Nutritive sucking (NS), the primary nutritional intake mechanism for infants, represents the cornerstone of early feeding development. NS depends on the integration of efficiency, safety, and coordination to ensure adequate growth and development. Prior work has examined feeding skills at single timepoints. However, information on feeding proficiency and effectiveness across the course of development is limited. Further, despite the importance of nutrition as the main purpose for infant feeding, few clinical instruments exist for quantifying infant feeding physiology. Twenty-seven mother-infant dyads participated in this prospective, longitudinal study with repeated measures at three, six, and nine months. Oral feeding skills were evaluated using the Oral Feeding Skills (OFS) Scale to gather quantitative measurements of infants' feeding abilities [1]. The scale was completed while caregivers bottle-feed their infant. The initial volume of milk offered increased significantly with age. Transfer rate was significantly faster at nine months as compared to at three months. There were no significant effects of age on OFS proficiency or overall transfer volume at any timepoint. These findings provide insights into caregiver practices and infant maturation of bottle feeding. They suggest that while the mechanics of feeding (speed, volume) change with development, fundamental feeding behavior and appetite regulation remain stable.
{"title":"Developmental progression of bottle-feeding in the first year of life.","authors":"Alaina Martens, Jessica Davidson, Katharine Radville, Natalie Peterman, Hayden Kamiya, Kristen Allison, Emily Zimmerman","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106507","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106507","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nutritive sucking (NS), the primary nutritional intake mechanism for infants, represents the cornerstone of early feeding development. NS depends on the integration of efficiency, safety, and coordination to ensure adequate growth and development. Prior work has examined feeding skills at single timepoints. However, information on feeding proficiency and effectiveness across the course of development is limited. Further, despite the importance of nutrition as the main purpose for infant feeding, few clinical instruments exist for quantifying infant feeding physiology. Twenty-seven mother-infant dyads participated in this prospective, longitudinal study with repeated measures at three, six, and nine months. Oral feeding skills were evaluated using the Oral Feeding Skills (OFS) Scale to gather quantitative measurements of infants' feeding abilities [1]. The scale was completed while caregivers bottle-feed their infant. The initial volume of milk offered increased significantly with age. Transfer rate was significantly faster at nine months as compared to at three months. There were no significant effects of age on OFS proficiency or overall transfer volume at any timepoint. These findings provide insights into caregiver practices and infant maturation of bottle feeding. They suggest that while the mechanics of feeding (speed, volume) change with development, fundamental feeding behavior and appetite regulation remain stable.</p>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"216 ","pages":"106507"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146131437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker of prenatal sex hormone exposure, and sports talent among children and adolescents under 18 years of age practicing taekwondo. The 2D:4D ratio is thought to reflect intrauterine testosterone and estrogen exposure, and has been associated in some studies with physical performance and athletic potential.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included licensed taekwondo athletes aged 9-17 years from Gaziantep, Turkiye, and an age-matched control group of non-athletic healthy peers. Finger lengths were measured directly using a digital caliper with 0.1 mm precision, and the 2D:4D ratios for both hands were calculated. Demographic and anthropometric data, hand and foot dominance were also recorded.
Results: Sex-based analysis revealed that female athletes exhibited significantly higher right and left 2D:4D ratios than male athletes (p = 0.012 and p = 0.010, respectively). In the control group, females had significantly higher right and left 2D:4D ratios but lower body weight, BMI, and right and left fourth-digit lengths compared to males (p < 0.05). No significant differences were identified between sex-matched athlete and control participants (p > 0.05). Analysis according to hand and foot laterality showed no significant differences within the control group; however, right-foot-dominant athletes demonstrated significantly higher right-hand 2D:4D ratios (p = 0.022). Logistic regression analysis indicated that neither finger length nor 2D:4D ratio exerted a statistically significant effect on athletic ability (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between 2D:4D ratios and taekwondo performance in both male and female youth athletes in a Turkish population. The results suggest that the 2D:4D ratio may not serve as a reliable biomarker for athletic talent in this demographic. Further research including elite athletes and samples from diverse regions is warranted to confirm these findings.
