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Kozlov G, Franceschi C, Vedunova M. Intricacies of aging and Down syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105794. [PMID: 38971514 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome is the most frequently occurring genetic condition, with a substantial escalation in risk associated with advanced maternal age. The syndrome is characterized by a diverse range of phenotypes, affecting to some extent all levels of organization, and its progeroid nature - early manifestation of aspects of the senile phenotype. Despite extensive investigations, many aspects and mechanisms of the disease remain unexplored. The current review aims to provide an overview of the main causes and manifestations of Down syndrome, while also examining the phenomenon of accelerated aging and exploring potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kozlov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarin ave., 23, 603022, Russia
| | - C Franceschi
- Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarin ave., 23, 603022, Russia
| | - M Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarin ave., 23, 603022, Russia; Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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2
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Alldred MJ, Pidikiti H, Ibrahim KW, Lee SH, Heguy A, Hoffman GE, Roussos P, Wisniewski T, Wegiel J, Stutzmann GE, Mufson EJ, Ginsberg SD. Analysis of microisolated frontal cortex excitatory layer III and V pyramidal neurons reveals a neurodegenerative phenotype in individuals with Down syndrome. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 148:16. [PMID: 39105932 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
We elucidated the molecular fingerprint of vulnerable excitatory neurons within select cortical lamina of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) for mechanistic understanding and therapeutic potential that also informs Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Frontal cortex (BA9) layer III (L3) and layer V (L5) pyramidal neurons were microisolated from postmortem human DS and age- and sex-matched controls (CTR) to interrogate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key biological pathways relevant to neurodegenerative programs. We identified > 2300 DEGs exhibiting convergent dysregulation of gene expression in both L3 and L5 pyramidal neurons in individuals with DS versus CTR subjects. DEGs included over 100 triplicated human chromosome 21 genes in L3 and L5 neurons, demonstrating a trisomic neuronal karyotype in both laminae. In addition, thousands of other DEGs were identified, indicating gene dysregulation is not limited to trisomic genes in the aged DS brain, which we postulate is relevant to AD pathobiology. Convergent L3 and L5 DEGs highlighted pertinent biological pathways and identified key pathway-associated targets likely underlying corticocortical neurodegeneration and related cognitive decline in individuals with DS. Select key DEGs were interrogated as potential hub genes driving dysregulation, namely the triplicated DEGs amyloid precursor protein (APP) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), along with key signaling DEGs including mitogen activated protein kinase 1 and 3 (MAPK1, MAPK3) and calcium calmodulin dependent protein kinase II alpha (CAMK2A), among others. Hub DEGs determined from multiple pathway analyses identified potential therapeutic candidates for amelioration of cortical neuron dysfunction and cognitive decline in DS with translational relevance to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Alldred
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harshitha Pidikiti
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Kyrillos W Ibrahim
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Sang Han Lee
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriel E Hoffman
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and the Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and the Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Wisniewski
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jerzy Wegiel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Grace E Stutzmann
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Rosalind Franklin University/The Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Stephen D Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Murphy AJ, Wilton SD, Aung-Htut MT, McIntosh CS. Down syndrome and DYRK1A overexpression: relationships and future therapeutic directions. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1391564. [PMID: 39114642 PMCID: PMC11303307 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1391564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is a genetic-based disorder that results from the triplication of chromosome 21, leading to an overexpression of many triplicated genes, including the gene encoding Dual-Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinase 1A (DYRK1A). This protein has been observed to regulate numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell functioning, differentiation, and apoptosis. Consequently, an overexpression of DYRK1A has been reported to result in cognitive impairment, a key phenotype of individuals with Down syndrome. Therefore, downregulating DYRK1A has been explored as a potential therapeutic strategy for Down syndrome, with promising results observed from in vivo mouse models and human clinical trials that administered epigallocatechin gallate. Current DYRK1A inhibitors target the protein function directly, which tends to exhibit low specificity and selectivity, making them unfeasible for clinical or research purposes. On the other hand, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) offer a more selective therapeutic strategy to downregulate DYRK1A expression at the gene transcript level. Advances in ASO research have led to the discovery of numerous chemical modifications that increase ASO potency, specificity, and stability. Recently, several ASOs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to address neuromuscular and neurological conditions, laying the foundation for future ASO therapeutics. The limitations of ASOs, including their high production cost and difficulty delivering to target tissues can be overcome by further advances in ASO design. DYRK1A targeted ASOs could be a viable therapeutic approach to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan J. Murphy
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Steve D. Wilton
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - May T. Aung-Htut
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Craig S. McIntosh
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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López-Riobóo E, Martínez-Castilla P. Prosodic skills in Spanish-speaking adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 59:1284-1295. [PMID: 38152925 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome (DS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of genetic origin with a cognitive-behavioural profile that distinguishes it from other syndromes. Within this profile, language difficulties are particularly marked, having been more studied in childhood than in adulthood. More generally, there is a paucity of research on the prosodic skills of individuals with DS, despite the relevance of this linguistic component for effective communication. AIMS This study aimed to analyse, for the first time, the prosodic profile of Spanish-speaking teenagers and young adults with DS. We hypothesized that participants with DS would show significantly lower skills for the perception and production of prosodic functions and forms when compared to peers with intellectual disability (ID) of unknown origin. We also hypothesized that teenagers and young adults with DS would have better prosody perception than prosody production. METHODS & PROCEDURES The final sample included in the study comprised 28 Spanish-speaking teenagers and young adults with DS and 29 teenagers and young adults with other ID matched on chronological age and nonverbal cognition. Their prosodic skills were tested by means of the Profiling Elements of Prosody for Speech and Communication battery. This battery allows for the separate evaluation of the comprehension and expression of the communicative functions of prosody and the discrimination and production of the forms that carry out such functions. OUTCOMES & RESULTS In the prosody function tasks, which are the most adaptive tasks for the communicative process, we found, as expected, significantly lower scores on the turn-end, chunking, and focus tasks in the group with DS. However, no significant between-group differences were found for the affect tasks. Participants with DS also had significantly lower scores on the prosodic form tasks than participants with other ID. The results of the comparison between prosodic perception and production skills showed that a generalization about a better profile in comprehension versus production is not possible and that there is a dependence on the demands of the prosodic task undertaken. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The findings contribute to the ongoing development of the language profile of teenagers and young adults with DS and imply the need to design prosodic intervention programs based on their specific profile. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Prosody is a fundamental element of language, and its mastery affects the effectiveness of communication. However, research on prosody in Down syndrome (DS) that offers a holistic view from a psycholinguistic approach is still scarce. To date, studies focused on providing a detailed profile of prosodic skills in individuals with DS have been mainly conducted with a few English-speaking children. These studies have shown that the comprehension and production of prosody is severely impaired, especially when considering affect and focus production, as well as the perception and production of prosodic forms. During childhood, greater efficacy is found in prosody comprehension than in prosody expression. What this study adds This is the first study analysing the prosodic profile of a large group of Spanish-speaking teenagers and young adults with DS. Poorer performance in the perception and production of both prosodic functions and forms was observed in participants with DS compared to participants with intellectual disability of unknown origin matched on chronological age and nonverbal cognition. Unlike what has been previously found in children, teenagers and young adults with DS performed at the same level as the control group on the understanding and expression of affect through prosodic cues. Results also showed that a generalization about a better prosody profile in comprehension versus production is not possible. What are the clinical implications of this work? This study provides new data on the prosodic skills of Spanish-speaking teenagers and young adults with DS. Given the impact of prosody on effective communication and the pattern of difficulties found in this study, speech and language therapists working with individuals with DS should consider including prosodic skills in interventions not only in childhood but also in adolescence and adulthood. Therefore, the prosodic profile of strengths and weaknesses in individuals with DS found in this research has direct implications for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena López-Riobóo
- Department of Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Facultad of Psychology, Madrid, Spain
- Fundación Síndrome de Down de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pastora Martínez-Castilla
- Department of Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Facultad of Psychology, Madrid, Spain
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Conde-Valverde M, Quirós-Sánchez A, Diez-Valero J, Mata-Castro N, García-Fernández A, Quam R, Carretero JM, García-González R, Rodríguez L, Sánchez-Andrés Á, Arsuaga JL, Martínez I, Villaverde V. The child who lived: Down syndrome among Neanderthals? SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn9310. [PMID: 38924400 PMCID: PMC11204207 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn9310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Caregiving for disabled individuals among Neanderthals has been known for a long time, and there is a debate about the implications of this behavior. Some authors believe that caregiving took place between individuals able to reciprocate the favor, while others argue that caregiving was produced by a feeling of compassion related to other highly adaptive prosocial behaviors. The study of children with severe pathologies is particularly interesting, as children have a very limited possibility to reciprocate the assistance. We present the case of a Neanderthal child who suffered from a congenital pathology of the inner ear, probably debilitating, and associated with Down syndrome. This child would have required care for at least 6 years, likely necessitating other group members to assist the mother in childcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Conde-Valverde
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Amara Quirós-Sánchez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Julia Diez-Valero
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Nieves Mata-Castro
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, Móstoles, Spain
- Hospital Universitario HM Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfredo García-Fernández
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, Móstoles, Spain
- Hospital Universitario HM Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Spain
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rolf Quam
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Department of Anthropology, Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY, USA
- Centro de Investigación UCM-ISCIII sobre la Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| | - José Miguel Carretero
- Centro de Investigación UCM-ISCIII sobre la Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio de Evolución Humana, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
- Unidad Asociada de I+D+i al CSIC Vidrio y Materiales del Patrimonio Cultural (VIMPAC), Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | | | - Laura Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Evolución Humana, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
- Área de Antropología Física. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Universidad de León, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Campus De Vegazana, León, Spain
| | - Ángeles Sánchez-Andrés
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Arsuaga
- Centro de Investigación UCM-ISCIII sobre la Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Geodinámica, Estratigrafía y Paleontología, Facultad de Ciencias Geológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Martínez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Cátedra de Otoacústica Evolutiva y Paleoantropología (HM Hospitales-Universidad de Alcalá), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Valentín Villaverde
- Universitat de València, Departament de Prehistòria, Arqueologia i Història Antiga (PREMEDOC), Av. Blasco Ibañez 28, 46010 València, Spain
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Alldred MJ, Pidikiti H, Ibrahim KW, Lee SH, Heguy A, Hoffman GE, Mufson EJ, Stutzmann GE, Ginsberg SD. Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons Display Sublayer and Circuitry Dependent Degenerative Expression Profiles in Aged Female Down Syndrome Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 100:S341-S362. [PMID: 39031371 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have intellectual disability and develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology during midlife, particularly in the hippocampal component of the medial temporal lobe memory circuit. However, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying selective vulnerability of hippocampal CA1 neurons remains a major knowledge gap during DS/AD onset. This is compounded by evidence showing spatial (e.g., deep versus superficial) localization of pyramidal neurons (PNs) has profound effects on activity and innervation within the CA1 region. Objective We investigated whether there is a spatial profiling difference in CA1 PNs in an aged female DS/AD mouse model. We posit dysfunction may be dependent on spatial localization and innervation patterns within discrete CA1 subfields. Methods Laser capture microdissection was performed on trisomic CA1 PNs in an established mouse model of DS/AD compared to disomic controls, isolating the entire CA1 pyramidal neuron layer and sublayer microisolations of deep and superficial PNs from the distal CA1 (CA1a) region. Results RNA sequencing and bioinformatic inquiry revealed dysregulation of CA1 PNs based on spatial location and innervation patterns. The entire CA1 region displayed the most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in trisomic mice reflecting innate DS vulnerability, while trisomic CA1a deep PNs exhibited fewer but more physiologically relevant DEGs, as evidenced by bioinformatic inquiry. Conclusions CA1a deep neurons displayed numerous DEGs linked to cognitive functions whereas CA1a superficial neurons, with approximately equal numbers of DEGs, were not linked to pathways of dysregulation, suggesting the spatial location of vulnerable CA1 PNs plays an important role in circuit dissolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Alldred
