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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life-saving therapy for patients with respiratory and cardiac failure refractory to maximal medical management. The extracorporeal life support organization registry is the largest available resource for describing the population and outcomes of patients treated with this therapy. The use of ECMO for neonatal patients is decreasing in proportion to the total annual ECMO runs most likely due to advancements in medical management. Although the overall survival for neonatal ECMO has decreased, this is likely a reflection of the increasingly complex neonatal patients treated with this therapy. Although many patient and mechanical complications are decreasing over time, there remains a high percentage of morbidities and risks associated with ECMO. Continued refinements in management strategies are important to improving overall patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioids remain the most powerful analgesics for moderate to severe pain but their clinical use, misuse and abuse has been an alarming medical problem, especially for those users at child-bearing age. Mu-opioid receptor (MOR) biased agonists have been suggested as superior alternatives with better therapeutic ratios. We recently discovered and characterized a novel MOR biased agonist, LPM3480392, which demonstrates robust analgesic effect, favorable pharmacokinetic performance, and mild respiratory suppression in vivo. To understand the safety profile of LPM3480392 on the reproductive system and embryonic development, this study evaluated the effects of LPM3480392 on the fertility and early embryonic development, embryo-fetal development, and pre- and postnatal development in rats. Results showed that LPM3480392 had mild effects on parental male and female animals, accompanied by subtle early embryonic loss and delayed ossification of fetal development during organogenesis period. In addition, although minor effects were found on normal developmental milestones and behaviors in the pups, there was no evidence of malformed effect. In conclusion, these results suggest that LPM3480392 has a favorable safety profile with only minor effects on the reproductive and developmental outcomes in animals, which support the development of LPM3480392 as a novel analgesic. • LPM3480392 had minor impacts on early embryos, without side effects on fertility. • LPM3480392 had mild effect of fetal skeleton, without malformations. • LPM3480392 had no permanently pronounced effects on development of offspring. • LPM3480392 had a safety profile on fertility, reproduction and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited data exist regarding the neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants exposed to marijuana (MJ) in-utero, particularly among preterm infants. We hypothesized that MJ-exposed preterm infants would have worse neonatal and childhood developmental outcomes compared to MJ-unexposed infants.Methods: Secondary analysis of multicenter randomized-controlled trial of antenatal magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy was conducted. Singleton nonanomalous infants delivered <35 weeks exposed to MJ in-utero were compared to MJ-unexposed. Primary neonatal outcome was death, grade 3/4 intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and/or stage II/III necrotizing enterocolitis before discharge. Primary childhood outcome was death, moderate/severe cerebral palsy, or/and Bayley II Scales <70 at age 2. Backward-stepwise regression used to estimate odds of primary outcomes.Results: 1867 infants met inclusion criteria; 135(7.2%) were MJ-exposed. There were no differences in neonatal (20% vs. 26%, p = 0.14) or childhood (26% vs. 21%, p = 0.21) outcomes in MJ-exposed infants compared to MJ-unexposed infants. In adjusted models, MJ-exposure was not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes (aOR 0.83 95% CI 0.47,1.44) or early childhood outcomes (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 0.97,2.23).Conclusions: Among infants born <35 weeks of gestation, MJ-exposure was not associated with adverse neonatal or childhood outcomes. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess later childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes following MJ-exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Dreams", "aspirations" and related constructs are traditionally regarded as facilitators of adolescent educational attainment in the Chinese context. Besides, there is an emergent need to widen the understanding of such constructs and their impact on children and adolescent developmental outcomes. This paper discusses the developmental outcomes of dreams, aspiration and related concepts based on a thorough review of the literature. Besides outlining the impacts of aspirations, dreams and related constructs on children and adolescents, features of related intervention programs, including themes of the intervention programs, program participants, methods of implementation and evaluation in both Western and Chinese contexts are also documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following on from successful early intervention programs abroad, the Netherlands also introduced a number of different programs to tackle educational disadvantage in preschool and early years education. Studies that investigate the effects of Dutch early childhood interventions have been published since 2000. This meta-analytic review study summarizes the findings from 21 experimental comparisons