{"title":"The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) does not distinguish licensed taekwondo athletes from age-matched sedentary individuals.","authors":"Rabia Tasdemir, Cansu Oztürk, Ebru Sena Poyraz, Nevzat Gonder, Omer Faruk Cihan","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106514","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106514","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker of prenatal sex hormone exposure, and sports talent among children and adolescents under 18 years of age practicing taekwondo. The 2D:4D ratio is thought to reflect intrauterine testosterone and estrogen exposure, and has been associated in some studies with physical performance and athletic potential.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included licensed taekwondo athletes aged 9-17 years from Gaziantep, Turkiye, and an age-matched control group of non-athletic healthy peers. Finger lengths were measured directly using a digital caliper with 0.1 mm precision, and the 2D:4D ratios for both hands were calculated. Demographic and anthropometric data, hand and foot dominance were also recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sex-based analysis revealed that female athletes exhibited significantly higher right and left 2D:4D ratios than male athletes (p = 0.012 and p = 0.010, respectively). In the control group, females had significantly higher right and left 2D:4D ratios but lower body weight, BMI, and right and left fourth-digit lengths compared to males (p < 0.05). No significant differences were identified between sex-matched athlete and control participants (p > 0.05). Analysis according to hand and foot laterality showed no significant differences within the control group; however, right-foot-dominant athletes demonstrated significantly higher right-hand 2D:4D ratios (p = 0.022). Logistic regression analysis indicated that neither finger length nor 2D:4D ratio exerted a statistically significant effect on athletic ability (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between 2D:4D ratios and taekwondo performance in both male and female youth athletes in a Turkish population. The results suggest that the 2D:4D ratio may not serve as a reliable biomarker for athletic talent in this demographic. Further research including elite athletes and samples from diverse regions is warranted to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"216 ","pages":"106514"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146131419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: To investigate neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) risks across different gestational ages (GAs) and associated characteristics in infants followed to age 10.
Study design: This nationwide, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study analyzed 1288347 live births in Taiwan from 2009 to 2016 by using national health databases. Infants were categorized by GA (extremely preterm, very preterm, moderate to late preterm, fullterm, and late-term) and monitored for 7 NDDs through 2019. Demographic characteristics were compared using the standardized mean difference (SMD). Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests was used to determine cumulative NDD probabilities. A 2-tailed P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Preterm infants had significantly higher incidence rates of all NDDs (log-rank P < .001), except for tics and Tourette disorders (TDs), compared with the full-term group. Disorders exhibited distinct temporal patterns: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental delay emerged predominantly before 24 months, whereas autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability risks peaked during the preschool years. Tics and TDs followed a distinct trajectory, with minimal variation among the GA groups. Advanced parental age (≥40 years) was associated with shorter gestation (SMD > 0.1).
Conclusion: Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of most NDDs, with phase-specific onset patterns. These findings support the need for GA-stratified and age-tailored monitoring. Early motor and cognitive interventions, along with preschool neurobehavioral support, are essential. Tics and TDs may require distinct etiological frameworks.
