scholarly journals Speeding-up while growing-up: Synchronous functional development of motor and non-motor processes across childhood and adolescence

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0255892
Author(s):  
Kamila Śmigasiewicz ◽  
Mathieu Servant ◽  
Solène Ambrosi ◽  
Agnès Blaye ◽  
Borís Burle

Describing the maturation of information processing in children is fundamental for developmental science. Although non-linear changes in reaction times have been well-documented, direct measurement of the development of the different processing components is lacking. In this study, electromyography was used to quantify the maturation of premotor and motor processes on a sample of 114 children (6–14 years-old) and 15 adults. Using a model-based approach, we show that the development of these two components is well-described by an exponential decrease in duration, with the decay rate being equal for the two components. These findings provide the first unbiased evidence in favour of the common developmental rate of nonmotor and motor processes by directly confronting rates of development of different processing components within the same task. This common developmental rate contrasts with the differential physical maturation of region-specific cerebral gray and white matter. Tentative paths of interpretation are proposed in the discussion.

Author(s):  
Bryce L. Geeraert ◽  
Jess E. Reynolds ◽  
Catherine Lebel

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a versatile tool which can be applied to investigate brain microstructure. This chapter outlines brain development trajectories from infancy to adulthood as described by dMRI. The chapter focuses on white matter development, as dMRI is particularly well suited to describing white matter tissue properties. The chapter also discusses sources of individual variation which are simultaneously fascinating and confounding to research efforts. Next, the chapter discusses links between white matter development and cognition, with specific examples drawn from reading research. Additional techniques which may complement future diffusion-based research are introduced in the chapter’s final section.


Author(s):  
Agostino Berio ◽  
Attilia Piazzi ◽  
Carlo Enrico Traverso

The Authors report on a patient with Kearns-Sayre syndrome, large mtDNA deletion (7/kb), facial abnormalities and severe central nervous system (CNS) white matter radiological features, commonly attributed to spongy alterations. The common origin from neural crest cell (NCC) of facial structures (cartilagineous, osseous, vascular and of the peripheral nervous system) and of peripheral glia and partially of the CNS white matter are underlined and the facial and glial abnormalities are attributed to the abnormal reproduction/migration of NCC. In this view, the CNS spongy alterations in KSS may be not only a dystrophic process (leukodystrophy) but also a dysplastic condition (leukodysplasia). The Authors hypothesize that the symptoms may be related to mtDNA mutations associated to NCC nuclear gene abnormality. SOX 10 gene may be a nuclear candidate gene, as reported in some case of Waardenburg IV syndrome.


Author(s):  
T. Nosenko

In the article, different reasons for the long-lasting war against international terrorism under the Islamist banner are analysed. Notwithstanding the "Al-Qaeda's" weakening, since autumn 2001, many new groups have sprung up threatening the international security. Till now, the war has been waged only against terrorists, but no serious attention has been paid to neutralization of radical Islamism as an ideology causing terrorism. In connection with the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, anti-western feelings have been growing up breeding radical Islamism. It is emphasized in the article that the antiterrorist coalition in its present state is unable to fulfill its mission. It can become really efficient only if Muslim régimes would increase their input into the common struggle. Standing on the ground of traditional Islam they could easier curb Islamism and thus cut the roots of terrorism.


2011 ◽  
Vol 05 (03) ◽  
pp. 340-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ozkan Miloglu ◽  
Sare Sipal Altas ◽  
Mustafa Cemil Buyukkurt ◽  
Burak Erdemci ◽  
Oguzhan Altun

ABSTRACTRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a tumor of skeletal muscle origin, is the most common soft tissue sarcoma encountered in childhood and adolescence. The common sites of occurrence are the head and neck region, genitourinary tract, retroperitonium, and, to a lesser extent, the extremities. In the head and neck region, the most commonly affected sites are the orbit, paranasal sinuses, soft tissues of the cheek, and the neck. RMS is relatively uncommon in the oral cavity, and the involvement of the jaws is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of oral RMS in a 13-year-old child and describe the clinical, radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. (Eur J Dent 2011;5:340-343)


