Social-Cognitive Network Connectivity in Preterm Children and Relations With Early Nutrition and Developmental Outcomes

Predictive modeling based on functional connectivity of interictal scalp EEG for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to delineate the electrophysiological variances between patients with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) and healthy controls and to devise a predictive model for long-term seizure outcomes.

METHODS

The cohort consisted of 30 individuals in the seizure-free group, 23 in the seizure-residual group, and 20 in the control group. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of pretreatment electroencephalography, including the relative power spectrum (rPS), weighted phase-lag index (wPLI), and network metrics. Follow-up EEGs at 2 years of age were also analyzed to elucidate physiological changes among groups.

RESULTS

Infants in the seizure-residual group exhibited increased rPS in theta and alpha bands at IESS onset compared to the other groups (all p < 0.0001). The control group showed higher rPS in fast frequency bands, indicating potentially enhanced cognitive function. The seizure-free group presented increased wPLI across all frequency bands (all p < 0.0001). Our predictive model utilizing wPLI anticipated long-term outcomes at IESS onset (area under the curve 0.75).

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated an initial "hypersynchronous state" in the seizure-free group, which was ameliorated following successful treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides a predictive model utilizing functional connectivity and insights into the diverse electrophysiology observed among outcome groups of IESS.

Maternal supplementation of egg yolk modulates brain functional organization and functional outcomes of offspring

Maternal nutrition during the perinatal stage is critical to offspring brain development. Egg yolks are a balanced and nutrient-dense food that is rich in bioactive components crucial to optimal neurodevelopment early in life. Egg consumption is often recommended to pregnant women to enhance both maternal and fetal health. We hypothesized that maternal intake of egg yolk from late gestation and throughout lactation would enhance functional organization and cognitive developmental outcomes in offspring using a pig model. Sows were fed a control diet (n = 6) or a diet containing egg yolks (n = 5, 350 mg egg yolk powder/kg BW/day, equivalent to ∼3 eggs/day for humans) from late gestation through lactation. At weaning, piglet offspring (n = 2/sow, total n = 22) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting-state-functional MRI. Piglets underwent novel object recognition testing to assess hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Functional MRI results demonstrated that egg yolk significantly increased functional activation in the executive network (p = 0.0343) and cerebellar network (p = 0.0253) in piglets when compared to control. Diffusion tensor imaging analysis showed that perinatal intake of egg yolks significantly increased white matter fiber length in the hippocampus (p = 0.0363) and cerebellum (p = 0.0287) in piglet offspring compared to control piglets. Furthermore, piglets from egg yolk-fed sows spent significantly more proportional frequency exploring the novel object than the familiar object in novel object recognition testing (p = 0.0370). The findings from this study support egg yolk-altered activation of specific brain networks may be associated with functional cognitive outcomes in weaning piglets.

Agreement Between Two Behavioral Rating Scales in Preschoolers Born Very Preterm

OBJECTIVE

Broadband parent rating scales are commonly used to assess behavioral problems in children. Multiple rating scales are available, yet agreement between them is not well-understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate agreement between the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3), and Child Behavior Checklist 1.5 to 5 years (CBCL) in a sample of children born very preterm.

METHOD

We assessed 73 children born < 30 weeks' gestational age whose caregivers completed the BASC-3 and CBCL at age 4. We examined correlations, within-person differences, and agreement in clinical categorization for all corresponding subscales and composites.

RESULTS

Comparable subscales on the BASC-3 and CBCL were significantly correlated, albeit to differing magnitudes. Subscales indexing hyperactivity and attention problems were the most comparable across the 2 measures, evidenced by strong correlations and few to no differences in mean T-scores. Composite scores indexing internalizing, externalizing, and total problems were also strongly correlated, and there were no differences in the mean T-scores for externalizing or total problems across measures. Agreement in clinical classifications were weak to moderate, though again, the highest agreement was found for hyperactivity, attention, externalizing, and total problems.

CONCLUSION

Agreement between BASC-3 and CBCL subscales was weak to moderate, with the exception of subscales related to attention and hyperactivity, as well as composite scores indicating overall behavior problems. Researchers and clinicians should consider these discrepancies when interpreting the results of behavior rating scales with preschool children because conclusions could differ based on the assessment that is used.