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harshitha Pidikiti
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Kryillos W Ibrahim
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Sang Han Lee
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriel E Hoffman
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Psychiatry and the Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elliott J Mufson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Grace E Stutzmann
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Therapeutics, Rosalind Franklin University/The Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen D Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Kurabayashi N, Fujii K, Otobe Y, Hiroki S, Hiratsuka M, Yoshitane H, Kazuki Y, Takao K. Neocortical neuronal production and maturation defects in the TcMAC21 mouse model of Down syndrome. iScience 2023; 26:108379. [PMID: 38025769 PMCID: PMC10679816 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) results from trisomy of human chromosome 21 (HSA21), and DS research has been conducted by the use of mouse models. We previously generated a humanized mouse model of DS, TcMAC21, which carries the long arm of HSA21. These mice exhibit learning and memory deficits, and may reproduce neurodevelopmental alterations observed in humans with DS. Here, we performed histologic studies of the TcMAC21 forebrain from embryonic to adult stages. The TcMAC21 neocortex showed reduced proliferation of neural progenitors and delayed neurogenesis. These abnormalities were associated with a smaller number of projection neurons and interneurons. Further, (phospho-)proteomic analysis of adult TcMAC21 cortex revealed alterations in the phosphorylation levels of a series of synaptic proteins. The TcMAC21 mouse model shows similar brain development abnormalities as DS, and will be a valuable model to investigate prenatal and postnatal causes of intellectual disability in humans with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiro Kurabayashi
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kazuki Fujii
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuta Otobe
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shingo Hiroki
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masaharu Hiratsuka
- Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hikari Yoshitane
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kazuki
- Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
- Chromosome Engineering Research Group, The Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Liu XL, Lee W, Rolfhus E, Hutchings T, Yao L, Xie J, Xu Y, Peng Y, Villiers JD. The development of a parent report instrument of early communication and language skills of infants and toddlers in mainland China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023; 58:1887-1902. [PMID: 37025041 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to produce a new parent-report measure, the Diagnostic Receptive Expressive Assessment of Mandarin-Infant Toddler Assessment of Communication and Language (DREAM-IT) in order to provide norms for the developmental skills of children aged 0-36 months in four areas: expressive language, receptive language, cognitive play and social skills. METHODOLOGY The scale was designed to be both broader and deeper than existing instruments that neglect one or more of these significant domains involved in early language. Items were chosen by a group of specialists with clinical experience working with the age group and with attention to the developmental literature. Caregivers were tested individually by a trained person who asked the questions and provided examples. In addition to an extensive health questionnaire, caregivers answered questions in Mandarin about their child's behaviour using a scale of 'not yet', 'sometimes' or 'always' or listing out words and/or sounds understood or said by the child. The 476 participating caregivers were recruited at maternal and child healthcare clinics centred in Chengdu, China, 191 of whom were tested a second time seven months later. The children were sampled in three-month age-bands from 0 to 36 months. The sample was balanced for child gender by age band, and parental education was balanced. Caregivers of 0-24-month-old children and caregivers of 12-36 months were each asked a different set of questions, to determine the appropriate age range and cutoff points for each question, requiring the sample size to be doubled for children aged 12-24 months. RESULTS The results were subject to item-response theory analysis to remove outlying items, and the resulting internal reliability was high for each domain (average Cronbach's alpha=0.87). The final instrument (between 67 and 113 questions in total) was refined to include the least redundant questions that had the highest intercorrelations, with attention paid to coverage of all domains across the age range. Two scales were developed: one for children 0-18 months, the second for children aged 18-36 months. The longitudinal design permitted the creation of growth curves and norms for each domain for six-month intervals from 0 to 36 months. A small sample of 32 parents of children with Down syndrome aged 18-36 months provided validation that the scales are highly sensitive to developmental delay. CONCLUSION The instrument shows considerable promise for detecting early communication problems in children in China. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject In China, efforts were made in recent years to develop language assessments for infants and toddlers, but limitations existed with the domains included and number of items included per age group. Many clinical practitioners also continued to rely on language subtests of general developmental scales, which were limited in depth and breadth of language skills tested and were never intended for diagnosis of language delay. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This paper discusses the development of a valid caregiver report instrument for early communication and language skills of infants and toddlers in mainland China. The Diagnostic Receptive Expressive Assessment of Mandarin-Infant Toddler (DREAM-IT) includes foundational domains necessary for language and communication development in young children (receptive language, expressive language, cognitive play and social communication domains). The results show strong internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) for each domain on a sample of 716 children sampled in three-month age bands from 0 to 36 months. The external validity proved strong when tested on a group of 32 young children with Down syndrome. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Besides helping to inform the diagnosis of language delays in infants and toddlers in China, the caregiver report instrument has special features to support clinical practitioners in a field that is just emerging in China. The unique support features include the automatic generation of a profile of relative strengths and weaknesses of the child on the report and the recommendation of child-specific caregiver coaching videos on a companion app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueman Lucy Liu
- Hainan Boao Bethel International Medical Center, Boao, China
- University of Texas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Wendy Lee
- Hainan Boao Bethel International Medical Center, Boao, China
| | - Eric Rolfhus
- Hainan Boao Bethel International Medical Center, Boao, China
| | | | - Liqun Yao
- Hainan Boao Bethel International Medical Center, Boao, China
| | - Jingqiu Xie
- Chengdu Qingyang District Maternal and Child Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaqing Xu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongmei Peng
- Shanghai Center for Women and Children's Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Jill de Villiers
- Hainan Boao Bethel International Medical Center, Boao, China
- Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Prahl A, McDaniel J. Strategies for Teaching Verbs to Children with and without Language Impairment. Semin Speech Lang 2023; 44:267-286. [PMID: 37758181 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1773785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this feasibility study was to extend the current evidence base on intransitive verb learning by evaluating and comparing three strategies (syntactic cues, semantic cues, combined cues) for teaching novel verbs to expand the vocabularies of children with and without language impairment. Twenty-three children with typical development, seven children with developmental language disorder, and eight children with Down syndrome participated in Studies 1, 2, and 3, respectively. They were taught novel, intransitive verbs using syntactic, semantic, and combined cues and then asked to receptively identify and expressively label the novel verbs. Across all conditions, participants learned novel verbs receptively with large effect sizes and participants with typical development and Down syndrome also learned the verbs expressively with large effect sizes. There were no significant differences between conditions. This study extends word-learning research by evaluating not only receptive but also expressive intransitive verb learning to expand one's vocabulary. The results provide positive evidence for three effective strategies for teaching intransitive verbs to children with and without language impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Prahl
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Jena McDaniel
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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10
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Thomazeau A, Lassalle O, Manzoni OJ. Glutamatergic synaptic deficits in the prefrontal cortex of the Ts65Dn mouse model for Down syndrome. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1171797. [PMID: 37841687 PMCID: PMC10569174 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1171797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the most prevalent cause of intellectual disability, stems from a chromosomal anomaly resulting in an entire or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This leads to intellectual disability and a range of associated symptoms. While there has been considerable research focused on the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS, particularly in the context of the hippocampus, the synaptic underpinnings of prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction in DS, including deficits in working memory, remain largely uncharted territory. In a previous study featuring mBACtgDyrk1a mice, which manifest overexpression of the Dyrk1a gene, a known candidate gene linked to intellectual disability and microcephaly in DS, we documented adverse effects on spine density, alterations in the molecular composition of synapses, and the presence of synaptic plasticity deficits within the PFC. The current study aimed to enrich our understanding of the roles of different genes in DS by studying Ts65Dn mice, which overexpress several genes including Dyrk1a, to compare with our previous work on mBACtgDyrk1a mice. Through ex-vivo electrophysiological experiments, including patch-clamp and extracellular field potential recordings, we identified alterations in the intrinsic properties of PFC layer V/VI pyramidal neurons in Ts65Dn male mice. Additionally, we observed changes in the synaptic plasticity range. Notably, long-term depression was absent in Ts65Dn mice, while synaptic or pharmacological long-term potentiation remained fully expressed in these mice. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate synaptic mechanisms contributing to PFC dysfunction in DS, shedding light on potential therapeutic avenues for addressing the neurocognitive symptoms associated with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Thomazeau
- Côte d’Azur, CNRS UMR7275, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France
- Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Lassalle
- Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier J. Manzoni
- Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
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11
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Hamadelseed O, Chan MKS, Wong MBF, Skutella T. Distinct neuroanatomical and neuropsychological features of Down syndrome compared to related neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1225228. [PMID: 37600012 PMCID: PMC10436105 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1225228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We critically review research findings on the unique changes in brain structure and cognitive function characteristic of Down syndrome (DS) and summarize the similarities and differences with other neurodevelopmental disorders such as Williams syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, and fragile X syndrome. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic literature review of 84 studies identified by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science from 1977 to October 2022. This review focuses on the following issues: (1) specific neuroanatomic and histopathological features of DS as revealed by autopsy and modern neuroimaging modalities, (2) language and memory deficits in DS, (3) the relationships between these neuroanatomical and neuropsychological features, and (4) neuroanatomic and neuropsychological differences between DS and related neurodevelopmental syndromes. Results Numerous post-mortem and morphometric neuroimaging investigations of individuals with DS have reported complex changes in regional brain volumes, most notably in the hippocampal formation, temporal lobe, frontal lobe, parietal lobe, and cerebellum. Moreover, neuropsychological assessments have revealed deficits in language development, emotional regulation, and memory that reflect these structural changes and are more severe than expected from general cognitive dysfunction. Individuals with DS also show relative preservation of multiple cognitive, linguistic, and social domains compared to normally developed controls and individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, all these neurodevelopment disorders exhibit substantial heterogeneity among individuals. Conclusion People with Down syndrome demonstrate unique neurodevelopmental abnormalities but cannot be regarded as a homogenous group. A comprehensive evaluation of individual intellectual skills is essential for all individuals with neurodevelopment disorders to develop personalized care programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Hamadelseed
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mike K. S. Chan
- EW European Wellness Academy GmbH, Edenkoben, Germany
- Baden R&D Laboratories GmbH, Edenkoben, Germany
| | - Michelle B. F. Wong
- EW European Wellness Academy GmbH, Edenkoben, Germany
- Baden R&D Laboratories GmbH, Edenkoben, Germany
- Stellar Biomolecular Research GmbH, Edenkoben, Germany
