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Yosep I, Prayogo SA, Kohar K, Andrew H, Mardhiyah A, Amirah S, Maulana S. Managing Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Face of Pandemic Using Internet-Based Parent-Mediated Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9101483. [PMID: 36291419 PMCID: PMC9600965 DOI: 10.3390/children9101483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is primarily treated with psychosocial intervention. However, it is costly and requires extensive resources to be effective. This inaccessibility is also further worsened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, making the shift to a digital approach a sensible option. Among the available ASD therapies, parent-mediated interventions (PMIs) have a broad application and lower implementation cost. Hence, this systematic review aims to evaluate the potential that telehealth-based PMI holds and explore its feasibility throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To build up this study, a systematic search through PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Wiley, and Cochrane was performed until 14 January 2021. Using the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we ultimately included six studies in the review. Each study was evaluated utilizing the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB)-2 tool. Generally, parents' outcomes (knowledge, satisfaction, and compliance) were higher in intervention group (E-learning) compared to control (standard treatment or wait-list). Children also showed some improvements in social skill, communication skill, and intelligence after receiving the treatment. In addition, coaching or therapist sessions were found to be crucial as adjuvant to support parents during the intervention. In conclusion, internet-based parent-mediated interventions are promising and recommended for managing ASD patients, in the face of pandemic. However, more variety in study locations is also needed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to tackle the knowledge and clinical application gap. Further research should be conducted with a uniform measurement tool to achieve the same perception and reliable pooled analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyus Yosep
- Department of Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 45363, Indonesia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +62-813-9466-5577
| | | | - Kelvin Kohar
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok City 16424, Indonesia
| | - Hubert Andrew
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok City 16424, Indonesia
| | - Ai Mardhiyah
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 45363, Indonesia
| | - Shakira Amirah
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Depok City 16424, Indonesia
| | - Sidik Maulana
- Professional Nursing Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 45363, Indonesia
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152
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The Management of Toe Walking in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: "Cast and Go". CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9101477. [PMID: 36291413 PMCID: PMC9600566 DOI: 10.3390/children9101477] [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: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Toe walking is associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Correction of this “behavior” is a health challenge. The toe walker is affected by the contact refusal with the outside world: touching the ground as little as possible, trying to avoid any contact. A structured equines foot is a possible consequence. Method: We present the “Cast and Go” protocol, used in 22 idiopathic toe walker children with ASD treated from 2015 to 2020. The treatment was performed by a single senior experienced doctor with botulinum injection, ankle casts and rehabilitative therapies. All patients underwent pre- and post-treatment clinical evaluation using ankle dorsiflexion angle and casting number as treatment. We aimed to identify the intervention with the shortest acquisition time for the management of toe walking. Results: Our findings demonstrated the baseline ankle dorsiflexion angle influenced the casting number (p < 0.01) and male patients had a higher baseline ankle dorsiflexion angle than female patients (p < 0.01). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions: These findings suggested that the “Cast and Go” protocol could be a promising, dynamic and effective practice for toe walking disease in ASD patients.
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Santos A, Caramelo F, Melo JB, Castelo-Branco M. Dopaminergic Gene Dosage Reveals Distinct Biological Partitions between Autism and Developmental Delay as Revealed by Complex Network Analysis and Machine Learning Approaches. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101579. [PMID: 36294718 PMCID: PMC9604562 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological mechanisms underlying Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) remains controversial. One factor contributing to this debate is the phenotypic heterogeneity observed in ASD, which suggests that multiple system disruptions may contribute to diverse patterns of impairment which have been reported between and within study samples. Here, we used SFARI data to address genetic imbalances affecting the dopaminergic system. Using complex network analysis, we investigated the relations between phenotypic profiles, gene dosage and gene ontology (GO) terms related to dopaminergic neurotransmission from a polygenic point-of-view. We observed that the degree of distribution of the networks matched a power-law distribution characterized by the presence of hubs, gene or GO nodes with a large number of interactions. Furthermore, we identified interesting patterns related to subnetworks of genes and GO terms, which suggested applicability to separation of clinical clusters (Developmental Delay (DD) versus ASD). This has the potential to improve our understanding of genetic variability issues and has implications for diagnostic categorization. In ASD, we identified the separability of four key dopaminergic mechanisms disrupted with regard to receptor binding, synaptic physiology and neural differentiation, each belonging to particular subgroups of ASD participants, whereas in DD a more unitary biological pattern was found. Finally, network analysis was fed into a machine learning binary classification framework to differentiate between the diagnosis of ASD and DD. Subsets of 1846 participants were used to train a Random Forest algorithm. Our best classifier achieved, on average, a diagnosis-predicting accuracy of 85.18% (sd 1.11%) on the test samples of 790 participants using 117 genes. The achieved accuracy surpassed results using genetic data and closely matched imaging approaches addressing binary diagnostic classification. Importantly, we observed a similar prediction accuracy when the classifier uses only 62 GO features. This result further corroborates the complex network analysis approach, suggesting that different genetic causes might converge to the dysregulation of the same set of biological mechanisms, leading to a similar disease phenotype. This new biology-driven ontological framework yields a less variable and more compact domain-related set of features with potential mechanistic generalization. The proposed network analysis, allowing for the determination of a clearcut biological distinction between ASD and DD (the latter presenting much lower modularity and heterogeneity), is amenable to machine learning approaches and provides an interesting avenue of research for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Santos
