DR. BETTY KOSHY, M.D.

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This study focused on comparing two methods for counting live microorganisms in probiotic ingredients to see which was more accurate. Researchers found that both methods, ISO 20128 and USP <64>, produced similar results for measuring the probiotic L. acidophilus, with counts of 11.14-11.76 logCFU/g and 11.41-11.62 logCFU/g respectively, indicating they are both valid but not identical. This matters because having accurate procedures helps ensure the quality and safety of probiotics, which can benefit consumers. Who this helps: Patients who rely on probiotics for health benefits.

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The study looked at the safety and quality of probiotic ingredients used in dietary supplements. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) developed fourteen specific guidelines, or "monographs," that define what these probiotics are, how to test them, and how to ensure they are free from harmful contaminants. These guidelines help manufacturers produce safe products and give consumers confidence in what they are buying. Who this helps: This helps consumers and manufacturers of dietary supplements.

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This study looked at how long-term stunting in childhood affects brain size in kids around nine years old. Researchers found that children who were always stunted had smaller brain volumes, especially in areas important for processing visual information and for connecting different parts of the brain. For example, those who were always stunted had significantly reduced sizes in areas like the thalamus and lateral occipital cortex compared to children who had never been stunted. Who this helps: This helps children who experience stunting, as well as healthcare providers aiming to address their developmental needs.

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This study looked at how early childhood stunting affects children's brain development and their ability to think and make decisions as they grow. Researchers found that children who were always stunted had significantly lower scores on cognitive tests compared to those who were never stunted, with average scores of 7.4 versus 11.52 on one test, showing a clear difference in brain development. These findings emphasize the importance of proper nutrition and support in early childhood to help children reach their full potential. Who this helps: This helps children who experience stunting, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating clear guidelines for detecting and managing neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children in India, aiming to improve prevention and early intervention strategies. Researchers found that specific learning disabilities (SLD) are the most common NDD in India after age six, highlighting the need for better early diagnosis and support for at-risk infants and toddlers. These guidelines aim to ensure that pediatricians and healthcare professionals can provide more effective care, ultimately reducing the impact of these conditions on children and their families. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians, parents, and young children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

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This study looked at how many school-aged children in rural southern India have disabilities that affect their daily activities and how this impacts their ability to attend school. Out of nearly 29,000 children surveyed, 299 (or 1.0%) had some form of functional difficulty, with the most common issues being understanding (0.5%) and walking (0.4%). The research found that children with functional difficulties were significantly less likely to be enrolled in school—almost half of those with challenges were not attending, which shows a pressing need for targeted support to help these children access education. Who this helps: This benefits children with disabilities and their families, as well as educators and policymakers aiming to improve school inclusion.

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This study looked at how structured early childhood education (ECE) affects cognitive development in children from impoverished areas in Vellore, India. Researchers followed 251 newborns and their cognitive abilities were tested at ages 5 and 9. They found that children who attended structured ECE for 18 to 24 months scored significantly higher on intelligence tests, with scores showing improvements of around 19.55 points in processing speed and 6.75 points in overall intelligence at age 5, and continued benefits of about 8.82 points in performance at age 9. This highlights the importance of investing in early childhood education to help children reach their full potential. Who this helps: This benefits children in low-income areas, their families, and educators.

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The UNITY project studied how to better understand brain development in children from low and middle-income countries using a type of MRI that is more accessible and easier to use. The researchers aim to use low-field magnetic resonance imaging to get clearer insights into how children's brains grow and develop compared to traditional methods that mainly focus on physical growth like height and weight. This matters because understanding brain development is essential for improving child health and ensuring children reach their full potential. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, healthcare providers, and families of young children in low and middle-income countries.

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This research looks at using dentin from extracted teeth as a natural material to help preserve the jawbone after a tooth is removed. It aims to find out how effective dentin is compared to other bone graft materials for this purpose by analyzing existing studies. The findings are important because they could lead to more effective and less invasive options for dental procedures, improving outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients receiving dental implants.