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Fukami-Gartner A, Baburamani AA, Dimitrova R, Patkee PA, Ojinaga-Alfageme O, Bonthrone AF, Cromb D, Uus AU, Counsell SJ, Hajnal JV, O’Muircheartaigh J, Rutherford MA. Comprehensive volumetric phenotyping of the neonatal brain in Down syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:8921-8941. [PMID: 37254801 PMCID: PMC10350827 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability with a wide range of neurodevelopmental outcomes. To date, there have been very few in vivo neuroimaging studies of the neonatal brain in DS. In this study we used a cross-sectional sample of 493 preterm- to term-born control neonates from the developing Human Connectome Project to perform normative modeling of regional brain tissue volumes from 32 to 46 weeks postmenstrual age, accounting for sex and age variables. Deviation from the normative mean was quantified in 25 neonates with DS with postnatally confirmed karyotypes from the Early Brain Imaging in DS study. Here, we provide the first comprehensive volumetric phenotyping of the neonatal brain in DS, which is characterized by significantly reduced whole brain, cerebral white matter, and cerebellar volumes; reduced relative frontal and occipital lobar volumes, in contrast with enlarged relative temporal and parietal lobar volumes; enlarged relative deep gray matter volume (particularly the lentiform nuclei); and enlargement of the lateral ventricles, amongst other features. In future, the ability to assess phenotypic severity at the neonatal stage may help guide early interventions and, ultimately, help improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abi Fukami-Gartner
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Ana A Baburamani
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Ralica Dimitrova
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Prachi A Patkee
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Olatz Ojinaga-Alfageme
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra F Bonthrone
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Cromb
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Alena U Uus
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Serena J Counsell
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph V Hajnal
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan O’Muircheartaigh
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Mary A Rutherford
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, United Kingdom
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13
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Dulin MS, Loveall SJ, Mattie LJ. Home-literacy environments and language development in toddlers with Down syndrome. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1143369. [PMID: 37457096 PMCID: PMC10340519 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1143369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study aimed to (1) characterize the home-literacy environments (HLE) of toddlers with Down syndrome (DS) and (2) examine if richness of the HLE, child engagement during shared storybook reading activities, quality of a caregiver-child shared storybook reading activity, and exposure to language in the home environment predicted child receptive vocabulary concurrently (Time 1) and 6 months later (Time 2). Methods Participants were toddlers with DS (n = 13 at Time 1, 11-29 months of age; n = 10 at Time 2) and their mothers. Mothers completed a Home Literacy Environment Questionnaire at Time 1, which was used to characterize the HLE and to calculate two composite variables: richness of the HLE and child engagement in shared storybook reading. Also at Time 1, the home language environment was measured using adult word count from the LENA Recorder DLP©. The LENA was also used to audio-record and capture the quality of a caregiver-child storybook reading task in the child's home using the book Dear Zoo. At both time points, mothers completed the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories, and the number of words understood variable was used to measure receptive vocabulary. Results/Discussion Results indicated that toddlers with DS experience rich HLEs and interactive shared storybook reading encounters with their mothers. A multiple linear regression revealed that child engagement and the home language environment correlated with both toddlers' concurrent and later receptive vocabularies, while the richness of the HLE and the shared storybook reading task emerged as moderate predictors of receptive vocabulary 6 months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison S. Dulin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States
| | - Susan J. Loveall
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Mississippi, University, MS, United States
- Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Laura J. Mattie
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
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14
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Costanzo F, Fucà E, Caciolo C, Ruà D, Smolley S, Weissberg D, Vicari S. Talkitt: toward a new instrument based on artificial intelligence for augmentative and alternative communication in children with down syndrome. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1176683. [PMID: 37346421 PMCID: PMC10279874 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1176683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) often exhibit a severe speech impairment, with important consequences on language intelligibility. For these cases, the use of Augmentative Alternative Communication instruments, that increase an individual's communication abilities, becomes crucial. Talkitt is a mobile application created by Voiceitt Company, exploiting speech recognition technology and artificial intelligence models to translate in real-time unintelligible sounds into clear words, allowing individuals with language production impairment to verbally communicate in real-time. Methods The study evaluated the usability and satisfaction related to the Talkitt application use, as well as effects on adapted behavior and communication, of participants with DS. A final number of 23 individuals with DS, aged 5.54 to 28.9 years, participated in this study and completed 6 months of training. The application was trained to consistently recognize at least 20 different unintelligible words (e.g., nouns and/or short phrases)/person. Results Results revealed good usability and high levels of satisfaction related to the application use. Moreover, we registered improvement in linguistic abilities, particularly naming. Discussion These results paves the road for a potential role of Talkitt application as a supportive and rehabilitative tool for DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Costanzo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Caciolo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Ruà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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15
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Alldred MJ, Pidikiti H, Heguy A, Roussos P, Ginsberg SD. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are vulnerable in a mouse model of Down syndrome and their molecular fingerprint is rescued by maternal choline supplementation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22944. [PMID: 37191946 PMCID: PMC10292934 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202202111rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neuron (BFCN) degeneration is a hallmark of Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Current therapeutics in these disorders have been unsuccessful in slowing disease progression, likely due to poorly understood complex pathological interactions and dysregulated pathways. The Ts65Dn trisomic mouse model recapitulates both cognitive and morphological deficits of DS and AD, including BFCN degeneration and has shown lifelong behavioral changes due to maternal choline supplementation (MCS). To test the impact of MCS on trisomic BFCNs, we performed laser capture microdissection to individually isolate choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive neurons in Ts65Dn and disomic littermates, in conjunction with MCS at the onset of BFCN degeneration. We utilized single population RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to interrogate transcriptomic changes within medial septal nucleus (MSN) BFCNs. Leveraging multiple bioinformatic analysis programs on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by genotype and diet, we identified key canonical pathways and altered physiological functions within Ts65Dn MSN BFCNs, which were attenuated by MCS in trisomic offspring, including the cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways. We linked differential gene expression bioinformatically to multiple neurological functions, including motor dysfunction/movement disorder, early onset neurological disease, ataxia and cognitive impairment via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. DEGs within these identified pathways may underlie aberrant behavior in the DS mice, with MCS attenuating the underlying gene expression changes. We propose MCS ameliorates aberrant BFCN gene expression within the septohippocampal circuit of trisomic mice through normalization of principally the cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signaling pathways, resulting in attenuation of underlying neurological disease functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Alldred
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harshitha Pidikiti
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Heguy
- Genome Technology Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Departments of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Psychiatry and the Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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16
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Shaffer RC, Reisinger DL, Schmitt LM, Lamy M, Dominick KC, Smith EG, Coffman MC, Esbensen AJ. Systematic Review: Emotion Dysregulation in Syndromic Causes of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:518-557. [PMID: 36007813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the current state of the literature regarding emotion dysregulation (ED) in syndromic intellectual disabilities (S-IDs) in 6 of the most common forms of S-IDs-Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome (FXS), tuberous sclerosis complex, Williams syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Angelman syndrome-and to determine future research directions for identification and treatment of ED. METHOD PubMed bibliographic database was searched from date of inception to May 2021. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed with the flowchart, table of included studies, list of excluded studies, and checklist provided. Filters applied included human research and English. Only original research articles were included in the final set, but review articles were used to identify secondary citations of primary studies. All articles were reviewed for appropriateness by 2 authors and summarized. Inclusion criteria were met by 145 articles (Down syndrome = 29, FXS = 55, tuberous sclerosis complex = 11, Williams syndrome = 18, Prader-Willi syndrome = 24, Angelman syndrome = 8). RESULTS Each syndrome review was summarized separately and further subdivided into articles related to underlying neurobiology, behaviors associated with ED, assessment, and targeted intervention. FXS had the most thorough research base, followed by Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome, with the other syndromes having more limited available research. Very limited research was available regarding intervention for all disorders except FXS. CONCLUSION Core underlying characteristics of S-IDs appear to place youth at higher risk for ED, but further research is needed to better assess and treat ED in S-IDs. Future studies should have a standard assessment measure of ED, such as the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory, and explore adapting established curricula for ED from the neurotypical and autism spectrum disorder fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Shaffer
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | | | - Lauren M Schmitt
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Martine Lamy
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kelli C Dominick
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth G Smith
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Anna J Esbensen
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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17
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Scott-McKean JJ, Jones R, Johnson MW, Mier J, Basten IA, Stasko MR, Costa ACS. Emergence of Treadmill Running Ability and Quantitative Assessment of Gait Dynamics in Young Ts65Dn Mice: A Mouse Model for Down Syndrome. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050743. [PMID: 37239215 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), which results from the complete or partial trisomy of chromosome 21 (trisomy-21), is the most common genetically defined cause of intellectual disability. Trisomy-21 also produces, or is associated with, many neurodevelopmental phenotypes and neurological comorbidities, including delays and deficits in fine and gross motor development. The Ts65Dn mouse is the most studied animal model for DS and displays the largest known subset of DS-like phenotypes. To date, however, only a small number of developmental phenotypes have been quantitatively defined in these animals. Here, we used a commercially available high-speed, video-based system to record and analyze the gait of Ts65Dn and euploid control mice. Longitudinal treadmill recordings were performed from p17 to p35. One of the main findings was the detection of genotype- and sex-dependent developmental delays in the emergence of consistent, progressive-intensity gait in Ts65Dn mice when compared to control mice. Gait dynamic analysis showed wider normalized front and hind stances in Ts65Dn mice compared to control mice, which may reflect deficits in dynamic postural balance. Ts65Dn mice also displayed statistically significant differences in the variability in several normalized gait measures, which were indicative of deficits in precise motor control in generating gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah J Scott-McKean
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA
| | - Ryan Jones
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606-3390, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA
| | - Mark W Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA
| | - Joyce Mier
- Physical Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706-1532, USA
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA
| | - Ines A Basten
- Psychiatric Hospital Asster, 3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - Melissa R Stasko
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA
| | - Alberto C S Costa
- Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-6090, USA
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18
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Treichel N, Dukes D, Meuleman B, Van Herwegen J, Samson AC. "Not in the mood": The fear of being laughed at is better predicted by humor temperament traits than diagnosis in neurodevelopmental conditions. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 137:104513. [PMID: 37094391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has shown that autistic individuals seem to be more prone to develop gelotophobia (i.e., the fear of being laughed at) than typically developing individuals. The goals of the present study were to discover whether the high levels of gelotophobia found in autism in previous studies were replicated here, to expand the research to Down syndrome (DS) and Williams syndrome (WS), and to assess the relation between individual differences and social impairments, affective predispositions, and humor temperament. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to parents of autistic individuals (N = 48), individuals with DS (N = 139), and individuals with WS (N = 43) aged between 5 and 25 years old. RESULTS Autistic individuals were shown to frequently experience at least a slight level of gelotophobia (45%), compared to only 6% of individuals with DS and 7% of individuals with WS. Interestingly, humorless temperament traits (i.e., seriousness and bad mood) manifested as the strongest predictors of gelotophobia. This relation even transcended group differences. CONCLUSION The results confirm that gelotophobia seems to be particularly concerning for autistic individuals, whereas individuals with DS and WS seem to be more protected from developing such a fear. Moreover, it appears that gelotophobia seems to be more linked to high seriousness and irritability than diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Treichel
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Dukes
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ben Meuleman
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jo Van Herwegen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Andrea C Samson
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland; Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty of Psychology, Unidistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland.