目的：探讨不同胎龄（GAs）婴儿神经发育障碍（ndd）的风险及其相关特征。研究设计：本研究采用国家卫生数据库，对2009年至2016年台湾1288347例活产婴儿进行了全国性、纵向、回顾性队列研究。根据GA（极早产儿、极早产儿、中度至晚期早产儿、足月和晚期早产儿）对婴儿进行分类，并在2019年之前对7例ndd进行监测。采用标准化平均差（SMD）比较人口学特征。采用多变量Cox回归模型估计95%置信区间的风险比，采用Kaplan-Meier方法和log-rank检验确定累积NDD概率。结果的双尾P值：与足月组相比，除了抽动症和抽动秽语症（TDs）外，早产儿所有ndd的发生率均显著高于足月组（log-rank P < 0.001）。疾病表现出明显的时间模式：脑瘫、癫痫和发育迟缓主要出现在24个月前，而自闭症谱系障碍、注意力缺陷/多动障碍和智力残疾的风险在学龄前达到顶峰。tic和TDs遵循明显的轨迹，GA组之间的差异最小。父母年龄大（≥40岁）与较短的妊娠期相关（SMD >.1）。结论：早产与大多数ndd的风险增加有关，具有特定阶段的发病模式。这些发现支持了ga分层和年龄定制监测的必要性。早期运动和认知干预以及学前神经行为支持是必不可少的。抽动症和td可能需要不同的病因框架。
{"title":"Relationship between gestational age and neurodevelopmental disorders: A nationwide longitudinal retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Yu-Jung Chang, Grace Hao, Jing-Yang Huang, Shiuan-Chih Chen, Meng-Che Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106505","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106505","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) risks across different gestational ages (GAs) and associated characteristics in infants followed to age 10.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>This nationwide, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study analyzed 1288347 live births in Taiwan from 2009 to 2016 by using national health databases. Infants were categorized by GA (extremely preterm, very preterm, moderate to late preterm, fullterm, and late-term) and monitored for 7 NDDs through 2019. Demographic characteristics were compared using the standardized mean difference (SMD). Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests was used to determine cumulative NDD probabilities. A 2-tailed P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preterm infants had significantly higher incidence rates of all NDDs (log-rank P < .001), except for tics and Tourette disorders (TDs), compared with the full-term group. Disorders exhibited distinct temporal patterns: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental delay emerged predominantly before 24 months, whereas autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability risks peaked during the preschool years. Tics and TDs followed a distinct trajectory, with minimal variation among the GA groups. Advanced parental age (≥40 years) was associated with shorter gestation (SMD > 0.1).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of most NDDs, with phase-specific onset patterns. These findings support the need for GA-stratified and age-tailored monitoring. Early motor and cognitive interventions, along with preschool neurobehavioral support, are essential. Tics and TDs may require distinct etiological frameworks.</p>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":" ","pages":"106505"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146118160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The ultimate goal of perinatal care is to ensure that infants survive without neurological impairment. Despite advances in medical technology and healthcare systems that have markedly decreased perinatal mortality, cerebral palsy has shown only a gradual decline in recent population-based studies. The aim of this study was to use a pathway classification system to analyze brain injury cases detected at or beyond 35 weeks' gestation and to clarify temporal changes in the incidence and causal pathways of intrapartum brain injury and its contributing factors in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
Methods
Of 151,558 births recorded in Miyazaki Prefecture from 2001 to 2015, 303 cases of brain injury were registered in the regional perinatal case-review system. Of these, 134 were detected at ≥35 weeks. Brain injury was categorized as congenital anomalies, antepartum, intrapartum, or neonatal onset. Each case was further classified using a pathway system that considered distal and proximal risk factors. Temporal trend analysis was performed across three consecutive 5-year intervals (2001–2005, 2006–2010, and 2011–2015).
Results
Of the 134 cases, 25% were classified as intrapartum-related, 23% as antepartum-related, and 5% as neonatal-related. Overall, the incidence of brain injury at ≥35 weeks decreased significantly over time. Significant downward trends were observed in total cases and intrapartum-related brain injury, with the reduction in intrapartum cases being especially pronounced. Antepartum-related brain injury declined more gradually. Further analysis revealed that the incidence of hypoxia-related intrapartum brain injuries decreased over time, whereas bacterial infection-related intrapartum cases were observed only in the earliest epoch.
Conclusions
This population-based study identified temporal changes in perinatal brain injury detected at or beyond 35 weeks' gestation over 15 years. The incidence of perinatal brain injury declined significantly, particularly intrapartum-related cases with hypoxia-related injury. These improvements might reflect advances in regionalized perinatal care, the establishment of perinatal centers, or multidisciplinary education and training. Further efforts to optimize intrapartum assessment and management would contribute to continued reductions in severe perinatal brain injury.