which study some 50,000 children in the period between 2000-2015, with a total of 165 outcome measures. The aggregate effect of early childhood interventions compared with standard preschool and early years groups is not statistically significant. The disappointing results indicate that special early childhood education programs currently offer no added value for the development of young children in the Dutch context over and above regular preschool and early years groups. A focus for Dutch policy is to improve future practice based on scientific evidence around effective approaches to ECEC. Further, the implementation of study designs with more experimental control would strengthen the current knowledge base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine college students' culturally-mediated perceptions, prevalence, and experiences of helicopter parenting and its potential impact on their development. Using an online survey platform, we conducted an online survey of 40 Korean American college students in three large universities in the Southeastern region of the U.S. The majority of the participating Korean American college students acknowledged the negative aspects of helicopter parenting and its negative impact on various outcomes in students while recognizing the parents' benevolent intent and positive effects on academics and career preparation. The findings were mostly consistent with previous research but added rich description and cultural nuance and meaning of helicopter parenting and its perceived impacts on various developmental outcomes to the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore centre-level variation in otitis media with effusion (OME), hearing loss and treatments in children in Cleft Care UK (CCUK) and to examine the association between OME, hearing loss and developmental outcomes at 5 and 7 years.Setting and Sample Population: Two hundred and sixty-eight 5-year-old British children with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) recruited to CCUK.Materials and Methods: Children had air and bone conduction audiometry at age 5. Information on grommet and hearing aid treatment was obtained from parental questionnaire and medical notes. Hearing loss at age 5 was defined as >20 dB in the better ear and history of OME and hearing loss was determined from past treatment. Children with sensorineural hearing loss were excluded. Associations were examined with speech, behaviour and self-confidence at age 5 and educational attainment at age 7. Centre variation was examined using hierarchical models and associations between hearing variables and developmental outcomes were examined using logistic regression.Results: There was centre-level variation in early grommet placement (variance partition coefficient (VPC) 18%, P=.001) and fitting of hearing aids (VPC 8%, P=.03). A history of OME and hearing loss was associated with poor intelligibility of speech (adjusted odds ratio=2.87, 95% CI 1.42-5.77) and aspects of educational attainment.Conclusions: Hearing loss is an important determinant of poor speech and treatment variation across centres suggest management of OME and hearing loss could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is strong evidence that poverty and economic disadvantage are associated with child maltreatment; however, research in this area is underdeveloped in Canada. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between economic hardship and maltreatment for families and children identified to the Ontario child protection system for a maltreatment concern. Secondary analyses of the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2013 (OIS-2013) were conducted. The OIS-2013 examines the incidence of reported maltreatment and the characteristics of children and families investigated by child welfare authorities in Ontario in 2013. Descriptive and bivariate chi-square analyses were conducted in addition to a logistic regression predicting the substantiation of maltreatment. In 9% of investigations, the household had run out of money for food, housing, and/or utilities in the past 6 months. Children in these households were more likely to have developmental concerns, academic difficulties, and caregivers with mental health concerns and substance use issues. Controlling for key clinical and case characteristics, children living in families facing economic hardship were almost 2 times more likely to be involved in a substantiated maltreatment investigation (OR = 1.91, p < 0.001). The implications in regard to future research and promoting resilience are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To define patterns of brain injury and associated neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with severe neonatal anaemia.Methods: We studied 20 infants with severe anaemia at birth (haemoglobin<7g/dL). Clinical details were analysed for causes of anaemia and co-morbidities. All had early brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, which were reviewed for injury pattern. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at a median age of 24months.Results: The aetiology of the anaemia was feto-maternal haemorrhage in 17 and antepartum haemorrhage in 3 infants. The predominant site of injury was the white matter, which was affected in all infants, with differing grades of severity and with cystic evolution in 45%. Only one infant showed an injury pattern typical of an acute severe hypoxic-ischaemic insult. Outcomes correlated closely to the severity of MRI findings. Cerebral palsy was seen only with the most severe neuroimaging patterns (n=6). Global developmental delay, learning or behavioural problems and seizures were common with moderate injury. Visual impairment occurred, particularly with posterior injury. Microcephaly developed in 45%.Interpretation: Severe neonatal anaemia at birth was associated with a white matter predominant pattern of injury, the severity of which was related to neurodevelopmental outcomes. Early MRI and long-term follow-up are advisable following severe neonatal anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early parent-child interactions have a critical impact on the developmental outcomes of the child. It has been reported that infants with a family history of autism and their parents may engage in different patterns of behaviours during interaction compared to those without a family history of autism. This study investigated the association of parent-child interactions with child developmental outcomes of those with typical and elevated likelihood of autism. This longitudinal study investigated the relationship between global attributes of parent-child interaction and the developmental outcomes of infant siblings with elevated likelihood (EL: n = 29) or typical likelihood (TL: n = 39) of developing autism. Parent-child interactions were recorded during a session of free-play when the infants were six months of age. Developmental assessments were carried out when the children were 12 and 24 months of age. The intensity of mutuality was significantly higher in the TL group than in the EL group, and developmental outcomes were poorer in the EL group when compared to the TL group. Positive associations between parent-child interaction scores at six months and developmental outcomes at 12 months were observed only in the TL group. However, in the EL group, higher levels of infant positive affect and attentiveness paid to the caregiver is associated with lower autism symptoms. Due to the sample size and design of the study, the findings must be viewed as indicative. This preliminary investigation demonstrated differences in the association between parent-child interaction quality and developmental outcomes for children with typical and elevated likelihood for autism. Future studies should combine micro-analytic and macro-analytic approaches to parent-child interaction to further examine the nature of this relationship. • This study investigated parent-child interactions and child outcomes in those with a TL or EL of developing autism. • Positive associations between parent-child interactions and child outcomes were observed in the TL group. • Positive infant behaviours are associated with lower autism symptoms in children with an EL for autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of dyadic teacher-child interactions to the development of children with special needs has received little research attention. This study examined whether teachers' non-intrusiveness during one-on-one playtime predicts developmental outcomes of children with developmental delay. Participants were 47 teachers and one of their kindergarteners diagnosed with developmental delay. At Time 1, teachers' non-intrusiveness during teacher-child play interactions was assessed. At Time 1 and 12 months later, kindergarten therapists reported on children's adaptive behavior, school performance, and internalizing and externalizing problems. Teachers' non-intrusiveness predicted children's increased adaptive behavior, improved school performance, and decreased externalizing problems across the year. Findings highlight the importance of supporting teachers' non-intrusiveness and including one-on-one teacher-child play as an integral part of special education kindergartens' curriculum. • Teachers' non-intrusiveness towards kindergartners with developmental delay during one-on-one play was examined. • Teachers' non-intrusiveness predicted an increase in children's adaptive behavior a year later. • Teachers' non-intrusiveness predicted an increase in children's school performance a year later. • Teachers' non-intrusiveness predicted a decrease in children's externalizing problems a year later • Teachers' non-intrusiveness did not predict changes in children's internalizing problems overtime [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children were suggested to be at lower risk of developing the severe form of the COVID-19. However, children infected with COVID-19 may be more likely to experience biopsychosocial stressors associated with the pandemic and display poorer developmental outcomes. The current study is among the first to compare children infected and uninfected with COVID-19 on outcomes related to parents' use of mobile phones to calm children, routines, parent-child relationship, externalizing and internalizing problems, prosocial behavior, gratitude, and happiness. A total of 1,187 parents (88.6% mothers) of children aged 5 to 12 completed an online survey between April 2022 and May 2022 when schools were suspended during the 5 th wave of resurgence in Hong Kong. Our findings showed no substantial differences in various psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes between infected and uninfected children. Our findings can be used to educate parents to reduce their fear and anxieties associated with their children's COVID-19 infection. Our findings also suggested that support during the pandemic should be provided to children and families regardless of whether children have been infected with COVID-19., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Lau, Li and Chan.)