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB, iCBR, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Barbosa Melo
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB, iCBR, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Huang R, Potla S, Bhalla S, Al Qabandi Y, Nandula SA, Boddepalli CS, Gutlapalli SD, Lavu VK, Abdelwahab R, Hamid P. The Clinical Implications of the Academic Performance of the Siblings of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cureus 2022; 14:e29116. [PMID: 36258957 PMCID: PMC9559693 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We all know that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect academic performance. Many children with autism face different challenges at school. However, less attention is paid to the siblings of autistic children, who are at a high risk of ASD or the broad autism phenotype (BAP). Recent data also shows that many siblings of ASD children suffer from neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health problems as well as poor academic performance. This review will look at the possible etiologies of the poor school performance of autistic children's siblings, with an emphasis on the challenges they face. We will also highlight the clinical implications of these findings, and the possible solutions that can help this vulnerable group.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Considering autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a neurodevelopmental condition associated with immune system impairments, we aimed to evaluate the potential benefits, efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective trans-resveratrol (RSV) in behavioral impairments and in a set of 8 microRNAs (miR) related to the immune system in pediatric subjects with ASD. METHODS This is an open-label pilot trial over a 3 months (90 days) study follow-up period designed to assess the effect of 200 mg/d RSV on 5 boys aged 10 to 13 (11.8 ± 1.1) years diagnosed with ASD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. RESULTS The RSV treatment significantly reduced the Aberrant Behavior Checklist total score (P = 0.042) and Irritability (P = 0.041), with no alteration in Stereotypical Behavior (P = 0.066), Hyperactivity (P = 0.068), and Lethargy/Social Withdrawal (P = 0.078) subscales. On the Clinical Global Impression scale, 3 individuals showed marked improvement in behavior; one showed mild improvement, and the other had no changes. The RSV treatment increased the miR-195-5p (P = 0.043), an important modulator of targets related to inflammatory and immunological pathways. RSV administration did not present adverse effects and did not alter clinical laboratory results. CONCLUSIONS RSV is a safe molecule for administrating in the pediatric population, able to modulate behavior alterations and molecules associated with the immune system, becoming a promising therapeutic strategy for large-scale studies in ASD, to investigate both behavioral and molecular approaches.
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156
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Carter SA, Lin JC, Chow T, Yu X, Rahman MM, Martinez MP, Feldman K, Eckel SP, Chen JC, Chen Z, Levitt P, Lurmann FW, McConnell R, Xiang AH. Maternal obesity, diabetes, preeclampsia, and asthma during pregnancy and likelihood of autism spectrum disorder with gastrointestinal disturbances in offspring. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 27:916-926. [PMID: 36062479 PMCID: PMC9984567 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221118430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder is heterogeneous and often accompanied by co-occurring conditions. Previous studies have shown that maternal health conditions during pregnancy including obesity, diabetes, preeclampsia, and asthma were associated with increased likelihood of autism. However, little has been done examining the likelihood associated with autism with co-occurring conditions. This study assessed these maternal health conditions in relationship to autism and gastrointestinal disturbances, a common co-occurring condition in children diagnosed with autism. Data included 308,536 mother-child pairs from one integrated health care system with comprehensive electronic medical records. Among the study cohort, 5,131 (1.7%) children had a diagnosis of autism by age 5. Gastrointestinal disturbances were present in 35.4% of children diagnosed with autism and 25.1% of children without autism diagnoses. Our results showed that each of the four maternal health conditions during pregnancy was associated with increased likelihood of gastrointestinal disturbances, autism without gastrointestinal disturbances, and autism with gastrointestinal disturbances. For all four maternal health conditions, the association was greatest for likelihood of autism with gastrointestinal disturbances. Given that children diagnosed with autism are more likely to have gastrointestinal disturbances and over 80% of gastrointestinal disturbances in this cohort were diagnosed prior to autism diagnosis, this study suggests that there may be common biological pathways between autism and gastrointestinal disturbances impacted by these maternal exposures. Future studies are warranted to assess associations between different exposures and autism with other co-occurring conditions to increase our understanding of autism heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane C Lin
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, USA
| | - Ting Chow
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California, USA
| | - Xin Yu
- University of Southern California, USA
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Maternal Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Offspring: a Meta-analysis. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00336-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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158
