scholarly journals Altered asymmetries of the structural networks comprising the fronto-limbic brain circuitry of preterm infants

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joo Young Lee ◽  
Yong-Ho Choi ◽  
Jong Ho Cha ◽  
Ji Young Lee ◽  
Young-Jun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Disorders ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Betweenness Centrality ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Small World ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Orbital Gyrus ◽  
Brain Circuitry

AbstractThis study aimed to elaborate upon prior findings suggestive of the altered lateralization of structural connectivity in the developing preterm brain by using diffusion tensor imaging tractography to explore how network topological asymmetries in fronto-limbic neural circuitry are altered at 36–41 weeks, postmenstrual age in 64 preterm infants without severe brain injury and 33 term-born infants. We compared the pattern of structural connectivity and network lateralization of the betweenness centrality in the medial fronto-orbital gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, amygdala, and hippocampus—the structures comprising the fronto-limbic brain circuit—between preterm and term infants. Global efficiency, local efficiency, and small-world characteristics did not differ significantly between the two hemispheres in term-born infants, suggesting that integration and segregation are balanced between the left and right hemispheres. However, the preterm brain showed significantly greater leftward lateralization of small-worldness (P = 0.033); the lateralization index of the betweenness centrality revealed that the medial fronto-orbital gyrus (P = 0.008), superior temporal gyrus (P = 0.031), and hippocampus (P = 0.028) showed significantly increased leftward asymmetry in preterm infants relative to term-infants independent of sex, age at imaging, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The altered lateralization of fronto-limbic brain circuitry might be involved in the early development of social–emotional disorders in preterm infants.

scholarly journals The Role of the Human Auditory Corticostriatal Network in Speech Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 4077-4089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gangyi Feng ◽  
Han Gyol Yi ◽  
Bharath Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Functional Coupling ◽  
Lexical Tone ◽  
Fiber Tractography ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Native Speakers Of English

Abstract We establish a mechanistic account of how the mature human brain functionally reorganizes to acquire and represent new speech sounds. Native speakers of English learned to categorize Mandarin lexical tone categories produced by multiple talkers using trial-by-trial feedback. We hypothesized that the corticostriatal system is a key intermediary in mediating temporal lobe plasticity and the acquisition of new speech categories in adulthood. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment in which participants underwent a sound-to-category mapping task. Diffusion tensor imaging data were collected, and probabilistic fiber tracking analysis was employed to assay the auditory corticostriatal pathways. Multivariate pattern analysis showed that talker-invariant novel tone category representations emerged in the left superior temporal gyrus (LSTG) within a few hundred training trials. Univariate analysis showed that the putamen, a subregion of the striatum, was sensitive to positive feedback in correctly categorized trials. With learning, functional coupling between the putamen and LSTG increased during error processing. Furthermore, fiber tractography demonstrated robust structural connectivity between the feedback-sensitive striatal regions and the LSTG regions that represent the newly learned tone categories. Our convergent findings highlight a critical role for the auditory corticostriatal circuitry in mediating the acquisition of new speech categories.

scholarly journals Bone Mineral Density, Body Composition, and Metabolic Health of Very Low Birth Weight Infants Fed in Hospital Following Current Macronutrient Recommendations during the First 3 Years of Life

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1005
Author(s):  
Walter Mihatsch ◽  
Izaskun Dorronsoro Martín ◽  
Vicente Barrios-Sabador ◽  
María L. Couce ◽  
Gabriel Á. Martos-Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Health Outcome ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Metabolic Health ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Vlbw Infants

The present study longitudinally evaluated growth, bone mineral density, body composition, and metabolic health outcome in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants whose in-hospital target nutrient intake was within recent recommendations. From six months to three years, bone mineral density (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA), body composition, and metabolic health outcome were compared with a reference group of term infants. The aim was to test whether in-hospital achieved weight gain until 36 weeks of gestation (light or appropriate for term equivalent age; LTEA or ATEA) predicts later growth, bone mineral density (BMD), abdominal obesity, or metabolic health outcomes such as insulin resistance, relative to term infants, during the first three years of life. Target in-hospital energy and protein intake was not achieved. Growth in weight, length and head circumference, mid arm circumference, adiposity, fat free mass (FFM), and bone mineralization in VLBW infants was less than those in term infants and influenced by nutritional status at discharge. Preterm infants had poorer motor and cognitive outcomes. Post-discharge body composition patterns indicate FFM proportional to height but lower fat mass index in LTEA preterm infants than term infants, with no evidence of increased truncal fat in preterm infants. The hypothesis of early BMD catch-up in VLBW infants after discharge was not supported by the present data. The clinical significance of these findings is unclear. The data may suggest a reduced obesity risk but an increased osteoporosis risk. Since postnatal growth restriction may have permanent negative health effects, LTEA VLBW infants would especially appear to benefit from targeted preventive interventions. Further follow-up of the infants is required.