This mixed methods study investigated sociomoral reasoning, empathy, and challenging and supportive factors during the transition to adulthood in emerging adults (18-27-years-old) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to better understand how these variables facilitated positive developmental outcomes. Same-aged ASD ( n = 22) and typically developing (TD) ( n = 22) groups completed quantitative and qualitative measures assessing these constructs. Compared to the TD group, the ASD group had significantly lower sociomoral reasoning and perspective-taking, significantly higher personal distress, but similar empathic concern. Inductive content analysis showed those with ASD and better developmental outcomes more often discussed the value of informal social support and utilized perspective-taking during challenging sociomoral situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infants may be at neurodevelopmental risk from adverse events arising in the neonatal period. This study aimed to investigate the developmental outcomes and physical activity behaviours of term infants after neonatal major surgery, at age three years.Methods: This prospective study enrolled infants who underwent major surgery in their first 90 days, between August 2006 and December 2008. Developmental status was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour (i.e. small screen recreation) (SSR) were assessed using the Preschool-Age Physical Activity Questionnaire (Pre-PAQ). Activity (moving between slow to fast pace) and SSR were reported for a 3-day period.Results: One hundred and thirty five children (68 major surgery, 67 control) were assessed, using both measures, at age three years. Both groups were within the average range across all domains of the BSID-III although the surgical group was significantly below the controls for cognition (t = -3.162, p = 0.002) receptive language (t = -3.790, p < 0.001) and fine motor skills (t = -2.153, p = 0.03). Mean activity time for the surgical group was 191 mins.day(-1), and 185 mins.day-1 for controls. Mean SSR time was 77 mins.day(-1), and 83 mins.day(-1) for the respective groups. There was no significant difference between groups for either physical activity (p = 0.71) or SSR time (p = 0.49).Conclusions: By age three, children who had major surgery in infancy are developmentally normal but have not quite caught up with their peer group in cognitive, receptive language and fine motor skill domains. Both groups met recommended 3 h of daily physical activity but exceeded 60-min SSR time recommended for preschool-age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We systematically reviewed quantitative research that compared developmental health or wellbeing outcomes for maltreated children placed in out-of-home care (OoHC) with those cared for in their home. Randomised, quasi-randomised and cohort studies that met detailed criteria were eligible. Study results and bias risk information were extracted by two authors using predefined data fields. Narrative synthesis was used because of the diversity of studies. No randomised studies were found. Thirty-one papers from 11 cohort studies were included. The studies covered 15 developmental health or wellbeing outcomes (63 distinct comparisons). Of 40 significance-tested comparisons, 29 were consistent with no evidence of benefit or harm of OoHC, seven were consistent with harm and four with benefit. Three studies with low risk of selection bias showed no evidence of significant differences, or found worse outcomes for OoHC. Overall, evidence from cohort studies shows limited evidence of improved outcomes, and some evidence of worse outcomes associated with OoHC. These results may be explained by selection bias favouring placement of children likely to have worse outcomes in OoHC rather than in-home care. Further research, including randomised controlled trials and carefully matched data-sets, is needed to determine the effectiveness of OoHC. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages Most research has high bias risk, as children who enter OoHC have more disadvantaged backgrounds and higher risk for poor outcomes than other maltreated children., Even allowing for significant bias risk in the studies, there are mixed results for children entering OoHC, and the three highest-quality studies showed no difference or worse outcomes for OoHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between youth mentoring status and behavioral, developmental, and emotional outcomes for 859 youths aged 6-17 participating in a national survey of Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring relationships (MRs). Youth self-reported behaviors and mental health occurred at the baseline assessment (before being paired to a mentor) and at 18 months follow-up. Youth mentoring status was categorized as follows: (1) continuous MR less than 12 months (n = 131); (2) continuous MR 12 or more months (n = 253); (3) dissolved MR less than 12 months (n = 110); (4) dissolved MR 12 or more months (n = 70); 5) MR with a second mentor (re-matched; n = 83); and (6); never mentored (n = 212). Structural equation model results at 18 months revealed that mentored youths, especially those in MR lasting 12 or more months (continuous or dissolved), reported significantly fewer behavioral problems and fewer symptoms of depression and social anxiety than did non-mentored youths. They also reported stronger coping skills and emotional support from parents. Mentored girls and boys in long-term relationships experienced positive outcomes. Re-matched girls displayed better outcomes than did never-mentored girls while there was some evidence of harmful outcomes for