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This study looked at how early health intervention programs, specifically health education and relaxation techniques, can help women with breast cancer better manage the side effects of chemotherapy. Among 340 women, those who received the intervention experienced significantly less severe side effects compared to those who only got standard care. For example, 80% of women in the control group reported severe fatigue, while only 68% in the intervention group reported moderate fatigue. This is important because it shows that providing additional support can improve the quality of life for women undergoing chemotherapy. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy side effects.

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This study looked at how disabilities affect school attendance among children aged 5 to 17 in rural southern India. Out of nearly 29,000 children surveyed, about 299 (1.0%) had some form of functional difficulty, with the most common issues being related to understanding (0.5%) and walking (0.4%). Children with disabilities were much less likely to be enrolled in school; they were nearly five times more likely to be out of school compared to those without disabilities. Who this helps: This information is crucial for education officials and policymakers aiming to improve school access for children with disabilities.

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This study looked at how well the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) can predict a child's development between the ages of 6 months and 9 years in a group of 251 children from urban Vellore, South India. The results showed that BSID scores at 36 months were better at predicting later intelligence scores at ages 5, 7, and 9 compared to scores at 24 months, but the overall correlation was weak, with predictability ranging from 23.3% to 28.6%. This matters because it indicates that while BSID can offer some insight into future cognitive abilities, it may not be completely reliable in assessing child development. Who this helps: Patients, parents, and doctors assessing child development.

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This study looked at a brain structure called the corpus callosum, which connects the left and right sides of the brain, in Indian children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing children. Researchers found that the corpus callosum is smaller in children with ASD: specifically, its length and height are reduced compared to those without autism. Importantly, the size differences in the corpus callosum didn't vary based on how severe the autism was or the children's intelligence scores. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working with children with autism.

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This study examined how two different milk-cereal mixes, one with modest protein and the other with high protein, along with added vitamins and minerals, affected the brain development of infants in urban Delhi, India. Researchers found that at 12 months, infants who received the modest-protein mix showed improved motor skills and a more positive temperament, while those on the high-protein mix had lower social-emotional scores and increased difficulties with temperament. By 24 months, there were no clear differences in development among the groups. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and healthcare providers who are looking for effective nutrition options for infants to support healthy development.

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This study looked at a 64-year-old man who had low platelet counts, a condition known as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), after suffering from COVID-19. He started with very low platelets at 22,000 per microliter and struggled to respond to treatments until they added vitamin B12, which helped his platelet count increase to 78,000. This highlights that vitamin B12 deficiency can interfere with treatment for low platelet counts and should be checked in similar patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with low platelet counts after COVID-19.

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This study looked at how women with breast cancer manage the side effects of chemotherapy through self-care. Out of 170 patients, 80% experienced severe fatigue initially, which decreased to 61% later. Even though patients used several self-care strategies, their overall self-care practices were lacking, suggesting that better education and training for patients and caregivers could help them manage side effects more effectively. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how well MRI scans of the brain and movement assessments can predict the future development of infants who experienced a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain (known as hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy or HIE). They found that 36% of infants had poor outcomes, with a significant difference between those treated with cooling (21% had poor outcomes) and those who were not (52% had poor outcomes). The MRI and movement assessments proved to be very accurate in predicting these outcomes, which is important because they offer low-cost ways to help doctors anticipate and plan care for these infants. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of infants recovering from HIE.

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This study looked at how early childhood stunting affects brain development in children in India. Researchers found that nearly half of the children studied were stunted at age 2, and those who remained stunted until age 9 had IQ scores that were about 4 to 5 points lower compared to those who were never stunted. However, children who experienced "catch-up growth" after being stunted had better cognitive scores than those who remained stunted. This matters because improving nutrition in early childhood can help prevent stunting and boost brain development. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of stunting and their families, as well as health care providers working on nutrition programs.