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19
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Elangovan A, Babu HWS, Iyer M, Gopalakrishnan AV, Vellingiri B. Untangle the mystery behind DS-associated AD - Is APP the main protagonist? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 87:101930. [PMID: 37031726 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein profusion in Trisomy 21, also called Down Syndrome (DS), is rooted in the genetic determination of Alzheimer's disease (AD). With the recent development in patient care, the life expectancy of DS patients has gradually increased, leading to the high prospect of AD development, consequently leading to the development of plaques of amyloid proteins and neurofibrillary tangles made of tau by the fourth decade of the patient leading to dementia. The altered gene expression resulted in cellular dysfunction due to impairment of autophagy, mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, and copy number variation controlled by the additional genes in Trisomy 21. The cognitive impairment and mechanistic insights underlying DS-AD conditions have been reviewed in this article. Some recent findings regarding biomarkers and therapeutics of DS-AD conditions were highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Elangovan
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine/ Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India; Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Harysh Winster Suresh Babu
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine/ Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India; Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore-641021, India
| | | | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine/ Translational Research, Department of Zoology, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, Punjab, India; Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India.
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20
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Schworer EK, Altaye M, Fidler DJ, Beebe DW, Wiley S, Hoffman EK, Esbensen AJ. Evaluating Processing Speed and Reaction Time Outcome Measures in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5202. [PMID: 36982110 PMCID: PMC10049659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Reliable and valid cognitive outcome measures, including examiner-administered and computer-facilitated assessments of processing speed and reaction time, are necessary for future clinical trials that include individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The current study evaluated the score distributions and psychometric properties of four examiner-administered and three computerized processing speed and reaction time measures. Participants included 97 individuals with DS, aged 6 to 17 (M = 12.6, SD = 3.3). Two examiner-administered measures (Differential Ability Scales-II Rapid Naming and Cat/dog Stroop Congruent) met most predetermined psychometric criteria. Other assessments demonstrated good test-retest reliability and had negligible practice effects but lacked adequate feasibility. Recommendations for using processing speed and reaction time assessments in research and suggestions for modifications of measures are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mekibib Altaye
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Deborah J. Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Dean W. Beebe
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Susan Wiley
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Emily K. Hoffman
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Anna J. Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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21
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Onnivello S, Schworer EK, Prince MA, Daunhauer LA, Fidler DJ. Early developmental profiles among infants with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2023; 67:228-238. [PMID: 36484342 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome (DS) generally predisposes children to a pattern of relative developmental strengths and challenges, but within-syndrome heterogeneity is also commonly observed across many dimensions. The present research examines whether heterogeneity in developmental presentation can be detected during infancy in DS and whether factors associated with differing profiles can be identified. METHODS Infants with DS (n = 75; age range: 3.9-17.6 months) were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (Bayley-III). A primary caregiver provided information regarding developmental history and family demographics. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify whether early profiles were present across the five Bayley-III domains. RESULTS Three developmental profiles were observable within the sample: a 'Mild Delay' Profile, an 'Moderate Delay' Profile and a 'Pronounced Delay' Profile. In addition, chronological age, having received heart surgery and having received occupational therapy were associated with probability of profile membership. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study contribute to the growing knowledgebase regarding heterogenous presentations associated with DS and can inform early intervention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Onnivello
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E K Schworer
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - M A Prince
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - L A Daunhauer
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - D J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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22
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Hartley SL, Fleming V, Schworer EK, Peven J, Handen BL, Krinsky-McHale S, Hom C, Lee L, Tudorascu DL, Laymon C, Minhas D, Luo W, Cohen A, Zaman S, Ances BM, Mapstone M, Head E, Lai F, Rosas HD, Klunk W, Christian B. Timing of Alzheimer's Disease by Intellectual Disability Level in Down Syndrome. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:213-225. [PMID: 37482997 PMCID: PMC10578224 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trisomy 21 causes Down syndrome (DS) and is a recognized cause of early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE The current study sought to determine if premorbid intellectual disability level (ID) was associated with variability in age-trajectories of AD biomarkers and cognitive impairments. General linear mixed models compared the age-trajectory of the AD biomarkers PET Aβ and tau and cognitive decline across premorbid ID levels (mild, moderate, and severe/profound), in models controlling trisomy type, APOE status, biological sex, and site. METHODS Analyses involved adults with DS from the Alzheimer's Biomarkers Consortium-Down Syndrome. Participants completed measures of memory, mental status, and visuospatial ability. Premorbid ID level was based on IQ or mental age scores prior to dementia concerns. PET was acquired using [11C] PiB for Aβ, and [18F] AV-1451 for tau. RESULTS Cognitive data was available for 361 participants with a mean age of 45.22 (SD = 9.92) and PET biomarker data was available for 154 participants. There was not a significant effect of premorbid ID level by age on cognitive outcomes. There was not a significant effect of premorbid ID by age on PET Aβ or on tau PET. There was not a significant difference in age at time of study visit of those with mild cognitive impairment-DS or dementia by premorbid ID level. CONCLUSION Findings provide robust evidence of a similar time course in AD trajectory across premorbid ID levels, laying the groundwork for the inclusion of individuals with DS with a variety of IQ levels in clinical AD trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigan L. Hartley
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Victoria Fleming
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Jamie Peven
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Sharon Krinsky-McHale
- Department of Psychology, New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Christy Hom
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Laisze Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dana L. Tudorascu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Charles Laymon
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Davneet Minhas
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Weiquan Luo
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Annie Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shahid Zaman
- Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), Elizabeth House, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group (CIDDRG), University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Beau M. Ances
- Department of Neurology, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mark Mapstone
- Clinical Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Florence Lai
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - H. Diana Rosas
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Neuro-imaging of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - William Klunk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - the Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium-Down Syndrome
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), Elizabeth House, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group (CIDDRG), University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Neurology, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Clinical Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Neuro-imaging of Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Charlestown, MA, USA
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23
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Demirhan O, Hergüner Ö, Tunç E. A Cytogenetic Study of Turkish Children with Global Developmental Delay. J Pediatr Genet 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractGlobal developmental delay (GDD)/intellectual disability (ID) is common in children and its etiology is unknown in many cases. Chromosomal abnormalities are predominant genetic causes of GDD/ID. The aim of this study is to determine the genetic risk factors that may be involved in the etiology of GDD/ID. In this study, 810 children with moderate to severe, clinically unexplained GDD/ID for whom cytogenetic analysis were performed were retrospectively rescreened. The results showed that GDD/ID affected more females than males (2 girls:1 boy). A total of 54 children (6.7%) with GDD showed chromosomal aberrations (CAs): 59.3% of these CAs were structural aberrations, and the rest were numerical aberrations (40.7%). Specifically, inversions, deletions, and reciprocal and robertsonian translocations, which were detected in 1, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.4% of the children, respectively, constituted important categories of structural CAs. Among numerical CAs, classic Turner and mosaics were detected in 1.2% of all children. Trisomy 21 and mosaic trisomy 21 were detected in 1% of the children. Marker chromosomes and 47,XXY karyotypes were found in two children each. Our results suggest that female sex is more affected by CAs among GDD/ID cases, and cytogenetic analysis is useful in the etiological diagnosis of GDD/ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Demirhan
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Balcali-Adana, Turkey
| | - Özlem Hergüner
- Department of Child Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Balcali-Adana, Turkey
| | - Erdal Tunç
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Balcali-Adana, Turkey
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24
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Esbensen AJ, Schworer EK, Fidler DJ, Thurman AJ. Considerations for measuring individual outcomes across contexts in Down syndrome: Implications for research and clinical trials. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 62:191-225. [PMID: 36213318 PMCID: PMC9536481 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irrdd.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are increasingly involved in clinical trials that target developmental outcomes, like cognition and behavior. The increased focus on treatment in DS has led to ongoing discussions regarding the selection of outcome measures using syndrome-informed criteria. This discourse is warranted as clinical trials can fail if the outcome measures selected are inappropriate for individuals with DS or do not take into account the behavioral phenotype commonly associated with DS. This review focuses on the challenges present in the measurement of outcomes in DS, with a specific focus on considerations made in evaluating cognitive, language, and behavioral/psychopathology outcomes. This review also provides a summary of recommendations for assessment of outcomes in these domains as well as recommendations for future research. The impact of physical health and assessment psychometrics on the measurement of outcomes is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emily K Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Deborah J Fidler
- Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Angela John Thurman
- University of California Davis Health, MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Sacramento, CA, USA
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25