{"title":"Significant reduction in intrapartum-related perinatal brain injury in infants born at ≥35 weeks' gestation: A regional population-based study over 15 years","authors":"Koutarou Doi , Yuki Kodama , Satoshi Matsuzawa , Tomoko Goto , Junsuke Muraoka , Midori Fujisaki , Naoshi Yamada , Hajime Taniguchi , Ken Furuta , Yasuyuki Kawagoe , Masatoki Kaneko , Shinji Katsuragi , Tsuyomu Ikenoue , Hiroshi Sameshima","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106495","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106495","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The ultimate goal of perinatal care is to ensure that infants survive without neurological impairment. Despite advances in medical technology and healthcare systems that have markedly decreased perinatal mortality, cerebral palsy has shown only a gradual decline in recent population-based studies. The aim of this study was to use a pathway classification system to analyze brain injury cases detected at or beyond 35 weeks' gestation and to clarify temporal changes in the incidence and causal pathways of intrapartum brain injury and its contributing factors in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Of 151,558 births recorded in Miyazaki Prefecture from 2001 to 2015, 303 cases of brain injury were registered in the regional perinatal case-review system. Of these, 134 were detected at ≥35 weeks. Brain injury was categorized as congenital anomalies, antepartum, intrapartum, or neonatal onset. Each case was further classified using a pathway system that considered distal and proximal risk factors. Temporal trend analysis was performed across three consecutive 5-year intervals (2001–2005, 2006–2010, and 2011–2015).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 134 cases, 25% were classified as intrapartum-related, 23% as antepartum-related, and 5% as neonatal-related. Overall, the incidence of brain injury at ≥35 weeks decreased significantly over time. Significant downward trends were observed in total cases and intrapartum-related brain injury, with the reduction in intrapartum cases being especially pronounced. Antepartum-related brain injury declined more gradually. Further analysis revealed that the incidence of hypoxia-related intrapartum brain injuries decreased over time, whereas bacterial infection-related intrapartum cases were observed only in the earliest epoch.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This population-based study identified temporal changes in perinatal brain injury detected at or beyond 35 weeks' gestation over 15 years. The incidence of perinatal brain injury declined significantly, particularly intrapartum-related cases with hypoxia-related injury. These improvements might reflect advances in regionalized perinatal care, the establishment of perinatal centers, or multidisciplinary education and training. Further efforts to optimize intrapartum assessment and management would contribute to continued reductions in severe perinatal brain injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"216 ","pages":"Article 106495"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146096065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106506
Qi Cao, Huili Zhu, Rong Zhou, Wei Huang
Objective: This study aimed to characterize maternal-fetal serum metabolomics profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pregnancies and explore potential links between metabolomic alterations and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring.
Methods: A prospective birth cohort study enrolled 20 PCOS and 20 non-PCOS women (selected via propensity score matching from a larger cohort of 58 non-PCOS participants) from West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, between January 2019 and January 2020. Offspring development was assessed at 27 months using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). Non-targeted metabolomics analyses were performed on maternal serum (collected at 32-36 weeks of gestation) and fetal serum from the umbilical vein at delivery. Metabolite pattern recognition was performed using supervised OPLS-DA and genetic algorithms (GA) to identify significant metabolites, with pathway enrichment analysis conducted using the KEGG database.
Results: Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher testosterone and free androgen index levels across pregnancy. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially abundant metabolites in maternal serum, mainly related to unsaturated fatty acid and histidine metabolism, and 28 metabolites in fetal serum, including those involved in pyrimidine metabolism. Enrichment analyses revealed schizophrenia-related pathways in both PCOS maternal and fetal serum-a finding mechanistically relevant to neurodevelopmental risks in PCOS offspring. Notably, these metabolomic changes were enriched in placental pathways and involved the retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA), which may contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities observed in offspring of PCOS patients.
Conclusion: This study identifies a potential link between maternal metabolic disturbances in PCOS and neurodevelopmental abnormalities in offspring through metabolomic analysis. Significant metabolites related to unsaturated fatty acids, pyrimidine, and histidine metabolism were found, with pathways enriched in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly involving the RORA.
