Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub 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":"2026-03-01","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}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106477
Sophie Dixon , Samantha Ashby , Caroline Kuhne , Karen Ray , Larissa Korostenski , Katya Zawada , Anna Mistry , Rosemary Day , Michelle Jackman
Background
Infants who have meningitis are at increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early screening tools can add value in identifying infants who may benefit from early intervention supports. The Motor Optimality Score Revised (MOS-R) is a relatively new tool used between 3 and 5 months of age that may have predictive value.
Aim
To describe the motor optimality of infants diagnosed with meningitis and determine whether the MOS-R is associated with development at 12 months of age.
Study design
A retrospective, single-center, cohort study from 2011 to 2023. The MOS-R was taken at 3–4 months corrected gestational age and development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley) III/IV at 12 or 24 months of age.
Subjects
Participants included 73 infants (mean gestational age 37 + 3), admitted to hospital with meningitis before 4 months of age, who had a general movements assessment.
Results
Infants had a mean MOS-R of 22.3 (SD 3.29), with most infants in the study having MOS-R scores indicating mildly reduced optimality (78.8 %). Significant positive correlations were found between MOS-R total scores and the receptive language, expressive language and gross motor domains of the Bayley III/IV. Infants with MOS-R scores <21 were more likely to show developmental delays in cognition, expressive language and receptive language.
Conclusion
For infants who had meningitis, MOS-R scores were associated with development at 12 months of age. The MOS-R, used in addition to GMA may have the potential to identify infants who would benefit from early intervention to support their development. Further research is needed to understand the use of the MOS-R, alongside other screening tools for populations at risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
{"title":"The motor optimality of infants who have had Meningitis in the first months of life: A retrospective study","authors":"Sophie Dixon , Samantha Ashby , Caroline Kuhne , Karen Ray , Larissa Korostenski , Katya Zawada , Anna Mistry , Rosemary Day , Michelle Jackman","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106477","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106477","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Infants who have meningitis are at increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early screening tools can add value in identifying infants who may benefit from early intervention supports. The Motor Optimality Score Revised (MOS-R) is a relatively new tool used between 3 and 5 months of age that may have predictive value.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To describe the motor optimality of infants diagnosed with meningitis and determine whether the MOS-R is associated with development at 12 months of age.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A retrospective, single-center, cohort study from 2011 to 2023. The MOS-R was taken at 3–4 months corrected gestational age and development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley) III/IV at 12 or 24 months of age.</div></div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>Participants included 73 infants (mean gestational age 37 + 3), admitted to hospital with meningitis before 4 months of age, who had a general movements assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Infants had a mean MOS-R of 22.3 (SD 3.29), with most infants <del>in the study</del> having MOS-R scores indicating mildly reduced optimality (78.8 %). Significant positive correlations were found between MOS-R total scores and the receptive language, expressive language and gross motor domains of the Bayley III/IV. Infants with MOS-R scores <21 were more likely to show developmental delays in cognition, expressive language and receptive language.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>For infants who had meningitis, MOS-R scores were associated with development at 12 months of age. The MOS-R, used in addition to GMA may have the potential to identify infants who would benefit from early intervention to support their development. Further research is needed to understand the use of the MOS-R, alongside other screening tools for populations at risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106477"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145921374","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 : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106461
Alexa Escapita , Alexandra Glatter , Eric Siegel , Tara Johnson , Hari Eswaran , Diana Escalona-Vargas
There are associations between maternal diabetes and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disabilities. Using this knowledge, our objective is to characterize the effects of type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the neurodevelopment of infants.
We performed a prospective study on 54 infants of mothers with T1DM (n = 10), T2DM (n = 24), and non-diabetic controls (n = 20). To evaluate their neurodevelopment in multiple developmental domains, we used four assessments on 1–2-month-old infants: The Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE), The Dubowitz exam, The Capute Scales, and The General Movement Assessment (GMA).
Differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes did not reach statistical significance in any of the four assessments, individually or combined. However, we note the following trends: 20 infants had suboptimal neuromotor development (HNNE score < 30.5). T1DM group infants had lower mean language scores (83.7 vs 105.85) when compared to the control group. Using GMA, T2DM group infants had more abnormal writhing movements when compared to the other groups.