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Schworer EK, Ahmed A, Hogenkamp L, Moore S, Esbensen AJ. Associations among co-occurring medical conditions and cognition, language, and behavior in Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 126:104236. [PMID: 35468571 PMCID: PMC9376933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specific medical conditions are more prevalent in Down syndrome (DS) compared to the general population. Medical heterogeneity has also been hypothesized to contribute to variability in outcomes in DS. AIMS This project aimed to examine the association between medical conditions (i.e., gastrointestinal issues, hearing loss, vision problems, and congenital heart defects) and cognition, language, and behavior in children and adolescents with DS. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Participants were 73 children and adolescents with DS, ages 6-17 years (M = 12.67, SD = 3.16). Caregivers reported on participants' medical conditions, social behaviors, maladaptive behaviors, and executive function. Child cognitive abilities were also assessed. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Of the 73 participants, 34.2% had gastrointestinal issues, 12.3% had uncorrected hearing loss, 26.0% had uncorrected vision problems, and 31.5% had congenital heart defects. Participants with gastrointestinal issues had significantly more challenges with social behaviors, maladaptive behaviors, and executive function compared to those without gastrointestinal issues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The associations identified between gastrointestinal issues and caregiver-reported behavioral characteristics in youth with DS contributes to our understanding of the interrelation between co-occurring medical conditions and child outcomes and has implications for approaches to care for individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Ameena Ahmed
- LEND Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lori Hogenkamp
- LEND Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shelby Moore
- LEND Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Anna J Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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26
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Ahmed MM, Wang ACJ, Elos M, Chial HJ, Sillau S, Solano DA, Coughlan C, Aghili L, Anton P, Markham N, Adame V, Gardiner KJ, Boyd TD, Potter H. The innate immune system stimulating cytokine GM-CSF improves learning/memory and interneuron and astrocyte brain pathology in Dp16 Down syndrome mice and improves learning/memory in wild-type mice. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105694. [PMID: 35307513 PMCID: PMC9045510 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by chronic neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, astrogliosis, imbalanced excitatory/inhibitory neuronal function, and cognitive deficits in both humans and mouse models. Suppression of inflammation has been proposed as a therapeutic approach to treating DS co-morbidities, including intellectual disability (DS/ID). Conversely, we discovered previously that treatment with the innate immune system stimulating cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which has both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, improved cognition and reduced brain pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), another inflammatory disorder, and improved cognition and reduced biomarkers of brain pathology in a phase II trial of humans with mild-to-moderate AD. To investigate the effects of GM-CSF treatment on DS/ID in the absence of AD, we assessed behavior and brain pathology in 12-14 month-old DS mice (Dp[16]1Yey) and their wild-type (WT) littermates, neither of which develop amyloid, and found that subcutaneous GM-CSF treatment (5 μg/day, five days/week, for five weeks) improved performance in the radial arm water maze in both Dp16 and WT mice compared to placebo. Dp16 mice also showed abnormal astrocyte morphology, increased percent area of GFAP staining in the hippocampus, clustering of astrocytes in the hippocampus, and reduced numbers of calretinin-positive interneurons in the entorhinal cortex and subiculum, and all of these brain pathologies were improved by GM-CSF treatment. These findings suggest that stimulating and/or modulating inflammation and the innate immune system with GM-CSF treatment may enhance cognition in both people with DS/ID and in the typical aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Athena Ching-Jung Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mihret Elos
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Heidi J Chial
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stefan Sillau
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - D Adriana Solano
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christina Coughlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Leila Aghili
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paige Anton
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neil Markham
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vanesa Adame
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katheleen J Gardiner
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Timothy D Boyd
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Huntington Potter
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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27
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Moraleda-Sepúlveda E, López-Resa P, Pulido-García N, Delgado-Matute S, Simón-Medina N. Language Intervention in Down Syndrome: A Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106043. [PMID: 35627579 PMCID: PMC9140510 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Language is one of the most affected areas in people with Down syndrome and is one of the most influential throughout their development. That is why the linguistic difficulties presented by this group are susceptible to treatment through different specific interventions. However, little emphasis has been placed on the effectiveness and importance of this type of intervention in improving their language skills. Therefore, this work aimed to carry out a systemic literature review of language intervention programs that have been carried out in the last 20 years. To this end, a total of 18 articles were analyzed in which the effectiveness of different types of treatment related to oral language, written language and communication, in general, was studied, using the guidelines of the PRISMA Statement and the COSMIN methodology. The results highlight that language intervention improves linguistic levels in people with Down Syndrome. Most of the research focuses on early interventions and interventions carried out through individual sessions. Nevertheless, the data are unanimous in considering the efficacy and effectiveness of the proposed treatments for improving the language skills of people with Down syndrome. Thus, linguistic intervention is a fundamental area of work throughout the lives of people with Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moraleda-Sepúlveda
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45600 Talavera de la Reina, Spain; (P.L.-R.); (N.P.-G.); (S.D.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Patricia López-Resa
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45600 Talavera de la Reina, Spain; (P.L.-R.); (N.P.-G.); (S.D.-M.)
| | - Noelia Pulido-García
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45600 Talavera de la Reina, Spain; (P.L.-R.); (N.P.-G.); (S.D.-M.)
| | - Soraya Delgado-Matute
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45600 Talavera de la Reina, Spain; (P.L.-R.); (N.P.-G.); (S.D.-M.)
| | - Natalia Simón-Medina
- Facultad de Educación de Toledo, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45005 Toledo, Spain;
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Dynamic Augmentative and Alternative Communication Displays for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: a Review. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-022-00246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Perceptual dissimilarity, cognitive and linguistic skills predict novel word retention, but not extension skills in Down syndrome. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2022.101166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Baumer NT, Becker ML, Capone GT, Egan K, Fortea J, Handen BL, Head E, Hendrix JE, Litovsky RY, Strydom A, Tapia IE, Rafii MS. Conducting clinical trials in persons with Down syndrome: summary from the NIH INCLUDE Down syndrome clinical trials readiness working group. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:22. [PMID: 35321660 PMCID: PMC8942061 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent National Institute of Health (NIH) INCLUDE (INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE) initiative has bolstered capacity for the current increase in clinical trials involving individuals with Down syndrome (DS). This new NIH funding mechanism offers new opportunities to expand and develop novel approaches in engaging and effectively enrolling a broader representation of clinical trials participants addressing current medical issues faced by individuals with DS. To address this opportunity, the NIH assembled leading clinicians, scientists, and representatives of advocacy groups to review existing methods and to identify those areas where new approaches are needed to engage and prepare DS populations for participation in clinical trial research. This paper summarizes the results of the Clinical Trial Readiness Working Group that was part of the INCLUDE Project Workshop: Planning a Virtual Down Syndrome Cohort Across the Lifespan Workshop held virtually September 23 and 24, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Baumer
- Department of Neurology, Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Mara L Becker
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - George T Capone
- Department of Pediatrics, Kennedy Krieger Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Juan Fortea
- Sant Pau Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
- Barcelona Down Medical Center, Fundació Catalana de Síndrome de Down, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | | | - Ruth Y Litovsky
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Andre Strydom
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- King's College London & South London and the Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Ignacio E Tapia
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Michael S Rafii
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
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Schworer EK, Esbensen AJ, Nguyen V, Bullard L, Fidler DJ, Daunhauer LA, Mervis CB, Becerra AM, Abbeduto L, Thurman AJ. Patterns and predictors of adaptive skills in 2- to 7-year-old children with Down syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:18. [PMID: 35279072 PMCID: PMC8918277 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09430-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There is substantial variability in adaptive skills among individuals with Down syndrome. Few studies, however, have focused on the early developmental period or on the potential sources of variability in adaptive skills. This study characterizes adaptive skills in young children with Down syndrome and investigates child characteristics associated with adaptive skills.
Methods
Participants were 44 children with Down syndrome ranging in age from 2.50 to 7.99 years (M = 4.66 years, SD = 1.46). The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-3 (VABS-3) Comprehensive Interview Form was used to assess adaptive behavior in the three core domains: socialization, daily living, and communication skills. Caregivers also reported on motor skills and autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Child cognitive abilities were assessed.
Results
Analyses comparing mean standard score performance across the three VABS-3 core domains demonstrated significant differences between all pairs of domains, resulting in a group-level pattern of socialization > daily living > communication skills. At the individual level, 10 different patterns of relative strength and weakness were identified, with only 18% of participants evidencing significant differences between adaptive skill domain standard scores corresponding to the group-level pattern of significant differences. Child characteristics (cognitive abilities, motor skills, and autism spectrum disorder symptoms) were significantly associated with VABS-3 adaptive domain standard scores.
Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of individualizing intervention programs focused on improving the adaptive skills of young children with Down syndrome based on consideration of the child’s relative adaptive strengths and weaknesses.
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Behaviour management problems in Finnish children with operated congenital heart disease: a practice-based study. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2022; 23:409-416. [PMID: 35249207 PMCID: PMC9167182 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-022-00696-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This retrospective, practice-based study investigates behaviour management problems (BMPs) in dental care among Finnish children with operated congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods All the heart-operated children born between the years 1997 and 1999 were identified in the national ProCardio database (n = 570). Primary dental care records were requested from this population and were eventually received from 211 patients. Information on gender, diagnosis, number of heart operations and perioperative care were collected from the ProCardio database, and the CHDs were categorised as shunting/stenotic/complex/other defects. Data on BMP/dental fear, oral conscious sedation, dental general anaesthesia (DGA) and past and present caries indices at 6, 12 and 15 years (d/D, dmft/DMFT) were assessed. Results Notes on behaviour management problems or dental fear were found in 19% of the study population. BMPs in dental care were more frequent among boys. Children with re-operations, longer post-operative intensive care stay and hospitalisation, and complications had not more BMP than others. Those children diagnosed with syndromes had more BMP often than the rest. Past and present caries experience were significantly associated with BMP, need of oral conscious sedation and DGA. Oral conscious sedation, nitrogen oxide sedation and dental general anaesthesia were used in 17/211, 2/221 and 24/211 CHD patients, respectively. Conclusion Dental caries remains a main factor associated with BMP in the CHD population. Need for oral conscious sedation and DGA were rather common. To maintain a good oral health and to avoid development of BMP, CHD children benefit from focus in health promotion and preventive care.