{"title":"Metabolomic insights into potential early neurodevelopment in offspring of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Maternal and fetal serum metabolomics based on a prospective birth cohort study.","authors":"Qi Cao, Huili Zhu, Rong Zhou, Wei Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to characterize maternal-fetal serum metabolomics profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pregnancies and explore potential links between metabolomic alterations and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective birth cohort study enrolled 20 PCOS and 20 non-PCOS women (selected via propensity score matching from a larger cohort of 58 non-PCOS participants) from West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, between January 2019 and January 2020. Offspring development was assessed at 27 months using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). Non-targeted metabolomics analyses were performed on maternal serum (collected at 32-36 weeks of gestation) and fetal serum from the umbilical vein at delivery. Metabolite pattern recognition was performed using supervised OPLS-DA and genetic algorithms (GA) to identify significant metabolites, with pathway enrichment analysis conducted using the KEGG database.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Women with PCOS exhibited significantly higher testosterone and free androgen index levels across pregnancy. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially abundant metabolites in maternal serum, mainly related to unsaturated fatty acid and histidine metabolism, and 28 metabolites in fetal serum, including those involved in pyrimidine metabolism. Enrichment analyses revealed schizophrenia-related pathways in both PCOS maternal and fetal serum-a finding mechanistically relevant to neurodevelopmental risks in PCOS offspring. Notably, these metabolomic changes were enriched in placental pathways and involved the retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA), which may contribute to neurodevelopmental abnormalities observed in offspring of PCOS patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study identifies a potential link between maternal metabolic disturbances in PCOS and neurodevelopmental abnormalities in offspring through metabolomic analysis. Significant metabolites related to unsaturated fatty acids, pyrimidine, and histidine metabolism were found, with pathways enriched in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly involving the RORA.</p>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":" ","pages":"106506"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146137402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106497
A. Fournier , S. Dahan , L. Hermitte , B. Testud , K. Chaumoitre , M. Massena , E. Lesieur , F. Bretelle , M. Capelle , N. Girard , B. Tosello , M. Milh , B. Desnous
Objectives
Prenatal ultrasound detection of a small head circumference (US-SHC) is a key indicator of microcephaly. This retrospective study (2015–2024) aimed to determine the incidence of SHC at birth (b-SHC) and microcephaly at 6 months, and to identify prenatal biomarkers.
Methods
We included 55 fetuses with us-SHC and median postnatal follow-up of 28 months (range: 7–112).
Results
Among the 47 fetuses with available outcomes, b-SHC was confirmed in 31 (66%), while persistent microcephaly at 6 months was observed in 16 of 34 (47%) liveborns. Fetal brain MRI, particularly cerebral biparietal and occipitofrontal diameters below the third percentile, accurately predicted b-SHC, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 83% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 82% but were less effective for persistent microcephaly (PPV 53%, NPV 75%). Prenatal deceleration in HC growth was a key predictor of both b-SHC (OR = 13.86, p = 0.028) and persistent microcephaly (OR = 13.00, p = 0.025). A genetic etiology was identified in 44% (7/16) of infants with confirmed microcephaly; chromosomal microarray had a 12% (5/43) diagnostic yield.
Conclusions
Prenatal us-SHC predicted postnatal microcephaly in nearly half of cases. Prenatal HC growth deceleration emerged as a biomarker of persistent microcephaly.
