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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106482
Peter Andriessen , Julia Meijer , Anke Moret , Noortje van den Dungen , Martine van Dam , Ellen de Kort , Wendy Aertssen
Background
Preterm birth has been associated with reduced motor competence and may contribute to diminished aerobic and anaerobic endurance.
Objective
To assess physical fitness in preterm-born youth and explore perinatal and earlier motor performances as mediators.
Methods
Eighty preterm infants (<30 weeks' gestation), previously assessed for motor performance at 5.5 and 8 years, were re-evaluated at 10–14 years using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, the Modified Shuttle Test-Paeds (MSTP), and a 4 × 10 m sprint test.
Results
Only 39% of participants at age 10–14 years scored within the normal motor range (total motor score > 16th percentile). Mean MSTP-predicted peak VO₂ was 37.7 ± 5.7 ml/kg/min, with 55% below the 10th percentile. Sprint time averaged 13.9 ± 1.3 s, with 64% below the 10th percentile. Maternal education was significantly associated with normal motor development, but not with aerobic or anaerobic capacity. Males showed higher anaerobic capacity than females. Weak correlations were observed between total motor scores and both aerobic and anaerobic outcome measures. Using total motor scores as input, the binary classification of aerobic and anaerobic capacity - based on thresholds for normal performance - showed poor discriminative ability.
Conclusion
Although children may attain motor scores within the normal range, the majority demonstrated aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels below normative standards. These findings highlight persistent physical fitness challenges in children born extremely preterm and support the need for direct assessment of aerobic and anaerobic capacity alongside standard follow-up evaluations.
{"title":"Aerobic and anaerobic competence in preterm born children at the age of 10–14 years","authors":"Peter Andriessen , Julia Meijer , Anke Moret , Noortje van den Dungen , Martine van Dam , Ellen de Kort , Wendy Aertssen","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106482","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106482","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Preterm birth has been associated with reduced motor competence and may contribute to diminished aerobic and anaerobic endurance.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess physical fitness in preterm-born youth and explore perinatal and earlier motor performances as mediators.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eighty preterm infants (<30 weeks' gestation), previously assessed for motor performance at 5.5 and 8 years, were re-evaluated at 10–14 years using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, the Modified Shuttle Test-Paeds (MSTP), and a 4 × 10 m sprint test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Only 39% of participants at age 10–14 years scored within the normal motor range (total motor score > 16th percentile). Mean MSTP-predicted peak VO₂ was 37.7 ± 5.7 ml/kg/min, with 55% below the 10th percentile. Sprint time averaged 13.9 ± 1.3 s, with 64% below the 10th percentile. Maternal education was significantly associated with normal motor development, but not with aerobic or anaerobic capacity. Males showed higher anaerobic capacity than females. Weak correlations were observed between total motor scores and both aerobic and anaerobic outcome measures. Using total motor scores as input, the binary classification of aerobic and anaerobic capacity - based on thresholds for normal performance - showed poor discriminative ability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although children may attain motor scores within the normal range, the majority demonstrated aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels below normative standards. These findings highlight persistent physical fitness challenges in children born extremely preterm and support the need for direct assessment of aerobic and anaerobic capacity alongside standard follow-up evaluations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 106482"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976040","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 : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106481
Alja Bijlsma , Demy van Gilst , Inês Chaves , Irwin K.M. Reiss , Koen F.M. Joosten , Stefanie M.P. Kouwenhoven , Marijn J. Vermeulen , Jorine A. Roelants
Background
Human milk composition varies in time to meet the evolving growth and developmental requirements of infants. While 24-hour (diurnal) variations in human milk composition for term-born infants have been reported, evidence concerning diurnal variation of preterm human milk composition remains inconclusive.
Research aim
To examine the presence of diurnal variations in macronutrient content in very preterm human milk.
