to 6 in controls. 4-month-old infants with SNHL have a distinct brain network pattern with efficient long-distance information transmission but less effective local communication compared to age-matched controls.

Study on the complex relationship of tourism-economy-ecological environment in arid zones: the case of Xinjiang, China

The synergistic integration of tourism, the economy, and the ecological environment within a region is crucial for promoting its sustainable development. Tourism acts as a catalyst for green economic growth, yet varying levels of tourism development can intensify the strain on the ecological environment. Thus, achieving a Pareto optimal balance among the benefits of these three entities holds significant theoretical and practical relevance. This research utilizes statistical data spanning from 2000 to 2021 to devise a tourism-economy-ecological environment (TEE) indicator system for Xinjiang. The study employs a coupled coordination model to analyze the spatial and temporal coupling dynamics between subsystems and to classify the types of coupled coordination. The analysis also identifies obstacles that impede the degree of coordination. The findings indicate that during the period under investigation, the TEE system in Xinjiang experienced consistent growth. However, the tourism subsystem exhibited disparate development and pronounced resource monopolization, which stimulated the economic subsystem’s growth, albeit with noticeable developmental lags in the latter stages. Spatially, economic performance demonstrated a declining trend from core urban centers like Urumqi City and Karamay City towards peripheral areas. From an ecological perspective, the distribution of resources exhibited a heterogeneous “M-V-W” pattern, characterized by significant disparities in the availability of natural resources and the occurrence of localized ecological deterioration. There is a notable and increasing degree of coupled coordination in regional synergistic development, which is primarily manifested in the delayed development of tourism. The combined development of the three subsystems is influenced by some factors, including environmental pollution, resources, economic quality, and industrial structure. Soot emissions, green space per capita in parks, and sulfur dioxide emissions are identified as key constraints. This study provides theoretical backing and empirical evidence for economic growth, the optimization of industrial structure, and the preservation of the ecological environment in arid and semi-arid regions globally.

Children’s limited tooling ability in a novel concurrent tool use task supports the innovation gap

School-aged children have consistently shown a surprising developmental lag when attempting to innovate solutions to tool use tasks, despite being capable of learning to solve these problems from a demonstrator. We suggest that this “innovation gap” arises from tool tasks with more complex spatial relations. Following Fragaszy and Mangalam’s new tooling theory, we predicted that innovating a new “sticker slide” task should be more challenging when two tools need to be used at the same time (concurrently) rather than one at a time (sequentially), despite the similarity of the other task elements. In line with previous work, both versions of the task were challenging for all ages of children (4–9 years) that we tested. However, the youngest group showed particularly extreme difficulties, which was marked by not a single child innovating the concurrent version. Although success significantly increased with age, even the oldest group failed to reach 50% success on the concurrent version of the task, whereas the majority of the two older groups could solve the sequential version. Thus, in this first study of concurrent tool use in children, we found support for the prediction that increasing the complexity of spatial relations in tooling exacerbates the innovation gap.

Child development lags and learning trajectories in primary school in Uruguay: compensation or divergence? / Rezagos en el desarrollo infantil y trayectorias de aprendizaje en la enseñanza primaria de Uruguay: ¿compensación o divergencia?

We evaluate two rival hypotheses of: (a) divergent trajectories — or cumulative learning gaps — between children with severe and moderate developmental lags and developmentally on-track children; and (b) convergent trajectories — which predict the inverse pattern. We estimate growth curves using panel data from a cohort of students first assessed by the Early Years Evaluation (Uruguay) at the end of kindergarten (age five), assessed up to three times in language and mathematics on an annual basis during years three to five since their transition to first grade. By the third year in school, substantial differences are found in reading and maths skills between children that did and did not show early developmental lags (effects range between .31 and .46 sd). We find a prevalent pattern of divergence in learning gains between years three to five in school (gaps increase by .10 sd per year). Our results suggest that tackling academic gaps will require timely interventions based on early identification of children who are academically at risk. Uruguay has developed early developmental assessment tools and learning monitoring systems, both of which should serve as the basis of an effective early warning system to deal with learning disparities from early ages.