目的产前超声检测小头围（US-SHC）是小头畸形的关键指标。这项回顾性研究（2015-2024）旨在确定出生时SHC （b-SHC）和6个月时小头畸形的发生率，并确定产前生物标志物。方法我们纳入55例us-SHC胎儿，中位产后随访28个月（范围：7-112）。结果在47例可获得预后的胎儿中，31例（66%）被确诊为b-SHC，而34例活产儿中有16例（47%）在6个月时观察到持续性小头畸形。胎儿脑MRI，特别是大脑双顶叶和枕额叶直径低于第三百分位，准确预测b-SHC，阳性预测值（PPV）为83%，阴性预测值（NPV）为82%，但对持续性小头畸形的效果较差（PPV为53%，NPV为75%）。产前HC生长减速是b-SHC （OR = 13.86, p = 0.028）和持续性小头畸形（OR = 13.00, p = 0.025）的关键预测因子。44%（7/16）确诊小头畸形的婴儿被确定为遗传病因；染色体微阵列的诊断率为12%（5/43）。结论产前us-SHC对产后小头畸形的预测率接近一半。产前HC生长减速成为持续性小头畸形的生物标志物。
{"title":"Prenatal small head circumference: Which biomarkers best predict microcephaly?","authors":"A. Fournier , S. Dahan , L. Hermitte , B. Testud , K. Chaumoitre , M. Massena , E. Lesieur , F. Bretelle , M. Capelle , N. Girard , B. Tosello , M. Milh , B. Desnous","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106497","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Prenatal ultrasound detection of a small head circumference (US-SHC) is a key indicator of microcephaly. This retrospective study (2015–2024) aimed to determine the incidence of SHC at birth (b-SHC) and microcephaly at 6 months, and to identify prenatal biomarkers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We included 55 fetuses with us-SHC and median postnatal follow-up of 28 months (range: 7–112).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 47 fetuses with available outcomes, b-SHC was confirmed in 31 (66%), while persistent microcephaly at 6 months was observed in 16 of 34 (47%) liveborns. Fetal brain MRI, particularly cerebral biparietal and occipitofrontal diameters below the third percentile, accurately predicted b-SHC, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 83% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 82% but were less effective for persistent microcephaly (PPV 53%, NPV 75%). Prenatal deceleration in HC growth was a key predictor of both b-SHC (OR = 13.86, <em>p</em> = 0.028) and persistent microcephaly (OR = 13.00, <em>p</em> = 0.025). A genetic etiology was identified in 44% (7/16) of infants with confirmed microcephaly; chromosomal microarray had a 12% (5/43) diagnostic yield.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Prenatal us-SHC predicted postnatal microcephaly in nearly half of cases. Prenatal HC growth deceleration emerged as a biomarker of persistent microcephaly.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 106497"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106496
Barbara Ślawski , John T. Manning , Bogusław Antoszewski , Anna Elgalal , Anna Kasielska-Trojan
Background
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is produced in sex-dependent amounts (males>females) by the paranasal sinuses which are formed in utero and which show sex differences in volume (males>females). Digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic (males<females) and is a correlate of prenatal sex steroids.
Aim
To investigate the association between 2D:4D and FeNO.
Methods
Participants were medical students. Triple measurements of (FeNO) in exhaled air [ppb] were recorded and log transformed means calculated. Digit lengths were measured twice. Sex, age, height, mass and BMI were recorded.
Results
There were 159 participants (100 females). Sex differences were present in FeNO, right and left 2D:4D, height, mass and BMI. For females, right and left 2D:4D were negatively related to FeNO with strongest relationship for the former. Mass was positively related to FeNO. Digit ratios remained significant after effect of mass was controlled. For males, seven participants reported allergies and had higher volumes of FeNO than non-allergy subjects. There was a trend for negative relationships between 2D:4D and FeNO but this was not significant.
Conclusion
Low 2D:4D is linked to high FeNO volumes in women but further work is needed to clarify this relationship in men. Because 2D:4D ratio is positively related to lactate under anaerobic conditions during exercise, we speculate that 2D:4D may be a biomarker for the interaction between lactate and FeNO during vigorous exercise.
{"title":"Digit ratio (2D:4D) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)","authors":"Barbara Ślawski , John T. Manning , Bogusław Antoszewski , Anna Elgalal , Anna Kasielska-Trojan","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is produced in sex-dependent amounts (males>females) by the paranasal sinuses which are formed in utero and which show sex differences in volume (males>females). Digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic (males<females) and is a correlate of prenatal sex steroids.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To investigate the association between 2D:4D and FeNO.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants were medical students. Triple measurements of (FeNO) in exhaled air [ppb] were recorded and log transformed means calculated. Digit lengths were measured twice. Sex, age, height, mass and BMI were recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 159 participants (100 females). Sex differences were present in FeNO, right and left 2D:4D, height, mass and BMI. For females, right and left 2D:4D were negatively related to FeNO with strongest relationship for the former. Mass was positively related to FeNO. Digit ratios remained significant after effect of mass was controlled. For males, seven participants reported allergies and had higher volumes of FeNO than non-allergy subjects. There was a trend for negative relationships between 2D:4D and FeNO but this was not significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Low 2D:4D is linked to high FeNO volumes in women but further work is needed to clarify this relationship in men. Because 2D:4D ratio is positively related to lactate under anaerobic conditions during exercise, we speculate that 2D:4D may be a biomarker for the interaction between lactate and FeNO during vigorous exercise.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 106496"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To compare self-reported pain sensitivity and the use of pain medication in young adults born extremely preterm (EP) with matched term-born controls.
