Do Preterm Infants Perceive Temporal Synchrony? An Analysis with the Eye-Tracking System

The aim of this study was to investigate auditory–visual temporal asynchrony in preterm infants using a habituation procedure coupled with an eye-tracking system in order to examine visual behavior accurately and determine specific visual areas of interest. Sixteen term infants, twelve low-risk near-term (LBW) preterm infants and eight Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) preterm infants were tested at four months post term. Infants were habituated with an auditory–visual synchronic situation: a visual ball bounced back in synchrony with an auditory sound. In the test phase, an asynchronized situation and a synchronized situation were presented alternately three times. The results showed that VLBW infants spent more time looking at the target before being habituated compared to LBW preterm infants and full-term infants. Specific areas of interest showed that VLBW infants spent less time on the target than LBW and full-term infants and had a more heterogeneous visual exploration. Nevertheless, VLBW infants had the same novelty reaction as the other infant groups. Moreover, the study of areas of interest revealed that whatever the age group, infants looked more at the area where the sound was produced during the asynchronized trial. This result suggests that infants perceive asynchrony. We suggest that VLBW preterm infants show the same ability to habituate and novelty recovery through an early learning experience due to earlier additional extra-uterine exposure.

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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 ◽

10.3390/nu13031005 ◽

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.

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Growth, lung function, and physical activity in schoolchildren who were very-low-birth-weight preterm infants

Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia ◽

10.1590/s1806-37562015000000159 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 42 (4) ◽

pp. 254-260 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Aline Dill Winck ◽

João Paulo Heinzmann-Filho ◽

Deise Schumann ◽

Helen Zatti ◽

Rita Mattiello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Birth Weight ◽

Lung Function ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Full Term ◽

Normal Birth Weight ◽

Term Infants ◽

Normal Birth

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare somatic growth, lung function, and level of physical activity in schoolchildren who had been very-low-birth-weight preterm infants (VLBWPIs) or normal-birth-weight full-term infants. Methods: We recruited two groups of schoolchildren between 8 and 11 years of age residing in the study catchment area: those who had been VLBWPIs (birth weight < 1,500 g); and those who had been normal-birth-weight full-term infants (controls, birth weight ≥ 2,500 g). Anthropometric and spirometric data were collected from the schoolchildren, who also completed a questionnaire regarding their physical activity. In addition, data regarding the perinatal and neonatal period were collected from the medical records of the VLBWPIs. Results: Of the 93 schoolchildren screened, 48 and 45 were in the VLBWPI and control groups, respectively. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding anthropometric characteristics, nutritional status, or pulmonary function. No associations were found between perinatal/neonatal variables and lung function parameters in the VLBWPI group. Although the difference was not significant, the level of physical activity was slightly higher in the VLBWPI group than in the control group. Conclusions: Among the schoolchildren evaluated here, neither growth nor lung function appear to have been affected by prematurity birth weight, or level of physical activity.

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Relationship Between Spontaneous Kicking and Age of Walking Attainment in Preterm Infants With Very Low Birth Weight and Full-Term Infants

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/84.2.159 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 84 (2) ◽

pp. 159-172 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Suh-Fang Jeng ◽

Li-Chiou Chen ◽

Kuo-Inn Tsou ◽

Wei J Chen ◽

Hong-Ji Luo

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Proportional Hazards ◽

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards ◽

Full Term ◽

Walking Ability ◽

Term Infants ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background and Purposes. Although early kicking differences have been reported for preterm infants without overt cranial sonographic abnormalities, their functional importance remains unclear because no outcomes have been measured. Therefore, the first purpose of this prospective study was to examine the age of walking attainment in preterm infants who had very low birth weight (VLBW) but no overt neurosonographic abnormalities and full-term infants without known impairments or pathology. The second purpose was to examine the relationship between spontaneous kicking and age of walking attainment in these infants. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-two preterm infants and 22 full-term infants were examined for kicking movements at 2 and 4 months corrected age and were followed up for age of walking attainment until 18 months corrected age. Results. Survival analysis showed that infants with VLBW attained walking ability at older ages than full-term infants after correction for prematurity. Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses for all infants revealed that a high hip-knee correlation at 2 months corrected age, a high kick frequency at 4 months corrected age, and a short intra-kick pause together with a low variability in interlimb coordination at 2 and 4 months corrected age were all associated with a decreased rate of walking attainment. Discussion and Conclusion. The results indicated that preterm infants who had VLBW but no overt neurosonographic abnormalities had an increased risk of delayed walking attainment compared with full-term infants. Alterations of spontaneous kicking may predict a decreased rate of walking attainment in both preterm and full-term infants.