Method
Milk samples were donated by mothers of very preterm infants (<30 weeks gestation). Milk series (defined as sequential milk samples collected from one mother) consisted of 13 to 17 (median 15) samples, collected over three consecutive days. Milk macronutrient (fat, true protein and carbohydrates) content were measured using mid-infrared spectrophotometry (Miris HMA™). Rhythmicity analyses and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore associations between macronutrient rhythmicity and pregnancy duration (weeks), infants' sex, and lactational stage).
Results
Of the 22 milk series studied, 12 (55%) showed 24-hour rhythmicity in one or more macronutrients. Fat content showed rhythmicity in 41% of the series, with varying peak times. For carbohydrates, protein and calculated energy content, rhythmicity was only identified in 18%, 14% and 27% of the milk series, respectively. Longer pregnancy duration was associated with increased odds of rhythmicity (odds ratio 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.02–4.21), p = 0.04), but not with sex or stage of lactation.
Conclusions
Over half of the preterm human milk samples exhibited diurnal macronutrient rhythmicity, mainly in fat levels. The observed rhythms had varying peak times, suggesting phase differences of the maternal rhythms.
{"title":"Chrononutrition: 24-hour variation in macronutrients in very preterm human milk","authors":"Alja Bijlsma , Demy van Gilst , Inês Chaves , Irwin K.M. Reiss , Koen F.M. Joosten , Stefanie M.P. Kouwenhoven , Marijn J. Vermeulen , Jorine A. Roelants","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106481","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106481","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Human milk composition varies in time to meet the evolving growth and developmental requirements of infants. While 24-hour (diurnal) variations in human milk composition for term-born infants have been reported, evidence concerning diurnal variation of preterm human milk composition remains inconclusive.</div></div><div><h3>Research aim</h3><div>To examine the presence of diurnal variations in macronutrient content in very preterm human milk.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Milk samples were donated by mothers of very preterm infants (<30 weeks gestation). Milk series (defined as sequential milk samples collected from one mother) consisted of 13 to 17 (median 15) samples, collected over three consecutive days. Milk macronutrient (fat, true protein and carbohydrates) content were measured using mid-infrared spectrophotometry (Miris HMA™). Rhythmicity analyses and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore associations between macronutrient rhythmicity and pregnancy duration (weeks), infants' sex, and lactational stage).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 22 milk series studied, 12 (55%) showed 24-hour rhythmicity in one or more macronutrients. Fat content showed rhythmicity in 41% of the series, with varying peak times. For carbohydrates, protein and calculated energy content, rhythmicity was only identified in 18%, 14% and 27% of the milk series, respectively. Longer pregnancy duration was associated with increased odds of rhythmicity (odds ratio 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.02–4.21), <em>p</em> = 0.04), but not with sex or stage of lactation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Over half of the preterm human milk samples exhibited diurnal macronutrient rhythmicity, mainly in fat levels. The observed rhythms had varying peak times, suggesting phase differences of the maternal rhythms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 106481"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957673","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 : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106479
Barış Özener , John T. Manning , Berna Ertuğrul , Fatih Aydık
Objectives
The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is widely thought to be a correlate of first trimester sex steroids, such that it is negatively correlated to testosterone and positively correlated to oestrogen. The 2D:4D has been linked to many physical and behavioural traits, including intelligence. However, little attention has been paid to its association with neonatal characteristics. Here we focus on associations between neonatal 2D:4D and head circumference as the latter variable is correlated with intelligence.
Material and methods
Our sample was 225 full-term (37–41 weeks) newborns comprising 125 girls and 100 boys. Recumbent length, weight, head circumference and right and left second and fourth digit lengths were measured. In addition to biological measures, maternal education was recorded as a proxy for sociodemographic status. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately for each sex to assess associations.
Results
For males, recumbent length and right 2D:4D were significantly positively associated with head circumference. Mother's education level was not related to head circumference. For females, recumbent length and birth weight were significant positive predictors of head circumference, digit ratios and mother's education showed no association. The independent variables accounted for more variance in head circumference for male newborns than for females.
Conclusions
We have found that right 2D:4D of newborns is positively correlated to head circumference, the effect was strongest for boys and independent of recumbent length and weight. High 2D:4D is associated with high prenatal oestrogen and head circumference is positively linked to intelligence. We discuss our findings in the context of oestrogenization in human brain evolution.
