New York Academy Of Sciences Research Articles

The best evidence for the management of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy

To summarize the best evidence for the management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy. Evidence related to the management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy, including guidelines, clinical decision, best clinical practice, systematic evaluation, expert consensus and evidence summary and related original research were systematically searched in UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, World Health Organization (WHO) website, Guidelines International Network (GIN), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) website, National Guidelines website, American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) website, New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) website, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) database, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, Wanfang database, CNKI, and China Biomedical Literature Database from inception to May 31, 2024. Two researchers independently evaluated the quality of the literature, and a senior researcher made the final decision for literature inclusion. A total of 15 articles were included in the study. Following quality assessment, one article was excluded. The remaining 14 articles included 5 practice guidelines, 3 systematic reviews, 2 expert consensuses, 1 evidence summary, and 3 from UpToDate. Ultimately, 27 pieces of evidence were identified across five key aspects: risk assessment, disease monitoring, early prevention, institutional management and health education. The updated evidence indicates that the monitoring and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should start early, personalized treatment plans should be provided for patients, and the rational allocation of treatment resources needs to be promoted to enhance effective management of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome.

A scientist and a world-class personality: Nikolai Petrovich Elinov (1928–2017)

The essay is dedicated to Nikolai Petrovich Elinov, an eminent scientist with a global reputation, who has made a substantial contribution to the development of medical microbiology, mycology, and biotechnology in the Russian Federation. N. P. Elinov is a professor, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Honored Scientist of the RSFSR, and rector of the Leningrad Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute. He is an active member of the St. Petersburg Engineering Academy and the New York Academy of Sciences, author of 10 textbooks, 8 handbooks, 10 monographs, over 400 articles in domestic and foreign journals, and holds 70 patents for inventions. Professor N. P. Elinov is widely recognized in the scientific community for his work in areas such as biology of aposporous yeast, chemistry and biotechnology of microbial polysaccharides, and others. He has established a school of students and followers, including 50 candidates and 9 Doctors of Science. Under his guidance, the microbiology department laid the foundations for engineering and microbiological training of specialists. As the rector of LCFI, Nikolai Petrovich contributed to the organization of the country’s only faculty for training biotechnology engineers, leading the university to top positions in preparing specialists for the pharmaceutical industry. In 1968, Nikolai Petrovich became a member of the International Commission on Yeast Organisms of the International Union of Microbiological Societies. His name was included in the book “2000 Outstanding Scientists of the Late 20th Century” (1998) by the Cambridge International Biographical Center (UK), where he was recognized as a specialist in microbiology and biotechnology. This essay, based on archival materials, publications, articles, and colleagues’ memories, reveals the key milestones in the life and scientific achievements of Nikolai Petrovich Elinov.

Maximising olive oil by‐products

Maximising olive oil by‐products

Ethics in pediatric research

We asked some of the speakers of the recent conference on Ethical Considerations in Research for Pediatric Populations organized by the New York Academy of Sciences and NYU Grossman to discuss the current challenges around pediatric research. See also our Q&A with Dr. Arthur Caplan in this issue of Med.

Trust, truth, and representation. The New York Academy of Sciences

Trust, truth, and representation. The New York Academy of Sciences

‘EX PEDE HERCULEM’: SLOTHS, SLAVERY, AND SOUTHERN FOSSIL COLLECTION IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

ABSTRACT The Megatherium was thought to be a massive sloth-like creature that roamed different parts of the world including South America and coastal Georgia of the United States. Several nineteenth century naturalists collected and described fossilized remains of these large animals. Among those, the philosopher Samuel Latham Mitchell described them as ‘relics’ and new additions to the ‘giant brood’ of large animals in America. In his accounts, Mitchell did not acknowledge the original discoverers, enslaved African Americans. The discovery of the Megatherium in Georgia contributed to the discussion about distribution of those fossils; that discussion took place at venues such as the Lyceum of Natural History in New York. Using this case study, we seek to contextualize the importance of the Megatherium fossils collected in Georgia to the discourse about fossilized animals in the nineteenth century. The importance of slavery to fossil collecting in the South will also be analyzed.