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Neurodevelopment and Growth of a Cohort of Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants Compared to Full-Term Infants in Brazil

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1606351 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (02) ◽

pp. 152-162

Author(s):

Rubia Fuentefria ◽

Rita Silveira ◽

Renato Procianoy

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Age Groups ◽

Full Term ◽

Psychomotor Development ◽

Term Infants ◽

Motor Disability

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the neurodevelopment and growth of very low birth weight (BW) preterm infants, at 8 and 18 months corrected age (CA), compared with full term in Brazil. Methods Prospective cohort study including 83 preterm infants with BW ≤ 1,500 g and gestational age ≤ 32 weeks, and 52 full-term control infants. Preterm infants free from significant sensory and motor disability, and from congenital anomalies were included. Alberta infant motor scale (AIMS) and Brunet–Lèzini scale (BLS) were used to evaluate the neurodevelopment at 8 and 18 months. Anthropometric measurements were collected to evaluate the growth in both age groups. Results At 8 months CA, preterm infants scored significantly lower in total AIMS score (p = 0.001). At 18 months, they scored significantly lower on the stand subscale from AIMS (p = 0.040) and exhibited poor psychomotor development in the BLS (p = 0.006). The nutritional status showed significant differences between the groups, in both age groups (p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between nutritional status and AIMS (r = 0.420; p < 0.001) and BLS (r = 0.456; p < 0.001) at 8 months, and between head circumference and BLS (r = 0.235; p < 0.05) at 8 months and AIMS (r = 0.258; p < 0.05) at 18 months. Conclusion Very low BW preterm infants at 8 and 18 months CA showed significant differences in the neurodevelopment and growth pattern when compared with their full-term peers.

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Kinematic Analysis of Kicking Movements in Preterm Infants With Very Low Birth Weight and Full-Term Infants

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/82.2.148 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 82 (2) ◽

pp. 148-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Suh-Fang Jeng ◽

Li-Chiou Chen ◽

Kuo-Inn Tsou Yau

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Low Birth Weight ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Kinematic Analysis ◽

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Full Term ◽

Coordination Pattern ◽

Term Infants ◽

Spontaneous Movements

Abstract Background and Purpose. Study of kicking development provides important information to understand how early spontaneous movements change in infants as they acquire voluntary control. Researchers have investigated the kicking movements of preterm infants; however, the movement patterns that they have described were inconsistent. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the development of kicking movements with kinematic analysis in preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) and full-term infants. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-two infants with VLBW who were divided into low gestational age (gestational age of <30 weeks, n=9) and high gestational age (gestational age of ≥30 weeks, n=13) classes and 22 full-term infants were evaluated during kicking movements using 4 synchronized cameras and 3-dimensional kinematic analysis when the infants were 2 and 4 months of corrected age. Results. The infants with VLBW and a high gestational age showed similar kicking movements compared with the full-term infants. In contrast, the infants with VLBW and a low gestational age exhibited a higher kick frequency and a shorter flexion phase at 4 months of corrected age. They also exhibited a higher hip-knee correlation and lower variability in the interlimb coordination pattern at 2 and 4 months of corrected age. Discussion and Conclusion. The findings indicate that infants with VLBW, particularly those with a low gestational age, have age-related differences in movement organization and coordination of kicking compared with full-term infants.

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Immature Platelet Counts and Thrombopoietin Plasma Concentrations in Thrombocytopenic and Non-thrombocytopenic Preterm Infants

Frontiers in Pediatrics ◽

10.3389/fped.2021.685643 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Hannes Sallmon ◽

Andreas Weimann ◽

Christoph Bührer ◽

Boris Metze ◽

Christof Dame ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preterm Infants ◽

Very Low Birth Weight ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Preterm Neonates ◽

Term Infants ◽

Term Neonates ◽

Vlbw Infants ◽

Platelet Counts ◽

The Relationship ◽

Time Point

Objective: Immature platelet counts (IPC) may prove useful in guiding platelet transfusion management in preterm neonates. However, the relationship between IPCs and thrombopoietin (Tpo) concentrations has not been evaluated in preterm neonates.Methods: Prospective cohort study in thrombocytopenic (n = 31) and non-thrombocytopenic very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (n = 38), and healthy term neonates (controls; n = 41). Absolute platelet counts (APCs), IPCs, and Tpo concentrations were assessed by a fully-automated hematological analyzer (IPC, APC) and by ELISA (Tpo concentrations) in parallel on day 1 of life (d1), d3, and d7.Results: In healthy term neonates, APCs remained stable between d1 and d3. In non-thrombocytopenic VLBW infants, APCs increased from d1 to d7, while in the thrombocytopenia group, APCs declined from d1 to d3, before they slightly increased again by d7. Median IPCs were similar in healthy term vs. non-thrombocytopenic VLBW infants and remained stable between d1 and d3 (p > 0.05). Notably, IPCs significantly increased between d3 and d7 in both non-thrombocytopenic and thrombocytopenic VLBW infants. However, in thrombocytopenic VLBW infants, IPC values were significantly lower at each time point as compared to non-thrombocytopenic VLBWs (p < 0.001). In each subgroup, Tpo concentrations increased from d1 to d3. The median Tpo concentrations were significantly higher in thrombocytopenic as compared to non-thrombocytopenic VLBW infants at d3 (p = 0.01) and d7 (p = 0.002).Discussion: Term infants, thrombocytopenic, and non-thrombocytopenic preterm infants display similar developmental changes in indices of megakaryopoietic activity. In thrombocytopenic preterm infants, however, the responsive increases in Tpo and immature platelets appear to be developmentally limited.

