Intelligence Quotient Of Children Research Articles

Maternal early-pregnancy ferritin and offspring neurodevelopment: A prospective cohort study from gestation to school age.

BackgroundIron plays a role in many key processes in the developing brain. During pregnancy, iron supplementation is widely recommended to prevent and treat iron deficiency; however, the prevalence of iron deficiency and the risk of iron overload vary greatly between populations. Evidence on the role of high levels of maternal ferritin, a storage iron marker during pregnancy in relation to offspring neurodevelopment is lacking.ObjectiveOur main objective was to examine if maternal ferritin levels during pregnancy are associated with child cognitive and motor abilities.MethodsWe included Dutch mother‐child dyads from the prospective population‐based Generation R Study, born in 2002–2006. We compared children whose mothers had high (standard deviation score >+1) or low (standard deviation score <−1) early‐pregnancy ferritin to children whose mothers had intermediate ferritin (reference group) using linear regression. Children underwent non‐verbal intelligence and language tests at 4–9 years (cognitive abilities), finger‐tapping and balancing tests at 8–12 years (motor abilities), and structural magnetic resonance imaging at 8–12 years (brain morphology). Covariates were child age, sex, maternal intelligence quotient estimate, age, body‐mass‐index, education, parity, smoking and alcohol use.ResultsOf the 2479 mother‐child dyads with data on maternal ferritin and at least one child neurodevelopmental outcome, 387 mothers had low (mean = 20.6 µg/L), 1700 intermediate (mean = 64.6 µg/L) and 392 high (mean = 170.3 µg/L) early‐pregnancy ferritin. High maternal ferritin was associated with 2.54 points (95% confidence interval ‐4.16, ‐0.92) lower child intelligence quotient and 16.02 cm3 (95% confidence interval ‐30.57, ‐1.48) smaller brain volume. Results remained similar after excluding mothers with high C‐reactive protein. Low maternal ferritin was not associated with child cognitive abilities. Maternal ferritin was unrelated to child motor outcomes.ConclusionHigh maternal ferritin during pregnancy was associated with poorer child cognitive abilities and smaller brain volume. Maternal iron status during pregnancy may be associated with offspring neurodevelopment.

Prenatal and postnatal exposures to four metals mixture and IQ in 6-year-old children: A prospective cohort study in South Korea.

Humans are exposed to a mixture of metals during their lifetime; however, evidence of neurotoxicity of such mixtures in critical time windows is still insufficient. We aimed to elucidate the associations of four metals mixture across multiple time points with children's intelligence quotient (IQ) in a prospective cohort study. Prenatal exposure and exposure at age 4 and 6years to four types of blood metals, namely lead, mercury, cadmium, and manganese were quantified in 502 pregnant women and their children who participated in the Environment and Development Cohort study. Children' s IQ scores were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale at age 6. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), quantile g-computation models, and elastic net (ENET) models were used to assess the associations of their blood metals mixture with IQ scores. Multivariate linear regression models indicated that postnatal blood manganese exposure at the age of 4years was significantly negatively associated with children's IQ [β=-5.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): -11.37 to-0.61]. In the multi-chemical BKMR and quantile g-computation model, statistically significant inverse associations were found between the mixture of prenatal and postnatal metals and children's IQ score (Difference in children' IQ per quartile increase: -2.83; 95% CI: -5.28, -0.38). Interestingly, we found that manganese levels at both age of 4 and 6years were contributing factors to children's IQ in the mixture models, namely, BKMR, quantile g-computation, and ENET models. Multi-pollutant mixtures of prenatal and postnatal exposures to four metals affected child IQ at 6years of age. We found a relationship between manganese exposure at both age 4, and 6years and children's IQ. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these associations and to control the exposure to different metals during pregnancy and preschool childhood.

