Background The cerebellum is a brain region recognized primarily in the coordination of movement and related accessory motor functions. In addition, emerging evidence implicates the cerebellum in cognitive processes and suggests that this brain region may be subject to experience-dependent plastic changes in structure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of early environmental deprivation in the maturation of the cerebellum and aspects of cognitive development. Methods Structural MRI volumes of 12 cerebellar sub-regions from 31 previously-neglected and 30 typically developing children were compared to subjects’ corresponding neuropsychological test scores. Results Neglected children had smaller volume of the superior-posterior cerebellar lobes. Moreover, superior-posterior lobe volume was found to mediate neuropsychological test performance differences between groups, with larger volumes yielding better outcomes on tests of memory and planning. Conclusions These data support the importance of experience-dependent plastic changes in cerebellar structure and highlight the role of the cerebellum in higher cognitive functions.

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Background:The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of early longitudinal preceptorship experiences on the evolution of general self-efficacy and patient-centeredness self-efficacy through medical school.Methods: Validated surveys for general self-efficacy and patient-centeredness self-efficacy were administered in an allopathic medical school at three timepoints. These data were stratified by traditional and longitudinal preceptorship groups and analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations. Qualitative analysis of narrative medicine essays by the same cohort during their preceptorship experiences was also performed.Results: While general self-efficacy remained largely unchanged over time, patient-centeredness self-efficacy measures increased throughout medical school in the whole cohort (N=157). The longitudinal preceptorship group had higher gains in patient-centeredness self-efficacy, especially in the domain of exploring patient perspectives (p<0.05). The qualitative analysis of narrative medicine essays showed those in longitudinal preceptorships were more likely to discuss health care systems issues, consider psychosocial factors, and perceive themselves as active members of the care team.Discussion: Our study indicates greater patient-centeredness attitudes over time among students who have early longitudinal experiences, perhaps due to the self-efficacy building nature of these experiences. Our research suggest that medical school programs should consider incorporating opportunities for early longitudinal clinical experiences for their students.