re-matched boys. Threats to internal validity are examined including the possibility of pre-existing baseline differences between mentored and non-mentored youths. Implications for mentoring programs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing upon a sample of 1153 young people in Shanghai, China, this study investigates how agentic personality mediates between social capital embedded in a range of social contexts (family, friendship, association, and linking connection) and developmental outcomes during the transition to adulthood. The results of a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis provide a good fit for the sample as a whole. The overall findings support the hypotheses that a higher level of agentic personality, including resilience, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, is associated with higher levels of developmental outcomes. Agentic personality also mediates the effects of family, friendship, associational, and linking social capital on developmental outcomes. Family social capital is predictive of university students' identity achievement and academic achievement, but not of their mental health. Linking social capital is only predictive of identity achievement. Unexpectedly, friendship social capital and associational social capital are predictive of a lower level of academic achievement and mental health, respectively, despite their positive influences on all three developmental outcomes through their significant effects on agentic personality. The study provides empirical support for the importance of social capital in promoting young people's transition to adulthood. Implications for theory, practice, and policy are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is strong evidence that poverty and economic disadvantage are associated with child maltreatment; however, research in this area is underdeveloped in Canada. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between economic hardship and maltreatment for families and children identified to the Ontario child protection system for a maltreatment concern. Secondary analyses of the Ontario Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2013 (OIS-2013) were conducted. The OIS-2013 examines the incidence of reported maltreatment and the characteristics of children and families investigated by child welfare authorities in Ontario in 2013. Descriptive and bivariate chi-square analyses were conducted in addition to a logistic regression predicting the substantiation of maltreatment. In 9% of investigations, the household had run out of money for food, housing, and/or utilities in the past 6 months. Children in these households were more likely to have developmental concerns, academic difficulties, and caregivers with mental health concerns and substance use issues. Controlling for key clinical and case characteristics, children living in families facing economic hardship were almost 2 times more likely to be involved in a substantiated maltreatment investigation (OR = 1.91, p < 0.001). The implications in regard to future research and promoting resilience are discussed.

Infants and children with prenatal opioid exposure generally have development within the normal range; however, they seem to be at risk for behavioral problems and for lower scores on cognitive, language, and motor assessments than children without prenatal opioid exposure. It is as of yet unclear whether prenatal opioid exposure itself causes issues with development and behavior, or whether it is simply correlated, due to other confounding factors., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To determine congenital and developmental outcomes of children with Unilateral Hearing Loss (UHL) who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)., Method: Retrospective, single-site study that followed 25 children with permanent congenital UHL and a NICU admission to a NICU of Nottingham University Hospital. Birth and two-year developmental follow-up data were collected. They were compared to matched control group who had a NICU admission but no hearing loss (matched on gestational age, weight and sex)., Results: The median birthweights, gestational ages and number of days spent on the NICU for the UHL population were 2510 g, 36 weeks, and 12 days respectively. Most children (20/25; 80%) with UHL and a NICU admission were diagnosed with a congenital anomaly within the first two years of life. Only half (13/25) of these children were diagnosed with a congenital anomaly at discharge. Children with UHL and a NICU admission were more likely than the matched group (NICU admission only; p  < .001) to have multiple congenital anomalies. We found a positive association between multiple congenital anomalies and developmental impairment for the NICU graduates with UHL ( p  = .019). This UHL-NICU group were also more likely than the matched NICU children to have developmental impairment (7/25 vs. 0/25; p  = .01), speech and language therapy (13/25 vs. 1/25; p  < .001), inner ear malformations (14/25 vs. 0/25, p  < .001) or craniofacial anomalies (12/25 vs. 2/25; p  = .004)., Interpretation: Children with UHL and a NICU admission were at high risk of congenital anomalies and certain adverse developmental outcomes. Improved congenital anomaly screening is needed at birth for this population. Having multiple congenital anomalies suggests closer developmental monitoring is needed. This study contributes towards producing clinical screening and management guidelines to ensure consistent high-quality care for this unique population., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Horrocks, Kitterick, Jayasinghe, Willis, Martin, Dixit and Thornton.)