Our overall findings suggest that the T1DM group had lower language scores and the T2DM group had lower visual-motor (cognitive) scores which may indicate developmental delays. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. We suggest that these infant's parents consider developmental therapy, to promote early identification and treatment of potential developmental delays. To our knowledge this study would be the first to use the combination of these assessments to evaluate 1-month-olds in this patient population. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
{"title":"Evaluating the effects of maternal diabetes on early infant neurodevelopment with a novel combination of four neurodevelopmental tools","authors":"Alexa Escapita , Alexandra Glatter , Eric Siegel , Tara Johnson , Hari Eswaran , Diana Escalona-Vargas","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There are associations between maternal diabetes and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disabilities. Using this knowledge, our objective is to characterize the effects of type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the neurodevelopment of infants.</div><div>We performed a prospective study on 54 infants of mothers with T1DM (<em>n</em> = 10), T2DM (<em>n</em> = 24), and non-diabetic controls (<em>n</em> = 20). To evaluate their neurodevelopment in multiple developmental domains, we used four assessments on 1–2-month-old infants: The Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE), The Dubowitz exam, The Capute Scales, and The General Movement Assessment (GMA).</div><div>Differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes did not reach statistical significance in any of the four assessments, individually or combined. However, we note the following trends: 20 infants had suboptimal neuromotor development (HNNE score < 30.5). T1DM group infants had lower mean language scores (83.7 vs 105.85) when compared to the control group. Using GMA, T2DM group infants had more abnormal writhing movements when compared to the other groups.</div><div>Our overall findings suggest that the T1DM group had lower language scores and the T2DM group had lower visual-motor (cognitive) scores which may indicate developmental delays. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. We suggest that these infant's parents consider developmental therapy, to promote early identification and treatment of potential developmental delays. To our knowledge this study would be the first to use the combination of these assessments to evaluate 1-month-olds in this patient population. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 106461"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145780545","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106456
Kelly L. Meyer , Clare O'Hare , Mai He , Gillian Mayersohn , Avihu Z. Gazit , Anthony Odibo , Jinli Wang , Cynthia M. Ortinau
Objective
Determine the association of placental vascular abnormality with neurodevelopment (ND) in toddlers with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring intervention with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the first year of life.
Study design
This single center retrospective cohort study included 69 singleton, term-born infants with prenatally diagnosed CHD requiring CPB in infancy who had placental pathology data and underwent ND follow-up assessment with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley). Infants with a clinically diagnosed genetic abnormality were included. Placental vascular abnormality was defined as maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, or delayed villous maturation. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the association between placental vascular abnormality and Bayley scores.
Results
Placental vascular abnormality was present in 43 % (30/69) of the cohort and was associated with lower Bayley language and motor scores on univariate analysis. A significant interaction was identified between placental vascular abnormality and genetic abnormality, which occurred in 26 % (18/69) of the cohort. In multivariable models, compared to infants with genetic abnormality alone, infants with placental vascular abnormality and genetic abnormality had lower cognitive (group difference –18.4, 95 % CI –30.7, −6.1), language (group difference –27.5, 95 % CI –41.2, −13.9), and motor (group difference –27.6, 95 % CI –40.9, −14.2) composite scores. There was no association of placental vascular abnormality with ND scores for infants without genetic abnormality in multivariable models.
Conclusion
Placental vascular abnormalities are associated with worse ND outcomes in infants with CHD when a genetic abnormality is also present.
