scholarly journals Prenatal Metal Exposures and Infants’ Developmental Outcomes in a Navajo Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 425
Author(s):  
Sara S. Nozadi ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Li Luo ◽  
Debra MacKenzie ◽  
Esther Erdei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Causal Modeling ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Environmental Toxicants ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Ages And Stages Questionnaire ◽  
Developmental Domains

Early-life exposure to environmental toxicants can have detrimental effects on children’s neurodevelopment. In the current study, we employed a causal modeling framework to examine the direct effect of specific maternal prenatal exposures on infants’ neurodevelopment in the context of co-occurring metals. Maternal metal exposure and select micronutrients’ concentrations were assessed using samples collected at the time of delivery from mothers living across Navajo Nation with community exposure to metal mixtures originating from abandoned uranium mines. Infants’ development across five domains was measured at ages 10 to 13 months using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Inventory (ASQ:I), an early developmental screener. After adjusting for effects of other confounding metals and demographic variables, prenatal exposure to lead, arsenic, antimony, barium, copper, and molybdenum predicted deficits in at least one of the ASQ:I domain scores. Strontium, tungsten, and thallium were positively associated with several aspects of infants’ development. Mothers with lower socioeconomic status (SES) had higher lead, cesium, and thallium exposures compared to mothers from high SES backgrounds. These mothers also had infants with lower scores across various developmental domains. The current study has many strengths including its focus on neurodevelopmental outcomes during infancy, an understudied developmental period, and the use of a novel analytical method to control for the effects of co-occurring metals while examining the effect of each metal on neurodevelopmental outcomes. Yet, future examination of how the effects of prenatal exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes unfold over time while considering all potential interactions among metals and micronutrients is warranted.

A Model-Invariant Theory of Causation

2021 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-96
Author(s):  
J. Dmitri Gallow
Keyword(s):  
Invariant Theory ◽  
Causal Model ◽  
Causal Modeling ◽  
Modeling Framework

This article provides a theory of causation in the causal modeling framework. In contrast to most of its predecessors, this theory is model-invariant in the following sense: if the theory says that C caused (didn’t cause) E in a causal model, M, then it will continue to say that that C caused (didn’t cause) E once one has removed an inessential variable from M. The article suggests that, if this theory is true, then one should understand a cause as something which transmits deviant or noninertial behavior to its effect.

scholarly journals The Joint Effect of Prenatal Exposure to Metal Mixtures on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 20–40 Months of Age: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 125 (6) ◽  
pp. 067015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Valeri ◽  
Maitreyi M. Mazumdar ◽  
Jennifer F. Bobb ◽  
Birgit Claus Henn ◽  
Ema Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Joint Effect ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Metal Mixtures ◽  
Rural Bangladesh

scholarly journals Use of Prescribed Psychotropics during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Pregnancy, Neonatal, and Childhood Outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Creeley ◽  
Denton
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Psychotropic Drugs ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Mother And Child

This paper reviews the findings from preclinical animal and human clinical research investigating maternal/fetal, neonatal, and child neurodevelopmental outcomes following prenatal exposure to psychotropic drugs. Evidence for the risks associated with prenatal exposure was examined, including teratogenicity, neurodevelopmental effects, neonatal toxicity, and long-term neurobehavioral consequences (i.e., behavioral teratogenicity). We conducted a comprehensive review of the recent results and conclusions of original research and reviews, respectively, which have investigated the short- and long-term impact of drugs commonly prescribed to pregnant women for psychological disorders, including mood, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Because mental illness in the mother is not a benign event, and may itself pose significant risks to both mother and child, simply discontinuing or avoiding medication use during pregnancy may not be possible. Therefore, prenatal exposure to psychotropic drugs is a major public health concern. Decisions regarding drug choice, dose, and duration should be made carefully, by balancing severity, chronicity, and co-morbidity of the mental illness, disorder, or condition against the potential risk for adverse outcomes due to drug exposure. Globally, maternal mental health problems are considered as a major public health challenge, which requires a stronger focus on mental health services that will benefit both mother and child. More preclinical and clinical research is needed in order to make well-informed decisions, understanding the risks associated with the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Early Gestational Exposure to High-Molecular-Weight Phthalates and Its Association with 48-Month-Old Children’s Motor and Cognitive Scores