Corporal punishment (CP) is a common disciplinary strategy used by parents, despite recent evidence associating it with adverse effects on child development. The influence of common beliefs or myths about CP use, particularly those related to its effectiveness and harmlessness, is one possible explanation for its continued use and aligns with past research evidence in other contexts illustrating myths as precursors for behavior. With a sample of young people ( N = 366, M age = 19.55 years, SD = 3.79 years), this study aimed to identify whether such myths exist and whether they might predict CP use. However, because no measure yet exists to empirically examine CP myths, a new Corporal Punishment Myths Scale (CPMS) was developed and validated. Results show CP myths exist, are measurable and multidimensional, and can predict disciplining behaviors. Preliminary support was also found for the reliability and validity of the new CPMS. Implications, strengths and limitations, and future directions of this research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the developmental outcomes of children's social withdrawal in non-Western societies. The present study examined how two main forms of social withdrawal, social reticence and solitary-passive behavior, in early childhood were associated with adjustment in late childhood in Chinese children (75 boys and 92 girls). Data on reticent and solitary-passive behaviors were collected at 4 years of age from laboratory observations. Follow-up data on school, behavioral, and psychological adjustment were collected at 11 years of age from multiple sources. It was found that whereas reticent behavior mainly predicted later psychological problems such as loneliness and depression, solitary-passive behavior predicted later school incompetence and externalizing problems. The results suggest that reticence and solitary-passive behavior may represent distinct forms of withdrawal that play different roles in maladaptive development in Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children of adolescent mothers are at risk for poor developmental outcomes. This study is among the first to examine how cultural, family, and parenting factors prospectively predict the cognitive and language development of children of young Latina mothers (N=170; Mage=17.9 years). Mothers were interviewed and observed interacting with their children at 18 months (W1). Children were tested at 18 (W1) and 24 (W2) months. Mothers' cultural orientation (W1) was related to aspects of the childrearing environment (W1), which in turn had implications for the children's development (W2). Specifically, a stronger orientation toward American culture was related to higher mother-reported engagement in parenting by their own mothers (grandmothers), which in turn predicted stronger gains in cognitive and expressive language functioning from W1 to W2. A stronger Latino orientation related to the display of more directiveness and greater mother-reported engagement by the children's biological fathers; directiveness, in turn, predicted fewer gains in cognitive functioning only when father engagement was low and did not predict expressive language development. Finally, mothers' display of more positive affect, a stronger American orientation, and higher grandmother engagement uniquely predicted gains in W2 expressive language functioning. Implications for intervention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controversial topic of the early exposure to mercury is regarding ethylmercury, which is present in the thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the early exposure to TCVs and cognitive development in children during the first 9 years of life. The cohort included 318 children vaccinated in an early period (neonatal and up to 6 months) against hepatitis B and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) using formulation with or without thimerosal. The children's development was assessed using the Fagan test (6th month of life), the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID)-II (12th-36th month), the Raven test (5th, 8th year), and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R) (6th, 7th, 9th year). Results were determined by multivariable linear and logistic regression, adjusted to potential confounders. Children exposed and not exposed to TCVs in the neonatal period had similar outcomes of cognitive-developmental tests; only the results of BSID-II at the 36th month and WISC-R at the 9th year were significantly higher for those exposed to TCVs. Developmental test results in children exposed to TCVs up to the 6th month of life also did not depend on thimerosal dose. Conclusion: TCV administration in early infancy did not affect children's cognitive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To examine the developmental outcomes of early-identified children who are hard of hearing, at 12 to 18 months of age, compared to those for children of similar age with normal hearing; and to investigate parent and child factors that are associated with these developmental outcomes. Methods As part of a prospective study, 28 children with mild to severe hearing loss between the ages of 12 and 18 months and 42 children with normal hearing of similar age completed a comprehensive assessment battery. All children with hearing loss were identified by newborn hearing screening and amplified, on average, by 5 months of age. Outcome measures included: Mullen Scales of Early Learning; Preschool Language