Association between Low Cognition and Low–income in Rural Pakistani Children

Objective: Numerous studies have concluded relationship of the childhood poverty to the impaired academic performance ultimately contributing to low wages and income in the adult life. Objective of this study was to assess the association between household income and the cognitive potential of children. Methodology: In this cross–sectional study, cognitive potential of 6 to 7 years old children (n=300) from a rural district of Pakistan was assessed through an indicator of the cognitive development called Intelligence Quotient (IQ) or Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) which was calculated by utilizing fourth edition of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI–IV). Data on the sociodemographic profile was collected through mother’s questionnaire. Results: Low cognitive potential or IQ of the rural Pakistani children was found to be associated with the low–income of the household. Conclusion: Early childhood development programmes in Pakistan ought to incorporate cognitive–stimulation strategies designed for the low–income children belonging to the rural place of residence in order to disrupt the transmission of poverty to the next generation. Keywords: poverty, rural, IQ, children, productivity, Pakistan, cognition, low–income, socioeconomic

The cholinergic system, intelligence, and dental fluorosis in school-aged children with low-to-moderate fluoride exposure

Disruption of cholinergic neurotransmission can affect cognition, but little is known about whether low-to-moderate fluoride exposure affects cholinergic system and its effect on the prevalence of dental fluorosis (DF) and intelligence quotient (IQ). A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the associations of moderate fluoride exposure and cholinergic system in relation to children's DF and IQ. We recruited 709 resident children in Tianjin, China. Ion selective electrode method was used to detect fluoride concentrations in water and urine. Cholinergic system was assessed by the detection of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and acetylcholine (ACh) levels in serum. Compared with children in the first quartile, those in fourth quartile the risk of either developing DF or IQ < 120 increased by 19% and 20% for water and urinary fluoride. The risk of having both increased by 58% and 62% in third and fourth quartile for water fluoride, 52% and 65% for urinary fluoride. Water fluoride concentrations were positively associated with AChE and negatively associated with ChAT and ACh, trends were same for urinary fluoride except for ACh. The risk of either developing DF or having non-high intelligence rose by 22% (95%CI: 1.07%, 1.38%) for the fourth quartile than those in the first quartile of AChE, for having the both, the risk was 1.27 (95%CI: 1.07, 1.50), 1.37 (95%CI: 1.17, 1.62) and 1.44 (95%CI: 1.23, 1.68) in second, third and fourth quartiles. The mediation proportion by AChE between water fluoride and either developing DF or IQ < 120 was 15.7%. For both to exist, the proportion was 6.7% and 7.2% for water and urinary fluoride. Our findings suggest low-to-moderate fluoride exposure was associated with dysfunction of cholinergic system for children. AChE may partly mediate the prevalence of DF and lower probability of having superior and above intelligence.

Cognitive Impairment in Adult Patients with 5q-Associated Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

In previous studies, a below-average, average, or above-average intelligence quotient (IQ) in children with SMA was detected but, aside from a severe physical disability, the cognitive performance of adult SMA patients has not yet been evaluated. The intelligence test used in this study, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, fourth edition (WAIS-IV), was used to measure major intelligence components of adult SMA patients. The WAIS-IV determines four index scores representing verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Due to time-dependent demands on motor function, the processing speed index score was excluded. IQ index scores of 33 adult SMA patients did not differ from IQ index scores of the normal population. In SMA type-3 patients, the index scores for verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, and working memory did not differ from the normal population but showed a trend of IQ scores towards lower points. Patients with SMA type 2 had lower IQ index scores for working memory (90.33 ± 12.95; p = 0.012) and perceptual reasoning (90.73 ± 12.58; p = 0.013) than the normal population. This study provided further evidence that SMA is a multi-systemic disease and may refute the widespread hypothesis that SMA patients might improve their cognitive skills to compensate for their physical impairment.

Influence of active versus passive parental presence on the behavior of preschoolers with different intelligence levels in the dental operatory: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundDental fear and anxiety still pose the most common factors proposed for the child’s negative behavior in the dental operatory. Intelligence has an impact on the children’s communication, feelings, and responsiveness to dental situations. The benefits of parental presence on reinforcing the child’s behavior during dental treatment are still debatable. This study aimed to assess the effect of parental active versus parental passive presence techniques on the overall behavior of preschool children with different intelligence levels.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2017 to August 2019. It recruited 150 healthy children, 3–6-year-old, with no history of previous dental pain/treatment, and intelligence quotient level of 70– ≤ 110 stratified into 3 equal groups (high, average, low). In the first visit, each IQ group was randomly divided into test (PAP) and control (PPP) groups. In the second visit, dental fear was assessed before preventive intervention, the test groups were then managed using parental active presence technique, while the control groups were managed using parental passive presence technique. The overall behavior was assessed at the end of the visit. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe parental active presence technique had significant effect on children with high and low intelligence quotients. There were significantly higher odds of positive behavior in high than low intelligence quotient children, (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.43, 11.67, P = 0.01). The parental active presence technique had significantly higher odds of positive behavior than the parental passive presence technique, (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.71, 9.76, P = 0.002).ConclusionsThe parental active presence technique had positively influenced the children’s overall behavior irrespective of their intelligence levels. This trial was retrospectively registered, trial identifier number: NCT04580316, 8/11/2020.