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8150
Author(s):  
Libni A. Torres-Olascoaga ◽  
Deborah Watkins ◽  
Lourdes Schnaas ◽  
John D. Meeker ◽  
Maritsa Solano-Gonzalez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
High Molecular Weight ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Environmental Toxicants ◽  
Second Trimester ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Gestational Exposure ◽  
Early Life Exposure

In utero phthalate exposure has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, nevertheless, trimester-specific susceptibility remains understudied. Our aim was to identify susceptible windows to the effects of gestational High-Molecular-Weight Phthalates (HMWP) exposure on 48 months’ neurodevelopment. We measured six HMWP metabolites (MEHP, MEHHP, MEOHP, MECPP, MBzP and MCPP) in urine samples collected during each trimester from women in the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohort (n = 218). We assessed children’s motor (MS), cognitive (GCI) and memory (MeS) abilities using McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities (MSCA). We used linear regression models to examine associations between trimester-specific phthalate metabolites and MSCA scores, adjusted for sex, gestational age, breastfeeding, and maternal IQ. Although phthalate concentrations were similar across trimesters, first and second trimester phthalates were inversely associated with MS and GCI, with first trimester associations with MS being the strongest and statistically significant. Stronger associations were seen with MS and GCI among boys compared to girls, however interaction terms were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that early gestation is a sensitive window of exposure to HMWP for neurodevelopment, particularly in boys. Regulations on phthalate content in food as well as pregnancy consumption guidelines are necessary to protect future generations.

scholarly journals Neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants secondary to in utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection: A national prospective study in Kuwait

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Ayed ◽  
Alia Embaireeg ◽  
Mais Kartam ◽  
Kiran More ◽  
Mafaza Alqallaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Delays ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽  
Population Mean ◽  
Neuronal Precursor Cells ◽  
Ages And Stages Questionnaire

Background An increasing proportion of women are being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during pregnancy. Intrauterine viral infections induce an increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which inhibit the proliferation of neuronal precursor cells and stimulate oligodendrocyte cell death, leading to abnormal neurodevelopment. Whether a maternal cytokine storm can affect neonatal brain development is unclear. The objective of the present study is to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy. Methods In this prospective cohort study, the neurodevelopment status of infants (N=298) born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy was assessed at 10-12 months post-discharge using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd edition (ASQ-3). The ASQ-3 scores were classified into developmental delays (cutoff score: ≤2 standard deviations (SDs) below the population mean) and no delay (score >2 SDs above the population mean). Results Approximately 10% of infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy showed developmental delays. Two of 298 infants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and both had normal ASQ-3 scores. The majority of the pregnant women had SARS-CoV-2 infection during their third trimester. The risk of developmental delays among infants was higher in those whose mothers had SARS-CoV-2 infections during the first (P=0.039) and second trimesters (P=0.001) than in those whose mothers had SARS-CoV-2 infections during the third trimester. Infants born at <31 weeks gestation were more prone to developmental delays than those born at >31 weeks gestation (10% versus 0.8%; P=0.002). Conclusion The findings of the study highlight the need for long-term neurodevelopmental assessment of infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Brazil by Early Childhood professionals

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Monnerat FIORAVANTI-BASTOS ◽  
Alberto FILGUEIRAS ◽  
Maria Lucia Seidl de MOURA
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Day Care Centers ◽  
Ages And Stages Questionnaire ◽  
Good Internal Consistency ◽  
Developmental Domains ◽  
Children Development

Child development assessment is important for the development of action plans for early childhood problem prevention. There are few instruments that are systematically used in day care centers. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Brazil, which consists of 18 questionnaires, was adapted and used in the public day care system of Rio de Janeiro. However, studies on the user's evaluation of this screening tool have not yet been conducted. A total of 28 childhood educators who work in 6 different day care centers participated in this study. They completed two different versions of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Brazil: a version to Assess Beliefs of Educators about children Development and another one about the Characteristics of this screening tool. The internal consistency for 504 questionnaires was calculated and compared to the original sample. Analysis of Variance was performed to identify differences between the importance given by educators to the five developmental domains assessed in the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: gross motor, fine motor, communication, problem solving, and personal-social. Results indicated good internal consistency and the need for changes in the questionnaire to ensure clarity and adequacy to day care centers.