Scale-4th Ed; MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory; Infant–Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition; Parenting Stress Index—Short Form; and Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale. Results Children with hearing loss scored comparably to children with normal hearing on select outcome measures, with mean scores for both groups falling within normal limits. Greater maternal self-efficacy was associated with children's better language skills, adaptive behavior, social–emotional competence, and fewer problem behaviors. Conclusion Very young children with mild to severe hearing loss, who are identified early and provided prompt intervention that includes amplification, can demonstrate age appropriate development in multiple domains. Results also underscore the significance of parenting factors, especially perceived maternal self-efficacy, in relation to positive developmental outcomes for these children early in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the societal, political, and cultural divide on the topic of same-gender parenting, there is a need for a stronger body of evidence that accurately identifies outcomes for children and adolescents of gay and lesbian parents. In addition, attention should be paid to the validity of the argument that parenting capabilities are gender-exclusive and children need both a mother and a father. The present study was a quantitative synthesis of the available literature to investigate the effects of parental gender and sexual identity on child and adolescent outcomes. An electronic search of relevant databases resulted in 33 unpublished and published studies (N of children = 5,272) that included a comparison of same-gender or different-gender parents and their children. Results indicated several significant findings for the parent-child relationship and child gender role behavior outcomes. Other outcomes, including child sexual orientation, cognitive abilities, psychological adjustment, and gender identity, were not moderated by parent gender or sexual orientation. Implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess pregnancy outcomes on women exposed to monotherapy with antiepileptic agents. Methods Questionnaires were sent to women with epilepsy in our practice who were pregnant between 2006 and 2011. 62/86 patients (72%) who responded were on monotherapy. 24 fetuses (63%) were exposed to lamotrigine, 11 (28%) to levetiracetam, 2 (5.2%) to topiramate, 1 (2.6%) to gabapentin, 17 (27%) to carbamazepine, 5 to phenytoin and 2 to valproate. Results There were 55 (88%) live births and 7 unsuccessful pregnancies (miscarriages/stillbirths). Unsuccessful pregnancies were reported in 2/24 gestations exposed to lamotrigine, 2/11 to levetiracetam and 3/17 to carbamazepine. Delayed motor development or speech delay requiring therapy and special programming was noted in 2/24 children prenatally exposed to lamotrigine, 3/17 exposed to carbamazepine and 1/2 children exposed to valproate. Conclusion Our pilot study of children exposed to antiepileptic drug monotherapy in-utero demonstrated a favorable trend for successful pregnancy outcomes and developmental trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines developmental outcomes for children prenatally exposed to methamphetamine through maternal use. PSYCHINFO, Scopus, PubMed and ERIC databases were systematically searched for studies up to December 2020. The search identified 38 articles examining cognitive, language, motor and neuroanatomical outcomes in children from birth to 16 years. Study quality was appraised using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Findings from neuroanatomical studies suggested that prenatal methamphetamine exposure may alter whole brain microstructure and reduce subcortical volumes across multiple brain regions. Meta-analysis of 14 studies using a random-effects model revealed associations between exposure and poorer intellectual functioning (Cohen's d = 0.89, 95 % CI: 0.47–1.30), problem solving skills (Cohen's d = 0.82, 95 % CI: 0.07 −1.56), short-term memory (Cohen's d = 0.91, 95 % CI: 0.38–1.43), and language development (Cohen's d = 0.74, 95 % CI: 0.30–1.18). These results emphasise the significant impact of intrauterine methamphetamine exposure across multiple areas of child development, noting that limited total sample size, heterogeneity between studies and control for confounds suggested further studies are required. There is a need for further intervention studies to identify effective prevention and harm minimisation approaches. • Prenatal meth exposure relates to poorer intellectual functioning, memory, and language development. • Exposed children show persistent cognitive deficits across the lifespan. • In utero meth exposure is associated with whole brain microstructural alterations and reduced subcortical volumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child, youth and family services require that outcomes are measured, although confusion persists around which outcomes really matter. Inputs, outputs and outcomes are frequently used interchangeably, while carers are rarely given voice and recognition for what they are doing in daily life-space encounters with young people in out-of-home care. An Outcomes that Matter recording format is introduced, which attends to developmental outcomes achieved by young people from week to week, positioning carers alongside these young people at the centre of corporate parenting endeavours.