Age-corrected development of preterm children: a population-based study.

The standard practice to account for expected developmental lags in preterm children is calculating their age as if born on their expected delivery date. We aimed to assess the accuracy of standard age correction in a large and diverse population. Routine surveillance data was extracted from a national network of mother-child clinics covering over 70% of the Israeli population. We included children with no developmental delay at age 2 years old, to exclude chronic dysfunctions. For each milestone assessed before age 2 years old we calculated the age of 90% and 95% population-milestone attainment, and compared attainment age between term and preterm children, before and after age correction. The study consisted of n = 656,986 and n = 52,662 term and preterm children respectively. Without age correction extensive gaps were observed in all domains, all degrees of prematurity and persisted throughout the first 2 years of life. With age correction most gaps were resolved among moderate/late preterm children, but not among extreme and very preterm, with residual gaps of at least 2 months for motor and 1 month for language-social development. While standard age correction accounts for maturational delay in late/moderate preterm children, it may underestimate the maturational delay among very/ extremely preterm children. Standard age correction is sufficient for late/moderate preterm children, and underestimates the maturational delay of extreme and very preterm children. Prior evidence on the accuracy of standard age correction across developmental domains and degrees of prematurity was limited to dated, small-scale data. Maturational delays persist throughout the first 2 years of life across all developmental domains and in all levels of prematurity. Developmental assessments without age correction may lead to unnecessary parental anxiety.

Brain and the whole-body bone imaging appearances in Menkes disease: a case report and literature review

BackgroundMenkes disease (MD) is a rare, inherited, multisystemic copper metabolism disorder. Classical Menkes disease is characterized by low serum copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations, leading to multiple abnormalities in the whole-body, especially in connective tissue and central nervous system. However, serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels are not reliable diagnostic biomarkers due to the low concentrations in healthy newborns either. The featured imaging manifestations play an important role in diagnosing Menkes disease. To our knowledge, there are few reports on the systemic imaging manifestations of Menkes disease.Case presentationA 4-month-old male patient presented with recurrent seizures. He had cognitive, intellectual, growth, gross motor, precision movement, and language developmental lags. The patient’s hemoglobin and serum ceruloplasmin level were low. On MRI, increased intracranial vascular tortuosity, cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, white matter changes, and basal ganglia abnormalities were observed. Plain radiograph revealed wormian bones, rib flaring, metaphyseal spurring, and periosteal reactions in the long bones of the limbs. A pathogenic variant in ATP7A gene was identified in the patient, so he was confirmed the diagnosis of Menkes disease. His symptoms did not improve despite symptomatic and supportive treatment during his hospitalization. Unfortunately, the infant died 3 months after leaving hospital.ConclusionA comprehensive and intuitive understanding of the disease’s imaging manifestations can help clinicians to identify the disease and avoid delays in care.

Progress in Digital Climate Governance in China: Statistical Measurement, Regional Differences, and Dynamic Evolution

The capacity for climate governance is crucial for sustainable advancement, with data elements being a pivotal production factor in contemporary governance. This study examines the trajectory and strategy of digital transformation in climate governance, creating a three-dimensional dataset encapsulating 11 primary and 36 secondary indicators to facilitate the assessment of digital climate governance. Employing spatiotemporal analysis and coupling coordination models, this study evaluates the digitalization levels in climate governance across 30 regions in China, examining how to progress digital integration from governmental and market perspectives. Findings reveal a consistent improvement in China’s regional digital climate governance, bolstering economic and social progress. Nonetheless, regional disparities and developmental lags persist, with convergence analysis indicating a divergence trend in provincial climate governance capabilities. Moreover, kernel density and Markov chain analyses suggest an ongoing evolution in regional digital climate governance efforts, aiming at achieving a higher development plateau. The study emphasizes the dual role of government and market dynamics in boosting digital governance levels, deducing from two-stage regression that effective government-market interplay is vital for elevating governance quality and fostering new productive forces, recommending an integrated governance mechanism for optimal synergy.

