A new study by Children's National Hospital explores the neural circuitry of premature birth and its impact on locomotor development. Researchers found that Purkinje cells play a central role in learning deficits caused by complications at birth.
A new study from Children's National Hospital found that children and young adults are more impacted by COVID-19 than previously believed. Minority children had a higher likelihood of infection compared to non-Hispanic white children.
A study by Children's National Hospital researchers found that maternal anxiety during pregnancy can alter neural connectivity in the womb. Fetuses of anxious mothers showed stronger connections between the brainstem and sensorimotor areas, while those with lower anxiety had weaker connections between executive cognitive functions.
A recent study found that Black and Hispanic adolescents are more likely to die from police-related shootings compared to non-Hispanic white adolescents. The study highlights the need for interventions and policies to mitigate racial disparities in policing.
A single institution study found that half of children diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory disease in children (MIS-C) developed cardiac complications, including coronary artery abnormalities. The study highlights the need for further research into the syndrome's specific differences from Kawasaki disease.
A new study finds that e-cigarette use is associated with a higher risk of cigarette smoking among adolescents who had no prior intention of taking up conventional smoking. E-cigarette users are more than four times more likely to start smoking cigarettes one year later compared to non-users.
Researchers identified diverse groups of cortical stem and progenitor cells with distinct gene expression profiles, contributing to neural complexity in the adult cerebral cortex. The study's findings support the protomap theory, which suggests that early cell diversity paves the way for later neuronal diversity.
Researchers have successfully multiplied T-cells from COVID-19 recovered patients in the lab, which can effectively target key viral proteins. This approach may be an effective way to protect vulnerable people, especially those with compromised immune systems.
Researchers found no statistically significant differences in hospitalization, ICU admission, or mechanical ventilator use between the two groups. However, more patients with COVID-19 reported fever, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, body ache, chest pain, sore throat, congestion, and shortness of breath at diagnosis.
A recent study published in Journal of Pediatrics found that COVID-19 patients, especially children under 16 years old, can have both the virus and antibodies in their system simultaneously. The study suggests that these children still pose a risk of transmitting the virus even if they have developed antibodies.
Research suggests children with no COVID-19 symptoms may still shed virus for weeks, making them potential key vectors. The study's findings also highlight the importance of understanding viral shedding in asymptomatic patients and its impact on herd immunity.
Researchers found that interventions reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in telemedicine practices significantly decreased inappropriate prescriptions. Education and feedback on dashboards led to the most substantial reductions, particularly for conditions where antibiotics should not be prescribed.
A new study reveals broad inconsistencies in COVID-19 data presentation across national public health institutes' websites, limiting its usefulness. Researchers recommend a standardized format and content sharing to improve data aggregation and inform future research, clinical decisions, and policy-making.
A new analysis by Children's National Hospital researchers found that reducing proteinuria in patients with FSGS significantly slows declines in kidney function and extends time before kidneys fail. The study showed that even modest reductions in proteinuria have a positive impact on kidney health.
A new pediatric study finds significantly higher COVID-19 infection rates among minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged children in the US. The study mirrors disparities found in adult populations across the country.
A case report from Children's National Hospital reveals isolated N. meningitidis testing positive for resistance to two antibiotics it has historically been susceptible to, raising concerns about the rise in antibiotic resistance. The finding could lead to changes in laboratory and clinical practices across the US.
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that glioblastoma tumors may originate from a pool of stem cells located in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the brain, which is distinct from where the tumor becomes lethal. This finding offers potential new options for treating this aggressive brain cancer.
A simple measuring tape could identify which Zika virus-exposed children develop neurological abnormalities. Head circumference growth trajectory is also key, with 10.5% going on to develop microcephaly in months after birth.
International adolescent brain development scientists have reached consensus on key elements of study design to measure neurodevelopmental impacts of pubertal suppression treatment in transgender youth. The experts identified three primary domains: mental health, executive function/cognitive control and social awareness/functioning.
The recommended updates to newborn screening guidelines aim to refine the algorithm and improve reporting for critical congenital heart disease. The new guidelines simplify the passing threshold, trigger clinical assessment faster when oxygen saturation is low, and increase education about tool strengths and limitations.
A survey of adolescent cancer patients and their families found that parents have a poor understanding of their teens' preferred time to discuss end-of-life issues. Family-centered pediatric advance care planning interventions can help address this gap, enabling open conversations about treatment preferences and improving quality of life.
A clinical program was co-created by autistic transgender youth, their families, and clinical experts to support the specific needs of this population. The model includes three key components: building community, introducing role models, and supporting gender expression through coaching.
A study published in Pediatrics found racial disparities in pain management among children presenting to emergency departments with long-bone fractures. Minority children were more likely to receive analgesics, but less likely to receive opioids and optimal pain reduction.
A new experimental model of severe Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) reveals that high TGFβ activity suppresses muscle regeneration and promotes fibroadipogenic progenitors, leading to muscle degeneration. The study identifies correcting the muscle micro-environment caused by high TGFβ as a therapeutic target.
This special issue of Neurochemical Research honors Vittorio Gallo's groundbreaking research on glutamate neurotransmission, including his development of cerebellar granule cell cultures and biochemical assays. Gallo's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of neural development and regeneration.
A scorpion venom-derived drug has shown promise in treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) by reversing motor skill deficits. The study found that administering the drug at 30 days of life improved large- and small-muscle motor skills, suggesting potential treatment for children with FASD.