scholarly journals Neonatal and Postneonatal Pulmonary Hypertension

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Satyan Lakshminrusimha
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Ductus Arteriosus ◽  
Right Ventricular Dysfunction ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Pulmonary Vasodilators ◽  
Non Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Early Closure

During transition at birth with ventilation of the lungs, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) decreases from high fetal values, leading to an 8 to 10-fold increase in pulmonary blood flow (Qp). In some infants, this transition does not occur, resulting in pulmonary hypertension (PH). In infants, PH can present as: (a) primary PH in term neonates (idiopathic), (b) PH secondary to lung disease or hypoplasia in term infants, (c) acute PH in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), (d) chronic PH with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants and (e) post-neonatal PH. A hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can exacerbate PH in preterm infants due to increased Qp. Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) can complicate BPD with PH. Diagnosis of PH is based on clinical features, echocardiography and, in some intractable cases, cardiac catheterization. Therapy of PH includes oxygen, invasive or non-invasive ventilation, correction of acidosis, surfactant and selective and non-selective pulmonary vasodilators such as inhaled nitric oxide and sildenafil, respectively. Early closure of a hemodynamically significant PDA has the potential to limit pulmonary vascular remodeling associated with BPD and PH. The role of thiamine in pathogenesis of PH is also discussed with the recent increase in thiamine-responsive acute pulmonary hypertension in early infancy. Recognition and prompt therapy of PH can prevent right ventricular dysfunction, uncoupling and failure.

Infant–Father Attachment in Infants Born Preterm - A Brief Report

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ruediger Kissgen ◽  
Sebastian Franke ◽  
Nino Jorjadze ◽  
Bernhard Roth ◽  
Angela Kribs
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Strange Situation ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Attachment Quality ◽  
Attachment Research ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Problems ◽  
Strange Situation Procedure ◽  
Father Attachment

This study examines the infant–father attachment in infants born preterm (<  1500 g at birth and/or <  37 weeks gestation) in comparison to full-term infants. The infant–father attachment was assessed using the Strange Situation Procedure at a (corrected) age of 15 months. We found at least half of preterm and full-term infants (50.0% and 56.5 % respectively) securely attached to their fathers, and no significant overall difference was observed concerning the distribution of attachment quality comparing the two groups. In light of the fact that preterm infants tend to have numerous neurodevelopmental problems, it is encouraging that significant differences were not found in the distribution of the attachment quality among the groups. Therefore, from the perspective of attachment research, it would be highly beneficial to include fathers in the care of their preterm infants.

scholarly journals Introduction and feeding practices of solid food in preterm infants born in Salzburg!

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edda Hofstätter ◽  
Verena Köttstorfer ◽  
Patricia Stroicz ◽  
Sebastian Schütz ◽  
Lorenz Auer-Hackenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Celiac Disease ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Early Weaning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Background It is shown that meeting the increased nutritional demand of preterm infants from birth is not only important for survival but essentially contributes to the infants` overall development and long-term health. While there are established guidelines for weaning term infants, evidence regarding preterm infants is scarce and less precise. The aim of this study was to identify the current practices on introducing solids to preterm infants amongst caregivers in Salzburg and determine potential reasons for early weaning. Methods Altogether 68 infants born between 24 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks were recruited and detailed structured interviews with the caregivers were conducted at 17 weeks corrected age. Weight, height and head circumference were collected. Results 52% of the study group received solids before the recommended 17 weeks corrected age. For this group the mean age being 13.77 ± 1.11 weeks corrected age. Premature introduction of solids significantly correlates with exclusively and early formula-feeding. 34% were weaned due to recommendation by their paediatrician. 23% of the preterm infants even received solids before 12 weeks corrected age, putting them at risks for developing obesity, celiac disease and diabetes. Conclusions This study shows the necessity for clear guidelines regarding the introduction of complementary feeding in preterm infants as well as the importance of their implementation. Caregivers should receive information on this topic early enough and they should fully understand the difference between chronological and corrected age.

scholarly journals Structural brain signature of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease: DTI-based evidence from the LANDSCAPE study

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 175628641984344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Gorges ◽  
Hans-Peter Müller ◽  
Inga Liepelt-Scarfone ◽  
Alexander Storch ◽  
Richard Dodel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Corpus Callosum ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Structural Connectivity ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
The Body ◽  
Normal Cognitive Function