目的探讨1岁前需要体外循环干预的先天性心脏病患儿胎盘血管异常与神经发育（ND）的关系。研究设计：本单中心回顾性队列研究纳入69例单胎足月婴儿，产前诊断为CHD，需要婴儿期CPB，有胎盘病理资料，并采用Bayley婴幼儿发育量表（Bayley Scales of婴幼儿发育量表）进行ND随访评估。包括临床诊断为遗传异常的婴儿。胎盘血管异常被定义为母体血管灌注不良、胎儿血管灌注不良或绒毛成熟延迟。采用多变量回归模型评估胎盘血管异常与贝利评分之间的关系。结果43%（30/69）的队列患者存在胎盘血管异常，单因素分析显示胎盘血管异常与较低的Bayley语言和运动评分有关。胎盘血管异常和遗传异常之间存在显著的相互作用，26%（18/69）的队列发生了这种相互作用。在多变量模型中，与单纯遗传异常的婴儿相比，胎盘血管异常和遗传异常的婴儿的认知（组差-18.4,95% CI -30.7,−6.1）、语言（组差-27.5,95% CI -41.2,−13.9）和运动（组差-27.6,95% CI -40.9,−14.2）综合评分较低。在多变量模型中，没有遗传异常的婴儿胎盘血管异常与ND评分没有关联。结论胎盘血管异常与先天性先天性冠心病患儿较差的ND预后相关。
{"title":"Placental vascular abnormality is associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants with congenital heart disease and genetic abnormality","authors":"Kelly L. Meyer , Clare O'Hare , Mai He , Gillian Mayersohn , Avihu Z. Gazit , Anthony Odibo , Jinli Wang , Cynthia M. Ortinau","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Determine the association of placental vascular abnormality with neurodevelopment (ND) in toddlers with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring intervention with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the first year of life.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>This single center retrospective cohort study included 69 singleton, term-born infants with prenatally diagnosed CHD requiring CPB in infancy who had placental pathology data and underwent ND follow-up assessment with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley). Infants with a clinically diagnosed genetic abnormality were included. Placental vascular abnormality was defined as maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, or delayed villous maturation. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the association between placental vascular abnormality and Bayley scores.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Placental vascular abnormality was present in 43 % (30/69) of the cohort and was associated with lower Bayley language and motor scores on univariate analysis. A significant interaction was identified between placental vascular abnormality and genetic abnormality, which occurred in 26 % (18/69) of the cohort. In multivariable models, compared to infants with genetic abnormality alone, infants with placental vascular abnormality and genetic abnormality had lower cognitive (group difference –18.4, 95 % CI –30.7, −6.1), language (group difference –27.5, 95 % CI –41.2, −13.9), and motor (group difference –27.6, 95 % CI –40.9, −14.2) composite scores. There was no association of placental vascular abnormality with ND scores for infants without genetic abnormality in multivariable models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Placental vascular abnormalities are associated with worse ND outcomes in infants with CHD when a genetic abnormality is also present.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 106456"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690754","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-23DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106453
Aysu Kahraman , Ayşe Numanoğlu Akbaş , Özge Çankaya
Objective
It is recommended that General Movements Assessment, Hammersmith Infant Neurologic Examination (HINE) and magnetic resonance imaging be used together for the early identification of infants at risk for neurodevelopmental problems. This study aimed to investigate the agreement and relationship between the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) and HINE.
Methods
MOS-R and HINE were performed on the same day in 79 infants with corrected ages between 9 and 17 weeks. The agreement between the two scales was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test and the correlation was analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficient.
Results
The median (interquartile range 25–75) gestational age and birth weight of the infants were 36 (30–39) weeks and 2340 (1400–3095) grams respectively. There was moderate agreement (ICC = 0.627) and high correlation (p < 0.001, r = 0.744) between MOS-R and HINE global scores.
Conclusion
Despite the results, the two assessment tools assess both overlapping and distinct components of infants' development and should be considered complementary. Using them together will provide a more comprehensive insight into infants' body functions and neurodevelopmental risk.
{"title":"The complementary roles of the motor optimality score and Hammersmith infant neurological examination","authors":"Aysu Kahraman , Ayşe Numanoğlu Akbaş , Özge Çankaya","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>It is recommended that General Movements Assessment, Hammersmith Infant Neurologic Examination (HINE) and magnetic resonance imaging be used together for the early identification of infants at risk for neurodevelopmental problems. This study aimed to investigate the agreement and relationship between the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) and HINE.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>MOS-R and HINE were performed on the same day in 79 infants with corrected ages between 9 and 17 weeks. The agreement between the two scales was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) test and the correlation was analyzed by Spearman correlation coefficient.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The median (interquartile range 25–75) gestational age and birth weight of the infants were 36 (30–39) weeks and 2340 (1400–3095) grams respectively. There was moderate agreement (ICC = 0.627) and high correlation (<em>p</em> < 0.001, <em>r</em> = 0.744) between MOS-R and HINE global scores.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Despite the results, the two assessment tools assess both overlapping and distinct components of infants' development and should be considered complementary. Using them together will provide a more comprehensive insight into infants' body functions and neurodevelopmental risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 106453"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621594","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106445
Fırat Koç
Objective
This study aimed to examine the associations between digit ratio (2D:4D), handgrip strength (HGS), and aggression in young adults, proposing a biobehavioral model to elucidate the biological foundations of aggressive behavior. Sex differences in these associations were also explored.