Prenatal and postnatal exposures to heavy metal mixtures and IQ in 6-year-old children: a prospective cohort study in South Korea

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Humans are exposed to a mixture of heavy metals during their lifetime; however, evidence of neurotoxicity of such mixtures against critical time windows is still insufficient. We aimed to elucidate the associations of heavy metal mixtures across multiple time points with children’s intelligence quotient (IQ) in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: Prenatal exposure and exposure at age 4 and 6 to four types of heavy metals were quantified in pregnant women and their children who participated in the Environment and Development Cohort study. Children’ s IQ scores were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale at age 6. Linear regression models, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models, and elastic net (ENET) models were used to assess the associations of each heavy metal and their mixtures with IQ scores. RESULTS:Linear regression models indicated that postnatal blood lead level at the age of 6 years and manganese levels at the ages of 4 and 6 were significantly negatively associated with total IQ at 6 years of age. In the multi-chemical BKMR and WQS models, statistically significant inverse associations were found between the mixture of prenatal and postnatal heavy metal exposures and total IQ scores. Higher quantiles of metal mixtures were associated with lower children’s IQ. Interestingly, we found that manganese level at the age of 6 years was the most contributing factor to children’s IQ at 6 years of age in the mixture models of BKMR, WQS, and ENET. CONCLUSIONS:Multi-pollutant mixtures of prenatal and postnatal exposures to heavy metals affected child IQ at 6 years of age. We found a strong relationship between postnatal lead exposure and children’s IQ at the age of 6 years. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these associations and to control the exposure to different metals during pregnancy and preschool childhood. KEYWORDS: Bayesian kernel machine regression, elastic net, heavy metals, intelligence quotient, weighted quantile sum

Associations of Pre- and Postnatal Air Pollution Exposures with Child Cognitive Performance and Behavior: A Multi-cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Research supports the adverse effect of air pollution exposures on child cognitive performance and behavior, but few studies have utilized spatiotemporally resolved pollution predictions. METHODS: We investigated these associations in 1,894 mother-child dyads from three U.S. pregnancy cohorts (CANDLE, TIDES, GAPPS) in the ECHO-PATHWAYS Consortium. Child cognition was assessed using cohort-specific intelligence scales and quantified as the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Child behavior was reported using the Child Behavior Checklist and quantified as the total problems raw score. Pre- and postnatal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter ≤2.5μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) were derived from an advanced spatiotemporal model. We fit multivariate linear regressions, adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychological factors, to measure associations per 2-unit increase in pollutant in each window, and examined modification by child sex using interaction models. RESULTS:Mean PM2.5 and NO2 ranged from 8.4-9.1 µg/m3 and 8.4-9.0 ppb, respectively, across pre-and postnatal windows. Average child IQ and total problems raw score at 4-6 years were 102.7 (SD:15.3) and 22.6 (SD:18.3). Children with a higher 3rd trimester NO2 exposure had a lower IQ (β=-0.44, 95%CI: -0.81, -0.07). Each 2-ppb increase of NO2 in the 2nd trimester and averaged over pregnancy was associated with a 0.68 (95%CI: 0.09, 1.27) and a 0.85 (95%CI: 0.09, 1.61) higher total problems raw score, respectively. Prenatal PM2.5 was only associated with a higher total problems score (β=1.94, 95%CI: 0.11, 3.76), while PM2.5 at 2-4 years was associated with both outcomes (IQ: β=-2.30, 95%CI: -4.53, 0.08; Total problems: β=3.00, 95%CI: 0.21, 5.78). Other associations were null. No modification by child sex was suggested. CONCLUSIONS:The findings build on the current literature on air pollution and child neurodevelopment by using more refined exposure assessments across several pre- and postnatal windows in settings with modest air pollution levels. KEYWORDS: nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, cognitive function, child behavior

