Early human development最新文献

{"title":"Is prenatal testosterone-estrogen balance related to enchondroma?","authors":"Semih Yaş , Asim Ahmadov , İbrahim Kaya , Resul Bircan , Mustafa Çeltik , Tayfun Özel , Coşkun Ulucaköy","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106319","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106319","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106319"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144270698","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}

{"title":"Refining the therapeutic understanding of prenatal singing: Reflections from an art therapy perspective","authors":"Ke Meng, Yu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106318","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106318","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106318"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144313703","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}

{"title":"Prediction of motor outcome in preterm infants with punctate white matter lesions using term equivalent age MRI","authors":"Veerle J. Boer ,&nbsp;Linda S. de Vries ,&nbsp;Johannes P. Toirkens ,&nbsp;Laura A. van de Pol ,&nbsp;Sylke J. Steggerda","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106314","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106314","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study assessed whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term equivalent age (TEA-MRI) is as predictive as preterm MRI, when using a white matter imaging rule which scores punctate white matter lesions (PWMLs) according to their location anterior or posterior to the midventricular line in a transverse plane. In addition, we assessed the number of PWMLs and their location in the coronal and sagittal planes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Retrospective study, 41 preterm neonates &lt;32 weeks' gestation with PWMLs on TEA-MRI and follow-up at two years corrected and/or 5–8 years of age. Scans were analysed in all planes, follow-up was assessed using standardized tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>18/41 infants (44 %) had adverse motor outcome, six had cerebral palsy (CP). In the transverse plane, 13/21 (62 %) infants with PWMLs anterior to the midventricular line, had adverse outcome and six (29 %) CP. In the coronal plane, 11/18 (61 %) with lesions crossing the posterior limb of internal capsule, had adverse motor outcome and five (28 %) CP. In the sagittal plane, 11/14 (79 %) infants with lesions crossing the central sulcus, had adverse motor outcome and six (43 %) CP. On the TEA-MRI, lesions anterior to the midventricular line in the transverse plane were predictive of adverse motor outcome. Involvement of the central sulcus in the sagittal plane had the highest predictive value.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The white matter imaging rule on preterm MRI is also of predictive value for motor outcome when used on the TEA-MRI. PWML location relative to the central sulcus in the sagittal plane was most predictive of adverse motor outcome.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106314"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144298973","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}

{"title":"Digit ratio (2D:4D) and maxillary sinus volume: A link between prenatal sex steroids and a paranasal reservoir of nitric oxide?","authors":"Anna Kasielska-Trojan ,&nbsp;Marcin Majos ,&nbsp;Aneta Sitek ,&nbsp;Bogusław Antoszewski ,&nbsp;John T. Manning","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106316","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The paranasal sinuses serve as a reservoir for nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator associated with cardiovascular health and exercise performance. Digit ratio (2D:4D), a proxy for first trimester testosterone and estrogen, is also a correlate of cardiovascular health and exercise performance. There are sex differences in the volume of fractional exhaled NO (FeNO: males&gt;females) and in mean 2D:4D (males&lt;females). Here we consider the relationships between 2D:4D and the volume of the largest paranasal sinus, i.e. the maxillary sinus (MS), in men and women.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>30 male and 30 female participants, mean age of 38.4 ± 11.8 years, who had a paranasal sinus computer tomography (CT) scan were included. The MS volumes were calculated from the scans using GE software. The 2D:4D ratios were obtained from direct measurements of the 2nd and 4th digits.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Sex differences were not significant in 2D:4D or MS volumes. In males, 2D:4D correlated negatively with right MS volume (right and left 2D:4D, r = −0.58) and left MS volume (right 2D:4D r = −0.45, left 2D:4D r = −0.40). After removal of the effects of age, BMI and digit length all correlations for the right MS remained significant as did that between right 2D:4D and left MS. There were no significant correlations in females.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We have found that low (androgenized) 2D:4D in men is associated with high MS volumes with stronger effects for the right MS. Our findings indicate that in men high prenatal testosterone relative to estrogen is related to high MS volume. We suggest that 2D:4D may be negatively related to FeNO volume produced by the MS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106316"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144261336","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}