Background: The nonmotor symptom spectrum of Parkinson’s disease (PD) includes progressive cognitive decline mainly in late stages of the disease. The aim of this study was to map the patterns of altered structural connectivity of patients with PD with different cognitive profiles ranging from cognitively unimpaired to PD-associated dementia. Methods: Diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological data from the observational multicentre LANDSCAPE study were analyzed. A total of 134 patients with PD with normal cognitive function (56 PD-N), mild cognitive impairment (67 PD-MCI), and dementia (11 PD-D) as well as 72 healthy controls were subjected to whole-brain-based fractional anisotropy mapping and covariance analysis with cognitive performance measures. Results: Structural data indicated subtle changes in the corpus callosum and thalamic radiation in PD-N, whereas severe white matter impairment was observed in both PD-MCI and PD-D patients including anterior and inferior fronto-occipital, uncinate, insular cortices, superior longitudinal fasciculi, corona radiata, and the body of the corpus callosum. These regional alterations were demonstrated for PD-MCI and were more pronounced in PD-D. The pattern of involved regions was significantly correlated with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) total score. Conclusions: The findings in PD-N suggest impaired cross-hemispherical white matter connectivity that can apparently be compensated for. More pronounced involvement of the corpus callosum as demonstrated for PD-MCI together with affection of fronto-parieto-temporal structural connectivity seems to lead to gradual disruption of cognition-related cortico-cortical networks and to be associated with the onset of overt cognitive deficits. The increase of regional white matter damage appears to be associated with the development of PD-associated dementia.

scholarly journals Delivery Room Management of Asphyxiated Term and Near-Term Infants

Neonatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Marlies Bruckner ◽  
Gianluca Lista ◽  
Ola D. Saugstad ◽  
Georg M. Schmölzer
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Newborn Infants ◽  
Neonatal Resuscitation ◽  
Birth Asphyxia ◽  
Delivery Room ◽  
Temperature Management ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Term Newborn ◽  
Resuscitation Guidelines ◽  
Delivery Room Management

Approximately 800,000 newborns die annually due to birth asphyxia. The resuscitation of asphyxiated term newly born infants often occurs unexpected and is challenging for healthcare providers as it demands experience and knowledge in neonatal resuscitation. Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines often focus on resuscitation of extremely and/or very preterm infants; however, the recommendations for asphyxiated term newborn infants differ in some aspects to those for preterm infants (i.e., respiratory support, supplemental oxygen, and temperature management). Since the update of the neonatal resuscitation guidelines in 2015, several studies examining various resuscitation approaches to improve the outcome of asphyxiated infants have been published. In this review, we discuss current recommendations and recent findings and provide an overview of delivery room management of asphyxiated term newborn infants.

scholarly journals Trends in Costs of Birth Hospitalization and Readmissions for Late Preterm Infants

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Rebecca R. Speer ◽  
Eric W. Schaefer ◽  
Mahoussi Aholoukpe ◽  
Douglas L. Leslie ◽  
Chintan K. Gandhi
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Late Preterm ◽  
Term Infants ◽  
Late Preterm Infants ◽  
Hospitalization Costs ◽  
Analysis Of Claims Data ◽  
Mean Cost ◽  
Birth Hospitalization

Background: The objective is to study previously unexplored trends of birth hospitalization and readmission costs for late preterm infants (LPIs) in the United States between 2005 and 2016. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of claims data to study healthcare costs of birth hospitalization and readmissions for LPIs compared to term infants (TIs) using a large private insurance database. We used a generalized linear regression model to study birth hospitalization and readmission costs. Results: A total of 2,123,143 infants were examined (93.2% TIs; 6.8% LPIs). The proportion of LPIs requiring readmission was 4.2% compared to 2.1% of TIs, (p < 0.001). The readmission rate for TIs decreased during the study period. LPIs had a higher mean cost of birth hospitalization (25,700 vs. 3300 USD; p < 0.001) and readmissions (25,800 vs. 14,300 USD; p < 0.001). For LPIs, birth hospitalization costs increased from 2007 to 2013, and decreased since 2014. Conversely, birth hospitalization costs of TIs steadily increased since 2005. The West region showed higher birth hospitalization costs for LPIs. Conclusions: LPIs continue to have a higher cost of birth hospitalization and readmission compared to TIs, but these costs have decreased since 2014. Standardization of birth hospitalization care for LPIs may reduce costs and improve quality of care and outcomes.

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