Predicting the Adult Clinical and Academic Outcomes in Boys With ADHD: A 7- to 10-Year Follow-Up Study in China.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often persists into adulthood and causes adverse effects on social functioning. The present study aimed to widely investigate the predictors, particularly childhood intelligence quotient (IQ) and family environment factors, on adult clinical and academic outcomes in boys with ADHD.Methods: A total of 101 boys with ADHD in a Chinese Han ADHD cohort were followed up 7–10 years later. Baseline ADHD symptoms were evaluated using the parent version of the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) and the Chinese version of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-48). The intelligence of the child was tested by the China-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC), and family function was assessed by the Family Environment Scale-Chinese Edition (FES-CV). Adult ADHD persistence was defined using DSM-IV criteria for ADHD, and academic outcome fell into two categories: higher academic level group (studying in senior middle school or above) and lower academic level group (studying in vocational secondary schools or below).Results: Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the father's character, impulsive–hyperactive index as measured by the CPRS-48, and intellectual–cultural index as measured by the FES-CV independently predicted clinical outcomes in adults, with an AUC of 0.770 (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.678–0.863). The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 0.743 and 0.727, respectively. The father's education level, family economic level, and verbal IQ (VIQ) on the C-WISC independently predicted adult academic outcomes, with an AUC of 0.870 (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.796–0.944). The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 0.813 and 0.783, respectively.Conclusion: Initial ADHD symptom severity and IQ, father's character and education level, and family atmosphere and function affect adult clinical and academic outcomes. Addressing these areas early may help to improve the prognosis of ADHD into adulthood.

Effectiveness of neonatal screening for congenital hypothyroidism

Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation. Newborn screening program considerably increases probability of CH diagnosis and treatment. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of running CH screening program to maintain normal IQ and physical growth of hypothyroid children in Semnan city. Patients and Methods: This study was performed on children with definite CH who were treated and followed up in Semnan health centers. Around 41 children born within 2008-2013 (minimum three years of age) participated. Respective weight and height for age were measured. The Z-scores were calculated based on the WHO-Anthro-Anthro Plus Software. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was measured with Wechsler Intelligence Score for children-revised (WISC-R). Data analyzed with one-tailed t test compared with age and gender-matched group. Results: The mean IQ Score in our study group was 90.09 (1.73) with no significant difference compared to healthy counterparts (P &gt; 0.05). Z-score for weight and height was -0.46 and -0.45 prospectively and was not significantly different from normal children. Conclusion: Newborn screening program for CH has been effective in preventing mental retardation and growth failure.

Reading Aloud, Self-Regulation, and Early Language and Cognitive Development in Northern Brazil.

In this study, we examined (1) whether a reading aloud intervention, Universidade do Bebê (UBB), had impacts on self-regulation; (2) whether effects on child outcomes were mediated by self-regulation; and (3) whether effects of UBB were explained through a sequential pathway of impact, including cognitive stimulation in the home, parent-child interactive reading, and self-regulation. We performed a cluster randomized controlled trial of UBB in child care centers serving low-income children (mean age 37.4 months; SD = 6.5) in Northern Brazil. The child care centers were randomized to receive UBB or standard care (control). Families in UBB could borrow children's books weekly and participate in monthly workshops focused on reading aloud. Parent-child dyads (n = 484, intervention = 232, control = 252) were evaluated at baseline and 9 months later on: child self-regulation, vocabulary, intelligence quotient (IQ), working memory, and phonological memory and measures of cognitive stimulation in the home and parent-child interactive reading. Multilevel analyses accounted for baseline performance, sociodemographics, and clustering within centers and sites. The UBB group showed significantly higher self-regulation (Cohen's d = 0.25), compared with the control group, particularly in the subdomains of Attention (d = 0.24) and Impulse Control (d = 0.21). Previously shown impacts of UBB on receptive vocabulary, IQ, and working memory were mediated by self-regulation. Effects of UBB on self-regulation and child outcomes were partially explained through cognitive stimulation in the home and parent-child interactive reading. Self-regulation represents an important mechanism by which reading aloud interventions affect language and cognitive outcomes. Investigators should consider the role of self-regulation when refining interventions, seeking to prevent poverty-related disparities.