Methods
A total of 410 Turkish university students (208 males, 202 females) aged 18–25 participated in the study. Sociodemographic data were collected, and aggression was measured using the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The lengths of the second and fourth digits were measured bilaterally using a digital caliper, and handgrip strength was assessed with a Camry EH101 digital dynamometer following standardized procedures. Analyses included sex-stratified correlations, multiple regressions, and group comparisons across HGS tertiles.
Results
Males showed significantly lower right-hand 2D:4D ratios (0.931 vs. 0.963; p < .001), higher handgrip strength (47.3 kg vs. 27.6 kg; p < .001), and elevated aggression scores (76.9 vs. 65.3; p < .001) compared to females. Right-hand 2D:4D was negatively correlated with both HGS (r = −0.32, p < .01) and aggression (r = −0.26, p < .01), while HGS was positively associated with aggression (r = +0.18, p < .05). In simple regression, right-hand 2D:4D significantly predicted aggression (β = −0.29, R2 = 0.045, p < .001). A multiple regression including 2D:4D, sex, HGS, and age explained 27 % of the variance in aggression (R2 = 0.27, F(4,405) = 25.41, p < .001), with HGS remaining a significant predictor (β = +0.10, p = .023). Aggression also varied across HGS tertiles (F(2,407) = 12.7, p < .001), with higher aggression scores observed in the highest-strength group. Notably, the negative association between 2D:4D and aggression was stronger in males and non-significant in females, indicating potential sex-specific biological pathways.
Conclusion
These findings support a biobehavioral framework in which both digit ratio and physical strength are linked to aggression, particularly in males. The results align with formidability-based models of aggression, emphasizing the role of prenatal androgen exposure and musculoskeletal capacity in shaping behavioral tendencies. Integrating anatomical and functional traits offers valuable insight into the biological underpinnings of aggression.
目的：本研究旨在探讨青少年手指比例（2D:4D）、握力（HGS）与攻击行为的关系，并提出一个生物行为模型来阐明攻击行为的生物学基础。研究人员还探讨了这些关联的性别差异。方法：共410名18-25岁的土耳其大学生（男208人，女202人）参与研究。收集社会人口学数据，采用Buss-Perry攻击问卷（BPAQ）测量攻击行为。用数字卡尺测量双侧无名指和无名指的长度，用凯美瑞EH101数字测力仪按照标准化程序评估双手握力。分析包括性别分层相关性、多元回归和跨HGS分位数的组比较。结果：男性的右手2D:4D比例明显低于男性（0.931 vs 0.963; p = 0.045, p = 0.27， F(4,405) = 25.41, p）。结论：这些发现支持了一个生物行为框架，即手指比例和体力与攻击性有关，尤其是在男性中。研究结果与基于强壮的攻击模型一致，强调了产前雄激素暴露和肌肉骨骼能力在塑造行为倾向中的作用。将解剖学和功能特征结合起来，可以为了解攻击性的生物学基础提供有价值的见解。
{"title":"Digit ratio (2D:4D), physical strength, and aggression in Turkish young adults: A biobehavioral analysis","authors":"Fırat Koç","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to examine the associations between digit ratio (2D:4D), handgrip strength (HGS), and aggression in young adults, proposing a biobehavioral model to elucidate the biological foundations of aggressive behavior. Sex differences in these associations were also explored.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 410 Turkish university students (208 males, 202 females) aged 18–25 participated in the study. Sociodemographic data were collected, and aggression was measured using the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The lengths of the second and fourth digits were measured bilaterally using a digital caliper, and handgrip strength was assessed with a Camry EH101 digital dynamometer following standardized procedures. Analyses included sex-stratified correlations, multiple regressions, and group comparisons across HGS tertiles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Males showed significantly lower right-hand 2D:4D ratios (0.931 vs. 0.963; <em>p</em> < .001), higher handgrip strength (47.3 kg vs. 27.6 kg; <em>p</em> < .001), and elevated aggression scores (76.9 vs. 65.3; <em>p</em> < .001) compared to females. Right-hand 2D:4D was negatively correlated with both HGS (<em>r</em> = −0.32, <em>p</em> < .01) and aggression (<em>r</em> = −0.26, <em>p</em> < .01), while HGS was positively associated with aggression (<em>r</em> = +0.18, <em>p</em> < .05). In simple regression, right-hand 2D:4D significantly predicted aggression (β = −0.29, <em>R</em><sup><em>2</em></sup> = 0.045, <em>p</em> < .001). A multiple regression including 2D:4D, sex, HGS, and age explained 27 % of the variance in aggression (<em>R</em><sup><em>2</em></sup> = 0.27, <em>F</em>(4,405) = 25.41, <em>p</em> < .001), with HGS remaining a significant predictor (β = +0.10, <em>p</em> = .023). Aggression also varied across HGS tertiles (<em>F</em>(2,407) = 12.7, <em>p</em> < .001), with higher aggression scores observed in the highest-strength group. Notably, the negative association between 2D:4D and aggression was stronger in males and non-significant in females, indicating potential sex-specific biological pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings support a biobehavioral framework in which both digit ratio and physical strength are linked to aggression, particularly in males. The results align with formidability-based models of aggression, emphasizing the role of prenatal androgen exposure and musculoskeletal capacity in shaping behavioral tendencies. Integrating anatomical and functional traits offers valuable insight into the biological underpinnings of aggression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 106445"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145603205","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106442
Jane P. Daniels , Kate F. Walker , Lucy Bradshaw , Jon Dorling , Shalini Ojha , James Gray , James G. Thornton , Jane Plumb , Stavros Petrou , Susan Ayers , Eleanor Mitchell , Soo Downe , Nicky Grace , Tracey Cooper , Rachel Plachcinski , Sarah Moore , Ann-Marie Jones , Eleanor Harrison , Joanne Brooks , Kerry Barker-Williams , Sebastian Moody
Background
One in five pregnant women/birthing people carry group B streptococcus in the gut or genital tract, and over half of them will pass it to their child during pregnancy, labour (most commonly) or after birth. Most babies exposed to maternal GBS remain well, but 1 in 1750 newborns in the UK and Ireland develop early-onset GBS infection. Introducing routine testing for group B streptococcus (GBS) for all pregnant women and birthing people in late pregnancy may reduce cases of early-onset infection in the newborn but would likely increase the number of women given antibiotics during labour.
The GBS3 trial (ISRCTN49639731) is a cluster-randomised trial involving approximately 320,000 women/birthing people from 80 maternity units in England and Wales. It will determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of routine testing, compared to the current risk-factor based strategy.
Methods
To obtain details of the timing, coverage and outcome of the testing process and use of IAP, about 130 consecutive maternity records of women who birthed after 32 weeks’ gestation and who were not scheduled for a planned caesarean birth, and the corresponding neonatal records, were scrutinised at each participating maternity unit.
We performed a baseline qualitative study to inform the trial design to explore women’s views on the acceptability of different methods of GBS testing in pregnancy, including self-swabbing procedures.
We explored the acceptability of different methods of routine testing for GBS colonisation to pregnant women and health care professionals (HCPs), and examined the barriers and facilitators to their implementation.
Results
We received detailed demographic data for 9179 women. Overall, in both testing groups, 72 % of women were offered a vaginal-rectal swab for GBS. Of those women offered a swab, 82 % accepted a vaginal-rectal swab. Of the women with a swab taken, 17 % were positive for GBS. 87 % of women had a test result ≥ 4 hours before birth.