{"title":"Multi-organ involvement in preterm neonatal encephalopathy","authors":"Lynn Bitar ,&nbsp;Srinivas Kota ,&nbsp;Michelle Machie ,&nbsp;Suleiman Mashat ,&nbsp;Yu-Lun Liu ,&nbsp;Lina F. Chalak","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106317","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106317","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a complex condition resulting from oxygen deprivation at birth. As the body redirects cardiac output to protect the brain, this can lead to multiorgan dysfunction (MOD). While most previous studies traditionally focused on term neonates with HIE, our goal was to focus on preterm neonates to study the effect on organs during critical periods of brain development. We aim to assess the incidence and severity of MOD in relation to brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities in this vulnerable population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Retrospective cohort review of preterm neonates (&lt;35 weeks' gestation) with a diagnosis of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Parkland Hospital in Dallas between 2009 and 2023. MOD diagnosis of cardiac, renal, and liver function using clinical and laboratory markers, including echocardiography, serial troponin T, creatinine, urine output, as well as AST and ALT levels during the perinatal period.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During the study period, 54 preterm neonates (incidence 0.4/1000) were diagnosed with HIE. All of them had one or more organ injuries and the majority suffered from MOD: 67 % had liver injury (AST 277.0 [68.0, 686.8] IU/L), 55 % had cardiac injury (Troponin T 0.3 [0.2, 0.6] Ng/mL), and 37 % had renal injury (oliguria and creatinine 1.0 [0.8, 1.3]). Those values significantly decreased from Day 1 compared to Day 3 and 6 of life. Additionally, 35 % of newborns had electrographic seizures, 68 % had a discontinuous EEG background, and 83 % had brain MRI/MRS abnormalities supporting HIE. Death occurred in 10 (19 %) due to complications from MOD.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>By revealing the significant burden of MOD in preterm infants, this study highlights the need to refine screening and management strategies. Greater vigilance of MOD is crucial for future neuroprotective strategies in this vulnerable population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144330023","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}

{"title":"Associations between 2D:4D digit ratio and handgrip strength in a Central European population","authors":"Sonja Kuderer ,&nbsp;Christoph Rotter ,&nbsp;Sylvia Kirchengast","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106315","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106315","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The 2D:4D ratio refers to the relative lengths of the second (2D) and fourth (4D) fingers and represents a sexually dimorphic trait that is established during prenatal development. It is widely regarded as an indirect marker of fetal androgen exposure, particularly testosterone. Elevated testosterone levels in utero are associated with increased growth of the ring finger compared to the index finger, which leads to a lower 2D:4D ratio. Similarly, handgrip strength is influenced by prenatal testosterone levels and reflects an individual's overall physical fitness and muscle mass. The present study investigated the relationship between 2D:4D ratios and handgrip strength in an age-homogeneous sample of Central European university students aged 18 to 32 years (<em>n</em> = 203; 99 males, 104 females). Statistical analyses confirmed that females exhibited significantly higher digit ratios than males on both hands, supporting established sex differences likely shaped by prenatal hormonal influences. Males demonstrated substantially greater handgrip strength compared to women, reflecting an established sex-based physical dimorphism in physical strength. The findings of this study additionally support the hypothesis that a lower left and right 2D:4D ratio, considered an indicator of increased prenatal testosterone exposure, is associated with greater handgrip strength. This correlation was most pronounced in the right hand, particularly among male and right-handed participants. The pattern of the relationship between digit ratio and physical strength differed by sex, with males exhibiting a U-shaped association and females showing an inverted U-shaped relationship. Overall, this study replicates and extends previous findings and thereby contributes to a better understanding of digit ratio as a potential biomarker for androgen-related traits, especially in connection with physical strength.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144290575","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}

{"title":"Protective influence of heatwave activity on pregnancy duration","authors":"Magdalena Kosińska ,&nbsp;Tomasz Hadada ,&nbsp;Gabriela Kernan","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the impact of heatwave exposure on pregnancy duration, offering new insights into the complex relationship between environmental heat stress and gestational outcomes. Using data from over 3170 singleton pregnancies in Poland (2013−2020), we applied Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of delivery associated with heatwave exposure during various stages of pregnancy. The proportional hazards assumption was tested using Schoenfeld residuals and found to be violated for key covariates, prompting the use of time-varying and stratified modeling to ensure robustness.</div><div>Our findings challenge the prevailing view that heatwaves are uniformly harmful during pregnancy. We observed a consistent association between heatwave exposure and prolonged gestational duration, along with a reduced risk of preterm birth, even during late gestation. These protective effects were particularly evident among pregnancies complicated by maternal conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and advanced maternal age. Sensitivity analyses supported the stability of these associations, and model diagnostics confirmed the validity of the adjusted models.</div><div>These results support emerging evidence that moderate environmental stressors may activate compensatory physiological responses, promoting fetal development and delaying delivery. In the context of climate change, understanding both the risks and adaptive potential of heat exposure is essential for guiding obstetric care and public health strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 106311"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144298974","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}

{"title":"Early versus delayed removal of central venous catheters in neonates on parenteral nutrition - A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Rajendra Prasad Anne ,&nbsp;Emine A. Rahiman ,&nbsp;Sheila Samanta Mathai","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106312","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106312","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parenteral nutrition (PN) improves the outcomes in sick and preterm neonates. The duration of PN administration poses a dilemma to clinicians as longer central venous catheter (CVC) use increases the risk of adverse outcomes, while early PN discontinuation may decelerate growth. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PN discontinuation and CVC removal at lower (100 ml/kg/day) versus higher (140 ml/kg/day) enteral feed volumes in neonates. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases on 6th February 2025 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We followed Cochrane handbook recommendations, PRISMA reporting guidelines and GRADE recommendations. Of 522 articles identified on the database search, 13 were eligible for full-text screening. The meta-analysis included two multi-centric RCTs on very low birthweight neonates from high-income countries. The central-line associated bloodstream infection rates, mortality, major morbidities, and anthropometry at discharge did not differ between the two groups. The early CVC removal group had a higher incidence of late-onset sepsis (culture positive OR negative) [2 studies, 347 participants, RR: 1.37, 95 % CI: 1, 1.87, I² = 0, Moderate certainty] and required a longer duration to regain birthweight (2 studies, 315 participants, per protocol analysis, MD: 1.05 days, 95 % CI: 0.13, 1.98 days, I² = 13 %, Moderate certainty).</div><div>We conclude that discontinuing PN and removing CVC at lower enteral feed volumes increases the risk of late-onset sepsis. Although the time to regain birthweight was longer, no differences in anthropometry were noted at discharge. Further evidence is required from low- and middle-income countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 106312"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144220996","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}