Providing technical assistance to inclusive postsecondary education programs on paid employment experiences of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A case study

BACKGROUND: Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities lag behind their peers without disabilities when it comes to participation in college and employment. In response to this, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) created an online, six-week course for staff who work with students with disabilities in inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs. OBJECTIVE: To create a course and technical assistance (TA) based on implementing supported employment strategies through VCU’s ACE-IT in College model, using evidence-based employment practices. The course and TA were developed to increase the skills of IPSE program staff, as well as increase the number of paid internship opportunities for the students in their programs. METHODS: VCU staff offered a six-week training program, followed by yearlong technical assistance to college and university staff who implement inclusive postsecondary education programs. The researchers conducted a case study of one program and followed them through the course and their TA activities. Data examined were: facilitated discussion board responses, needs assessment results, meeting notes and case study notes, as well as goals and strategies they developed. RESULTS: Results indicate a need for more staff and funding, as well as university buy-in. The fidelity of implementation allowed researchers to make slight adjustments for future TA participants. CONCLUSION: One participating program emerged as a case study site, and results indicate a need for more staff and funding. Detailed descriptions and technical assistant support strategies are provided, as well as implications for further research.

The Pandemic and Preschoolers: COVID Kids and How Libraries Can Support Them

Librarians around the nation must learn how to address preschoolers in a post-pandemic world.In an article called “COVID Babies,” Adam Clark explores various ways that the pandemic has affected children’s development. Clark begins with a vignette about a two-year-old named Charlie who is in speech therapy to help him learn to speak more than one-word utterances. Nancy Polow, one of the speech pathologists interviewed in the article, notes, “I have never seen such an influx of infants and toddlers unable to communicate. We call these children COVID babies.”Shuffrey et al. studied two cohorts of babies born shortly after the pandemic began: those whose mothers had COVID-19 while pregnant and those whose mothers did not have COVID-19 while pregnant. Compared to an older cohort of children born before the pandemic, both pandemic-era cohorts showed significantly lower scores on gross motor, fine motor, and social skills than the pre-pandemic cohort. While exposure to the virus in utero does not seem to be implicated, the researchers speculated that the stress that pregnant mothers experienced during the first part of the pandemic might have contributed to some of the developmental lags they saw. They urge long-term monitoring of children born during the pandemic to better understand the impact of being gestated and born during this time period.

Reputation and prosocial lies in development

AbstractChildren start to engage in self‐serving deception from approximately 2½ years of age. This emerging self‐centered propensity toward the deliberate covering of truth is predicted by the child's degree of executive function and level of theory of mind. In contrast, existing studies on the emergence of other‐oriented lies point to a significant developmental lag—children begin to produce prosocial lies not prior to 3–4 years of age. What may account for such a lag? In this article, we review the recent literature and conclude that the existing cognitive account does not fully explain the developmental lag between self‐ and other‐serving deception. As an alternative, we propose that reputational concerns may drive the ontogeny of prosocial lies and account for their later emergence.

Deficits of duration estimation in individuals aged 10-20 years old with idiopathic mild intellectual disability: The role of updating working memory.

Duration estimation is a conceptual ability that plays a crucial role in human behaviour. Impairments in duration estimation ability have a significant impact on daily autonomy and social and cognitive capacities, even more so in psychological disorders. It has been recently shown that the ability to estimate durations develops at a slower pace in individuals with mild intellectual disability (MID) compared with typically developing (TD) individuals. More generally, it has been also demonstrated that duration estimation requires working memory updating. In this study, we compared the duration estimation and updating performances of individuals aged 10-20 years with idiopathic MID without associated disorders to those of typical individuals of the same ages (N = 160). Our results highlight a developmental lag not only in the capacity to estimate short durations (<1 s) in individuals with idiopathic MID, both in a bisection task and in a reproduction task, but also in working memory updating capacity. The findings also emphasise-for the first time-the importance of updating for both the age-related increase in duration estimation capacities and the deficits of these capacities in idiopathic MID. This is consistent with the hypothesis that duration estimation deficits in idiopathic MID may be due, to a large extent, to lower updating abilities.