Our baseline and embedded qualitative studies found that GBS testing is acceptable to most women and HCPs.
Conclusion
GBS testing is acceptable to pregnant women and health care professionals in the UK. When GBS testing is offered to eligible women, the offer is accepted, the test performed and a result available to guide the offer of IAP in a timely fashion for the majority of women.
{"title":"Universal maternal testing for group B streptococcus in late pregnancy: process outcomes and alongside qualitative study for the GBS3 trial","authors":"Jane P. Daniels , Kate F. Walker , Lucy Bradshaw , Jon Dorling , Shalini Ojha , James Gray , James G. Thornton , Jane Plumb , Stavros Petrou , Susan Ayers , Eleanor Mitchell , Soo Downe , Nicky Grace , Tracey Cooper , Rachel Plachcinski , Sarah Moore , Ann-Marie Jones , Eleanor Harrison , Joanne Brooks , Kerry Barker-Williams , Sebastian Moody","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>One in five pregnant women/birthing people carry group B streptococcus in the gut or genital tract, and over half of them will pass it to their child during pregnancy, labour (most commonly) or after birth. Most babies exposed to maternal GBS remain well, but 1 in 1750 newborns in the UK and Ireland develop early-onset GBS infection. Introducing routine testing for group B streptococcus (GBS) for all pregnant women and birthing people in late pregnancy may reduce cases of early-onset infection in the newborn but would likely increase the number of women given antibiotics during labour.</div><div>The GBS3 trial (ISRCTN49639731) is a cluster-randomised trial involving approximately 320,000 women/birthing people from 80 maternity units in England and Wales. It will determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of routine testing, compared to the current risk-factor based strategy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To obtain details of the timing, coverage and outcome of the testing process and use of IAP, about 130 consecutive maternity records of women who birthed after 32 weeks’ gestation and who were not scheduled for a planned caesarean birth, and the corresponding neonatal records, were scrutinised at each participating maternity unit.</div><div>We performed a baseline qualitative study to inform the trial design to explore women’s views on the acceptability of different methods of GBS testing in pregnancy, including self-swabbing procedures.</div><div>We explored the acceptability of different methods of routine testing for GBS colonisation to pregnant women and health care professionals (HCPs), and examined the barriers and facilitators to their implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We received detailed demographic data for 9179 women. Overall, in both testing groups, 72 % of women were offered a vaginal-rectal swab for GBS. Of those women offered a swab, 82 % accepted a vaginal-rectal swab. Of the women with a swab taken, 17 % were positive for GBS. 87 % of women had a test result ≥ 4 hours before birth.</div><div>Our baseline and embedded qualitative studies found that GBS testing is acceptable to most women and HCPs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>GBS testing is acceptable to pregnant women and health care professionals in the UK. When GBS testing is offered to eligible women, the offer is accepted, the test performed and a result available to guide the offer of IAP in a timely fashion for the majority of women.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 106442"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145654114","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106439
Ashley Xavérine Wiseman , Isabelle Vidal , Christophe Combescure , Cecilia Dallan , Alexandra Wilhelm-Bals , Maria Rodriguez , Paloma Parvex , Jacques Birraux
Background
Congenital malformations of the kidney and/or urinary tract (CAKUT) are nowadays widely detected prenatally and are the first cause of end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation in children.
Aim
The aim of this study is to explore potential prenatal and postnatal factors associated with the need for postnatal surgery in children prenatally diagnosed with CAKUT.
Methods
Patient data has been prospectively collected from a monocentric database. Were included children diagnosed with CAKUT at the time of routine prenatal ultrasound, between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2015. Only children with at least 12 months postnatal follow-up were analyzed. Prenatal and postnatal imaging, laboratory results and operative reports were retrospectively reviewed. Based on their CAKUT diagnosis at birth, patients were divided in three groups: high, intermediate, low likelihood of requiring surgical management. Patients from the intermediate sub-group were further analyzed to determine potential clinical or radiological factors associated with need for surgery.