Retraction: CircRNA_103948 inhibits autophagy in colorectal cancer in a ceRNA manner

The following article,1 published online on 3 Sept 2021 in Wiley Online Library (https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nyas.14679), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor-in-Chief and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The article is being retracted at the authors' request after the journal was contacted by the authors. The authors notified the journal that they were unable to verify or replicate the experimental results of the transmission electron microscopy examination and autophagosome detection presented in Figure 6. As a result, the article's conclusions are not considered reliable. REFERENCE 1. Zhang, N., Zhang, X., Xu, W., Zhang, X., & Mu, Z. (2021). CircRNA_103948 inhibits autophagy in colorectal cancer in a ceRNA manner. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1503, 88-101. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14679.

PSUN248 Mitochondrial diabetes - a rare but important cause of diabetes

Abstract Background Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is a rare mitochondrial disorder which presents with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes. Mitochondrial diabetes is the cause in 1% of all diabetic patients. Here we present a case of a patient with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (DM) who experienced sensorineural deafness and was diagnosed with MELAS. Case 33-year-old female presented with stroke like symptoms in December 2018. Medical history was significant for Diabetes Mellitus (DM), bilateral deafness and end stage renal disease requiring peritoneal dialysis with subsequent kidney transplant. On presentation, she had left sided weakness, lab work revealed lactic acidosis. MRI brain showed large areas of restricted diffusion in right hemisphere and cerebral edema. CSF analysis was positive for lactate and pyruvate. Left lower extremity muscle biopsy and mitochondrial genome analysis were positive for m.3243A>G in the MT-TL1 with 80% heteroplasmy, confirming the diagnosis of MELAS. Patient was started on Arginine, CoQ10, Levetiracetam, phenytoin, IVIG and her symptoms improved. DM was diagnosed in 2013 when patient was on peritoneal dialysis. Family history significant for type 2 DM in maternal uncle. Discussion Mitochondrial diseases are rare, maternally inherited, heterogeneous conditions caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA and present with a variety of clinical symptoms. Mitochondrial diabetes results from the 3243 A>G gene mutation, responsible for both MELAS and Mitochondrial inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD). MELAS presents with encephalopathy, stroke like symptoms and lactic acidosis (1). MIDD presents with nerve deafness, which usually occurs at an early age (2). In our patient, she presented with neurological symptoms suggesting MELAS and bilateral deafness suggesting MIDD. Her presentation is unusual and constitutes an overlap between both disorders. Conclusion Early recognition and diagnosis of mitochondrial diabetes is important. The diagnosis has important genetic implications for other family members. This case report highlights the presentation of MELAS and MIDD and importance of genetic studies in the confirmation of diagnosis 1) D. M. Sproule and P. Kaufmann, "Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes: basic concepts, clinical phenotype, and therapeutic management of MELAS syndrome," Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol. 1142, pp. 133–158, 20082) Murphy R, Turnbull DM, Walker M, Hattersley AT. Clinical features, diagnosis and management of maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) associated with the 3243A>G mitochondrial point mutation. Diabetic Medicine 2008. Apr;25(4): 383-99. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2008.02359.x.Epub 2008 Feb 18. PMID: 18294221. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Fashion, Thresholds, and Borders

Fashion, Thresholds, and Borders

Mary J. Mycek

Mary J. Mycek, 94, died June 2, 2021, in Derby, Connecticut. “Dr. Mycek identified and named the enzyme transglutaminase and characterized the reaction it catalyzed. Her research centered on the mechanism of the brain’s tolerance to barbiturates . Among many publications, she authored three editions of Pharmacology (Lippincott). She served on several study sections at the National Institutes of Health and chaired the NIH Committee on Pharmacological Sciences (1980–1982). She also served as secretary of the Biochemical Pharmacology Discussion Group at the New York Academy of Sciences (1961–1971). She received the Outstanding Woman in Science Award from the Metropolitan Chapter of American Women in Science in New York City in 1994.”—Timothy and Marian O’Keefe, friends Most recent title: Professor, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Education: AB, chemistry, Brown University, 1948; PhD, biochemistry, Yale University, 1955 To recognize your late loved one or colleague, submit obituary information at

Ontogeny of Pediatric Pharmacogenetics: Celebrating the Past and Vision for the Future.

