Preschoolers' deception related to prefrontal cortex activation: An fNIRS study.

Deception is an essential part of children's moral development. Previous developmental studies have shown that children start to deceive at the age of 3 years, and as age increased to 5 years, almost all children were able to deceive for their own benefit. Although behavioral studies have indicated that the emergence and development of deception are related to cognitive abilities, their neural correlates remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study examined the neural correlates underlying deception in preschool-aged children (N = 89, 44 % boys, age 3.13 to 5.96 years, Han Chinese) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. A modified hide-and-seek paradigm was applied to elicit deceptive and truth-telling behaviors. The results showed that activation of bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was positively associated with the tendency to deceive an opponent in a competitive game in the 3-year-olds. In addition, 3-year-olds who showed a high tendency to deceive showed the same brain activation in the frontopolar area as 5-year-olds did when engaged in deception, whereas no such effect was found in 3-year-olds who never engaged in deception. These findings underscore the link between preschoolers' deception and prefrontal cortex function.

Single-cell sequencing of the vermiform appendix during development identifies transcriptional relationships with appendicitis in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: The development of the human vermiform appendix at the cellular level, as well as its function, is not well understood. Appendicitis in preschool children, although uncommon, is associated with a high perforation rate and increased morbidity. METHODS: We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on the human appendix during fetal and pediatric stages as well as preschool-age inflammatory appendices. Transcriptional features of each cell compartment were discussed in the developing appendix. Cellular interactions and differentiation trajectories were also investigated. We compared scRNA-seq profiles from preschool appendicitis to those of matched healthy controls to reveal disease-associated changes. Bulk transcriptomic data, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative PCR were used to validate the findings. RESULTS: Our analysis identified 76 cell types in total and described the cellular atlas of the developing appendix. We discovered the potential role of the BMP signaling pathway in appendiceal epithelium development and identified HOXC8 and PITX2 as the specific regulons of appendix goblet cells. Higher pericyte coverage, endothelial angiogenesis, and goblet mucus scores together with lower epithelial and endothelial tight junction scores were found in the preschool appendix, which possibly contribute to the clinical features of preschool appendicitis. Preschool appendicitis scRNA-seq profiles revealed that the interleukin-17 signaling pathway may participate in the inflammation process. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides new insights into the development of the appendix and deepens the understanding of appendicitis in preschool children.

Rhinovirus characteristics associated with viremia in childhood asthma.

Although rhinoviruses play a major role in exacerbations of childhood asthma, the presence of rhinovirus (RV) RNA in plasma, referred to as viremia, has been investigated in a few studies. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of rhinovirus viremia at the time of asthma exacerbation and to describe the molecular characteristics of rhinoviruses associated with viremia. We conducted an observational, prospective, multicenter study in eight pediatric hospitals (VIRASTHMA2). Preschool-aged recurrent wheezers (1-5 years) hospitalized for a severe exacerbation were included. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and molecular typing for RV/enteroviruses (EV) were performed on nasal swabs and plasma. Plasma specimens were available for 105 children with positive RT-PCR for RV/EV in respiratory specimens. Thirty-six (34.3%) had positive viremia. In plasma, 28 (82.4%) of the typable specimens were RV-C, five (14.7%) were EV-D68, and one was RV-A (2.9%). In all cases, the RV/EV type was identical in the plasma and respiratory specimens. In conclusion, RV/EV viremia is frequent in severe exacerbations of preschool recurrent wheezers, particularly in RV-C infections.

Intra-breath changes in respiratory mechanics are sensitive to history of respiratory illness in preschool children: the SEPAGES cohort.