P-788 Embryo vitrification affects the epigenome of preimplantation embryos and the effects are inherited by the female offsprings.

Abstract Study question How does embryo vitrification regulates the transcriptome of preimplantation embryos through epigenetic regulation and how are the effects transmitted to the female offsprings? Summary answer Embryo vitrification changed the DNA methylation level of preimplantation embryo and disturbed glycolipid metabolism of female offsprings in mice. What is known already Vitrification is a type of embryo cryopreservation increasingly frequently used clinically. The effect of embryo freezing on the health of offspring has been widely concerned. Some clinical studies have shown that offspring obtained from frozen embryo transplantation has higher birth weight and may be at higher risk of certain birth defects, increased risk of type 1 diabetes and cancer. But not all studies agree. The offspring safety of vitrification needs further follow-up research. Mouse model is a helpful tool for us to carry up follow-up study and explore mechanism. Study design, size, duration After superovulation and mating of ICR mice, we obtained 8-Cell embryos. In Vitrify Group, the 8-Cell embryos underwent vitrification and thawing and culture in vitro till blastocysts. In InVitro Group, the 8-Cell embryos were directly cultured in vitro till blastocysts. We transplanted these blastocysts into surrogate mice to get offspring of InVitro and Vitrify. Along with offspring of natural conception (NC), we observed their growth and development and glycolipid metabolism until 18 weeks old. Participants/materials, setting, methods Single embryo RNA-seq and Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) were performed to get transcriptome and DNA methylation atlas. Immunofluorescence of blastocysts was performed to test level of 5mC/5hmC and Tet2. Glucose and insulin tolerance test (GTT/ITT), serum lipid level test were performed on offspring to examine the glycolipid metabolism status. Liver transmission electron microscope photographs were take to observe ultramicrostructure. Liver RNA-seq and WGBS were performed to verify the variation on pathways concerning glycolipid metabolism. Main results and the role of chance Pseudo-time analysis from RNA-seq of 16-Cell, morula and blastocyst showed a relative developmental time lag in Vitrify. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of vitrify group at the blastocyst stage are mainly enriched in lipid metabolism, insulin signal, TOR signal regulation, gamete production related DNA methylation pathways. GSEA analysis revealed down-regulation of insulin response pathway genes. WGBS showed a trend of genome-wide methylation increase in vitrify group. Immunofluorescence confirmed this observation as the fluorescence intensity ratio of 5mC/5hmC was increased. RNA-seq, qPCR and western-blot showed a lower expression level of Tet2. These results suggested that the demethylation was insufficient in vitrify group. Blastocyst differentially methylated genes (DMRs) from WGBS were enriched in insulin response pathways. In offspring, birth weight of Vitrify offspring is higher than InVitro. GTT and ITT showed an elevated level of AUC in Vitrify 10-week-female, indicating an impaired glucose tolerance. And the fasting serum cholesterol level was elevated in Vitrify 10-week-female, indicating an impaired lipid metabolism. Under transmission electron microscope, we saw swollen mitochondria in liver of Vitrify 10-week-female. We extracted RNA from 10-week-female for RNA-seq, DEGs were enriched in cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. We extracted DNA from 10-week-female for WGBS, DEGs were enriched in cAMP and AMPK signaling pathway. Limitations, reasons for caution We have not confirm the precise molecular site affected by vitrification, clarify the mechanism and conduct the rescue test yet, which we are currently working on. This study is just the first step in this direction, and more efforts are needed. Wider implications of the findings Although more clinical trials and basic science studies are required, our findings provide valuable information for preventive and clinical decisions, as ‘freeze-all’ strategy springs up in many centers. Embryo vitrification needs more cautious consideration. Optimizing embryo vitrification protocols are needed according to the mechanism to minimize unwanted effects. Trial registration number 2021YFC2700601