Ontogeny of Pediatric Pharmacogenetics: Celebrating the Past and Vision for the Future.

Moving to The Beats: The Effect of Dance Education on Early Self-Regulation

Self-regulation in children is an important thing that needs to be prepared from an early age. Besides affecting children's school readiness, this also makes it easier for children to have good academic achievements. This study aims to determine the influence of moving to the beat of early childhood self-regulation. This research was conducted on kindergarten group B students in East Jakarta. The research method used is a quasi-experiment method with a sample of 20 students. The data collection technique uses observations by analysing paired t-test statistical data. The results of the study explained that there was a significant effect of moving to the beat of early childhood self-regulation. The significance level is 0.000 < 0.05, which means that H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, this indicates a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test. For further research, it is recommended to look at the influence of other factors on early childhood self-regulation.
 Keywords: Beats, Early childhood, Moving, Self-Regulation

Edwin P. Hollander (1927-2020).

Memorializes Edwin P. Hollander (1927-2020). Hollander was a major figure in the study of group and organizational leadership. He received his BS from Case Western Reserve University in 1948, his MS in psychometrics, working with Robert Thorndike in 1950, and his PhD in social psychology from Columbia University in 1952. After serving as a naval aviation psychologist during the Korean War, Ed began his academic career at Carnegie Mellon, initiating work on leadership that led to a 20-year research program at the State University of New York at Buffalo where he was also founding director of the doctoral program in social/organizational psychology and provost of social sciences. In 1989, he became the City University of New York Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Baruch College until his retirement in 1999. During his career, he had many visiting appointments, including the Tavistock Institute, Harvard, Oxford, the National Academy of Sciences, and Istanbul University. Hollander also served as president of the Eastern Psychological Association and American Psychological Association (APA) Division 1, APA's Board of Social and Ethical Responsibility for Psychology (BSERP), and on the Governing Council of the International Society of Political Psychology. He received a distinguished career award from the International Association of Applied Psychology, the International Leadership Association, the Network of Leadership Scholars, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the Center for Creative Leadership. His landmark books, including Leaders, Groups, and Influence (1964) and Leadership Dynamics (1978), positioned leadership as an influence process occurring at the nexus of leader, followers, and organizational context. Ed emphasized the importance of an engaged followership to the study of leadership, rather than focusing primarily on the leader. He is perhaps best known for the idiosyncrasy credit model, a framework that details how follower perceptions affect leader behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

UHD, electronic homeopathy and organisms – do they share a common language?

Introduction
 Homeopathy, at least in its UHD aspect, proves that the biological function of molecules (their “message”) can be transmitted from some original material substance through pure water to living systems (1). Even if in general this transmission is based on serial dilutions of mother tinctures, experiments demonstrate it can be realized also via modified environmental EM fields, i.e. through the air as is known from the experiments performed by Montagnier (2), Endler and our group (3). It is also known as electronic homeopathy and is capable of a very similar achievement to UHD homeopathy without any chemical continuity between mother tincture and the final informed water. Quantum field theory developed by Preparata and Del Giudice brings theoretical ground to understanding and explaining this, for contemporary physicists, seemingly impossible phenomenon (4). Namely, it is not only that molecular information can be transmitted and stored in pure (UHD) water, but also that it can provoke changes in organisms.
 Theoretical model
 According to quantum electrodynamics, the interactions between an original substance, water and an organism are enabled by coherent domains (CDs). Many experiments corroborate the capacity of CDs to get entangled (phase locking) with the complex field of mother tincture’s substance(s) and consequently to encode the message of the tincture. However this is not the end of the process; this code must later be decoded from the side of the organism (and it seems that it can be even decoded by chemical systems, according to Elia (5)) and make an appropriate reaction. We assume that in case of organisms the endogenous coherent EM field first proposed by Fröhlich is responsible for the decoding; however a homeostatic energy barrier must be broken. Many experiments confirm that even physiological states, not only chemical messages ((6, 7) can be transmitted through the same channel.
 The language of CDs and other EM coherent modes is not violent – the message of a molecule is presented in a way that provokes a reaction but cannot force the organism into a pathological or dead state. Therefore we can speak of a subtle (bio)chemistry and pharmacology, based on coherent modes and using a universal common language understandable to molecules and organisms.
 Conclusion
  Chemicals, water coherent domains, endogenous coherent oscillations of organisms and physiological responses must share a common denominator;
  quantum field oscillations and their wave structures could represent the denominator and therefore the active molecular information;
  potentization somewhat sharpens these wave structures, gives them more penetrative power, which makes higher potencies (dilutions) generally more effective – as they must break the homeostatic barrier of organismic endogenous EM field.
  understanding the language implied in the first point as well as deeper mechanisms of sharpening the molecular information will enable us to enter a new era of subtle (bio)chemistry and pharmacology, surpassing not only contemporary pharmaceutical practice, but also the homeopathic one.
 