BACKGROUND: Intra-breath oscillometry has been proposed as a sensitive means of detecting airway obstruction in young children. We aimed to assess the impact of early life wheezing and lower respiratory tract illness on lung function, using both standard and intra-breath oscillometry in 3 year old children. METHODS: History of doctor-diagnosed asthma, wheezing, bronchiolitis and bronchitis and hospitalisation for respiratory problems were assessed by questionnaires in 384 population-based children. Association of respiratory history with standard and intra-breath oscillometry parameters, including resistance at 7 Hz (R7), frequency-dependence of resistance (R7 - 19), reactance at 7 Hz (X7), area of the reactance curve (AX), end-inspiratory and end-expiratory R (ReI, ReE) and X (XeI, XeE), and volume-dependence of resistance (ΔR = ReE-ReI) was estimated by linear regression adjusted on confounders. RESULTS: Among the 320 children who accepted the oscillometry test, 281 (88%) performed 3 technically acceptable and reproducible standard oscillometry measurements and 251 children also performed one intra-breath oscillometry measurement. Asthma was associated with higher ReI, ReE, ΔR and R7 and wheezing was associated with higher ΔR. Bronchiolitis was associated with higher R7 and AX and lower XeI and bronchitis with higher ReI. No statistically significant association was observed for hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the good success rate of oscillometry in 3-year-old children and indicate an association between a history of early-life wheezing and lower respiratory tract illness and lower lung function as assessed by both standard and intra-breath oscillometry. Our study supports the relevance of using intra-breath oscillometry parameters as sensitive outcome measures in preschool children in epidemiological cohorts.

Evidence for Criterion-Related Validity of Pressure-Mediated Reflection Spectroscopy for Approximating Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Preschool Children.

BACKGROUND: Skin carotenoids are a valid biomarker for approximating fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). Veggie Meter® (VM®, Longevity Link Corp.) is a pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy (RS)-based device that allows for noninvasive and rapid assessment of skin-carotenoid score (SCS) in adults and children. Although VM® is established as a valid tool to measure FVC in adults, there is limited research supporting the validity evidence of the VM® to approximate FVC among preschool children. OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to assess evidence supporting the criterion-related validity of RS-based SCS for approximating FVC among preschool children (3-5-y old). METHODS: We collected cross-sectional data from typically developing preschool children (n = 136) attending the Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating family child care home settings (FCCHs) (n = 46) in Nebraska. Research team members collected children's height and weight to calculate body mass index; and measured children's SCS using the VM®. Children's FVC in FCCHs were collected using dietary observation. In addition, parents (n = 89) completed a shortened food frequency questionnaire to report children's FVC at home. Kendall's Tau (τ) correlation tests were conducted to measure the association between children's SCS with FVC in FCCHs and with parent-reported total fruit and vegetable (FV) frequency scores. RESULTS: Children's SCS were significantly correlated with their mean FVC in FCCHs, τ = 0.14 (P = 0.02), total provitamin A carotenoids intake in FCCHs, τ = 0.19 (P < 0.001), and with parent-reported total FV frequency score, τ = 0.16 (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The correlation coefficients in this study are comparable with results from a meta-analysis examining associations between FVC and SCS in 7-10-y-old children (r = 0.20). Thus, evidence suggests that RS offers a potentially valid, objective, and feasible method to assess preschool children's total FVC in multiple settings, especially in conjunction with other dietary assessment tools.

Longitudinal Growth Trajectories in Children with Cow's Milk Allergy: Effects of Elimination Diet and Post-Termination Period.

INTRODUCTION: The primary dietary approach for managing cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the elimination diet. We aimed to compare the growth patterns of children with CMA during and after the elimination diet with healthy peers and identify influencing factors. METHODS: We compared 74 CMA children with age-matched healthy peers. Anthropometric data were collected during the third month of cow's milk elimination (CME) diet (T1), 3 months after diet cessation (T2), and after ≥3 months of normal diet (T3). Control group measurements coincided. Nutrient intake was assessed by a 3-day record, and patient laboratory results were noted at T3. RESULTS: CMA children had consistently lower weight-for-age (WFA) and height-for-age (HFA) z-scores than controls. WtHt z-score of patients was lower than those of the healthy group at T2. HC z-scores of patients were lower than those of the healthy group at T0, T2, and T3. At T3, the HFA z-score of the CME group demonstrated a negative correlation with the duration of the elimination diet (p = 0.045). Inadequate intake of energy, vitamins A, E, B1, B6, C, folic acid, magnesium, and iron was significantly higher in CMA children (p < 0.05). T3 WFA z-score correlated positively with fiber, vitamin B1, magnesium, and iron intake (p < 0.05). T3 WtHt showed a positive moderate correlation with energy, protein, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, phosphor, iron intake (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Post-elimination diet, children with CMA need sustained monitoring and potentially micronutrient supplementation to match healthy peers' growth.

