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%0 Thesis
%A Otten, Katharina
%T Early brain development: sensory processing and environmental risk factors
%I Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
%V Dissertation
%C Aachen
%M RWTH-2025-08854
%P 1 Online-Ressource : Illustrationen
%D 2025
%Z Veröffentlicht auf dem Publikationsserver der RWTH Aachen University 2026
%Z Dissertation, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2025, Kumulative Dissertation
%X The first 1,000 days—from the embryonic period through infancy to early childhood—represent a critical window of neurodevelopment, during which fundamental cognitive, emotional, and behavioral capacities are established. This period is marked by rapid brain development and plasticity, involving key processes such as synaptogenesis, myelination, and synaptic pruning. These mechanisms shape neural circuits underlying central human abilities such as perception, learning and goal-directed behavior and are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. Favorable environmental influences support optimal neural development, whereas adverse exposures can disrupt these processes, potentially impairing developmental outcomes and increasing the risk of mental health disorders later in life. Identifying the environmental determinants of neurodevelopment and the critical time windows in which they exert their effects is essential for developing effective early detection and intervention strategies. Furthermore, understanding normative developmental trajectories of sensory, motor, and cognitive systems is key to recognizing deviations that may signal early neurodevelopmental concerns. The first study systematically examines the effects of early antibiotic exposure on the risk of developing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By integrating meta-analytical evidence from human observational studies with findings from experimental animal research, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of this relationship. A systematic review of sixteen human studies was conducted, of which ten were included in a quantitative meta-analysis. The results indicated a significantly increased risk of ADHD following prenatal antibiotic exposure, whereas postnatal exposure within the first two years of life did not show a significant effect. Supporting evidence from animal studies revealed that perinatal antibiotic exposure alters social behavior, anxiety, and aggression, alongside disruptions in gut microbial composition. These findings suggest that early disruption of the gut microbiome by antibiotics, or suboptimal microbiome transmission from mother to child at birth, can interfere with neurodevelopment and serve as an early risk factor for the development of ADHD. The second study focuses on the maturation of the infant and toddler visual system investigating developmental changes in visual evoked responses (VER) using magnetoencephalography (MEG). By combining data from cross-sectional (N=132) and longitudinal samples (N=46), the developmental trajectories of the N1m and P1m latency, as well as the N1m-to-P1m amplitude, were examined. A nonlinear decrease in N1m and P1m latency as a function of age was observed, with the decrease in N1m latency preceding the decrease in P1m latency. The N1m-to-P1m amplitude also decreased nonlinearly, with larger amplitudes observed in younger infants compared to older ones. Furthermore, N1m and P1m latencies were negatively associated with fine motor developmental scores (DQ), suggesting that infants with more efficient visual processing may be better equipped to perform fine motor tasks. These findings advance our understanding of sensory system maturation and highlight potential links between early sensory processing and broader developmental outcomes. In summary, these studies underscore the importance of prenatal environmental factors in shaping neurodevelopmental trajectories and the need to detect early sensory markers of developmental outcomes. They highlight the necessity of targeted early interventions to mitigate risk factors, optimize developmental outcomes, and support long-term cognitive and behavioral well-being.
%F PUB:(DE-HGF)11
%9 Dissertation / PhD Thesis
%R 10.18154/RWTH-2025-08854
%U https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/record/1020224