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This study reports a rare genetic disorder called AICAR deficiency that affects how the body makes purines, which are essential for DNA and RNA. Researchers found a child in India with this disorder, identifying two harmful genetic changes that cause the condition, which has been only reported four times before worldwide. Understanding and diagnosing this disorder early can help provide therapy and guidance for families affected. Who this helps: This helps patients with AICAR deficiency and their families by offering early diagnosis and support.

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This study looked at the growth patterns of young children living in poor urban areas of Vellore, India, by comparing two groups born 8-9 years apart. Researchers found that children from the more recent group (2010-2012) had better growth outcomes, with less stunting at ages 1, 2, and 3, compared to the earlier group (2002-2003), which had 373 children and 215 children respectively. This matters because it shows that improvements in socioeconomic conditions and maternal education can lead to healthier growth in children, highlighting the importance of supporting families in low-income settings. Who this helps: This helps families in low-income neighborhoods and policymakers focusing on child health and development.

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This research studied how a stimulating environment during early childhood can affect resilience in children later in life, specifically looking at 205 kids from a community in Vellore, India, when they turned 9 years old. The study found that children who had a supportive home environment and daily stimulation had better resilience scores, with a notable link between resilience and cognitive abilities; for example, higher resilience was tied to better verbal intelligence scores. This matters because improving the home environment can help enhance children's overall development and mental health, especially in areas where resources are limited. Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers of young children, particularly in low-resource communities.

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This study looked at three unrelated children from India who had symptoms of two rare genetic disorders: Aicardi-Goutières syndrome type 6 (AGS6) and dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH). Two of the children had specific harmful genetic changes in the ADAR1 gene. These findings are important because they help better understand the connection between these disorders and could lead to improved diagnosis and care for affected individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with AGS6 and DSH and their families.

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This study examined how the home environment of young children in a community in South India changes from 6 to 36 months of age and what factors influence these changes. Researchers followed 251 children and found that socio-economic status (SES) strongly predicted home quality, with the influence increasing over time. Maternal education and mental health also played roles, impacting home environments at different ages; specifically, higher maternal education improved conditions, while maternal depression worsened them. Improving education for mothers and supporting their well-being can lead to better home environments for children. Who this helps: This helps parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers focused on early childhood development.

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This study looked at how head size at age two relates to how well children think and learn at ages two and five. It found that kids with smaller head sizes (specifically, those whose head circumference was significantly below average) scored lower on cognitive tests: they had scores about 2.21 points lower at age two and around 7 points lower in language and performance at age five. This is important because it suggests that checking head size in early childhood could help identify children at risk for learning difficulties, particularly in low-income settings. Who this helps: This helps parents and doctors identify children who may need additional support in their early development.

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This study looked at whether certain skin conditions (specifically congenital and nevoid lesions) can help identify autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children in India. Researchers found that children with ASD were more likely to have these skin conditions, with a significant association shown for hyperpigmented mosaicism (about 2.76 times more likely) and café-au-lait macules (2.40 times more likely). Recognizing these skin markers could allow for quicker diagnosis and better support for children with autism. Who this helps: This helps parents and doctors in identifying autism earlier and potentially improving care for affected children.

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This study looked at how children's development changes from birth to age 3 in a community in South India. Researchers found that as children grew, scores in areas like thinking, speaking, and social skills dropped significantly over time. They discovered factors that can help improve development, such as a better family income and supportive home environment, which raised scores, while issues like poor nutrition led to declines. Who this helps: This information benefits parents, caregivers, and health professionals working with young children, especially in low-income areas.

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Scientists studied four patients from the Indian subcontinent with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome type 1 (AGS1), which causes serious brain problems and other medical issues. They found a specific genetic variant in all four patients that likely comes from a shared ancestor, leading to similar symptoms that could be confused with other conditions like infections or lupus. This research highlights the need for genetic testing to accurately diagnose AGS1 early, which could improve patient care and reduce misdiagnosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome and their doctors.