Behavioral characteristics of toddlers later identified with an autism diagnosis, ADHD symptoms, or combined autism and ADHD symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Autism commonly co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but less is known regarding how ADHD symptoms impact the early presentation of autism. This study examined early behavioral characteristics of a community sample of toddlers later identified with autism diagnosis, ADHD symptoms, combined autism and ADHD symptoms, or neither condition. METHODS: Participants were 506 toddlers who were part of a longitudinal study of children's behavioral development. Parents completed questionnaires about their children's behavior at two time points. Four groups were identified based on study measures or medical record: autism diagnosis (n = 45), elevated ADHD symptoms (n = 70), autism and ADHD symptoms (n = 30), or neurotypical development (n = 361). Relationships between early parent report of autism- and ADHD-related behaviors, social-emotional and behavioral functioning, and caregiver experience and subsequent group designation were evaluated with adjusted linear regression models controlling for sex. RESULTS: Significant group differences were found in measures of autism-related behaviors, ADHD-related behaviors, externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and parent support needs (p < .0001). Pairwise comparisons indicated toddlers later identified with combined autism diagnosis and ADHD symptoms had higher levels of autism-related behaviors, externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and autism-related parent support needs compared to the other groups. Toddlers with subsequent elevated ADHD symptoms or combined autism diagnosis and ADHD symptoms exhibited similar levels of ADHD-related behaviors, while both groups displayed more ADHD-related behaviors than toddlers subsequently identified with autism or those with neither condition. CONCLUSIONS: In this community sample, toddlers for whom combined autism diagnosis and ADHD symptoms were subsequently identified showed a distinct presentation characterized by higher early autism-related behaviors, broader behavioral concerns, and higher parent support needs. Presence of ADHD symptoms (alone or in combination with autism) was associated with higher parent-reported ADHD-related behaviors during toddlerhood. Results indicate that ADHD-related behaviors are manifest by toddlerhood, supporting screening for both autism and ADHD during early childhood.

Mapping the duration and severity of preschool-aged children's depressive moods and behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Depressive moods and behaviors are developmentally normative, yet potentially impairing, in preschool-aged children. In addition to frequency, duration of behavior is an important parameter to consider when characterizing risk for worsening mood dysregulation. The goal of this study was to identify the duration and severity of depressive moods and behaviors and associations with impairment in a large community sample of preschool-aged children using an online parent-report daily diary. METHODS: Primary caregivers (N = 900) of 3-5-year-old children reported the daily duration of each instance of seven depressive moods and behaviors for 14 days. We used item response theory analyses to examine duration item characteristics. RESULTS: Moods and behaviors occurred at specific durations to be considered psychometrically severe/rare; for example, instances of sadness had to last an average total of 32 min per day or more, irritability at least 38 min, tantrums at least 30 min, and tearfulness/sensitivity at least 35 min. Longer durations of mood and behavior were associated with daily impairment, as well as older child age and less parental education. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to delineate specific duration ranges for depressive moods and behaviors in preschool-aged children. These data, coupled with information about the frequency of mood-related behaviors, can assist child practitioners in differentiating normative patterns from less normative mood problems to evaluate which children may be at risk. Future work should identify the duration of depressive moods and behaviors in early childhood that predict clinically significant psychopathology over time.

Efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy using house dust mite tablet for 1-4 years old children with perennial allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for perennial allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been extensively studied in preschoolers. We investigated the efficacy and safety of house dust mite (HDM) SLIT-tablet for children aged 1-4 years. METHODS: Children aged 1-4 years with AR were divided into SLIT (n = 22) and control (n = 12) groups based on their guardians' preferences. The SLIT group received a daily dose of 10,000 JAU of HDM SLIT-tablet for 12 months, whereas the control group received symptomatic treatment only. RESULTS: The baseline median age was 41 and 34 months in the SLIT and control groups, respectively, and the median AR symptom score was 4 for both groups. Compared with baseline, the AR symptom score had decreased significantly in the SLIT group after 12 months (score: 3, p = .002), whereas it tended to increase in the control group (score: 6, p = .08). Adverse reactions to SLIT were mild and occurred in eight patients (36%). In the SLIT group, Dermatophagoides (D.) farinae-specific IgE (sIgE) levels increased during the first 6 months and decreased to baseline levels at 12 months. In the control group, D. farinae-sIgE levels had increased significantly at 12 months compared to baseline (p = .01). D. farinae-specific IgG4 and HDM IgE-blocking factor levels were significantly increased at 12 months compared to baseline in the SLIT group only (p < .001). A lower wheezing frequency was seen in the SLIT group (0.3%) compared to the control group (0.7%). CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and immunomodulatory effects of HDM SLIT-tablet in preschoolers with AR.

Human bocavirus respiratory infection: Tracing the path from viral replication and virus-cell interactions to diagnostic methods.

Human bocaviruses were first described between 2005 and 2010, identified in respiratory and enteric tract samples of children. Screening studies have shown worldwide distribution. Based on phylogenetic analysis, they were classified into four genotypes (HBoV1-4). From a clinical perspective, human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is considered the most relevant, since it can cause upper and lower acute respiratory tract infection, mainly in infants, including common cold, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, as well as wheezing in susceptible patients. However, the specific processes leading to structural, biochemical, and functional changes resulting in the different clinical presentations have not been elucidated yet. This review surveys the interactions between the virus and target cells that can potentially explain disease-causing mechanisms. It also summarises the clinical phenotype of cases, stressing the role of HBoV1 as an aetiological agent of lower acute respiratory infection in infants, together with laboratory tests for detection and diagnosis. By exploring the current knowledge on the epidemiology of HBoV1, insights into the complex scenario of paediatric respiratory infections are presented, as well as the potential effects that changes in the circulation can have on the dynamics of respiratory agents, spotlighting the benefits of comprehensively increase insights into incidence, interrelationships with co-circulating agents and potential control of HBoV1.

Mapping skills between symbols and quantities in preschoolers: The role of finger patterns.

Mapping skills between different codes to represent numerical information, such as number symbols (i.e., verbal number words and written digits) and non-symbolic quantities, are important in the development of the concept of number. The aim of the current study is to investigate children's mapping skills by incorporating another numerical code that emerges at early stages in development, finger patterns. Specifically, the study investigates (i) the order in which mapping skills develop and the association with young children's understanding of cardinality; and (ii) whether finger patterns are processed similarly to symbolic codes or rather as non-symbolic quantities. Preschool children (3-year-olds, N = 113, Mage = 40.8 months, SDage = 3.6 months; 4-year-olds, N = 103, Mage = 52.9 months, SDage = 3.4 months) both cardinality knowers and subset-knowers, were presented with twelve tasks that assessed the mappings between number words, Arabic digits, finger patterns, and quantities. The results showed that children's ability to map symbolic numbers precedes the understanding that such symbols reflect quantities, and that children recognize finger patterns above their cardinality knowledge, suggesting that finger patterns are symbolic in essence. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Children are more accurate in mapping between finger patterns and symbols (number words and Arabic digits) than in mapping finger patterns and quantities, indicating that fingers are processed holistically as symbolic codes. Children can map finger patterns to symbols above their corresponding cardinality level even in subset-knowers. Finger patterns may play a role in the process by which children learn to map symbols to quantities. Fingers patterns' use in the classroom context may be an adequate instructional and diagnostic tool.