Author(s):  
I. Cotter ◽  
C. Healy ◽  
R. King ◽  
DR. Cotter ◽  
M. Cannon

Abstract Background. Abnormal body mass index (BMI) has been associated with development of psychopathology. This association in children is well documented, for both overweight and underweight children. However, the association between change in BMI and the development of psychopathology has been less investigated. Aim. To investigate the association between change in BMI between childhood and adolescence and psychopathology in adolescence. Methods. Data from the Growing Up in Ireland cohort were used. We investigated the ’98 cohort (also known as the child cohort) at age 9/13. BMI, defined using internationally recognised definitions as underweight, healthy or overweight, was used as the exposure, and abnormal Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire scores were used as the outcome. Logistic regression was undertaken for the analysis. All analyses were adjusted for confounders. Results. A change to overweight from healthy BMI was significantly associated with increased risk of psychopathology (adjusted OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.19–2.32). Both change from underweight to healthy (adjusted OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03–0.43) or from overweight to healthy (adjusted OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.79–0.8) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing psychopathology. Discussion. As a child’s BMI returns to within the healthy range, their risk of adolescent psychopathology is reduced. Interventions to restore healthy BMI, in both underweight and overweight, children may reduce their risk of adolescent psychopathology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 799-807
Author(s):  
Asgjerd Litleré Moi ◽  
Harald Gjengedal ◽  
Kari Lybak ◽  
Hallvard Vindenes

Objective: To explore and describe the experience of growing up with unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) in adults. Design: Face-to-face interviews. Giorgi’s phenomenological method was used for analysis. Participants: Twenty-one (mean age: 40.8 years) adults treated for unilateral CLP during childhood and adolescence participated in the study. Results: Growing up with CLP meant to become aware of bodily otherness. The possible reactions from peers early in life complicated the striving for inclusion outside the close family. Being self-confident, clever in school, physically fit, and having trusted friends represented barriers against teasing and bullying. Nevertheless, the reflected image, in mirrors, windows, and photos, reminded the participants of the objectifying looks from others and often led to bodily adjustments that persisted into adulthood. The trajectory of treatment was not questioned during childhood, and the participants accepted the decisions on care made by experts and parents. Although problems related to the cleft could persist or return after the termination of ordinary treatment, a more hesitant view on the possible benefits of additional surgery was typical in adulthood. Conclusions: In retrospect, growing up with a unilateral CLP was found to have been an unquestioned part of the adult participants’ childhood, a burden that they feared would, to some extent, also be passed to their own children. However, the CLP had not prevented them from achieving goals and satisfaction in life. The occurrence of persisting psychological, functional, and esthetic challenges in adults suggests the need for an individualized, lifelong, and multidisciplinary perspective on CLP follow-up.


2020 ◽  
pp. 135910452096450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iona Lewis-Smith ◽  
Laura Pass ◽  
Shirley Reynolds

An important component of some psychological therapies is the use of clients’ values to motivate behaviour change. Values are understood to be developed during childhood and adolescence but there has been limited exploration of how young people experience values and their function across contexts. This study aimed to explore adolescents’ understanding of the concept of ‘values’ and to elicit their experiences of values. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with 11 adolescents aged 12–17 years. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Young people were readily able to discuss the meaning of ‘values’ and their own personal values. Three main themes were identified: (1) what values are (in general, and specific to themselves), (2) where values come from (relationships, education, growing up), and (3) why values are important (prioritising/decision making, reflecting on values is helpful). The adolescents in this study demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the meaning, origins and functions of values. The results suggest young people may welcome and benefit from opportunities to discuss their values, including in therapy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 100 (11) ◽  
pp. 1064-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian M Goodyer

Among the common mental illnesses in childhood and adolescence, the unipolar depressions are the most concerning. These mental illnesses are aetiologically and clinically heterogeneous and little is known about their pathophysiology. This selected review considers the contribution of genetic and environmental factors in the emergence of these illnesses in the second decade of life.


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