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This study focused on improving the way we count probiotic bacteria in products to ensure they are effective. Researchers found that using a specific management approach helped reduce measurement errors, which previously led to variable results. By refining these counting methods, companies can save on costs and guarantee that their probiotic products contain the right amount of beneficial bacteria needed for health. Who this helps: Patients and manufacturers of probiotic products.

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This study examined the effects of early and ongoing stunting (a form of malnutrition) on children's thinking skills at age 5 in several low- and middle-income countries. It found that children who were consistently stunted from 1 to 6 months had cognitive scores that were about 2 points lower than those who were never stunted. Good home environments and higher socioeconomic status were linked to better cognitive development, highlighting the importance of nutrition and support in early childhood. Who this helps: This helps parents, educators, and policymakers working to improve child health and development.

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This study looked at how early childhood stunting—when children are shorter than expected for their age due to poor nutrition—affects thinking and learning at age 5. The researchers found that children who experienced stunting for a long time performed significantly worse on cognitive tests, with delays of nearly 20% in their scores compared to those who were not stunted. This matters because it highlights the importance of addressing nutrition in early childhood to support better brain development. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of stunting and the doctors and caregivers who support their growth.

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This study looked at how iron deficiency and lead exposure in early childhood impact the development and thinking skills of children in Vellore, India. Researchers followed 251 children from birth to age 5 and found that while iron levels improved after 24 months, 97% of children had high lead levels by 36 months, which negatively affected their language skills at age 2. Improving iron levels and reducing lead exposure can help boost children's development and cognitive abilities before they start school. Who this helps: This benefits children and their families, particularly in urban areas with high rates of lead exposure.

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This study looked at how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) affect families in South India. Researchers found that both ASD and NDD significantly impacted family life, but whether a child has autism or another disorder made little difference. Factors like being a girl, having seizures, and sleep issues increased the burden on families, suggesting that addressing these problems could ease some of the stress on families. Who this helps: This helps families of children with autism and other developmental disorders, as well as healthcare providers working in these communities.

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This study focuses on a 54-year-old woman who experienced a persistent dry cough and other respiratory problems, but was ultimately diagnosed with esophageal cancer, specifically esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This type of cancer is quite common and accounts for 70% to 90% of all esophageal cancers. The findings highlight the importance of considering serious underlying conditions like ESCC when patients present with chronic cough and respiratory symptoms, which can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing unusual respiratory symptoms and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different early life experiences affect the cognitive development of young children in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers tracked the development of 835 children from birth to five years old and found that those who lived in safe, supportive environments with access to learning resources and nutritious food showed better cognitive growth. Specifically, children with caregivers who were emotionally responsive and fewer health issues, like diarrhea or respiratory infections, tended to have more favorable cognitive outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, caregivers, and health workers focused on enhancing child development.

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This study examined children with Rett syndrome (RTT), a genetic disorder that affects development and often leads to seizures. Researchers found mutations in the Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene in all 25 children they studied and discovered that most of the mutations were found in a specific part of the gene called exon 4. Importantly, they noted that none of the children with certain gene deletions experienced seizures, indicating a potential link between gene mutations and the frequency of seizures in RTT. Who this helps: This research helps patients with Rett syndrome and their doctors by providing insights into the genetic factors that influence seizures.

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This study looked at how certain proteins called cytokines, which help regulate the immune system, vary in the gums of patients with different types of periodontal disease, such as chronic periodontitis and gingivitis. The researchers found that the levels of some cytokines, like IL-6, were much higher in patients with gingivitis—about 10.5 times more—compared to those with aggressive periodontitis. This is important because it suggests that while some cytokines can promote inflammation and tissue destruction, they might also play a protective role in preventing disease from getting worse. Who this helps: This helps patients with gum diseases and their dentists in understanding their condition better.

