New Model Mimics Persistent Interneuron Loss Seen in Prematurity

New model mimics persistent interneuron loss seen in prematurity Research-clinicians at Children’s National Health System have created a novel preclinical model that mimics the persistent interneuron loss seen in preterm human infants, identifying interneuron subtypes that could become future therapeutic targets to prevent or lessen neurodevelopmental risks.

Longer concussion recovery in children connected to poor sleep A new study found that young athletes who slept well after a concussion were more likely to recover within two weeks, while those that didn’t receive a good night’s rest increased their likelihood to endure symptoms for 30 days or more. Clinical Trial Spotlight: Creating a super army to target CNS tumors Following the noted success of CAR-T cells in treating leukemia, physicians at Children’s National are studying the efficacy of using these white blood cell “armies” to fight central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Placental function linked to brain injuries associated with autism Allopregnanolone, a hormone made by the placenta late in pregnancy, is such a potent neurosteroid that disrupting its steady supply to the developing fetus can leave it vulnerable to brain injuries associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to research presented by Claire-Marie Vacher, Ph.D., during the Pediatric Academic Societies 2019 Annual Meeting. 40 years, 8 editions: Writing “Children With Disabilities” Forty years ago, Mark L. Batshaw, M.D., almost singlehandedly produced a 300-page first edition of a book called "Children With Disabilities." Now Dr. Batshaw’s tome is in its eighth edition, and this new volume is almost 1,000 pages. And, rather than being its sole author, Dr. Batshaw enlisted two co-editors and at least five dozen authors who contributed their specialty expertise. To understand the preterm brain, start with the fetal brain According to Nickie Andescavage, M.D., in order to improve neonatal outcomes, we need to transform our current clinical paradigms to begin treatment in the intrauterine period and continue care through the perinatal transition through strong collaborations with obstetricians and fetal-medicine specialists. Getting to know SPR’s future President, Beth Tarini, M.D., MS In May 2019, Beth A. Tarini, M.D., MS, became Vice President of the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR). Over the next few years, Dr. Tarini will make it her personal mission to ensure that more pediatric researchers get to know SPR and are so excited about the organization that they become active members.

Upcoming Events American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition October 25-29, 2019 New Orleans, Louisiana The Fourth International Symposium on the Fetal Brain  November 21-22, 2019 Washington, DC