Association between maternal physical activity from pre-pregnancy to child-rearing and their children's physical activity in early childhood among Japanese.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the association between cumulative maternal physical activity level and their children's physical activity in early childhood. We also compared the influence of each maternal physical activity on children's physical activity in early childhood. METHODS: We analyzed the data from 1,067 Japanese mother-child pairs. Maternal physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Cumulative physical activity level in mothers was computed based on the categories (low, moderate, and high) of physical activity from 5 time points (pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5 years postpartum). Children's physical activity level was measured at age 5.5 years using the WHO Health Behaviour School-aged Children questionnaire and defined as engaging in physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day for more than 5 days. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between maternal and children's physical activity levels. RESULTS: The results showed the positive association between cumulative maternal physical activity and children's physical activity level (P for trend < 0.001). Furthermore, maternal physical activity during pregnancy (P for trend = 0.031) and 5.5 years postpartum (P for trend < 0.001) was positively associated with children's physical activity. CONCLUSION: A positive association was observed between the cumulative maternal physical activity level and the physical activity level of their children at 5.5 years of age. Furthermore, maternal physical activity during pregnancy and at 5.5 years postpartum were positively associated with the level of children's physical activity.

A pilot, single-arm feasibility study of an integrated cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety in young autistic children.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety is prevalent in young autistic children under 7 years of age. Yet there is a paucity of empirically based interventions for this age group. DINO Strategies for Anxiety and Uncertainty Reduction (DINOSAUR) is an innovative cognitive behavioral intervention that seeks to optimize treatment response in young autistic children by targeting anxiety and the contributing mechanisms of intolerance of uncertainty and parental accommodation using a telehealth delivery model. This pilot, single-arm study examines the preliminary feasibility of DINOSAUR. METHODS: Fourteen autistic children ages 4-6 years with average language and cognitive skills and their parents received the intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to parent satisfaction and treatment outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Attendance, retention, and parent satisfaction ratings offer preliminary support for the feasibility of the treatment model. Change in clinical severity ratings on a semi-structured parent interview of anxiety and parents' qualitative report suggests the potential to benefit young autistic children. CONCLUSIONS: Results support future study of the DINOSAUR model in a larger, randomized controlled trial.

Exploring Differences in Physical Health in Young Children With and Without ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in child physical health outcomes and metrices associated with obesity in a sample of predominantly Hispanic/Latinx young children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Participants included 127 children diagnosed with ADHD and 96 typically developing (TD) children between 4 and 7 years of age. Objective measures of children's body composition, fitness, and physical activity were conducted. Parents of children completed food recalls to assess their child's dietary intake, diet quality was calculated based on the Healthy Eating Index-2015, and parents completed a survey about their family's health habits. RESULTS: Logistic regression revealed that those with ADHD were more likely to be classified as having an overweight or obese (Ov/O) body mass index (BMI). Linear regression analyses indicated that children with ADHD performed worse on a fitness test and consumed more calories relative to TD children. Moderation analyses indicated that sex differences in steps were prominent in our TD sample, but not among those with ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: Young children with ADHD are at greater risk for having an Ov/O BMI, being less fit, and eating a greater intake of calories compared to TD children.

Perceived acceptability and appropriateness of a web-based program targeting risk for anxiety in young children and their parents.

OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods study examined perceived acceptability and appropriateness of a novel digital mental health program targeting anxiety risk (i.e., perfectionism or error sensitivity) in 5-to-7-year-old children and their parents. METHODS: Parent-child dyads participated in a modular, web-based cognitive-behavioral program targeting negative overreactions to making mistakes. The program, "Making Mistakes", consisted of a 6-month series of short video clips, journaling activities, and weekly reminders, and modules were delivered to caregivers and children separately. 86 dyads completed self-report measures, 18 of whom participated in semi-structured interviews, following completion of the primary program module. A standard thematic analysis was used to elucidate themes from the parent and child interview content. RESULTS: Our quantitative and qualitative results were generally aligned. Children and parents viewed the novel digital mental health program as acceptable and appropriate, favoring the cognitive behavioral strategies such as modeling positive reactions to mistakes, responding positively to child mistakes, and emphasizing effort over outcome. Participants also provided helpful feedback related to program content, delivery, and engagement, as well as suggestions to enhance the program. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have implications for design and content features of parent-based and dyad-based programs, as well as digital mental health programs focused on reducing anxiety risk.

Association between prenatal exposure to alkylphenols and intelligence quotient among preschool children: sex-specific effects.

BACKGROUND: While prenatal exposure to alkylphenols (APs) has been demonstrated to be associated with neurodevelopmental impairments in animals, the evidence from epidemiological studies remains limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the link between AP exposure during pregnancy and the intelligence quotient (IQ) of preschool children. METHODS: A total of 221 mother-child pairs from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort were recruited. Nonylphenol (NP), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-T-OP), 4-n-nonylphenol (4-N-NP), and 4-n-octylphenol were measured in maternal serum in early pregnancy. Childhood IQ was evaluated by the Fourth Edition of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of the Intelligence at 3 to 6 years of age. The impact of APs on childhood IQ were evaluated by generalized linear models (GLMs), restricted cubic spline (RCS), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS: In GLMs, prenatal exposure to NP and the second tertile of 4-T-OP exhibited an inverse association with full-scale IQ (FSIQ) (ß = -2.38; 95% CI: -4.59, -0.16) and working memory index (WMI) (ß = -5.24; 95% CI: -9.58, -0.89), respectively. Prenatal exposure to the third tertile of 4-N-NP showed a positive association with the fluid reasoning index (ß = 4.95; 95% CI: 1.14, 8.77) in total children, as well as in girls when stratified by sex. A U-shaped relationship between maternal 4-T-OP and WMI was noted in total children and girls by RCS (all P nonlinear < 0.05). The combined effect primarily driven by NP, of maternal AP mixtures at concentrations above the 50th percentile exhibited an inverse trend on FSIQ in total children and girls in BKMR. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to various APs affects IQ in preschool children, and there may be nonmonotonic and sex-specific effects. Further investigation across the population is required to elucidate the potential neurotoxic effects of APs.

Association between co-sleeping in the first year of life and preschoolers´ sleep patterns.

This study aimed to investigate the association between co-sleeping practiced during the first year of life and preschoolers' sleep patterns. A cross-sectional study including toddlers was designed to analyze their sleep patterns. The Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire, validated in Spanish, was used to measure sleep quality. A latent class analysis was performed to identify qualitative subgroups in the sample and explore the effects of co-sleeping. The sleep patterns of 276 children were analyzed. A total of 181 (65%) parents reported having practiced co-sleeping with their children. The latent class analysis identified a two-class solution with two different sleep patterns. One of them showed a worse quality sleep pattern, which had a significant association with having practiced co-sleeping during the first year of life, and with the fact that they were still sleeping in the parents' room, among other characteristics related to co-sleeping and parental concerns. Breastfeeding also showed association with a worse quality sleep pattern.  Conclusion: Based on the present findings, co-sleeping during the first year of life appears to be associated with poor sleep patterns in young preschoolers. What is Known: • Co-sleeping shows benefits for infants and parents, mainly facilitating successful breastfeeding. • Literature on the effect of co-sleeping in lately sleep quality in children and their parents is very limited. What is New: • Co-sleeping practiced during the first year of life could be associated with a worse sleep pattern measured with BISQ-E tool. • A balance between the correct practice of co-sleeping and the achievement of a healthy sleep routine in preschool should probably be part of parents' health education.

Associations between maternal diet, family eating habits and preschool children's dietary patterns: insights from the UPBEAT trial.