 References
 [1] P. Bellavite, M. Marzotto, D. Olioso, E. Moratti, A. Conforti, High-dilution effects revisited. 1. Physicochemical aspects. Homeopathy. 103(1):4-21 (2014).
 [2] Monatagnier et al., DNA waves and water, arXiv:1012.5166v1 [q-bio.OT] (2010).
 [3] I. Jerman, R. Ružič, R. Krašovec, M. Škarja, L. Mogilnicki, Electrical transfer of molecule information into water, its storage and bioeffects on plants and bacteria. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. 24(3): 341-354 (2005).
 [4] E. Del Guidice, P. R. Spinetti, A. Tedeschi, Water Dynamics at the Root of Metamorphosis in Living Organisms. Water. 2010, 2, 566-568; doi:10.3390/w2030566.
 [5] Elia V. in Niccoli M. 1999. Thermodynamics of extremely diluted aqueous solutions. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 879: 241-248.
 [6] C. W. Smith, Quanta and Coherence Effects in Water and Living Systems. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 10(1):69-78. (2004).
 [7] A. Foletti, J. Pokorny, Biophysical approach to low back pain: a pilot report. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. 34 (2): 156-159 (2015).

Shifting Perceptions of CRISPR

Shifting Perceptions of CRISPR

Benefits of Maternal Thiamine Supplementation for Enhancing Cambodian Infants’ Social Responsiveness at 24 Weeks

ObjectivesInfants in Cambodia are at risk for thiamine deficiency, with long-term negative consequences for neuro-cognitive development. We investigated the extent to which maternal thiamine supplementation enhances infants’ responsiveness to social engagement. Such responsiveness is both indicative of neuro-cognitive development and beneficial for subsequent neuro-cognitive progress. Methods335 lactating Cambodian mothers were randomly assigned to receive a capsule containing 0, 1.2, 2.4, or 10 mg of thiamine daily from 2- until 24-weeks postnatal. We assessed infants’ social responsiveness via a new method – the Primary Engagement Task (PET) – when infants were 2-, 12-, and 24-weeks. In the PET, mothers were asked to elicit and sustain a smile from infants as they added and then removed modalities of engagement (eye-contact/facial expression, voice and touch) across six 30-second “epochs.” Subsequent behavioral coding from video-recordings determined changes in infants’ state across the epochs of the PET. ResultsPreliminary analyses based on 103 of the 335 infants in the PET at 24 weeks revealed that infants displayed significantly increased alertness as mothers introduced new modalities of engagement in the PET, and a partial decline in alertness as modalities were removed (linear contrast F(1,102) = 24.37, P = 0.000; quadratic contrast F(1,102) = 7.27, P = 0.008). Although maternal thiamine dosage did not influence these patterns overall (F’s < 1.56, P’s > 0.20), higher maternal thiamine dosage was associated with infants displaying enhanced alertness when mothers first offered eye-contact in the PET (beta-weight = 0.026; t = 2.01, P = 0.047). This pattern of alerting to maternal eye-contact was statistically significant only in the 10 mg group (paired t(25) = 3.14, P = 0.004). ConclusionsInfants whose mothers received 10 mg daily thiamine supplementation displayed increased alertness to opportunities to interact socially. These preliminary findings (a) showcase the value of the PET for assessing infants’ responsiveness to caregiver’s efforts to engage them socially, and (b) hint that maternal thiamine supplementation promotes infants’ social responsiveness, thereby underscoring the importance of infants’ early access to adequate thiamine for neuro-cognitive thriving. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation & New York Academy of Sciences.

