臺北醫學大學 臺北神經醫學中心 校級神經醫學研究中心

Child Development Team

Our collaborative team, with the Principle Investigator of Dr. Yi-Hua Chen, Dean of the College of Public Health, brings together diverse expertise in epidemiology, environmental science, and clinical practice specializing in maternal and child neurology and early intervention. Our mission is to investigate the adaptability of infants and young children to considerable environmental shifts and examine the lasting effects of these changes on their physical and mental well-being amidst declining birth rates in Taiwan. Since 2009, we have actively pursued this endeavor, striving to promote the comprehensive health and development of infants and young children while also considering the holistic well-being of their parents.

Harnessing the opportunities presented by advancements in technology-driven healthcare, we continuously expand our extensive database through the Longitudinal Examination across Prenatal and Postpartum Health in Taiwan (LEAPP-HIT) project. Our distinctive approach lies in exploring crucial yet underexplored factors influencing child development, such as sleep patterns, digital media usage, dietary habits, environmental pollution, and exposure to toxic metals. While prior studies have primarily focused on older children aged 3-12, identifying risks and hazards, there remains a notable gap in research during the critical 1-3 year period. Our team addresses this gap by conducting longitudinal studies that integrate various factors and assess their weighted impact on cognitive and language development.

Publications

• 1. Su, Y.-Y., Chen, C.-J., Chen, M.-H., Lin, C.-C., Chiou, H.-Y., Hsieh, W.-S., Chang, H., Chen, C.-M., & Chen, P.-C. (2026). Optimizing maternal weight gain to improve neonatal health: A nationwide birth cohort analysis in Taiwan. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association.
• 2. Kuo, C.-Y., Chang, H., Su, E. C.-Y., Huang, Y.-J., Tsai, M.-L., & Tseng, S.-H. (2026). Effectiveness of early intervention and prediction of outcomes in Taiwanese children with developmental delay. Pediatrics and Neonatology, 67(1), 63-69.
• 3. Lee, P.-J., Lo, Y.-C., Chen, Y.-Y., Hu, C.-J., Lin, Y.-K., Pham, Q. T. T., Sim, N. K., Then, C. K., & Shen, S.-C. (2026). Short-chain fatty acids improve hippocampal atrophy, ventricular dilatation and cognitive function decline in aged mice. Aging and Disease, 17(3), 1737-1754.
• 4. Kao, C.-S., Jiang, C.-B., Yang, C.-C., Wang, Y.-L., Chen, Y.-H., Chao, H.-J., Hsi, H.-C., & Chien, L.-C. (2026). Combined exposure to microplastics and cadmium alters gut microbiota composition in preschool children: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 501.
• 5. Li Lin, C.-Y., Huang, Y.-J., Lin, H.-C., Tsai, M.-L., Ku, J.-T., Lee, F.-C., & Chang, H. (2026). Increased incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is associated with early and prolonged exposure to antibiotics: A population-based retrospective cohort study. Pediatrics and Neonatology, 67(1), 45-50.
• 6. Tsai, P.-L., Lo, Y.-C., Tsai, Y.-S., Hwang, Y.-S., Lin, T.-C., Liang, Y.-W., Huang, C.-E., Hsu, F.-C., Tu, Y.-F., & Chen, Y.-Y. (2026). Tract integrity predicts neurological outcomes in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Pediatrics and Neonatology, 67(1), 56-62.
• 7. Wong, P.-Y., Su, H.-J., Chao, H.-J., Pan, W.-C., Tsai, H.-J., Yao, T.-C., Liu, W.-Y., Lung, S.-C. C., Adamkiewicz, G., & Wu, C.-D. (2026). An innovative Geo-AI approach in estimating high-resolution urban ambient fungal spore variations. Earth Systems and Environment, 10(1), 31-44.
• 8. Su, Y.-Y., Chen, C.-J., Chen, M.-H., Lin, C.-C., Chan, C.-K., Hsieh, W.-S., Chang, H., Chen, C.-M., Lin, H.-C., & Chen, P.-C. (2026). Atopic diseases in pediatric population: Prematurity and small for gestational age. BMC Pediatrics, 26(1).
• 9. Kao, C.-S., Wang, Y.-L., Jiang, C.-B., Chuang, Y.-C., Chen, Y.-H., Chao, H.-J., Lin, P.-H., Hsi, H.-C., & Chien, L.-C. (2026). A risk-benefit assessment of dietary selenium and its implications in preschool children's growth performance in Taiwan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 31.
• 10. Chu, C.-Y., Chen, Z.-H., Liang, C.-W., Wu, P.-W., Guo, W.-Q., Chen, B.-W., Huang, C.-C., Li, S.-J., Chang, C.-W., Liang, Y.-W., Kan, S.-A., Lo, Y.-C., Huang, W.-C., Chen, Y.-Y., Chen, S.-Y. (2026). A closed-loop-capable neural interface platform for deep brain modulation via integrated non-viral gene delivery, NIR optogenetics, and electrophysiological recording. Advanced Science, 13(7).
• 11. Chakranon, P., Huang, J.-P., Au, H.-K., Chiou, H., Lin, C.-L., Chen, Y.-Y., Mao, S.-P., Kim, P., Hsu, H.-W., & Chen, Y.-H. (2026). Bidirectional associations between smart device use and body mass index among children aged 3 to 5 years: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 23(1).
• 12. Sun, Y.-H., Tseng, S.-H., Hou, W.-H., Chen, H.-C., Lin, C.-W., & Wang, Y.-H. (2026). Impact of extended reality interventions on core deficits and functional performance among individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(2), 321-339.
• 13. Chang, C.-C., Chien, L.-C., Hsi, H.-C., & Hseu, Z.-Y. (2026). Evaluating in vitro bioaccessible fractions of rare earth elements in soils by using a simplified bioaccessibility extraction test. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 48(9).
• 14. Chao, W.-C., Zou, M.-L., Wu, C.-D., Huang, J.-P., Au, H.-K., Lin, C.-L., Mao, S.-P., Chao, H.-J., Chien, L.-C., Hsu, H.-W., Kim, P., & Chen, Y.-H. (2026). Prenatal and postpartum residential greenness and behavioral development in early childhood: Findings from a birth cohort. Environmental Research, 295.
• 15. Hung, S., & Chang, H. (2026). Recurrent hypersomnia following infections: A Kleine–Levin syndrome–like presentation with thalamic hypoperfusion. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.