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Boato E, Melo G, Filho M, Moresi E, Lourenço C, Tristão R. The Use of Virtual and Computational Technologies in the Psychomotor and Cognitive Development of Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2955. [PMID: 35270648 PMCID: PMC8910279 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have numerous comorbidities due to trisomy 21. However, virtual reality-based therapy (VRT) has been used nowadays as a learning and visual motor tool in order to facilitate the development and learning process of this group. The aim of this article was to carry out an integrative review of the literature on the use of virtual and computational technologies in the stimulation of children with DS. A search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) through single key words or their combinations using AND or OR operators: "Down syndrome" AND ("development" OR "cognition" OR "visomotor" OR "digital game" OR "virtual reality"). Eventually, 18 articles were included in our review. The games used in the research were able to stimulate, through the visual field, global motor skills, balance, body scheme and spatial organization, in addition to the learning of mathematical concepts, in order to directly influence the autonomous life activities, language skills, social skills and educational aspects of people with DS. Electronic games contribute to the teaching-learning relationship and stimulate neuropsychomotor and cognitive functions and development in children with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvio Boato
- Department of Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasilia 71966-700, Brazil; (E.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Geiziane Melo
- Department of Physical Education, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasilia 71966-700, Brazil; (E.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Mário Filho
- Center for Science and Technology-CogniAction Lab, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia 71966-700, Brazil; (M.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Eduardo Moresi
- Center for Science and Technology-CogniAction Lab, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia 71966-700, Brazil; (M.F.); (E.M.)
| | - Carla Lourenço
- Department of Sport of Science, Universidade da Beira Interior, 3510-774 Covilhan, Portugal
| | - Rosana Tristão
- Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70297-400, Brazil;
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Seager E, Sampson S, Sin J, Pagnamenta E, Stojanovik V. A systematic review of speech, language and communication interventions for children with Down syndrome from 0 to 6 years. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2022; 57:441-463. [PMID: 35191587 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Speech and language acquisition can be a challenge for young children with Down syndrome (DS), and while early intervention is important, we do not know what early interventions exist and how effective they may be. AIMS To systematically review existing early speech, language and communication interventions for young children with DS from birth up to 6 years, and to investigate their effectiveness in improving speech, language and communication outcomes in children with DS. Other outcomes are changes in parental behaviour and their responsiveness METHODS & PROCEDURES: We conducted a systematic search of relevant electronic databases to identify early intervention studies targeting speech, language and communication outcomes in children with DS published up to May 2020. A total of 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria were synthesized and appraised for quality using the PEDro-P scale. There were a total of 242 children. We identified three types of intervention: communication training and responsive teaching, early stimulation programme, and dialectic-didactic approach. MAIN CONTRIBUTION The findings from nine out of the 11 studies reported positive outcomes for children's language and communication up to 18 months following the intervention. All nine studies reported interventions that were co-delivered by parents and clinicians. However, there was also a de-accelerated growth in requesting behaviours in the intervention group reported by one study as well as a case of no improvement for the intervention group. Three studies provided some evidence of improvements to parent outcomes, such as increased parental language input and increased responsiveness. However, there was a moderate to high risk of bias for all studies included. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this review suggest that interventions that have high dosage, focus on language and communication training within a naturalistic setting, and are co-delivered by parents and clinicians/researchers may have the potential to provide positive outcomes for children with DS between 0 and 6 years of age. Due to the limited number of studies, limited heterogeneous data and the moderate to high risk of bias across studies, there is an urgent need for higher quality intervention studies in the field to build the evidence base. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Speech and language acquisition is usually delayed in children with DS, yet there are currently no standard interventions for children under 6. A number of research-based interventions exist in the literature, yet it is unknown how effective these are. What this study adds to existing knowledge This is the first systematic review that specifically and exclusively focuses on parent- and non-parent-mediated speech, language and communication interventions for children with DS between 0 and 6 years of age. It complements three existing recent reviews, each of which has a slightly different focus. The previously published reviews have covered only parent-mediated interventions, excluding interventions not mediated by parents, have reviewed interventions including children and adults, without any mention of what early interventions may be like or how effective these may be for young children with DS, have not always assessed risk of bias or have focused specifically on language interventions excluding those focusing on speech articulation or pre-linguistic skills. The findings from the current review suggest that interventions that have high dosage focus on language and communication training within a naturalistic setting and are co-delivered by parents and clinicians/researchers may have the potential to provide positive outcomes for children with Diwn syndrome from 0 to 6. We acknowledge that the current evidence base comes from studies with moderate to high risk of bias, hence our conclusions are not definitive. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Speech and language therapists will have synthesized information and a quick reference point on what type of interventions exist for children with DS under the age of 6, and evidence of which intervention approaches may be promising in terms of providing positive outcomes. However, it is acknowledged that, due to the limited number of studies and the moderate to high risk of bias inherent in the evidence, there is an urgent need for higher quality intervention studies in the field to build the evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Seager
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Sarah Sampson
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jacqueline Sin
- Northampton Square, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Emma Pagnamenta
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Vesna Stojanovik
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Kazuki Y, Gao FJ, Yamakawa M, Hirabayashi M, Kazuki K, Kajitani N, Miyagawa-Tomita S, Abe S, Sanbo M, Hara H, Kuniishi H, Ichisaka S, Hata Y, Koshima M, Takayama H, Takehara S, Nakayama Y, Hiratsuka M, Iida Y, Matsukura S, Noda N, Li Y, Moyer AJ, Cheng B, Singh N, Richtsmeier JT, Oshimura M, Reeves RH. A transchromosomic rat model with human chromosome 21 shows robust Down syndrome features. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:328-344. [PMID: 35077668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in earlier detection and clinical management has increased life expectancy and quality of life in people with Down syndrome (DS). However, no drug has been approved to help individuals with DS live independently and fully. Although rat models could support more robust physiological, behavioral, and toxicology analysis than mouse models during preclinical validation, no DS rat model is available as a result of technical challenges. We developed a transchromosomic rat model of DS, TcHSA21rat, which contains a freely segregating, EGFP-inserted, human chromosome 21 (HSA21) with >93% of its protein-coding genes. RNA-seq of neonatal forebrains demonstrates that TcHSA21rat expresses HSA21 genes and has an imbalance in global gene expression. Using EGFP as a marker for trisomic cells, flow cytometry analyses of peripheral blood cells from 361 adult TcHSA21rat animals show that 81% of animals retain HSA21 in >80% of cells, the criterion for a "Down syndrome karyotype" in people. TcHSA21rat exhibits learning and memory deficits and shows increased anxiety and hyperactivity. TcHSA21rat recapitulates well-characterized DS brain morphology, including smaller brain volume and reduced cerebellar size. In addition, the rat model shows reduced cerebellar foliation, which is not observed in DS mouse models. Moreover, TcHSA21rat exhibits anomalies in craniofacial morphology, heart development, husbandry, and stature. TcHSA21rat is a robust DS animal model that can facilitate DS basic research and provide a unique tool for preclinical validation to accelerate DS drug development.
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Sideropoulos V, Kye H, Dukes D, Samson AC, Palikara O, Van Herwegen J. Anxiety and Worries of Individuals with Down Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study in the UK. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:2021-2036. [PMID: 35106684 PMCID: PMC8806133 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored the effects of the pandemic on individuals with Down Syndrome (DS; n = 67) compared to other groups with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND; n = 48) and their Typically Developing Siblings (TDS; n = 56). In total, 115 caregivers reported on their own anxiety and worries and of their children. Anxiety levels for individuals with DS appeared to be lower compared to other SEND populations and to TDS. In terms of worries, individuals with DS worried more about social-related worries but worried less about family-related aspects compared to the other groups. In sum, individuals with DS might show less anxiety but still worried more about specific aspects related to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sideropoulos
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK.