Study and Assessment of Motor Abilities of Older Children of Pre-school Age With Speech Disorders

Objectives: The urgency of the given study is in the lack of knowledge of various types of motor abilities of older pre-school children with speech disorders and the need to realize an individually differentiated approach to provide the environment for their development. In the current study, it was tried to identify and assess the level of development of motor abilities in older pre-school children with speech disorders. Methods: The study included 200 older pre-school children, 100 children with a healthy level of speech development, and 100 with a speech disorder in the Belgorod and Belgorod region (Russian Federation). The study looked at scientific sources using motor abilities testing (motor coordination, speed, strength, strength, plasticity, and stamina). Methods of mathematical statistics (student's t-test) using the SPSS software, version 26 were used to calculate the statistic problems. Results: The study and assessment of motor abilities of older pre-school children showed the predominance of an insufficient level of development of motor and coordination abilities in both neurotypical children and those with a language disorder. In both groups, children performed the worse left-hand task (the insufficient level was noted in children with speech disorders in 100% of boys and girls; in the group of children with a healthy level of speech development – in 84.1% of boys and 81.5 % of girls). When performing the right task hand, an insufficient level was noticed in children with speech disorders in 95.5% of boys and 96.4% of girls; in the group of children with a healthy level of speech development–in 77.3% of boys and 74.1% of girls. Diagnosis of other motor abilities states the dominance of the insufficient level only in children with speech disorders: strength abilities (70.5% of boys and 72.3% of girls), speed and strength abilities (68.2 % of boys and 67.9 % of girls), stamina (77.3% of boys and 75% of girls), and plasticity (65.9% of boys and 62.5% of girls). The veracity of the results was confirmed through the student's t-test. The observed differences were statistically significant. Discussion: The obtained findings and assessment of motor abilities confirm developmental lag in older pre-school children with speech disorders. In children, low indicators in the level of development of motor-coordination abilities and stamina prevailed.

Neurocognitive Subgroups in Children at Familial High-risk of Schizophrenia or Bipolar disorder: Subgroup Membership Stability or Change From Age 7 to 11-The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study.

Subgroups with distinct levels of neurocognitive functioning exist in children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, studies investigating the temporal stability of subgroup membership are currently lacking. We hypothesized that a minority of children at familial high-risk of schizophrenia (FHR-SZ) or bipolar disorder (FHR-BP) would transition to a different neurocognitive subgroup from age 7 to 11 and that most transitions would be to a more impaired subgroup. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups at two assessments (age 7 and 11) based on the performance of 320 children at FHR-SZ or FHR-BP across eight neurocognitive functions. Temporal stability in subgroup membership was evaluated with latent profile transition analysis. Population-based controls (age 7, n = 199; age 11, n = 178) were included as a reference group. Children transitioning to a more impaired subgroup were compared with nontransitioning children on sex, FHR-status, global functioning, and psychopathology. At both assessment points, we identified three subgroups based on neurocognitive performance: a moderately-severely impaired, a mildly impaired, and an above-average subgroup. A total of 12.8% of children transitioned to a different subgroup, of which the majority (85.2%) moved to a more impaired subgroup. Parental diagnosis of schizophrenia, but neither parental diagnosis of bipolar disorder, global functioning at age 7, psychopathology, nor sex significantly differentiated children transitioning to a more impaired subgroup from nontransitioning children. During pre-adolescence, neurocognitive developmental lag is associated with being at FHR-SZ. Close attention to these children's neurocognitive development is indicated.