{"title":"Experience with stem cell therapy in neonates: Hope or disappointment?","authors":"Leyla Bilgin ,&nbsp;Tolga Celik ,&nbsp;Zeynep Ince ,&nbsp;Sule Yigit ,&nbsp;Yesim Coskun ,&nbsp;Tugba Gursoy ,&nbsp;Sukran Yildirim ,&nbsp;Demet Terek ,&nbsp;Mete Akisu ,&nbsp;Hasan Akduman ,&nbsp;Dilek Dilli ,&nbsp;Emel Okulu ,&nbsp;Begum Atasay ,&nbsp;Aslan Yilmaz ,&nbsp;Nukhet Aladag ,&nbsp;Betul Acunas ,&nbsp;Ruya Colak ,&nbsp;Senem Alkan Ozdemir ,&nbsp;Kiymet Celik","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy offers a novel treatment option for neonatal diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and early prognosis of neonates treated with MSC therapy in Turkiye.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective, cross-sectional study included neonates treated with MSC therapy at multiple centers from 2015 to 2022. Data included antenatal, natal, and postnatal characteristics, MSC therapy indications, timing, dosage, treatment response (such as reduction in respiratory support or extubation within 72 h) and pre/post-discharge evaluations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>MSC therapy indications in 29 cases included bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, <em>n</em> = 21), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH, <em>n</em> = 9), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC, <em>n</em> = 6), with seven treated for two diagnoses. For those treated for BPD, mean ± SD gestational age was 26^2/7 ± 1^4/7weeks (23^3/7–28^1/7) and birth weight was 784 ± 235 g (420–1470). Five received simultaneous treatment for Grade 3 IVH, and one for Stage 3 NEC. Median MSC therapy start was 33 days (7–181), with routes including intratracheal+intravenous (<em>n</em> = 15), intratracheal (<em>n</em> = 4), and intravenous (<em>n</em> = 2). Median MSC dose was 1x10⁷cells/kg, with 43 % receiving repeated treatments. Seventeen (81 %) responded to treatment at varying levels, with higher antenatal steroid use in responders (<em>p</em> = 0.021). All treated &gt;30 days had severe BPD, while 5/9 treated ≤30 days had severe BPD (<em>p</em> = 0.021). Treatment ≤30 days was associated with discharge, whereas 5/12 treated &gt;30 days died (<em>p</em> = 0.045). At a median of 9 months, 31 % of survivors had neurodevelopmental delay.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Early MSC treatment in BPD is promising, but larger randomized controlled trials are required to better define optimal timing, dosage, and long-term outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 106310"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212767","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}

{"title":"Does early prenatal hormonal exposure mediated by social conditioning diminish sex difference in digit ratio (2D:4D) among the elite handball players in Poland?","authors":"Marek Kociuba ,&nbsp;Raja Chakraborty ,&nbsp;Zofia Ignasiak ,&nbsp;Sławomir Kozieł","doi":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2025.106309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Studies linked differential exposure to prenatal androgens with varied performance in various sports. The ratio of the second-to-fourth digit lengths (2D:4D) is a putative proxy indicator prenatal testosterone exposure – lower 2D:4D indicating higher exposure and vice versa. Previous studies consistently showed negative associations between digit ratio and several sports performances.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of the present study was to assess if 2D:4D was associated with playing at a higher levels among the Polish male and female handball players and the heterogeneity in sex difference among different levels of handball players compared to a non-player control group.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This cross-sectional study compared 2D:4D between a group of male and female handball players in Polish leagues and a non-player control group (54 males and 34 females). The first group had two categories: Super League (18 males and 17 females) and lower league (47 males and 17 females) players. Height, weight and lengths of 2D and 4D were measured.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant sex difference was observed in right hand 2D:4D in the control group. However, no significant sex difference in 2D:4D, for either left or the right hand, was observed among the two handball playing groups. In general, the female players had significantly lower 2D:4D than the non-player controls. However, allowing for age and body size, this sex difference diminished.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Lower 2D:4D was associated with higher level of sports and the elite handball playing females had “masculine” 2D:4D similar to their male counterparts. The results indicated towards a plausible selection in favour of masculinised digit ratio (higher prenatal testosterone exposure) among females in highly competitive professional sports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11435,"journal":{"name":"Early human development","volume":"207 ","pages":"Article 106309"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189535","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}