| | - H Kye
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Dukes
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A C Samson
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Faculty of Psychology, Unidistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
| | - O Palikara
- Department for Education Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - J Van Herwegen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
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Karslı MF, Çakmak B, Şen C. Novel method for trisomy 21 screening in the first trimester of pregnancy: fetal brain angle. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:82-86. [PMID: 34333886 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study was performed to examine the utility of a new first trimester marker called the "brain angle" (BA) in screening for trisomy 21. We postulate that differences in the midbrain anatomy between euploid fetuses and those that are affected by trisomy 21 are reflected in changes in BA measurements. METHODS In fetuses at 11+0-13+6 weeks of gestations, which were at high risk for trisomy 21, the angle was measured between the line crossing the thalamus and mesencephalon cranial border tangentially and the line crossing the brainstem lower limit. This angle was compared between fetuses with trisomy 21 (based on karyotyping) and those with a normal karyotype. RESULTS Trisomy 21 was detected in 45 (8%) of 560 fetuses. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that, at BA≥94°, the sensitivity and specificity for determining trisomy 21 were 97.8% (95% CI=88.2-99.9%) and 100% (95% CI=99.2-100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Fetal BA appears to be a promising new first trimester marker in screening for trisomy 21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Fatih Karslı
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bülent Çakmak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Cihat Şen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Prenatal Unit, Bahçelievler Memorial Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.,Perinatal Medicine Foundation, Istanbul, Turkey
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Prahl A, Schuele CM. Reading and Listening Comprehension in Individuals With Down Syndrome and Word Reading-Matched Typically Developing Children. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2022; 31:359-374. [PMID: 34982954 PMCID: PMC9135008 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-21-00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the reading comprehension and listening comprehension performance of English-speaking children with Down syndrome (DS) compared with word reading-matched typically developing (TD) children. METHOD Participants included 19 individuals with DS (M age = 17;2 [years;months], range: 11;1-22;9) and 19 word reading-matched TD children (M age = 7;2, range: 6;6-8;1). Participants completed three norm-referenced measures of reading comprehension and three norm-referenced measures of listening comprehension. Dependent variables were raw scores on each measure, with the exception of scaled scores on one reading comprehension measure. RESULTS Independent-samples t tests with Bonferroni-adjusted alpha levels of .008 revealed a significant between-groups difference for two of three reading comprehension measures. The mean raw scores were lower for the DS group than the TD group, with large effect sizes. Independent-samples t tests with Bonferroni-adjusted alpha levels of .008 revealed a significant between-groups difference for three of three listening comprehension measures. The mean raw scores on the three measures were lower for the DS group than the TD group, with large effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS The DS group, despite being matched on word reading to the TD group, demonstrated reduced reading comprehension skills as compared with the TD group. Thus, as individuals with DS acquire word reading skills, it appears that they are unable to translate word reading success to achieve reading comprehension at the expected level (i.e., as indexed by typical readers). The between-groups differences in listening comprehension suggest that deficits in listening comprehension likely are a barrier to reading comprehension proficiency for children with DS. Listening comprehension may be a malleable factor that can be targeted to improve reading comprehension outcomes for individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Prahl
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Baylor University, Waco, TX
| | - C. Melanie Schuele
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Stojanovik V, Pagnamenta E, Seager E, Breen M, Jennings S, Joffe V, Harvey K, Pizzo E, Perry H. The ASCEND study: protocol for a feasibility study to evaluate an early social communication intervention for young children with Down syndrome. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2022; 8:8. [PMID: 35039084 PMCID: PMC8762187 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-00968-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome is the most common cause of learning disability, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 babies. Children with Down syndrome have particular difficulties with speech and language. This makes it challenging for them to participate fully in life, access healthcare services and educational opportunities. Improving the language skills of young children with Down syndrome is vital for their future social and emotional well-being and behaviour, and consequently contribution to society. As Down syndrome is detected before or at birth, we can provide support from early on. There are currently no standard interventions for improving the language skills of children with Down syndrome under the age of 36 months. Evidence suggests that early parent-based interventions may be effective in improving language outcomes. In partnership with parents and speech and language therapists, we have co-developed an intervention focusing on early social communication skills and our preliminary work shows that it can lead to better language in children with Down syndrome. Our aim is to carry out a feasibility study which will inform a future pilot/full trial to test whether the intervention is effective in improving language skills before children with Down syndrome start school. METHODS This is a two-arm feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT), with 1:1 randomisation stratified by trial site comparing the intervention (plus standard NHS speech and language therapy) with no intervention (standard NHS speech and language therapy only). We aim to recruit between 25 and 30 children with Down syndrome aged between 11 and 36 months. Sites are defined by the geographical boundaries of three National Health Service (NHS) Trusts. Recruitment is from NHS Speech and Language Therapist caseloads within the 3 Trusts, and self-referral. In the intervention arm, parents/guardians will receive brief training on the parent-based intervention and a manual to follow with their child for 10 weeks. The children's language and early communication skills and family health outcomes will be assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline, post-intervention and 6 month follow-up. Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews will explore the acceptability of the intervention to parents and SLTs. DISCUSSION The feasibility study's outcomes will determine whether it would be viable to progress to a full-trial and whether adjustments need to made to the procedures, data collection methods, intervention delivery and the intensity of support needed. We want to assess whether our early intervention can be delivered and rolled out through NHS Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Services. We anticipate that NHS SLT Services will need to make ongoing changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is likely that we will need to make adjustments for the definitive trial. We will also calculate descriptive statistics of the language outcome measure which we will use for any future sample size calculation. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN13902755. Registered on 25 August 2020. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13902755.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Stojanovik
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK.
| | - Emma Pagnamenta
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK
| | - Emily Seager
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Breen
- Thames Valley Clinical Trials Unit, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Susie Jennings
- Thames Valley Clinical Trials Unit, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Kate Harvey
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK
| | | | - Hayley Perry
- Thames Valley Clinical Trials Unit, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Israelsen-Augenstein M, Gillam S, Mecham J, Ashcroft H. Experientially based narrative instruction: A neurocognitive perspective. AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS 2022; 7:23969415221129139. [PMID: 36382070 PMCID: PMC9620682 DOI: 10.1177/23969415221129139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a personal narrative intervention based on neurocognitive principles and experientially based learning for improving the personal narrative language abilities of a school-age child with Down's syndrome. METHOD A single-case design using contemporary statistical techniques was employed to complete this study. The participant was 8 years 8 months at the time of the study and he participated in a 14-week personal narrative intervention. Personal narrative samples were collected at the beginning of each intervention session prior to instruction. Narrative samples were scored for narrative quality, language productivity, and lexical diversity. RESULTS As a result of the intervention, the participant demonstrated moderate-significant increases in narrative abilities for narrative quality, language productivity, and lexical diversity. CONCLUSIONS The use of a personal narrative based on neurocognitive principles and experientially based learning may be feasible for improving the personal narrative language abilities of school-age children with Down's syndrome.
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Schworer EK, Voth K, Hoffman EK, Esbensen AJ. Short-term memory outcome measures: Psychometric evaluation and performance in youth with Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 120:104147. [PMID: 34922089 PMCID: PMC8724458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving short-term memory (STM) performance for individuals with Down syndrome (DS) has been a target of recent clinical trials. Validation of STM outcome measures is essential for research rigor in trials among children and adolescents with DS. AIMS The current study investigated the psychometric properties of four direct STM assessments and one everyday memory parent form. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Measures were administered to a sample of 74 youth with DS at two visits, two weeks apart. Overall cognitive abilities were also assessed. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The OMQ-PF had good feasibility and distribution of scores, but floor effects were prominent for direct measures. Test-retest reliability was poor to moderate for all measures and practice effects were problematic for the NEPSY-II List Memory and DAS-II Recall of Objects subtests. Commonalities in responses were observed, including primacy/recency effects, and some STM scores were correlated with overall cognitive abilities. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The OMQ-PF met most study criteria, but no direct measure met sufficient criteria to be strongly recommended for future clinical trials. Because higher cognitive abilities were related to assessment completion, STM measures may require adaptation for use in broader samples of youth with DS across all levels of cognitive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Schworer
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Kellie Voth
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emily K Hoffman
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Anna J Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Onnivello S, Colaianni S, Pulina F, Locatelli C, Marcolin C, Ramacieri G, Antonaros F, Vione B, Piovesan A, Lanfranchi S. Executive functions and adaptive behaviour in individuals with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:32-49. [PMID: 34750907 PMCID: PMC9299024 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has explored executive functions (EFs) and adaptive behaviour in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS), but there is a paucity of research on the relationship between the two in this population. This study aims to shed light on the profile of EFs and adaptive behaviour in DS, exploring the differences by age and investigating the relationship between these two domains. METHOD Parents/caregivers of 100 individuals with DS from 3 to 16 years old participated in the study. The sample was divided into preschoolers (3-6.11 years old) and school-age children (7-16 years old). Parents/caregivers completed either the Preschool Version of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (for children 2-6.11 years old) or the Second Edition of the same Inventory (for individuals 7 + years old). Adaptive behaviour was assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale - Interview, Second Edition. RESULTS Findings suggest that individuals with DS have overall difficulties, but also patterns of strength and weakness in their EFs and adaptive behaviour. The preschool-age and school-age children's EF profiles differed slightly. While both age groups showed Emotional Control as a relative strength and Working Memory as a weakness, the school-age group revealed further weaknesses in Shift and Plan/Organise. As concerns adaptive behaviour, the profiles were similar in the two age groups, with Socialisation as a strength, and Communication and Daily Living Skills as weaknesses, but with a tendency for preschoolers to obtain intermediate scores for the latter. When the relationship between EFs and adaptive behaviour was explored, Working Memory predicted Communication in the younger group, while in the older group the predictors varied, depending on the adaptive domains: Working Memory was a predictor of Communication, Inhibit of Daily Living Skills, and Inhibit and Shift of Socialisation. CONCLUSION As well as elucidating the EF profiles and adaptive behaviour in individuals with DS by age, this study points to the role of EFs in adaptive functioning, providing important information for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Onnivello
- Department of Developmental Psychology and SocialisationUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - S. Colaianni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and SocialisationUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - F. Pulina
- Department of Developmental Psychology and SocialisationUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - C. Locatelli
- Neonatology UnitSt. Orsola‐Malpighi PolyclinicBolognaItaly
| | - C. Marcolin
- Department of Developmental Psychology and SocialisationUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - G. Ramacieri
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Unit of Histology, Embryology and Applied BiologyUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - F. Antonaros
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Unit of Histology, Embryology and Applied BiologyUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - B. Vione
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Unit of Histology, Embryology and Applied BiologyUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - A. Piovesan
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), Unit of Histology, Embryology and Applied BiologyUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - S. Lanfranchi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and SocialisationUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