Methods
In this third follow-up of a population-based cohort study of individuals born EP (gestational age ≤28 weeks) in 1991–92, the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) was administered together with health-related questions. Matched term-born controls served as a comparison group.
Results
At 27 years of age, 24 (69%) EP-born and 26 (74%) term-born controls consented to participate. There were no significant differences between groups in PSQ total, moderate, or minor scores, nor in the use of pain medication. No associations were found between the number of painful procedures in the neonatal period and pain sensitivity at 27 years.
Conclusion
Self-reported pain sensitivity and use of pain medication at 27 years of age did not differ between adults born extremely preterm and their term-born peers.
{"title":"Self-reported pain sensitivity in adults born extremely preterm compared to term-born controls: A matched cohort study","authors":"Julie Vestavik Berge , Silje Nesthus , Merete Røineland Benestad , Geir Egil Eide , Thomas Halvorsen , Bente Johanne Vederhus","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106492","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106492","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To compare self-reported pain sensitivity and the use of pain medication in young adults born extremely preterm (EP) with matched term-born controls.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this third follow-up of a population-based cohort study of individuals born EP (gestational age ≤28 weeks) in 1991–92, the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) was administered together with health-related questions. Matched term-born controls served as a comparison group.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At 27 years of age, 24 (69%) EP-born and 26 (74%) term-born controls consented to participate. There were no significant differences between groups in PSQ total, moderate, or minor scores, nor in the use of pain medication. No associations were found between the number of painful procedures in the neonatal period and pain sensitivity at 27 years.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Self-reported pain sensitivity and use of pain medication at 27 years of age did not differ between adults born extremely preterm and their term-born peers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 106492"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146060942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106489
Ugur Sozlu , Rumeysa Barut
Background
Exercise during pregnancy provides significant physical and psychological benefits for both the mother and fetus. However, many women rely on online platforms such as YouTube for guidance, where the accuracy and quality of information can vary widely.
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the educational value of YouTube videos related to exercise during pregnancy.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted on YouTube using the keywords “exercise in pregnancy” and “exercise during pregnancy.” A total of 97 videos were analyzed in terms of quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness. The Global Quality Scale (GQS) was used to assess video quality, while reliability was evaluated using the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) scale. The Exercise Specific Score in Pregnancy (EPSS) was employed to assess the educational content of the videos, and viewer engagement was measured using an interaction index based on likes, comments, and views.
Results
Most content was produced by certified pre and postnatal birth coaches (n = 55, 56.7%). Nearly half of the videos were high quality (n = 46, 47.4%), and the majority were reliable (n = 81, 83.5%). Professional organizations mainly produced moderate quality content, whereas health professionals and certified birth coaches generated higher quality videos; in contrast, fitness trainers tended to produce lower quality content. No significant correlations were found between GQS, mDISCERN, EPSS scores, and the interaction index (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that YouTube videos on exercise during pregnancy are generally high-quality and reliable. However, viewer engagement does not align with quality and reliability, indicating a potential risk of pregnant women accessing misleading or inaccurate information.