Comparing Three Approaches to Salt Intake Assessment Among Lactating Women in Rural Cambodia

ObjectivesMonitoring population salt intake is a critical component of implementing salt fortification programs. In Cambodia, salt is being considered as a vehicle for thiamine fortification to prevent infantile beriberi among breastfed infants. However, salt intake among lactating mothers is not known. The gold standard for assessing sodium intake is repeat 24-hr urinary sodium concentrations. This method has logistical barriers, especially in low-resource settings, and other methods have not been trialed in this population. Here we compare three methods of assessing salt intake in lactating Cambodian women: repeat 24-hr urinary sodium concentrations (USC), repeat 12-hr observed weighed intake records (OWIR), and household salt disappearance (HSD). MethodsData from trial: NCT03616288. Salt intake was assessed using the three methods in a subsample of lactating women (n = 104) between 8 and 22 weeks postpartum. Women were asked to collect two 24-hour urine samples within 7 days. Repeat 12-hr OWIR were collected from women. Household salt disappearance was recorded fortnightly, and was divided by the number of household members to estimate individual intakes. Descriptive household salt use was also recorded. Differences in estimated salt intake from each method were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test. ResultsMean (95%CI) estimated salt intakes from repeat 24-hr USC, repeat 12-hr OWIR, and HSD were: 9.0 (8.3, 9.8) g/day, 9.1 (7.9, 10.3) g/day, and 10.9 (9.8, 11.9) g/day, respectively. Estimated intakes from HSD were significantly higher than both 24-hr USC (p = 0.009) and 12-hr OWIR (p = 0.002). Estimated intakes from 24-hr USC and 12-hr OWIR were not statistically different (p = 0.6). Salt was being used for purposes other than consumption, such as cleaning fish and vegetables, in 26% of fortnightly visits. ConclusionsRepeat 24-hr USC and 12-hr OWIR are both acceptable and logistically feasible methods of salt intake assessment among lactating women in rural Cambodia. While HSD is a less resource-intensive approach, this method over-estimated salt intake. Salt being used for purposes other than consumption may contribute to over-estimation using this method. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation, New York Academy of Sciences, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Research Nova Scotia.

Neurocognitive Benefits of Maternal Thiamine Supplementation for Breastfed Cambodian Infants

ObjectivesWomen reliant on rice-heavy diets can have inadequate thiamine intakes, placing breastfed infants at risk of thiamine deficiency and, in turn, neurocognitive impairments. We investigated the impact of maternal thiamine supplementation doses on infants’ cognitive, motor, and language development across the first year. MethodsIn this double-blind, four-parallel arm, randomized controlled trial, healthy mothers of exclusively breastfed newborn infants were recruited in Kampong Thom, Cambodia. At 2-weeks postnatal, women (n = 335) were randomized to one of four treatment groups to consume one capsule/day with varying amounts of thiamine for 22 weeks: 0 mg, 1.2 mg, 2.4 mg, and 10 mg. At 2-, 12-, 24- and 52-weeks of age, infants were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). ResultsMixed effects modeling suggest that by 6 months of age, the highest maternal thiamine dose (10 mg/day) held significant benefits for infants’ language development, F’s (3,659) > 33.2, P’s < 0.001, but generally not for motor or visual reception development. Despite having achieved standardized scores on the MSEL that approximated US norms by 6 months, infants showed a significant drop in all cognitive domains following trial completion, indicating that nutritional interventions beyond 6 months may be necessary. ConclusionsFindings provide the first experimental evidence that thiamine supplementation among lactating mothers at risk of thiamine deficiency protects their infants’ neurocognitive development, with particular benefit to developing language capacities. Results are consistent with studies that report a widening gap in cognitive test scores over time between children from high vs. low-risk contexts. Important questions remain, particularly with respect to the appropriate duration of thiamine supplementation and/or alternate interventions such as mandatory fortification, with potential to build protective stores of thiamine in preconception or pregnancy. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the New York Academy of Sciences (Opportunity ID OPP1176128).