(INTELLEGENCE QUOTIENT) ANAK USIA SEKOLAH DASAR : A LITERATUR REVIEW

Stunting is a nutritional problem in the world or globally that has an impact on children's growth and development, one of which is the intellectual intelligence of children, which affects the level of intelligence possessed by children and can cause a decrease in the level of productivity in the future. This review literature study aims to see and analyze the impact of stunting on intellectual intelligence (Intelligence Quotient) of elementary school-age children. Keywords: Stunting, intellectual intelligence, school-age children. The method used in this research is a literature review taken from national and international journals related to stunting and intellectual intelligence. Sources of searching for journals through several databases, namely Google Scholar, Pubmed, Science Direct, and IJSR within a period of 10 years (2010 to 2020), obtained search results for 15 journals that were reviewed. The results of research from 15 journals, 12 journals showed the impact of stunting on children's intellectual intelligence after elementary school and 3 journals showed no impact on the intellectual intelligence of elementary school-aged children. The conclusion of the researchers found that nutritional status and stunting have a relationship with cognitive development and intellectual intelligence (IQ) of elementary school-age children, and stunting has a negative impact on children's intellectual intelligence, children's cognitive development, and student learning achievement. Suggestions in this study are that families can fulfill and improve nutrition in children to prevent malnutrition and stunting, conduct consultations with nurses regarding monitoring growth and development in children so as to achieve optimal growth and development.

Association of multi-metals exposure with intelligence quotient score of children: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundAssociations between most single metals and children's intelligence quotient (IQ) scores have been evaluated in previous studies. However, associations between multi-metal exposures and children’s IQ scores have not been analyzed. ObjectivesTo assess the joint effects of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn) and titanium (Ti) co-exposure on children’s IQ scores. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in Shimen and Huayuan, Hunan Province, China. Urine metals levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at baseline. Children’s IQ scores were repeatedly measured at baseline and follow-up following the method of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and standardized as z scores. We fitted linear regression models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to investigate the associations of metal levels with children’s IQ scores after adjusting for covariates. ResultsA total of 633 participants aged 7–10 years completed the survey. Urinary Pb (β = -0.028, P = 0.022) and urinary Ti (β = -0.0003, P = 0.001) were inversely associated with children’s IQ scores. The BKMR analyses revealed significant negative overall effects of the five metals on children’s IQ scores when all the metals were above their median levels, while significant positive associations were shown when all the metal concentrations were below their median levels. The model also showed negative trends of Sn and Ti on children’s IQ. Furthermore, Ti and Sn had a synergistic relationship, with a decline in IQ score when Sn exposure was relatively high. The urinary Sn concentration was significantly higher but the urinary Ti concentration was significantly lower in participants from the Shimen area than in those from the Huayuan area. Decreasing trends of the overall effects were observed in both the Shimen and Huayuan areas. ConclusionOur findings revealed that multi-metal exposures caused a decline in children’s IQ scores according to traditional linear regression models and the BKMR model. Our results provide some evidence of the association between multi-metal exposure and children’s IQ. Meanwhile, interactions between multi-metal exposures on children's IQ should be given more attention.

A Benchmark Dose Analysis for Maternal Pregnancy Urine-Fluoride and IQ in Children.

As a guide to establishing a safe exposure level for fluoride exposure in pregnancy, we applied benchmark dose modeling to data from two prospective birth cohort studies. We included mother-child pairs from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohort in Mexico and the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) cohort in Canada. Maternal urinary fluoride concentrations (U-F, in mg/L, creatinine-adjusted) were measured in urine samples obtained during pregnancy. Children were assessed for intelligence quotient (IQ) at age 4 (n = 211) and between six and 12 years (n = 287) in the ELEMENT cohort, and three to four years (n = 407) in the MIREC cohort. We calculated covariate-adjusted regression coefficients and their standard errors to assess the association of maternal U-F concentrations with children's IQ measures. Assuming a benchmark response of 1 IQ point, we derived benchmark concentrations (BMCs) and benchmark concentration levels (BMCLs). No deviation from linearity was detected in the dose-response relationships, but boys showed lower BMC values than girls. Using a linear slope for the joint cohort data, the BMC for maternal U-F associated with a 1-point decrease in IQ scores was 0.31 mg/L (BMCL, 0.19 mg/L) for the youngest boys and girls in the two cohorts, and 0.33 mg/L (BMCL, 0.20 mg/L) for the MIREC cohort and the older ELEMENT children. Thus, the joint data show a BMCL in terms of the adjusted U-F concentrations in the pregnant women of approximately 0.2 mg/L. These results can be used to guide decisions on preventing excess fluoride exposure in pregnant women.