{"title":"Educational value of YouTube videos on exercise during pregnancy: A cross-sectional analysis","authors":"Ugur Sozlu , Rumeysa Barut","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106489","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106489","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Exercise during pregnancy provides significant physical and psychological benefits for both the mother and fetus. However, many women rely on online platforms such as YouTube for guidance, where the accuracy and quality of information can vary widely.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the educational value of YouTube videos related to exercise during pregnancy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search was conducted on YouTube using the keywords “exercise in pregnancy” and “exercise during pregnancy.” A total of 97 videos were analyzed in terms of quality, reliability, and comprehensiveness. The Global Quality Scale (GQS) was used to assess video quality, while reliability was evaluated using the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) scale. The Exercise Specific Score in Pregnancy (EPSS) was employed to assess the educational content of the videos, and viewer engagement was measured using an interaction index based on likes, comments, and views.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most content was produced by certified pre and postnatal birth coaches (<em>n</em> = 55, 56.7%). Nearly half of the videos were high quality (<em>n</em> = 46, 47.4%), and the majority were reliable (<em>n</em> = 81, 83.5%). Professional organizations mainly produced moderate quality content, whereas health professionals and certified birth coaches generated higher quality videos; in contrast, fitness trainers tended to produce lower quality content. No significant correlations were found between GQS, mDISCERN, EPSS scores, and the interaction index (<em>p</em> > 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings suggest that YouTube videos on exercise during pregnancy are generally high-quality and reliable. However, viewer engagement does not align with quality and reliability, indicating a potential risk of pregnant women accessing misleading or inaccurate information.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 106489"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146028633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To investigate the association between neonatal hyperglycemia during the first month of life and perinatal characteristics, neonatal morbidities, and developmental outcomes at 3 years of age in extremely preterm (EPT) infants.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included infants born at before 28 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2020. Infants were categorized into normoglycemia, mild hyperglycemia, and severe hyperglycemia groups based on the frequency of morning blood glucose measurements ≥150 mg/dL and ≥180 mg/dL during the first 28 postnatal days. Perinatal data, clinical outcomes, and neurodevelopmental assessments at 3 years of age using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001 (KSPD) were analyzed.
Results
Among 195 infants with available glucose data, 151 underwent neurodevelopmental assessment at 3 years of age. Greater degrees of hyperglycemia were associated with lower gestational age (GA) and birth weight. Severe hyperglycemia was significantly associated with increased rates of postnatal steroid use and late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC). Infants with severe hyperglycemia demonstrated significantly lower overall Development Quotient (DQ) and Postural-Motor (P-M) DQ scores in univariate analyses. Similarly, higher mean blood glucose levels were associated with lower scores in these domains. However, after adjustment for birth weight and LCC, these associations were no longer statistically significant.
Conclusion
In EPT infants, neonatal hyperglycemia during the first postnatal month was associated with greater immaturity, and did not show an independent association with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years of age.
{"title":"The relationship between neonatal hyperglycemia, neonatal illness, and 3-year outcomes in extremely preterm infants","authors":"Shin Fujiwara , Ryou Furukawa , Seiko Maeno , Sayaka Fujimura , Hisako Saeki , Chiharu Matubara , Rie Fukuhara","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106480","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106480","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To investigate the association between neonatal hyperglycemia during the first month of life and perinatal characteristics, neonatal morbidities, and developmental outcomes at 3 years of age in extremely preterm (EPT) infants.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective cohort study included infants born at before 28 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2020. Infants were categorized into normoglycemia, mild hyperglycemia, and severe hyperglycemia groups based on the frequency of morning blood glucose measurements ≥150 mg/dL and ≥180 mg/dL during the first 28 postnatal days. Perinatal data, clinical outcomes, and neurodevelopmental assessments at 3 years of age using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001 (KSPD) were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 195 infants with available glucose data, 151 underwent neurodevelopmental assessment at 3 years of age. Greater degrees of hyperglycemia were associated with lower gestational age (GA) and birth weight. Severe hyperglycemia was significantly associated with increased rates of postnatal steroid use and late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC). Infants with severe hyperglycemia demonstrated significantly lower overall Development Quotient (DQ) and Postural-Motor (P-M) DQ scores in univariate analyses. Similarly, higher mean blood glucose levels were associated with lower scores in these domains. However, after adjustment for birth weight and LCC, these associations were no longer statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In EPT infants, neonatal hyperglycemia during the first postnatal month was associated with greater immaturity, and did not show an independent association with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 3 years of age.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 106480"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146017994","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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