Children's National Hospital researchers isolated bacterial extracellular vesicles from healthy donors, revealing the gut microbiome communicates with the brain. The discovery could lead to a novel way of addressing antibiotic resistance by targeting bacteria-derived RNA.
A NICU training program at Children's National Hospital has been recognized for its innovative approach to emergency evacuation preparedness. The program, led by Lisa Zell and Lamia Soghier, involves periodic evacuation simulations and has been named the 'best article' by The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.
A pediatrician used her clinical visits to educate families about the importance of completing the census. She aimed to minimize the negative effects of poverty and adversity on children by ensuring accurate data drives funding for critical resources like healthcare, schools, and nutrition programs.
A new study has validated a better way to stratify BPD risk in extremely preterm infants, using a longer duration of supplemental oxygen. The findings suggest that babies who require oxygen for over 120 days are at high risk of respiratory complications and should receive expanded ventilation before discharge.
A new study found that an enriched environment with physical activity, socialization, and cognitive stimulation helps heal young, injured brains in premature newborns. The study suggests that recovery of the brain's white matter requires a combination of all experimental interventions, not just a single one.
A hybrid approach combining gene therapy and gene editing successfully treated an experimental model of a rare genetic disease, significantly enhancing survival. The findings could offer hope for children and adults with various inborn errors of metabolism.
A teenage girl's symptoms improved with treatment, but further testing revealed no evidence of infection, highlighting the potential health risks of vaping. The case report suggests that e-cigarettes may be a plausible cause of subacute epiglottitis, a life-threatening condition.
Patients living with HIV who attend religious services regularly experience higher emotional and physical well-being, while privately religious individuals face mental health challenges. Researchers suggest integrating spiritual beliefs into holistic treatment programs to improve health outcomes.
A comprehensive study of congenital heart disease found lower predicted long-term survival, higher remission rates, and lower prevalence in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. The study revealed a significant disparity in CHD mortality rates between countries, with most deaths occurring in infants under one year old.
Research found that highly stressed pregnant women experience similar brain development alterations as those with prenatal detected heart defects, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The study suggests high maternal stress and depression levels can affect fetal brain structure and function.
A study found that pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are more likely to test positive for stress, anxiety, and depression, which can impair fetal brain development. The study suggests that routine screening for psychological distress is crucial during prenatal care.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital developed a direct measurement technique for cardiac output in newborns, utilizing changes in blood velocity after injecting saline. The study used ultrasound dilution and reported promising results, with potential implications for personalized care of critically ill newborns.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that Play-Doh and dry pasta show negligible gluten transfer when used for play, making them safer for children with celiac disease. Good hand hygiene and surface cleaning can prevent most gluten transfer in these scenarios.
A pediatrician at Children's National Hospital wrote a 27-line poem inspired by her young patients' comments about vaccines. The poem, part of the 'Poetry and Medicine' series, aims to capture the optimism and resilience of children despite challenges. Dr. Sims hopes the poem will help build self-efficacy and resiliency in her patients.
Colombian infants exposed to Zika virus in the womb showed neurodevelopmental delays despite having normal brain imaging and head circumference at birth. The study found a link between subtle brain injuries and impaired neuromotor development in Zika-exposed children, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up.
A recent study found that only 11% of California pharmacies have a drug take-back program, and even fewer provide accurate information on safe disposal methods. The lack of clear guidelines can lead to misuse and accidental poisonings, highlighting the need for improved education and resources.
A longitudinal study of children with persistent food allergies found those allergic to cow's milk were smaller and weighed less than their peers with peanut/tree nut allergies, persisting into early adolescence. The study suggests young adults with persistent cow's milk allergy may not reach full growth potential.
Researchers are testing whether changing brain's fuel source from glucose to ketones could potentially save neurons and neural networks over time. The study, funded by a $2.5 million grant, aims to understand how ketones affect brain cells and connectivity in the face of insulin resistance.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have developed virus-specific T-cells that neutralize six viruses, including CMV and EBV, in patients with primary immune deficiency diseases. The treatment shows promise in preventing and treating multiple viral infections, with partial clinical improvement in critically ill patients.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital aim to use mesenchymal stromal cells collected from bone marrow to promote brain growth and repair in newborns undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. The NIH-funded trial seeks to determine the safety of this treatment and set the stage for a Phase 2 efficacy trial.
A pilot study at Children's National Hospital found that direct-to-patient telemedicine cardiology follow-ups can safely reduce the need for in-person visits. The virtual care approach enabled doctors to extend their reach and improve patient care without unnecessary transport or lost time from work.
A pre-clinical study suggests that bisphenol-s (BPS) and bisphenol-f (BPF), structural analogues of bisphenol-a (BPA), have less impact on heart electrical function, making them potentially safer for vulnerable populations. This finding could lead to the development of alternative medical products.
Researchers have discovered 37 essential FOXA1 binding sites in T47D cells, which act as enhancers to regulate gene expression. The team also developed a machine learning model to predict important transcription factor binding sites, offering promising insights into cancer biology and potential clinical applications.
A multi-institutional study found that adolescents with Type 2 diabetes experienced improved hyperfiltration and reduced elevated urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio after gastric bypass surgery compared to adults. In contrast, adults with pre-existing diabetes did not show significant improvements until five years post-surgery.