Investigating the Characteristics of Intelligence Quotient in Individuals with Intellectual Disability in Rafsanjan, 2019

Background: Comprehensive and reliable information about intellectual disability (ID) and its association with environmental and demographic variables is scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of intelligence quotient (IQ) in children with ID. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all children with ID under the care of the welfare organization and special needs schools of the city of Rafsanjan were included in the study by census sampling (n = 207). After obtaining informed consent, parents completed a checklist including participants’ age, gender, birth month, birth season, and birth order, and also parents’ age and education level. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results: Out of 207 children, 107 (51.7%) were male, 100 (48.3%) were female, 36.2% were first-born, 14.5% were born in May, and 5.3% were born in March (the most-the least). The relationship of IQ to birth season and month was not significant (P &gt; 0.05). Among the children, 39.6% were offspring of consanguineous marriages, but no significant relationship was observed between their IQ and consanguineous marriages (P &gt; 0.05). The level of ID was correlated with parents’ age (P &lt; 0.05). A significant relationship was also found between IQ and the number of offspring (P = 0.004). All cases of severe ID were seen in girls and a significant relationship was detected between IQ and gender (P = 0.0001). Conclusions: Individuals with ID have an IQ below 70. ID in children was correlated with the parents’ old age and low education level, but not with their birth season. However, given the higher prevalence of infectious diseases especially viral infections in cold months, it is only sensible to educate couples about how to protect the health of mother and fetus during these periods.

Effects of antiepileptic drugs’ administration during pregnancy on the nerve cell proliferation and axonal outgrowth of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y nerve cells

It has been suggested that the intelligence quotient of children born to pregnant women taking 1000 mg or more of valproic acid per day is lower than that of children born to pregnant women taking other antiepileptic drugs. However, the mechanism whereby intelligence quotient is decreased in children exposed to valproic acid during the fetal period has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we used the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y to evaluate the effects of antiepileptic drugs containing valproic acid on nerve cells. We assessed the anti-proliferative effects of drugs in these cells via WST-8 colorimetric assay, using the Cell Counting Kit-8. We also quantified drug effects on axonal elongation from images using ImageJ software. We also evaluated drug effects on mRNA expression levels on molecules implicated in nervous system development and folic acid uptake using real-time PCR. We observed that carbamazepine and lamotrigen were toxic to SH-SY5Y cells at concentrations >500 μM. In contrast, phenytoin and valproic acid were not toxic to these cells. Carbamazepine, lamotrigen, phenytoin, and valproic acid did not affect axonal outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells. Sodium channel neuronal type 1a (SCN1A) mRNA expression-level ratios increased when valproic acid was supplemented to cells. The overexpression of SCN1A mRNA due to high valproic acid concentrations during the fetal period may affect neurodevelopment. However, since detailed mechanisms have not yet been elucidated, it is necessary to evaluate it by comparing cell axon elongation and SCN1A protein expression due to high-concentration valproic acid exposure.

The Association Between Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test Performance and Intelligence Quotient in Children and Adolescents With Asperger Syndrome.

Background: There has been an extensive debate about a potential association between intelligence and social cognition. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between social cognition as measured with the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test (RMET) and intelligence as measured with the fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) in children and adolescents diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 84 children diagnosed with AS aged 6–16 years (mean = 11.64; standard deviation = 2.75; 92.9% males). We analyzed the association between RMET performance and WISC-IV total score as well as the association between RMET performance and each of the four WISC-IV indexes (processing speed index, PSI; working memory index, WMI; perceptual reasoning index, PRI, and verbal comprehension index, VCI).Results: We found a positive correlation between RMET performance and full-scale intelligence quotient (r = 0.340; p < 0.01), VCI (r = 0.310; p < 0.01), PRI (r = 0.401; p < 0.01), and WMI (r = 0.292; p < 0.01). In the linear regression model, age was a significant predictor of RMET score (β = 0.409; p < 0.001) as was PRI (β = 0.309; p = 0.019).Conclusion: Our results suggest that intelligence quotient positively influences RMET performance, indicating that intelligence increases social cognition in individuals diagnosed with AS. However, weak-to-moderate size effects were found. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms underlying the disturbance of social cognition in children and adolescents diagnosed with AS.

