Whiting–related sediment export along the Middle Miocene carbonate ramp of Great Bahama Bank.

International audienc

Playfulness in children with autistic disorder and their typically developing peers

This study investigated the playfulness of 24 children with autistic disorder (AD) and 34 typically developing children aged 3-7 years, in free (unstructured) and adult-facilitated (structured) play conditions within a clinical play environment. Video recordings of play were rated using the Test of Playfulness (Bundy 2003). The data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA and qualitative observations. The children with AD were less playful compared with the typically developing children (F = 49.64, p < 0.001), even when developmental age was accounted for (F = 28.20, p < 0.001). Both groups of children were slightly more playful in a structured environment with adult facilitation (F = 7.72, p = 0.007). Despite statistically significant differences in playfulness between play conditions, considerable overlap in observations for both groups suggests that this may not be as clinically meaningful. When developmental age was accounted for, the play conditions no longer had a significant effect on playfulness (F = 1.54, p = 0.220). The implications of the findings and the limitations of the study are discusse

Effects of early nutrition and growth on brain volumes, white matter microstructure, and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm newborns

© 2018 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc. BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effect of nutrition and growth during the first 4 weeks after birth on cerebral volumes and white matter maturation at term equivalent age (TEA) and on neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years' corrected age (CA), in preterm infants.MethodsOne hundred thirty-one infants born at a gestational age (GA) <31 weeks with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at TEA were studied. Cortical gray matter (CGM) volumes, basal ganglia and thalami (BGT) volumes, cerebellar volumes, and total brain volume (TBV) were computed. Fractional anisotropy (FA) in the posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) was obtained. Cognitive and motor scores were assessed at 2 years' CA.ResultsCumulative fat and enteral intakes were positively related to larger cerebellar and BGT volumes. Weight gain was associated with larger cerebellar, BGT, and CGM volume. Cumulative fat and caloric intake, and enteral intakes were positively associated with FA in the PLIC. Cumulative protein intake was positively associated with higher cognitive and motor scores (all P <0.05).ConclusionOur study demonstrated a positive association between nutrition, weight gain, and brain volumes. Moreover, we found a positive relationship between nutrition, white matter maturation at TEA, and neurodevelopment in infancy. These findings emphasize the importance of growth and nutrition with a balanced protein, fat, and caloric content for brain development