A new electronic health record documentation tool has been shown to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation for patients undergoing treatment for epilepsy. This tool enables medical providers to identify patients who are failing treatments earlier, allowing for rapid optimization of positive outcomes.
A new study by Emory and Harvard researchers found that high air pollution exposure during childhood is associated with earlier onset of menstruation in US girls. This increased risk is linked to cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers later in life.
Research at Aston University identified four eating behavior patterns in children: 'avid', 'happy', 'typical', and 'fussy'. Children with 'avid' eating behaviors are more likely to be overweight or obese, while caregivers' feeding practices vary significantly across the four categories. The study aims to provide tailored advice for par...
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is linked to accelerated BMI gain in children from birth to nine years old. The study found that certain mixtures of these chemicals increase the risk of childhood obesity and its related health consequences.
Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.
Research has discovered a significant connection between birthweight and the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (MASLD) in young people. Babies born with low birthweight were found to be four times more likely to develop MASLD in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood.
A long-term study found that changes in core autism characteristics are related to the development of mental health challenges during elementary school years. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors may help reduce anxiety for autistic individuals.
The American Academy of Pediatrics hosted its 2023 National Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C., presenting original research on topics such as the national opioid crisis, obesity prevention, and mental health challenges. The AAP also released two new policy statements: one proposing bold reforms in Medicaid and CHIP, and anoth...
TTUHSC researchers received funding for pilot studies on photothermal tumor therapy, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and colorectal cancer screening in underserved areas. The grants support the purchase of a cell sorter and address regional health disparities.
A study found that daily mindfulness training at home reduced kids' stress levels and negative emotions, while a remote, app-based intervention showed improvements in mental health. Researchers suggest that mindfulness can support mental well-being and promote mental health in diverse children.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have published a guide for prioritizing the next steps in completing the human genome catalog. The study highlights the importance of cataloging non-coding RNA genes and enhancing databases of gene variations that cause illness and disease.
Research reveals that the illegal killing of orangutans on Borneo remains a significant threat to the species, with 30% of villages reporting killings in the last 5-10 years. Conservation efforts may not be effectively preventing killing and addressing human-orangutan conflict is crucial.
A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center investigators found that delaying surgical treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in some children is associated with a higher risk of new tears in the meniscus and cartilage. Adults, on the other hand, showed no significant increase in such risk.
Researchers discovered the STAT3 signaling pathway as a potential target for treating H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), a uniformly lethal central nervous system malignancy. The current standard of care, including palliative radiation and chemotherapy, remains ineffective in this disease.
A study using data from over 10,000 UK participants found that young children with warm parental relationships tend to display more socially-desirable behaviors like kindness, empathy and generosity. This association holds even after accounting for mental health factors.
A new study using wastewater surveillance has predicted the start of the annual RSV season 12 days early, allowing hospitals to prepare and allocate resources effectively. The study used real-time wastewater measurements to forecast the surge in pediatric RSV cases, providing a population-level early warning signal for the community.
A research team has identified a link between calcium imbalances and the progression of brain damage in children with rare genetic conditions. They found that stabilizing calcium levels could be a target for new treatments to prevent further deterioration.
The study found an increase in eating disorder emergency department visits and hospitalizations among females aged 10-17, 18-26, 27-40, and 41-105 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors such as isolation, social media use, and decreased access to care may have contributed to this surge.
Researchers highlight the importance of identifying childhood verbal abuse as a standalone subtype of child maltreatment to ensure targeted prevention. The review found that verbal abuse can have lasting impacts on children's wellbeing, including emotional and psychological repercussions.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journals offer insights into depression and PTSD factors, as well as guidance on handling drugs laced with fentanyl. The October issues also feature a joint commentary on nuclear war's impact on health professionals.
A new AI-powered app can detect autism in children with high accuracy, capturing a wide range of behavioral characteristics beyond eye movements. The app provides detailed information on which indicators led to its conclusions and why, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions.
New research reveals that children with childhood mental health issues are at higher risk of social isolation, low educational attainment, financial difficulties, and heavy substance use in late teens and early 20s. The study also found a strong link between internalising symptoms and poor physical health in young adulthood.
A new NIH study suggests that a common child behavior assessment tool may be skewed by factors such as caregiver demographics and language. Researchers have identified less biased questions that can reliably capture childhood behavior problems across diverse backgrounds.
A recent study found that grandparent childcare does not significantly impact maternal mental health and wellbeing, nor does it reduce mother-child conflict. In fact, poor maternal wellbeing at age three was linked to poor child social and emotional outcomes at age seven.
A new study review found children from families with low incomes and families of color are exposed to more neurotoxic chemicals, leading to greater harm on brain development. This disparity is attributed to their neighborhoods being located near factories, chemical plants, highways, and agricultural fields where pesticides are applied.
A recent study found that black children with asthma are more likely to receive severe treatment, including breathing treatments, but less likely to be transported to the hospital compared to their white peers. The study highlights the need for improved care and health equity in managing pediatric chronic asthma.
The new HEI-Toddlers-2020 index measures diet quality in toddlers aged 12 through 23 months, with a total score of 63.4 for young children. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) tool is designed to measure alignment with the evidence-based Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2023
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has launched a five-year, $50.3 million multi-omics study to better understand the causes and prevention of various diseases, including NAFLD, in underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers have identified a specific error in the NOTCH1 gene that causes rare kidney cancer reninoma. The study found that using existing drugs targeting this gene could serve as an alternative treatment for patients where surgery is not recommended.