Results
147 patients were included. In total, 39 patients with CAKUT required surgery (26 %). Mean time to surgery was 6 months (0–62 months). 105/147 (71 %) patients had intermediate likelihood of requiring surgical management for their postnatal CAKUT diagnosis. In this subgroup, 30/105 patients (28 %) were operated on. A visible ureter on prenatal ultrasound and an anterior posterior renal pelvis diameter ≥ 10 mm, were associated with postnatal surgical management in our practice.
Conclusion
Prenatal and postnatal ultrasound are important non-invasive tools to detect children with a prenatal CAKUT diagnosis that may require surgery.
{"title":"Predictive factors of surgery in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract: Insights from a monocentric cohort study","authors":"Ashley Xavérine Wiseman , Isabelle Vidal , Christophe Combescure , Cecilia Dallan , Alexandra Wilhelm-Bals , Maria Rodriguez , Paloma Parvex , Jacques Birraux","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Congenital malformations of the kidney and/or urinary tract (CAKUT) are nowadays widely detected prenatally and are the first cause of end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation in children.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of this study is to explore potential prenatal and postnatal factors associated with the need for postnatal surgery in children prenatally diagnosed with CAKUT.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patient data has been prospectively collected from a monocentric database. Were included children diagnosed with CAKUT at the time of routine prenatal ultrasound, between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2015. Only children with at least 12 months postnatal follow-up were analyzed. Prenatal and postnatal imaging, laboratory results and operative reports were retrospectively reviewed. Based on their CAKUT diagnosis at birth, patients were divided in three groups: high, intermediate, low likelihood of requiring surgical management. Patients from the intermediate sub-group were further analyzed to determine potential clinical or radiological factors associated with need for surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>147 patients were included. In total, 39 patients with CAKUT required surgery (26 %). Mean time to surgery was 6 months (0–62 months). 105/147 (71 %) patients had intermediate likelihood of requiring surgical management for their postnatal CAKUT diagnosis. In this subgroup, 30/105 patients (28 %) were operated on. A visible ureter on prenatal ultrasound and an anterior posterior renal pelvis diameter ≥ 10 mm, were associated with postnatal surgical management in our practice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Prenatal and postnatal ultrasound are important non-invasive tools to detect children with a prenatal CAKUT diagnosis that may require surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 106439"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145563254","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106443
Álvaro Hidalgo-Robles , María Del Mar Batista-Guerra , Mónica Gutiérrez-Ortega , Irene León-Estrada , Javier Merino-Andrés
The 2017 international guidelines for early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) provide a framework for identifying and managing infants at risk. Yet their implementation in clinical practice remains limited in some settings and countries. This study aimed to implement these guidelines in a Spanish tertiary hospital and assess their impact on the timing of CP diagnosis and referral to early intervention. A pre/post observational design was used, structured around a three-phase implementation strategy: (1) planning and preparation, (2) installation, and (3) early implementation of systematic screening of infants with “high-risk” markers. We compared a historical baseline cohort (born 2017–2021, n = 18 children diagnosed with CP) and an implementation cohort (born 2022–2023, n = 57 enrolled, n = 4 children diagnosed with CP). Among infants with CP in the implementation cohort, referral to early intervention occurred at a mean corrected age of 1.9 months, “high-risk” of CP designation at 3.7 months, and CP diagnosis at 9.2 months. In the baseline period, mean age at diagnosis was 17.4 months, yielding a mean reduction of 8.2 months during implementation (95 % CI: −13.8 to −2.6, p < 0.05). Twelve key recommendations were partially (50 %) or consistently (20 %) applied. Findings support the feasibility of implementing the guidelines and suggest improved identification and surveillance outcomes, including earlier diagnosis. Structured implementation pathways are needed to integrate these practices into routine care and promote equitable access across health systems.