Child physical activity as a modifier of the relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal overweight/obesity and neurocognitive outcomes in offspring.

Background/Objectives:With rising obesity rates among pregnant women, more children are exposed in utero to maternal obesity. In prior epidemiological studies, exposure to maternal obesity was associated with lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores and worse cognitive abilities in offspring. Further studies have shown that offspring exposed to maternal obesity, exhibit differences in the white matter microstructure properties, fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). In contrast, physical activity was shown to improve cognition and white matter microstructure during childhood. We examined if child physical activity levels modify the relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal obesity with IQ and white matter microstructure in offspring.Subjects/Methods:One hundred children (59% girls) age 7–11 years underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and IQ testing. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI was abstracted from electronic medical records. White matter was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging with the measures, global FA, MD. The 3-day physical activity recall was used to measure moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Linear regression was used to test for interactions between prenatal exposure to maternal overweight/obesity and child PA levels on child IQ and global FA/MD.Results:The relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal overweight/obesity and child IQ and global FA varied by child VPA levels. Children exposed to mothers with overweight/obesity who engaged in more VPA had higher IQ scores and global FA compared to exposed children who engaged in less VPA. Associations were independent of child age, sex, BMI Z-score and socioeconomic status. Children born to normal-weight mothers did not differ in either IQ or global FA by time in VPA.Conclusions:Our findings support findings in rodent models and suggest that VPA during childhood modifies the relationship between prenatal exposure to maternal obesity and child IQ and white matter microstructure.

All day‐long pacifier use and intelligence quotient in childhood: A birth cohort study

Literature on pacifier use remains controversial, but mostly suggests an inverse association with childhood intelligence. The objective of this study was to assess the association between pacifier use and intelligence quotient (IQ) in six-year-old children from a birth cohort. Data from 3532 children from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort were analysed. Children were recruited and assessed at birth and followed up at 3months, and 1, 2, 4, and 6years. Data on pacifier use duration and intensity were obtained via interviews with mothers in all six follow-up visits. IQ was estimated at 6years using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and standardised for the analyses. Crude and adjusted coefficients were calculated (linear regression) for all the data collected in follow-up assessments for pacifier use. IQ was inversely associated with all pacifier use indicators. Children who used a pacifier all day long (ADL) at any follow-up showed an IQ 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11, 0.24) standard deviations below those who never used it ADL, after adjusting for confounders. The strength of association increased with number of assessments reporting ADL pacifier use, from a reduction in IQ of 0.13 (95% CI 0.06, 0.21) to 0.34 (95% CI 0.15, 0.52) standard deviations for ADL use in one and in all four follow-up visits, respectively. We found a strong association between intense pacifier use up to 4years of age and lower IQ at 6years. A dose-response gradient was observed, with greater IQ deficits in children who used a ADL pacifier for longer durations. The mechanisms underlying this association need to be clarified. One hypothesis is that children using a pacifier, especially those who use it more intensely, are less stimulated.

Depressive symptoms and academic achievement in UK adolescents: a cross-lagged analysis with genetic covariates

BackgroundThe relationship between adolescent depressive symptoms and academic achievement remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to help clarify the nature and directionality of this association. MethodsWe used a sample of 13,599 British adolescents (main sample of N=3,809 participants). We fitted cross-lagged panel models using four repeated measures of self-reported depressive symptoms and four measures of academic achievement based on British national records between 11-18 years, separately for male and female adolescents and considering polygenic risk scores (PRS) for educational attainment and depression, alongside other child and parental covariates. ResultsWe found evidence of an overall negative association that was stronger in boys (R=-0.21, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.11) than in girls (-0.13, -0.31 to 0.05). Higher depressive symptoms were associated with lower academic achievement at a later stage up to the end of compulsory education (16 years), when the direction of the association reversed, although girls with lower achievement also appeared vulnerable to depressive symptoms at previous stages. The genetic variables derived for this study showed stronger associations for academic achievement, but the PRS for depression also showed a negative association with academic achievement in girls. Child intelligence quotient and peer victimization also showed relevant associations. LimitationsObservational design, variation around measurement times, missing data. ConclusionsDepressive symptoms and academic achievement should be considered jointly when designing school-based programmes for children and adolescents, alongside gender, child ability and school experience. Including genetic information in research can help to disentangle average from time-varying effects.