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Kristensen K, Lorenz KM, Zhou X, Piro-Gambetti B, Hartley SL, Godar SP, Diel S, Neubauer E, Litovsky RY. Language and executive functioning in young adults with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:151-161. [PMID: 34288180 PMCID: PMC8766869 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the association between executive functioning and language in young adults with Down syndrome (DS). METHOD Nineteen young adults with DS (aged 19-24 years) completed standardised measures of overall cognition, vocabulary, verbal fluency and executive function skills. RESULTS Friedman's analysis of variance (χ2 (3) = 28.15, P < .001) and post hoc comparisons indicated that, on average, participants had a significantly lower overall non-verbal than verbal cognitive age equivalent and lower expressive than receptive vocabulary skills. Using Spearman correlations, performance on a verbal measure of cognition inhibition was significantly negatively related to receptive vocabulary (ρ = -.529, adjusted P = .036) and verbal fluency (ρ = -.608, adjusted P = .022). Attention was significantly positively correlated with receptive (ρ = .698, adjusted-p = .005) and expressive (ρ = .542, adjusted P = .027) vocabulary. Verbal working memory was significantly positively associated with receptive vocabulary (ρ = .585, adjusted P = .022) and verbal fluency (ρ = .737, adjusted P = .003). Finally, visuospatial working memory was significantly associated with receptive vocabulary (ρ = .562, adjusted P = .027). CONCLUSIONS Verbal and non-verbal measures of executive functioning skills had important associations with language ability in young adults with DS. Future translational research is needed to investigate causal pathways underlying these relationships. Research should explore if interventions aimed at increasing executive functioning skills (e.g. attention, inhibition and working memory) have the potential to lead to increases in language for young adults with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kristensen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - K M Lorenz
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - X Zhou
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - B Piro-Gambetti
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - S L Hartley
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - S P Godar
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - S Diel
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - E Neubauer
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - R Y Litovsky
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Carretti B, Meneghetti C, Doerr E, Toffalini E, Lanfranchi S. Developmental trajectories of spatial-sequential and spatial-simultaneous working memory in Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2022; 66:81-93. [PMID: 34859907 PMCID: PMC9299792 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working memory (WM) is generally considered an area of weakness in the cognitive profile associated with Down syndrome (DS). The great majority of studies explored WM in this population through a comparison with typical development (TD) on the basis of mental age or developmental level. However, it is also relevant to understand how these skills develop and whether such development could be more related to chronological or developmental level. In the present study, we explored cross-sectional developmental trajectories of spatial-sequential and spatial-simultaneous WM in individuals with DS across chronological age and developmental level. Typically developing children (TD) of similar mental age were also included as a comparison group. METHODS Eighty-four individuals with DS (aged between 7 and 30 years) and 327 children with TD (aged between 4 and 8 years) were administered with tasks to assess spatial-sequential and spatial-simultaneous WM, together with tasks to assess both general verbal and spatial developmental levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Performance in spatial-simultaneous WM task was lower compared with spatial-sequential WM task in both groups. In the case of individuals with DS, the developmental trajectories of chronological age are better described through a segmented model showing increased performance until approximately 13 years of age, followed by a rather flat progress. In the case of TD children, developmental trajectories are better described through a linear model in the spatial-simultaneous WM task when chronological age is considered; in the spatial-sequential WM, the increase in performance with age was however characterised by a discontinuity at age 6. The increase in performance followed a linear pattern in both groups (DS and TD) without substantial differences between the types of measure used (verbal vs. spatial) when the developmental level is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Carretti
- Department of General PsychologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - C. Meneghetti
- Department of General PsychologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - E. Doerr
- Department of General PsychologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - E. Toffalini
- Department of General PsychologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - S. Lanfranchi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and SocializationUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
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Hargreaves S, Holton S, Baxter R, Burgoyne K. Educational experiences of pupils with Down syndrome in the UK. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 119:104115. [PMID: 34736106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though research has identified that increasing numbers of pupils with Down syndrome (DS) in the UK are educated in mainstream schools, little detailed information about the educational experiences of pupils with DS is available. AIMS This study explored parent views of the educational experiences of pupils with DS attending UK schools (Reception-Year 11) using an online survey. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Responses from 569 parents were collected. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Overall, 65 % of pupils were in mainstream schools but this was more common at primary (80 %) than secondary school (37 %). Pupils participated in most academic and social activities alongside their peers but were commonly not accessing all opportunities. Many pupils received additional support in school including external professional services. Frequent meetings between parents and teachers/teaching assistants indicated high levels of collaboration. Teachers and teaching assistants were largely viewed as responsible for children's learning. Overall, respondents reported satisfaction with provision. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Many pupils with DS in the UK are able to access a broad and balanced curriculum but this is not the case for all. Ways in which provision can be enhanced are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Baxter
- LETS Go UK, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK; University College London, London, UK
| | - Kelly Burgoyne
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; LETS Go UK, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK.
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Kim SS, Lee EH, Shin JH, Seo SR. MAP kinase/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) phosphorylates regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) to regulate neuronal differentiation. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1406-1417. [PMID: 34647615 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is located close to the Down syndrome critical region (DSCR) on human chromosome 21 and is related to the Down syndrome (DS) phenotype. To identify a novel binding partner of RCAN1, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening and identified mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase 1 (MEK1) as a partner. MEK1 was able to bind and phosphorylate RCAN1 in vitro and in vivo. MEK1-dependent RCAN1 phosphorylation caused an increase in RCAN1 expression by increasing the protein half-life. Nerve growth factor (NGF)-dependent activation of the MEK1 pathway consistently induced RCAN1 expression. Moreover, we found that RCAN1 overexpression inhibited NGF-induced neurite outgrowth and expression of neuronal marker genes, such as growth cone-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and synapsin I, via inhibition of MEK1-ERK1/2 pathways. Our findings provide evidence that MEK1-dependent RCAN1 phosphorylation acts as an important molecular mechanism in the control of neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Sook Kim
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Lee
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hak Shin
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ryeon Seo
- Department of Molecular Bioscience, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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Alldred MJ, Martini AC, Patterson D, Hendrix J, Granholm AC. Aging with Down Syndrome-Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? J Clin Med 2021; 10:4687. [PMID: 34682809 PMCID: PMC8539670 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a form of accelerated aging, and people with DS are highly prone to aging-related conditions that include vascular and neurological disorders. Due to the overexpression of several genes on Chromosome 21, for example genes encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and some of the interferon receptors, those with DS exhibit significant accumulation of amyloid, phospho-tau, oxidative stress, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation in the brain as they age. In this review, we will summarize the major strides in this research field that have been made in the last few decades, as well as discuss where we are now, and which research areas are considered essential for the field in the future. We examine the scientific history of DS bridging these milestones in research to current efforts in the field. We extrapolate on comorbidities associated with this phenotype and highlight clinical networks in the USA and Europe pursuing clinical research, concluding with funding efforts and recent recommendations to the NIH regarding DS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Alldred
- Nathan Kline Institute, NYU Grossman Medical School, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA;
| | - Alessandra C. Martini
- Department of Pathology and Lab. Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - David Patterson
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA;
| | - James Hendrix
- LuMind IDSC Foundation, 20 Mall Road, Suite 200, Burlington, MA 01801, USA;
| | - Ann-Charlotte Granholm
- Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA;
- Department of Neurosurgery, CU Anschutz, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Symptoms of Autism, Comorbid Mental Health Conditions and Challenging Behaviors among Toddlers with Down Syndrome at Low Risk for ASD-Characterization Using the BISCUIT-Parts 1-3. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010684. [PMID: 34682430 PMCID: PMC8535697 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may coexist with Down syndrome (DS). Most studies on this topic involve school-age children, adolescents, or adults with DS. This study looked at ASD symptoms, other mental health problems, and challenging behaviors in toddlers with DS at low risk of ASD. Methods: We used screening tools for autism in toddlers; BISCUIT–Parts 1–3 and Q-CHAT. We compared four groups of children aged 17–37 months: DS, ASD, Atypical Development (AD), and Typically Developing (TD). Results: Children with DS showed lower symptoms of ASD than children with ASD (without DS) and higher than TD children, except for repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. For comorbid mental health problems and difficult behaviors, children with DS scored lower than children with ASD. There were no differences between children with DS and TD children in this regard. Conclusions: The study results indicate that BISCUIT–Parts 1–3 are valid instruments to differentiate toddlers with DS from toddlers with ASD. However, they also show that toddlers with DS at low ASD risk are a very heterogeneous group when the ASD symptoms are considered. Autistic characteristics should be taken into account in supporting young children with this genetic condition.
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Powers BE, Velazquez R, Strawderman MS, Ginsberg SD, Mufson EJ, Strupp BJ. Maternal Choline Supplementation as a Potential Therapy for Down Syndrome: Assessment of Effects Throughout the Lifespan. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:723046. [PMID: 34690739 PMCID: PMC8527982 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.723046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal choline supplementation (MCS) has emerged as a promising therapy to lessen the cognitive and affective dysfunction associated with Down syndrome (DS). Choline is an essential nutrient, especially important during pregnancy due to its wide-ranging ontogenetic roles. Using the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS, our group has demonstrated that supplementing the maternal diet with additional choline (4-5 × standard levels) during pregnancy and lactation improves spatial cognition, attention, and emotion regulation in the adult offspring. The behavioral benefits were associated with a rescue of septohippocampal circuit atrophy. These results have been replicated across a series of independent studies, although the magnitude of the cognitive benefit has varied. We hypothesized that this was due, at least in part, to differences in the age of the subjects at the time of testing. Here, we present new data that compares the effects of MCS on the attentional function of adult Ts65Dn offspring, which began testing at two different ages (6 vs. 12 months of age). These data replicate and extend the results of our previous reports, showing a clear pattern indicating that MCS has beneficial effects in Ts65Dn offspring throughout life, but that the magnitude of the benefit (relative to non-supplemented offspring) diminishes with aging, possibly because of the onset of Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology. In light of growing evidence that increased maternal choline intake during pregnancy is beneficial to the cognitive and affective functioning of all offspring (e.g., neurotypical and DS), the addition of this nutrient to a prenatal vitamin regimen would be predicted to have population-wide benefits and provide early intervention for fetuses with DS, notably including babies born to mothers unaware that they are carrying a fetus with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E. Powers
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
| | - Ramon Velazquez
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Arizona State University-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Myla S. Strawderman
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- New York University Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elliott J. Mufson
- Departments of Translational Neuroscience and Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Barbara J. Strupp
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Ahmed MM, Block A, Busquet N, Gardiner KJ. Context Fear Conditioning in Down Syndrome Mouse Models: Effects of Trisomic Gene Content, Age, Sex and Genetic Background. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101528. [PMID: 34680922 PMCID: PMC8535510 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of the long arm of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Currently, there are no effective pharmacotherapies. The success of clinical trials to improve cognition depends in part on the design of preclinical evaluations in mouse models. To broaden understanding of the common limitations of experiments in learning and memory, we report performance in context fear conditioning (CFC) in three mouse models of DS, the Dp(16)1Yey, Dp(17)1Yey and Dp(10)1Yey (abbreviated Dp16, Dp17 and Dp10), separately trisomic for the human Hsa21 orthologs mapping to mouse chromosomes 16, 17 and 10, respectively. We examined female and male mice of the three lines on the standard C57BL/6J background at 3 months of age and Dp17 and Dp10 at 18 months of age. We also examined female and male mice of Dp17 and Dp10 at 3 months of age as F1 hybrids obtained from a cross with the DBA/2J background. Results indicate that genotype, sex, age and genetic background affect CFC performance. These data support the need to use both female and male mice, trisomy of sets of all Hsa21 orthologs, and additional ages and genetic backgrounds to improve the reliability of preclinical evaluations of drugs for ID in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Aaron Block
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Nicolas Busquet
- Department of Neurology, Animal Behavior and In Vivo Neurophysiology Core, NeuroTechnology Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Katheleen J. Gardiner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Correspondence:
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