Thiamine Status of Supplemented, Lactating Mothers in Rural Cambodia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectivesThiamine deficiency is a cause of infant morbidity and mortality throughout Southeast and South Asia. Maternal intake influences human milk thiamine concentrations, thus mother’s intake must be improved to combat infant deficiency. However, the dose of supplemental thiamine required by lactating mothers is unknown. We aimed to estimate the maternal oral thiamine dose required to optimize milk thiamine concentrations, and to investigate the impact of various doses on thiamine status biomarkers. MethodsThis was a double-blind, four-parallel arm randomized controlled dose-response trial. At 2 weeks postpartum, healthy mothers were randomized to consume one capsule daily for 22 weeks, containing either 0 mg (placebo, n = 83), 1.2 mg (estimated average requirement, n = 86), 2.4 mg (n = 81), or 10 mg (n = 85) thiamine. Human milk total thiamine, whole blood thiamine diphosphate, and erythrocyte transketolase activity coefficient (ETKac) were assessed. An Emax curve, estimated using a non-linear least squares model, was plotted for human milk. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test for differences between treatment groups for milk and blood biomarkers. ResultsA maternal supplemental dose of 2.35 (95% CI 0.58, 7.01) mg/d was estimated to reach 90% of the maximum average human milk total thiamine concentration of 191 μg/L. The mean (SD) milk thiamine concentration was significantly higher in all intervention groups (183 (91), 190 (105), and 206 (89) μg/L, for 1.2, 2.4, and 10 mg, respectively) compared to placebo (153 (85) μg/L; p < 0.0001), and did not differ from each other. Blood biomarkers followed similar group trends, except for infant ETKac, where only the 10 mg (mean [SD]: 1.18 [0.10]) and placebo (1.12 [0.06]) groups differed significantly (p = 0.003). ConclusionsWhile an estimated maternal dose of 2.35 (0.58, 7.01) mg/d was required to reach a milk thiamine concentration of 191 μg/L in Emax dose analyses, group comparisons suggest a daily dose of 1.2 mg/d is sufficient to improve maternal biomarkers to levels similar to higher doses (2.4 and 10 mg/d) and consistent with thiamine-replete populations. However, a higher maternal dose of 10 mg/d was required to improve infant ETKac status compared to other dose groups. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The New York Academy of Sciences.

Maternal Thiamine Supplementation Promotes Infants’ Language Processing at 24 Weeks

ObjectivesIn 2005, researchers observed a link between infants’ access to thiamine (vitamin B1) and their subsequent language functioning: infants fed formula that inadvertently lacked thiamine later displayed significant delays in language and motor development. In the context of a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, the present research provided the first experimental test of a relationship between early life thiamine exposure and infants’ early language processing. Methods335 lactating mothers were randomly assigned to receive capsules containing either 0, 1.2, 2.4, or 10 mg of thiamine daily, from 2 weeks postpartum until infants were 24 weeks. We assessed the integrity of 24-week-old infants’ developing system for language processing by measuring the extent to which they displayed attentional enhancement in response to infant-directed speech (IDS) relative to adult-directed speech (ADS). Such IDS-related attentional enhancement implies that infants can differentiate IDS from ADS, which requires underlying skills for analysis of the complex stream of sound that human speech embodies. Of the 335 infants in the study, analyzable data for the IDS preference task were available for 251. ResultsAs predicted, a greater-than-chance percentage of all infants displayed enhanced attention to IDS relative to ADS, replicating prior research (one-sample t(250) = 3.06, P = 0.002). The magnitude of the IDS-elicited attentional-enhancement increased significantly in relation to the thiamine dose that lactating mothers received (beta-weight 0.007, t = 2.57, P = 0.011). Notably, however, when supplementation groups were examined separately, only infants whose mothers received the 10 mg daily supplement displayed a statistically significant IDS-related attentional enhancement (10 mg group: one-sample t(63) = 4.14, P = 0.000; all other groups t’s < 1.41, P’s > 0.16). ConclusionsTaken together, these findings confirm a link between infants’ post-natal access to thiamine and their language processing facility at 24 weeks. The findings both showcase the value of the IDS preference task for monitoring the integrity of infants’ language processing, and underscore the importance of adequate thiamine for ensuring infants’ optimal language development. Funding SourcesBill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the New York Academy of Sciences.