Objective To examine the relations between preterm birth, parenting behavior during early childhood, cognitive development, and social–emotional outcomes at Kindergarten entry, and to determine whether parenting behavior differentially influences this developing system in children born preterm compared to children born full-term. Methods The nationally representative sample comprised 3600 full-term and 1300 preterm children born in the US in the year 2001. All children who entered Kindergarten and who participated in data collection at 9 months, 24 months, and Kindergarten entry were included in the study. Measures of parenting behavior were collected at 9 and 24 months and cognitive development at 24 months via home visits. Social–emotional outcomes were assessed at Kindergarten entry via parent and teacher report. Multiple-sample Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze group differences in a model whereby early childhood parenting behavior predicted cognitive outcomes, and social–emotional outcomes at Kindergarten entry, and indirectly predicted social–emotional outcomes via early cognitive processes. Results The full sample developmental model indicated excellent fit to the data. Preterm birth status indirectly influenced social–emotional outcomes at Kindergarten entry via its effect on early childhood parenting behavior and cognitive development. The multi-sample model revealed significant differences in the way in which early parenting behavior exerted its influence on outcomes at Kindergarten entry in preterm children compared to full-term children. Conclusions For preterm children, parenting indirectly influenced social–emotional outcomes via early cognitive functioning. Findings highlight the importance of early identification and targeted parenting programs to support early cognitive development in preterm children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is a disorder of fatty acid oxidation with an estimated incidence of between 1:31,500 and 1:125,000. There is limited information regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes, probably because the disorder is perceived as affecting the skeletal and heart muscles, and many children are deemed asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to utilise a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment battery that assessed IQ, language, attention, memory, executive functioning, motor skills, behaviour, and social skills in children 4 to 10 years old diagnosed with VLCAD deficiency through newborn screening. Method Seven children completed neuropsychological assessment and one child was only involved in part of the study (2 female, 6 male). Parents completed questionnaires regarding executive functioning, behaviour and social skills. Results IQ scores ranged from average to the superior range. No deficits were found in fine or gross motor skills. One patient had a mild language deficit, and two patients had previously required speech therapy. Verbal memory, attention and executive functioning skills were generally average or above. Visual memory scores were mostly above average. Parents' questionnaires identified one child as having social skills deficits, and two as having behavioural problems such as hyperactivity. One child rated high on an autism spectrum subscale; another was formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder—both children were symptomatic at birth. Conclusions VLCAD deficiency does not have a significant impact on cognitive or motor skills. Some children may be vulnerable to speech, social and behavioural issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fredrickson's (1998) broaden-and-build model and Bowlby's (1969) attachment theory provide alternate explanations for positive cognitive, social, physical, and psychological outcomes, positive affect and secure attachments, respectively. This study examined whether affect mediates the relationship between attachment and positive outcomes. The sample consisted of 99 undergraduate students from a small, public liberal arts college in the mid-Atlantic region. For people high in attachment anxiety, but not those high in attachment avoidance, affect partially mediated social and psychological outcomes and fully mediated health outcomes. People who scored high in attachment anxiety reported less positive affect and more negative affect, which results in poorer social, physical, and psychological outcomes than those with lower levels of attachment anxiety. Perhaps children with caregivers who are more responsive to their needs experience more positive affect; and, it is the experience of positive affect that yields developmental advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examine race, sex, and self-reported arrest histories (excluding arrests for minor traffic violations) from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97; N = 7,335) for the period 1997 through 2008 covering cumulative arrest histories through ages 18 and 23. The analysis produces three key findings: (a) males have higher cumulative prevalence of arrest than females and (b) there are important race differences in the probability of arrest for males but not for females. Assuming that the missing cases are missing at random (MAR), about 30% of Black males have experienced at least one arrest by age 18 (vs. about 22% for White males); by age 23 about 49% of Black males have been arrested (vs. about 38% for White males). Earlier research using the NLSY97 showed that the risk of arrest by age 23 was 30%, with nonresponse bounds [25.3%, 41.4%]. This study indicates that the risk of arrest is not evenly distributed across the population. Future research should focus on the identification and management of collateral risks that often accompany arrest experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite existing research on the contribution of social context and religiosity to adolescent behavioral outcomes, few studies have attempted to explore this topic among Muslim adolescents in non-Western settings, looking at both positive and negative outcomes. In response to this gap, the current study explored the effects of three dimensions of developmental assets (positive parenting, community support, and religiosity) on risk, prosocial, and thriving behaviors among Muslim adolescents (N = 895) from Malaysia. Hierarchical regression results revealed positive parenting as the greatest protective factor against risk behavior, religiosity as the most significant promotive factor of prosocial behaviors, and community support as the greatest contributor to adolescent thriving. In the final model, unique effects varied by outcome. The findings support the importance and universality of multiple levels of developmental assets for youth development, and highlight the need to better understand their interaction in non-Western cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]