scholarly journals Multiple metals in children’s deciduous teeth: results from a community-initiated pilot study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexa Friedman ◽  
Julia Anglen Bauer ◽  
Christine Austin ◽  
Timothy J. Downs ◽  
Yorghos Tripodis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Deciduous Teeth ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Behavioral Correlates ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Noninvasive Biomarker

Abstract Background Characterizing retrospective exposure to toxicants during multiple early-life developmental periods is challenging, yet critical for understanding developmental effects. Objective To characterize early-life metal exposure using deciduous teeth in a community concerned about past exposures. Methods Naturally shed teeth were collected from 30 children ages 5–13 years who resided in Holliston, Massachusetts since conception. We estimated weekly prenatal and postnatal (up to 1 year of age) exposure to 12 metals by measuring dentine concentrations using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to explore sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral correlates of dentine metal concentrations. Results Temporal trends in dentine levels differed by metal. Source of milk during the first year of life was associated with dentine barium (Ba) levels, where being fed predominantly breastmilk was associated with 39% (95% CI: –57%, –13%) lower dentine Ba compared to predominantly formula use. Females had higher prenatal and postnatal dentine Mn and Pb, compared to males (e.g., % difference, postnatal Mn: 122% (17%, 321%); postnatal Pb: 60% (95% CI: –8%, 178%)). Significance Deciduous teeth provide retrospective information on dose and timing of early-life metals exposure at high resolution. We demonstrate their utility in a community-based study with known past contamination of drinking water. Impact statement We conducted a community-initiated pilot study in a community concerned with historical exposure to multiple metals. Using deciduous teeth, a novel noninvasive biomarker, we characterized early-life exposure to 12 metals in approximately weekly increments during sensitive developmental periods, thus demonstrating the utility of this biomarker in communities concerned with past exposures.

Neonatal exposure to BPA, BDE-99, and PCB produces persistent changes in hepatic transcriptome associated with gut dysbiosis in adult mouse livers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Jongpyo Lim ◽  
Moumita Dutta ◽  
Joseph L Dempsey ◽  
Hans-Joachim Lehmler ◽  
James MacDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Cancer ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Neonatal Exposure ◽  
Environmental Toxicants ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Microbial Biomarkers ◽  
Hepatic Transcriptome

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that complex diseases can result from early life exposure to environmental toxicants. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and remain a continuing risk to human health despite being banned from production. Developmental BPA exposure mediated-adult onset of liver cancer via epigenetic reprogramming mechanisms has been identified. Here, we investigated whether the gut microbiome and liver can be persistently reprogrammed following neonatal exposure to POPs, and the associations between microbial biomarkers and disease-prone changes in the hepatic transcriptome in adulthood, compared to BPA. C57BL/6 male and female mouse pups were orally administered vehicle, BPA, BDE-99 (a breast milk-enriched PBDE congener), or the Fox River PCB mixture (PCBs), once daily for three consecutive days (postnatal days [PND] 2 to 4). Tissues were collected at PND5 and PND60. Among the three chemicals investigated, early life exposure to BDE-99 produced the most prominent developmental reprogramming of the gut-liver axis, including hepatic inflammatory and cancer-prone signatures. In adulthood, neonatal BDE-99 exposure resulted in a persistent increase in Akkermansia muciniphila throughout the intestine, accompanied by increased hepatic levels of acetate and succinate, the known products of A. muciniphila. In males, this was positively associated with permissive epigenetic marks H3K4me1 and H3K27, which were enriched in loci near liver cancer-related genes that were dysregulated following neonatal exposure to BDE-99. Our findings provide novel insights that early life exposure to POPs can have a life-long impact on disease risk, which may partly be regulated by the gut microbiome.

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