Research found ginger consumption makes neutrophils more resistant to NETosis, a process that contributes to inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Ginger supplementation also boosted chemical levels in neutrophils, inhibiting NETosis in response to disease-relevant stimuli.
The Massive Transfusion in Children-II (MATIC-II) clinical trial will test multiple interventions for life-threatening bleeding in children. The trial aims to determine the most effective and safe bundle of care for pediatric trauma patients, with a focus on precision transfusion medicine.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
The supplement to Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine presents a compendium of abstracts from the 2023 World Congress on Spina Bifida Research and Care. The issue highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex medical conditions like spina bifida.
SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023
Pediatric patients experience pain that can be detrimental to their brain structure and lead to emotional and behavioral problems. Validated tools such as the Wong-Baker FACES scale and COMFORT scale help healthcare providers assess pain effectively.
Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income families had poorer health outcomes and improved less in healthy lifestyle habits compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds. The intervention program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among children with higher socioeconomic status, bu...
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has received a $54 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance clinical and translational science. The grant will enable the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI) to translate discoveries into better health and patient care across the state.
A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that agency emerges from the coupled relation between humans and their environment. Infants are found to discover their causal powers and transition from spontaneous to intentional behavior at a critical level of coordination, marking an abrupt increase in movement rate.
A new study found that Trump's election was associated with a 5-percentage-point decrease in well-child visits for children of immigrant mothers, compared to US-born families. This decline may have resulted in missed vital pediatric care, including vaccinations and health screenings.
The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) survey results suggest that over 90% of its members believe the organization should pursue racial equity work. The organization has received specific suggestions for a strategic plan, including prioritizing research initiatives, providing continuing education credits, and increasing di...
The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC will accelerate health sciences research with a focus on cancer and brain disorders. The institute will recruit 14 researchers and support six major projects.
Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.
Researchers aim to understand the role of gaze in post-stroke reading impairments and develop an employment-specific assessment tool for individuals with autism. The studies may provide major steps towards finding innovative solutions for individuals affected by neglect dyslexia and autism.
Babies with more mature gut microbiota at one year old are less likely to develop allergy-related wheeze or asthma. The study, which followed 1074 babies from birth to four years old, found that increased maturity of the gut microbiota was associated with a lower risk of these conditions.
A recent study found that pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents may indicate the presence or risk of migraines. The study included 100 children with mothers who experienced migraines, with growing pains occurring in half of them. After five years of follow-up, headaches occurred in 76% of participants with growing pains.
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on postpartum depression, structural racism, and suicidal behaviors. The September issue highlights new solutions to address these topics, including Power Redistribution and Upending White Supremacy in Community Mental Health.
The University of Miami has been awarded a $23.57 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to join the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program. The research team will investigate how stress experienced by parents can affect their children's development.
A study of over 170,000 students aged 15 found that one in five from low-income families or deprived areas are vulnerable to phishing. Teenagers with poor learning skills are also more likely to fall victim to email scams.
Researchers aim to identify genetic risk factors and mechanisms underlying virus-induced asthma, using artificial intelligence-based techniques and patient-derived models. The study may lead to personalized prevention campaigns and mechanism-targeted drugs.
A new study finds that children's books in the US continue to lack diversity, with only 2% of characters pictured as Black and 4% as Latinx. Mainstream books are also cheaper than those highlighting diverse identities, suggesting a possible reason for the disparity.
A new study found that kindergarten conduct problems are associated with increased costs in crime, medical expenses and lost productivity as children reach adolescence and adulthood. The research used data from over 1,300 students to estimate the economic impact of these behavioral problems.
Researchers studied 1,500 middle-aged women and found that those with four or more adverse childhood experiences were nearly twice as likely to be sexually inactive. The study also showed that these women were two times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction in midlife. Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen for childhood ...
The University of Basel is launching a new research centre for child health with support from Fondation Botnar. The centre aims to drive innovative research benefiting children globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. New professorships will focus on digital technologies, ethics, and public health.
Research found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment for postnatal depression was associated with reduced child behavioral difficulties, ADHD symptoms, and maternal depression. The study also suggested long-term benefits of SSRI treatment on child outcomes up to five years after childbirth.
Research finds that 75% of boys with fragile X meet criteria for co-occurring autism, but only 31% are identified in community settings. Early diagnosis is crucial to access services improving outcomes and quality of life.
Researchers at UCL and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces hearing loss in mice with Norrie disease. The treatment, which restores the missing norrin protein, has shown improved blood vessel structure and protected sensory hairs in the inner ear.
A new study found that boys' sleep patterns remain stable until around age 12, suggesting that social and behavioral factors may play a role in sleep problems. After this age, changes in sleep patterns may begin to occur, making it essential for parents to seek help when needed.
Researchers found that playing a lullaby reduced pain levels in newborn infants undergoing a heel prick blood test. The study, published in Pediatric Research, suggests that recorded music may be an effective method of pain relief in newborns during minor procedures.
Researchers are developing a community-based digital health intervention to increase vaccination uptake among children in rural and underserved areas. The project aims to empower community health workers to deliver education on vaccinations, overcoming the digital divide and addressing challenges faced by limited health workforce.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that residence in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability is associated with a decreased risk of pediatric asthma. The study used a geographically diverse cohort of over 10,000 children and examined associations between neighborhood attributes and asthma in...
Augusta University researcher Arni S.R. Srinivasa Rao calls for updating the UN's traditional approach to measuring population replacement levels. He proposes a new formula that allows for more timely and accurate measurement, which is essential for understanding emerging global demographics.