Morbidity profile and short-term outcomes of low birth weight neonates delivered in a tertiary care centre: a prospective observational study

Background: More than 20 million babies (15%) born worldwide are LBW (low birth weight) out of which 90% belong to developing countries. Identification of the timing and pattern of morbidities is expected to aid in the timely management of LBW neonates. Objective of the current study was to determine the morbidity profile and short-term outcomes (3 months) in LBW babies.Methods: Prospective observational study was conducted in neonatal section, JNMCH, AMU, Aligarh, UP over a period of 2 years which included LBW neonates (n=266) who were regularly screened for the occurrence as well as severity of defined morbidities. Immediate outcome was noted in the form of recovery or mortality and 3 months follow up was done for assessment of growth and development as well as occurrence of complications.Results: RDS was found as the major morbidity seen in 35% (n=93) followed by sepsis 27.8% (n=74), jaundice 24% (n=63), MAS 21.4% (n=57). On logistic regression analysis, MAS (OR=21) followed by sepsis (OR=9.1) and RDS (OR=4.6) were the common predictors for mortality. Follow-up of 221 babies demonstrated readmission in 9% babies (n=20) with high rate of admission among moderate preterm 45% (n=9) and top fed infants 85% (n=17), 2 succumbed to LOS, signs of developmental lag in 2.7% (n=6), ROP in 3% (n=7) and 7 showed neurological findings on ultrasonography.Conclusions: Present study has shown MAS, RDS and sepsis as predominant causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality which could be prevented through early identification and timely intervention. Proper counselling at discharge and regular follow-up is equally vital to improve their neurodevelopmental outcome.

Auditory Phenotype and Histopathologic Findings of a Mutant Nlrp3 Expression Mouse Model.

ObjectiveThe pathogenesis of hearing loss in autoinflammatory disorders due to activation of the inflammasome remains incompletely understood. Previously no animals expressing mutant Nlrp3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) survived to an age when hearing evaluation was possible due to embryonic lethality. We aimed to establish a novel mouse model that manifests quantifiable hearing loss with other syndromic features due to alteration of Nlrp3 and investigate the audiologic and histopathologic phenotype in the cochlea to clarify how the genetic alterations of NLRP3 could induce autoinflammatory hearing loss.MethodsTo induce inner ear expression of the mutant Nlrp3, Nlrp3D301NneoR mice were bred with Gfi1Cre knock-in mice for conditional mutant Nlrp3 activation in the cochlea and hematopoietic cells. Hearing thresholds were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin sections of the cochlea, brain, kidney, and liver were examined under light microscopy. Immunohistochemical analyses using polyclonal anti-NLRP3 antibodies on cochlear whole-mount preparations and frozen sections were performed.ResultsWe, for the first time in the literature, established a mouse model that manifests quantifiable hearing loss due to Nlrp3 alteration. ABR recordings of Nlrp3D301NneoR/+; Gfi1Cre/+ mice, albeit with limited life expectancy, exhibited severe to profound hearing loss at postnatal day 20 (P20). There was overall overexpression of mutant Nlrp3, and mutant Nlrp3 expression was noted in the spiral prominence, the outer sulcus region (Claudius cells and outer sulcus cells), the organ of Corti, the inner sulcus, and the spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea. The hematoxylin-eosin sections of Nlrp3D301NneoR/+; Gfi1Cre/+ mice cochleae at P12 exhibited a disorganized organ of Corti between the outer hair cells/supporting Deiters' cells and basilar membrane compared with the normal phenotype mice, leading to a collapsed Nuel's space. This morphologic feature gradually returned to normal by P15. Varying degrees of inflammation with lymphocytic infiltrations were observed in the brain, kidney, and liver.ConclusionWe report the first mutant Nlrp3 overexpression mouse model (Nlrp3D301NneoR/+; Gfi1Cre/+) that shows obvious overexpression of Nlrp3 in the cochlea, a transient developmental lag of the cochlea, and severe to profound hearing loss. We expect that this mouse line, which models human autoinflammatory hearing loss, could provide a valuable tool to elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanism of inflammasome activation-mediated hearing loss.

Easy or difficult? Children's understanding of how supply and demand affect goal completion.