{"title":"Digit ratio (2D:4D) and neonatal head circumference: Evidence for oestrogenization in human brain evolution?","authors":"Barış Özener , John T. Manning , Berna Ertuğrul , Fatih Aydık","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106479","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106479","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is widely thought to be a correlate of first trimester sex steroids, such that it is negatively correlated to testosterone and positively correlated to oestrogen. The 2D:4D has been linked to many physical and behavioural traits, including intelligence. However, little attention has been paid to its association with neonatal characteristics. Here we focus on associations between neonatal 2D:4D and head circumference as the latter variable is correlated with intelligence.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>Our sample was 225 full-term (37–41 weeks) newborns comprising 125 girls and 100 boys. Recumbent length, weight, head circumference and right and left second and fourth digit lengths were measured. In addition to biological measures, maternal education was recorded as a proxy for sociodemographic status. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately for each sex to assess associations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>For males, recumbent length and right 2D:4D were significantly positively associated with head circumference. Mother's education level was not related to head circumference. For females, recumbent length and birth weight were significant positive predictors of head circumference, digit ratios and mother's education showed no association. The independent variables accounted for more variance in head circumference for male newborns than for females.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We have found that right 2D:4D of newborns is positively correlated to head circumference, the effect was strongest for boys and independent of recumbent length and weight. High 2D:4D is associated with high prenatal oestrogen and head circumference is positively linked to intelligence. We discuss our findings in the context of oestrogenization in human brain evolution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106479"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145965657","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 : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106478
Doğan Porsnok , Bilge Nur Yardımcı-Lokmanoğlu , Hasan Tolga Çelik , Akmer Mutlu
Background
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) infants are at high-risk for developmental problems; however, no such long-term study has been conducted in this group before in our country. This study aimed to compare the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes of ELBW infants with those of term born normal birth weight (NBW) infants, and to examine the association between the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes at 9-to 12-months of corrected age and at 24-to 42-months in ELBW infants.
Methods
Early spontaneous movements of all infants were assessed using the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) at 9-to 20-weeks of corrected age. Developmental outcomes, including cognitive, language and motor domains, were performed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) at 9-to 12-months of corrected age in ELBW infants, and at 24-to 42-months of age in both ELBW and term NBW infants.
Results
The study included 61 ELBW infants and 50 term NBW infants. ELBW infants had lower MOS-R results (p = 0.017) and lower cognitive (p < 0.001), language (p < 0.001), and motor domains (p < 0.001) outcomes at 24-to 42-months of age compared to term NBW infants. MOS-R and its subcategories were found to be associated with all Bayley-III domains (r = 0.492–0.603, p < 0.05) at both the 9-to 12-months and 24-to 42-months of age.
Conclusions
It is highlighted that ELBW infants have lower results than NBW infants, including MOS-R from the early period of life. MOS-R results may serve as a crucial tool to identify ELBW infants who are at higher risk for developmental parameters.
{"title":"From the first months to later ages: Early spontaneous movements and developmental outcomes in extremely low birth weight infants","authors":"Doğan Porsnok , Bilge Nur Yardımcı-Lokmanoğlu , Hasan Tolga Çelik , Akmer Mutlu","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2026.106478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) infants are at high-risk for developmental problems; however, no such long-term study has been conducted in this group before in our country. This study aimed to compare the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes of ELBW infants with those of term born normal birth weight (NBW) infants, and to examine the association between the early spontaneous movements and later developmental outcomes at 9-to 12-months of corrected age and at 24-to 42-months in ELBW infants.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Early spontaneous movements of all infants were assessed using the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) at 9-to 20-weeks of corrected age. Developmental outcomes, including cognitive, language and motor domains, were performed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) at 9-to 12-months of corrected age in ELBW infants, and at 24-to 42-months of age in both ELBW and term NBW infants.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study included 61 ELBW infants and 50 term NBW infants. ELBW infants had lower MOS-R results (<em>p</em> = 0.017) and lower cognitive (<em>p</em> < 0.001), language (p < 0.001), and motor domains (p < 0.001) outcomes at 24-to 42-months of age compared to term NBW infants. MOS-R and its subcategories were found to be associated with all Bayley-III domains (<em>r</em> = 0.492–0.603, <em>p</em> < 0.05) at both the 9-to 12-months and 24-to 42-months of age.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>It is highlighted that ELBW infants have lower results than NBW infants, including MOS-R from the early period of life. MOS-R results may serve as a crucial tool to identify ELBW infants who are at higher risk for developmental parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106478"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921422","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 : 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106476
Hilde K. Jacobsen , Bente S. Tandberg , Nina M. Kynø , Uta Sailer
Background
Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) provides extensive benefits for preterm infants and is highly recommended. However, parental SSC duration in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) varies considerably, with contributing factors poorly understood. Parents' perspectives on, and prior experiences with touch may influence SSC duration.