{"title":"Implementation of guidelines for early detection of cerebral palsy. A single-site study in Spain","authors":"Álvaro Hidalgo-Robles , María Del Mar Batista-Guerra , Mónica Gutiérrez-Ortega , Irene León-Estrada , Javier Merino-Andrés","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 2017 international guidelines for early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) provide a framework for identifying and managing infants at risk. Yet their implementation in clinical practice remains limited in some settings and countries. This study aimed to implement these guidelines in a Spanish tertiary hospital and assess their impact on the timing of CP diagnosis and referral to early intervention. A pre/post observational design was used, structured around a three-phase implementation strategy: (1) planning and preparation, (2) installation, and (3) early implementation of systematic screening of infants with “high-risk” markers. We compared a historical baseline cohort (born 2017–2021, <em>n</em> = 18 children diagnosed with CP) and an implementation cohort (born 2022–2023, <em>n</em> = 57 enrolled, <em>n</em> = 4 children diagnosed with CP). Among infants with CP in the implementation cohort, referral to early intervention occurred at a mean corrected age of 1.9 months, “high-risk” of CP designation at 3.7 months, and CP diagnosis at 9.2 months. In the baseline period, mean age at diagnosis was 17.4 months, yielding a mean reduction of 8.2 months during implementation (95 % CI: −13.8 to −2.6, <em>p</em> < 0.05). Twelve key recommendations were partially (50 %) or consistently (20 %) applied. Findings support the feasibility of implementing the guidelines and suggest improved identification and surveillance outcomes, including earlier diagnosis. Structured implementation pathways are needed to integrate these practices into routine care and promote equitable access across health systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 106443"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145660797","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 : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-09DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106436
Hidehiko Maruyama, Shoichiro Amari, Tetsuya Isayama, Yushi Ito
Background
There are few reports describing endotracheal tube (ETT) position changes due to neck rotation. Modifying ultrasonographic measurements of ETT tip and aortic distance, we aim to clarify the ETT tip position changes due to neck rotation.
Methods
Eligibility criteria: (1) birth between October 2022 and September 2023, between 32 and 41 gestational weeks, (2) ventilatory management with ETT fixed at the left mouth corner, and (3) physician judgment that respiratory and circulatory status is relatively stable. We measured the distance between the brachiocephalic artery bifurcation and the ETT tip on one plane in a close parasagittal section from the left neck. We compared them with the neck in right, neutral, and left rotation positions as distances R, N, and L, respectively.
Results
There were 30 study subjects. The means ± standard deviations of distances R, N, and L were 10.4 ± 2.1, 12.9 ± 3.5, and 13.7 ± 3.3 mm, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance found significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). A significant difference was found between distances R and N (mean difference − 2.50 [95 % confidence interval, −3.58, −1.42]) and between R and L (−3.31 [−4.72, −1.91]).
Conclusion
The tip position of ETT secured at the left mouth corner was significantly deeper in the right rotation neck position. In addition to left-right neck rotation, flexion-extension neck movement greatly affects ETT position change. Therefore, we must take care of neck movement.
{"title":"Investigation of endotracheal tube position changes due to neck rotation in newborns","authors":"Hidehiko Maruyama, Shoichiro Amari, Tetsuya Isayama, Yushi Ito","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>There are few reports describing endotracheal tube (ETT) position changes due to neck rotation. Modifying ultrasonographic measurements of ETT tip and aortic distance, we aim to clarify the ETT tip position changes due to neck rotation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eligibility criteria: (1) birth between October 2022 and September 2023, between 32 and 41 gestational weeks, (2) ventilatory management with ETT fixed at the left mouth corner, and (3) physician judgment that respiratory and circulatory status is relatively stable. We measured the distance between the brachiocephalic artery bifurcation and the ETT tip on one plane in a close parasagittal section from the left neck. We compared them with the neck in right, neutral, and left rotation positions as distances <em>R</em>, <em>N</em>, and <em>L</em>, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 30 study subjects. The means ± standard deviations of distances <em>R</em>, <em>N</em>, and <em>L</em> were 10.4 ± 2.1, 12.9 ± 3.5, and 13.7 ± 3.3 mm, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance found significant differences between groups (<em>P</em> < 0.001). A significant difference was found between distances <em>R</em> and <em>N</em> (mean difference − 2.50 [95 % confidence interval, −3.58, −1.42]) and between <em>R</em> and <em>L</em> (−3.31 [−4.72, −1.91]).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The tip position of ETT secured at the left mouth corner was significantly deeper in the right rotation neck position. In addition to left-right neck rotation, flexion-extension neck movement greatly affects ETT position change. Therefore, we must take care of neck movement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 106436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145479116","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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