Three experiments examined children's understanding of how supply and demand affect the difficulty of completing goals. Participants were 368 predominantly White Canadians (52% female, 48% male) tested in 2017-2022. In Experiment 1, 3-year-olds recognized that obtaining resources is easier where supply exceeds demand than where demand exceeds supply. However, in Experiment 2, 3-year-olds were insensitive to supply and demand when comparing situations where demand exceeded supply to a greater or lesser degree. Finally, Experiment 3 revealed a developmental lag in 3- to 7-year-olds' understanding of how supply and demand affects goal completion: Children succeeded when contrasting a surplus and a shortage of supply relative to demand at 4;2. But they only succeeded when contrasting degrees of greater supply than demand at 5;10.

A systematic review of premorbid cognitive functioning and its timing of onset in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Cognitive impairments are core features of established schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, it remains unclear whether specific cognitive functions are differentially impaired pre-onset and at what age these impairments can be detected. The purpose of this review was to elucidate these issues through a systematic summary of results from longitudinal studies investigating impairment in specific cognitive domains as antecedents of SSD.Relevant studies were identified by electronic and manual literature searches and included any original study of cognitive domains any time pre-onset of SSDs that included a control group. Effect sizes were calculated by domain for studies comparing high-risk participants who developed SSD with those who did not.The strongest evidence for impairment pre-onset was for mental processing speed, verbal learning and memory, executive function, and social cognition. Some verbal impairments, like language abilities at age 3 and verbal learning and memory at age 7, may develop as static deficits. Conversely, some non-verbal impairments, like mental processing speed, visuospatial abilities, and visual working memory manifest as developmental lag and become significant later in life. Most effect sizes were small to moderate, except for verbal fluency (d′ = 0,85), implying this impairment as central in high-risk participants who develop SSD.The present review documents extensive cognitive impairments pre-onset of SSD, and that these impairments start early in life, in line with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. Increased knowledge about cognitive impairments preonset can provide a better basis for understanding the complex pathogenesis of SSD as well as informing cognitive remediation programs.

Maternal education and siblings: Agents of cognitive development in kindergarten.

In this study (n=1000, Mage at K1entry =53.4 months, SD=3.4; 53% females), we investigated the contributions of the family socioeconomic status (SES; maternal education and an income-related measure) and number and age of siblings to the development of children's math, reading, and working memory (WM) updating skills over the kindergarten years. Results from a multivariate multilevel growth curve model showed that children from more disadvantaged SES backgrounds already had a multifaceted developmental lag at kindergarten entry. Maternal education was the aspect of SES that more clearly affected the child's cognitive development; the mother's education predicted children's math, reading, and WM-updating skills at kindergarten entry as well as the rate of development of reading skills over the kindergarten years. Independently of SES status, children with more siblings also showed poorer reading and math skills than those in one-child families at kindergarten entry. We also found that both older and younger siblings affected, negatively, children's reading skills before they attended kindergarten-which suggests that the development of reading skills is more responsive to environmental factors during the first years than other aspects of the child development. The findings underscore the independent role of siblings upon entry to kindergarten, and the enduring role of maternal education even after children are exposed to formal schooling.

The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Social Policy in Interwar Poland

Abstract The aim of this paper is to determine how the economic crisis, and the ad hoc attempts made by the authorities to counteract it, affected the Polish society and, above all, to prepare a multidimensional analysis of how the crisis impacted systemic changes in the Polish social policy. The author will examine both positive changes that followed the relevant global trends and also negative changes that resulted from the developmental lag, the country’s economic situation and especially the generally low involvement of the state via public funding in activities that were part of the state’s social policy. Assessment of Polish social policy during the crisis must be ambiguous. On the one hand, systemic changes in social policy introduced as a result of the economic collapse can be clearly distinguished, on the other hand, however, the severity of the crisis visibly affected many activities of state and local governments in the social sphere. These activities posed unsuccessful attempts to rescue the situation in the labour market. Additionally, an effective response to deepening poverty was missing, amendments adopted to labour legislation were disadvantageous to employees, and finally fundamental sacrifices in terms of social policy were made as the lawmakers passed the Unification Act during the crisis. Polish social policy was unable, for a number of reasons, to essentially redefine its approach to addressing the numerous social issues it had to face.