Aims
To investigate how parental attitudes toward and experiences with touch relate to SSC and holding durations, and to explore how these durations vary by relationship (mother/father), infant gestational age (GA) and parents' level of education.
Study design
Observational Study.
Subjects
Parents (n = 123) of preterm infants (n = 69), GA 270–366, admitted to a Norwegian family-centered care NICU providing 24/7 parental presence, participated.
Outcome measures
Daily parental SSC and holding durations (one week), video-evaluation of occurrence of slow, gentle and faster stroking, and Touch Experiences and Attitudes Questionnaire.
Results
Mothers provided significantly more SSC (p = .024) and holding (p = .005) than fathers. Parents provided significantly more SSC for infants at GA 27–30 (p = .029) and GA 31–33 (p = .036) than for GA 34–36, while significantly more holding for GA 31–33 (p = .022) and GA 34–36 (p = .001) than GA 27–30. No relation between parents' touch attitudes and experiences, affective touch awareness, or education, and SSC and holding duration was observed.
Conclusion
Maternal status and GA predicted SSC and holding duration yet explained the variance only partially. Parents' touch attitudes and experiences showed no association. This suggests that contextual, clinical or systemic factors may predominantly determine SSC and holding provision.
{"title":"Exploring the association between parent touch attitudes and experiences with duration of skin-to-skin contact and holding in preterm infants","authors":"Hilde K. Jacobsen , Bente S. Tandberg , Nina M. Kynø , Uta Sailer","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106476","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106476","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) provides extensive benefits for preterm infants and is highly recommended. However, parental SSC duration in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) varies considerably, with contributing factors poorly understood. Parents' perspectives on, and prior experiences with touch may influence SSC duration.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>To investigate how parental attitudes toward and experiences with touch relate to SSC and holding durations, and to explore how these durations vary by relationship (mother/father), infant gestational age (GA) and parents' level of education.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Observational Study.</div></div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>Parents (<em>n</em> = 123) of preterm infants (<em>n</em> = 69), GA 27<sup>0</sup>–36<sup>6</sup>, admitted to a Norwegian family-centered care NICU providing 24/7 parental presence, participated.</div></div><div><h3>Outcome measures</h3><div>Daily parental SSC and holding durations (one week), video-evaluation of occurrence of slow, gentle and faster stroking, and Touch Experiences and Attitudes Questionnaire.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Mothers provided significantly more SSC (<em>p</em> = .024) and holding (<em>p</em> = .005) than fathers. Parents provided significantly more SSC for infants at GA 27–30 (<em>p</em> = .029) and GA 31–33 (<em>p</em> = .036) than for GA 34–36, while significantly more holding for GA 31–33 (<em>p</em> = .022) and GA 34–36 (<em>p</em> = .001) than GA 27–30. No relation between parents' touch attitudes and experiences, affective touch awareness, or education, and SSC and holding duration was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Maternal status and GA predicted SSC and holding duration yet explained the variance only partially. Parents' touch attitudes and experiences showed no association. This suggests that contextual, clinical or systemic factors may predominantly determine SSC and holding provision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106476"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921421","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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