BACKGROUND: Dietary behaviours in early life often track across the life course, influencing the development of adverse health outcomes such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the between dietary patterns (DP) in preschool children and maternal DP and family eating habits. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of 488 mother-child pairs from the UK pregnancy Better Eating and Activity Trial (UPBEAT) at 3-year follow-up. Previously published DP from mothers and children (derived from food-frequency questionnaires and exploratory factor analysis) were used. Mothers' DP were "Fruits-Vegetables", "African-Caribbean", "Processed and Snacks", and children's DP were "Prudent", "Processed-Snacking", and "African-Caribbean". Family meal environments were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Linear regression models revealed that child's prudent pattern was positively associated with maternal Fruits-Vegetables (B = 0.18 (0.08, 0.27)), Snacks patterns (B = 0.10 (0.01, 0.18)), and eating the same foods during meals (B = 0.25 (0.07, 0.43)). Child's Processed-Snacking pattern was directly associated with maternal Processed (B = 0.22 (0.13, 0.30)) and Snacks (B = 0.27 (0.18, 0.36)) patterns, receiving food as reward (B = 0.22 (0.04, 0.39)) and watching TV during meals (B = 0.27 (0.09, 0.45)). Finally, the child African-Caribbean pattern was directly associated with that from the mother (B = 0.41 (0.33, 0.50)) and watching TV during meals (B = 0.15 (0.09, 0.30)), and inversely associated with maternal processed (B=-0.09 (-0.17, -0.02)) and snacking (B=-0.08 (-0.15, -0.04)) patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Unhealthy dietary patterns in childhood are directly linked to similar maternal patterns and family meal behaviours, such as television viewing and food rewards. These findings highlight targetable behaviours for public health interventions.

Correlation between autistic traits and brain functional connectivity in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder: a resting state MEG study.

BACKGROUND: Neurophysiological studies recognized that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with altered patterns of over- and under-connectivity. However, little is known about network organization in children with ASD in the early phases of development and its correlation with the severity of core autistic features. METHODS: The present study aimed at investigating the association between brain connectivity derived from MEG signals and severity of ASD traits measured with different diagnostic clinical scales, in a sample of 16 children with ASD aged 2 to 6 years. RESULTS: A significant correlation emerged between connectivity strength in cortical brain areas implicated in several resting state networks (Default mode, Central executive, Salience, Visual and Sensorimotor) and the severity of communication anomalies, social interaction problems, social affect problems, and repetitive behaviors. Seed analysis revealed that this pattern of correlation was mainly caused by global rather than local effects. CONCLUSIONS: The present evidence suggests that altered connectivity strength in several resting state networks is related to clinical features and may contribute to neurofunctional correlates of ASD. Future studies implementing the same method on a wider and stratified sample may further support functional connectivity as a possible biomarker of the condition.

A longitudinal study on moral emotions and psychosocial functioning among preschool children with and without hearing loss.

Moral emotions such as shame, guilt and pride are crucial to young children's social-emotional development. Due to the restrictions caused by hearing loss in accessing the social world, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children may encounter extra difficulties in their development of moral emotions. However, little research so far has investigated the development trajectory of moral emotions during preschool years in DHH children. The present study used a longitudinal design to explore the development trajectories of shame, guilt, and pride, in a sample of 259 Chinese DHH and typically hearing (TH) preschoolers aged 2 to 6 years old. The results indicated that according to parent reports, DHH children manifested lower levels of guilt and pride compared to their TH peers, yet the manifested levels of shame, guilt, and pride increased throughout the preschool time at a similar pace in all children. Moreover, whilst guilt and pride contributed to increasing levels of psychosocial functioning over the preschool years, shame contributed to lower social competence and more externalizing behaviors in DHH and TH preschoolers. The outcomes imply that early interventions and adjustment to hearing loss could be useful to safeguard the social development of children with severe hearing loss, and cultural variances shall be taken into consideration when studying moral emotions in a Chinese cultural background.