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Tracking eye-gaze in smart home systems (SHS): first insights from eye-tracking and self-report measures

Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing ◽

10.1007/s12652-021-03134-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Federico Cassioli ◽

Laura Angioletti ◽

Michela Balconi

Keyword(s):

Eye Tracking ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Smart Home ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Tracking System ◽

Eye Gaze ◽

Self Report ◽

Visual Exploration ◽

Living Room ◽

Psychological Traits

AbstractHuman–computer interaction (HCI) is particularly interesting because full-immersive technology may be approached differently by users, depending on the complexity of the interaction, users’ personality traits, and their motivational systems inclination. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between psychological factors and attention towards specific tech-interactions in a smart home system (SHS). The relation between personal psychological traits and eye-tracking metrics is investigated through self-report measures [locus of control (LoC), user experience (UX), behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS)] and a wearable and wireless near-infrared illumination based eye-tracking system applied to an Italian sample (n = 19). Participants were asked to activate and interact with five different tech-interaction areas with different levels of complexity (entrance, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom) in a smart home system (SHS), while their eye-gaze behavior was recorded. Data showed significant differences between a simpler interaction (entrance) and a more complex one (living room), in terms of number of fixation. Moreover, slower time to first fixation in a multifaceted interaction (bathroom), compared to simpler ones (kitchen and living room) was found. Additionally, in two interaction conditions (living room and bathroom), negative correlations were found between external LoC and fixation count, and between BAS reward responsiveness scores and fixation duration. Findings led to the identification of a two-way process, where both the complexity of the tech-interaction and subjects’ personality traits are important impacting factors on the user’s visual exploration behavior. This research contributes to understand the user responsiveness adding first insights that may help to create more human-centered technology.

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

International Journal of Developmental Science ◽

10.3233/dev-200299 ◽

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.

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Reduction in Obstructive Breathing Events During Body Rocking: A Controlled Polygraphic Study in Preterm and Full-Term Infants

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.96.1.64 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 96 (1) ◽

pp. 64-68

Author(s):

J. Groswasser ◽

M. Sottiaux ◽

E. Rebuffat ◽

T. Simon ◽

M. Vandeweyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Eye Movement ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Upper Airway ◽

Periodic Breathing ◽

Full Term ◽

Rapid Eye Movement ◽

Term Infants ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Obstructive Sleep Apneas

Objective. To investigate the effect of body rocking on infant respiratory behavior during sleep. Methods. Eighteen infants with documented obstructive sleep apneas were studied. There were eight premature infants with persistent bradycardias and 10 infants born full-term, admitted after an idiopathic apparent life-threatening event. No cause for the obstructive apneas was found. The infants were recorded with polygraphic techniques during two successive nights. They were randomly assigned to a rocking or a nonrocking mattress. The conditions were reversed the following night, in a crossover design. Results. In both groups of infants, no significant difference was seen between the two consecutive nights for most of the variables studied: total sleep time, the proportion of non-rapid-eye-movement and rapid-eye-movement sleep, the number of arousals, the number and maximal duration of central apneas, the frequency of periodic breathing, the level of oxygen saturation, and heart rate. During the nonrocking nights, all infants had repeated obstructive breathing events. In seven of the eight preterm infants and in nine of the 10 full-term subjects, body rocking was associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of obstructive events. During rocking, in the preterm infants the obstructions fell from a median of 2.5 to 1.8 episodes per hour (P = .034). In the full-term infants, rocking reduced the obstructive events from a median of 1.5 obstructions per hour to 0.7 (P = .005). No difference was seen for the duration of the obstructive episodes. Conclusion. In preterm and full-term infants prone to obstructive sleep apneas, gentle side-to-side body rocking is associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of upper-airway obstructions.

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Vaccinations in Infants Born Preterm: An Update

Current Pediatric Reviews ◽

10.2174/157339631666620011609445 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 148-155

Author(s):

Areti Aphrodite Sioriki ◽

Despoina Gkentzi ◽

Evangelia Papadimitriou ◽

Gabriel Dimitriou ◽

Ageliki Karatza

Keyword(s):

Preterm Infants ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Full Term ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Term Infants ◽

Safety And Efficacy ◽

Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Protective Antibodies

Infants born prematurely (before completion of 37 weeks of gestation) are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases, mostly because of their immunological immaturity and failure of transfer of maternal protective antibodies. Despite their great need of being vaccinated, concerns on vaccine safety and efficacy, constitute the main reasons for which vaccinations are often delayed in this group. In this review we summarize the latest evidence on vaccine safety, efficacy and immunogenicity in preterm infants which is similar to full-term infants. Therefore there is no reason for delaying vaccination in this population.

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