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This study looked at how early life factors, such as nutrition and the quality of the home environment, affect a child's brain development by age 5. Researchers found that children whose mothers had longer education, better reasoning skills, and who lived in cleaner, wealthier homes performed better on intelligence tests. For example, every additional year of maternal education was linked to an increase of 0.27 points on cognitive scores, and a nurturing home environment improved scores by 0.64 points. Who this helps: This benefits children and their families by highlighting the importance of good nutrition and supportive home environments for cognitive development.

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This study looked at head circumference (HC) measurements in 228 children from Vellore, India, in their first two years of life to see how it relates to stunting (being shorter than expected for age). They found that one-third of the babies had low HC at birth, and by the end of two years, half of the children still had low HC. Low HC was closely linked to stunting, with certain family factors like parents’ head size and socio-economic status affecting child growth. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and healthcare providers in identifying and monitoring growth issues in young children.

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This study looked at how growth measurements, like weight and head size, affect children's cognitive development in low-income areas. Researchers followed children from birth to 24 months in eight countries and found that growth problems during early childhood, especially in weight and head circumference, were linked to lower cognitive scores at 24 months. However, the connection was weak, suggesting that while growth indicators can provide some insight, directly measuring cognitive skills is more effective for understanding a child's development. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers support better developmental outcomes for children.

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This study looked at how having multiple emotional and behavioral issues affects families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Researchers found that families felt more strain if their child had many problems, difficulty sleeping, could only communicate in physical ways, and had more severe autism symptoms. It’s important because understanding these challenges can help develop better support and treatment for families. Who this helps: Families with children who have ASD and co-existing conditions.

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This research looks at how various factors, like poor nutrition and stress, prevent children from reaching their full potential, especially those with disabilities. It finds that these children face higher rates of poverty and neglect and struggle to get an education or healthcare. Providing early developmental support and reducing stigma can greatly improve their future opportunities and help communities thrive. Who this helps: This helps children with disabilities and their families.

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This study looked at how quality of life (QoL) differs between psychiatric patients in remission who are treated with either a single medication (monotherapy) or multiple medications (polypharmacy). The researchers found that patients on polypharmacy reported significantly better QoL in physical, psychological, and social areas compared to those on monotherapy. Specifically, 92% of polypharmacy patients had high functioning scores, while 96% of monotherapy patients had lower scores, and treatment with multiple medications was also more expensive. Who this helps: This benefits psychiatric patients who may require multiple medications for better quality of life and functioning.

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The study investigated the effectiveness of the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) for measuring depression in new mothers from eight different countries. Researchers found that a revised version of the SRQ, focused on 16 specific items and excluding physical symptoms like headaches, was a better way to assess postpartum depression over time. About 2028 mothers participated, and the new model worked well across different cultures and at two different times after giving birth, suggesting it is a reliable tool for screening depression in these women. Who this helps: This helps mothers dealing with postpartum depression and healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at the levels of lead in the blood of preschool children aged 15 to 24 months in urban Vellore, India, and how it affects their thinking abilities and anemia. Researchers found that about 45% of the children at 15 months and 46.4% at 24 months had high lead levels. The study also revealed that children living in homes with certain conditions, like mud floors, faced higher risks, and 31% of those with high lead levels showed poor cognitive skills. This matters because exposure to lead can harm children's brain development and learning. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers in identifying and reducing lead exposure in young children.

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The MAL-ED study looked at how infants and young children's development is influenced by various factors in eight low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, India, and others. Researchers measured language and overall development from birth to 24 months using standardized tests and also considered the child's environment and the mother's mental health. The study found that thorough preparation and adaptation of testing methods are crucial for ensuring high-quality data, emphasizing the need for funding to support this work in future research. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, pediatricians, and health policymakers focused on child development and care in diverse environments.

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Researchers set up a new study site in Vellore, India, to gather detailed information on the health of children, focusing on problems like infections and malnutrition. They found that in the local slum area, about 35% of children are stunted, and the infant mortality rate is 38 deaths for every 1,000 births, mainly due to infections and other health issues. This research is important because it helps us understand how these problems affect children's development and how to better address them. Who this helps: This benefits children living in low-income areas, their families, and health care providers.