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Liu L, Lai Y, Zhan Z, Fu Q, Jiang Y. Identification of Ferroptosis-Related Molecular Clusters and Immune Characterization in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Genet 2022; 13:911119. [PMID: 36035135 PMCID: PMC9403309 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.911119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with clinical presentation and prognostic heterogeneity. Ferroptosis is a regulated non-apoptotic cell death program implicated in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Therefore, we aimed to explore ferroptosis-related molecular subtypes in ASD and further illustrate the potential mechanism. Methods: A total of 201 normal samples and 293 ASD samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We used the unsupervised clustering analysis to identify the molecular subtypes based on ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and evaluate the immune characteristics between ferroptosis subtypes. Ferroptosis signatures were identified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) and recursive feature elimination for support vector machines (SVM-RFE) machine learning algorithms. The ferroptosis scores based on seven selected genes were constructed to evaluate the ferroptosis characteristics of ASD. Results: We identified 16 differentially expressed FRGs in ASD children compared with controls. Two distinct molecular clusters associated with ferroptosis were identified in ASD. Analysis of immune infiltration revealed immune heterogeneity between the two clusters. Cluster2, characterized by a higher immune score and a larger number of infiltrated immune cells, exhibited a stronger immune response and was markedly enriched in immune response-related signaling pathways. Additionally, the ferroptosis scores model was capable of predicting ASD subtypes and immunity. Higher levels of ferroptosis scores were associated with immune activation, as seen in Cluster2. Lower ferroptosis scores were accompanied by relative immune downregulation, as seen in Cluster1. Conclusion: Our study systematically elucidated the intricate correlation between ferroptosis and ASD and provided a promising ferroptosis score model to predict the molecular clusters and immune infiltration cell profiles of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Children’s Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yongxing Lai
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhidong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Fujian Children’s Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingxian Fu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Fujian Children’s Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuelian Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Children’s Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuelian Jiang,
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159
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Rødgaard E, Jensen K, Miskowiak KW, Mottron L. Representativeness of autistic samples in studies recruiting through social media. Autism Res 2022; 15:1447-1456. [PMID: 35809003 PMCID: PMC9541916 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Survey-based research with recruitment through online channels is a convenient way to obtain large samples and has recently been increasingly used in autism research. However, sampling from online channels may be associated with a high risk of sampling bias causing findings not to be generalizable to the autism population. Here we examined autism studies that have sampled on social media for markers of sampling bias. Most samples showed one or more indicators of sampling bias, in the form of reversed sex ratio, higher employment rates, higher education level, lower fraction of individuals with intellectual disability, and later age of diagnosis than would be expected when comparing with for example population study results from published research. Findings from many of the included studies are therefore difficult to generalize to the broader autism population. Suggestions for how research strategies may be adapted to address some of the problems are discussed. LAY SUMMARY: Online surveys offer a convenient way to recruit large numbers of participants for autism research. However, the resulting samples may not fully reflect the autism population. Here we investigated the samples of 36 autism studies that recruited participants online and found that the demographic composition tended to deviate from what has been reported about the autism population in previous research. The results may thus not be generalizable to autism in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristian Jensen
- Department of Psychiatry and AddictologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Kamilla Woznica Miskowiak
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Psychiatric Centre CopenhagenRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Laurent Mottron
- Department of Psychiatry and AddictologyUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
- Centre de Recherche du CIUSSS‐NIMHôpital Rivière‐des‐PrairiesMontréalQuebecCanada
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160
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Holdman R, Vigil D, Robinson K, Shah P, Contreras AE. Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis in Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared with Commonly Used Medications. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:451-463. [PMID: 34432543 PMCID: PMC9418362 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of medications commonly used in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare this to what current research has shown regarding medical cannabis use in this population. Methods: Searches were performed to collect information surrounding currently used medications and their safety and efficacy profiles, biologic plausibility of cannabis use for symptoms of ASD, and studies detailing cannabis' safety and efficacy profile for use in the ASD population. Results were used to compare medications to cannabis as a proposed treatment. Results: The heterogeneity of ASD produces great difficulties in finding appropriate treatment, leading to many medication changes or treatment trials throughout a patient's life. Commonly prescribed medications display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability between patients and symptoms targeted. Some of the most common side effects cited are also considered the most troubling symptoms associated with ASD; aggression, anxiety, irritability, and a negative effect on cognition, leading many patients to discontinue use as the side effects outweigh benefits. Recent case reports and retrospective studies have displayed the potential efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich medical cannabis use for treating both core symptoms of ASD and many comorbid symptoms such as irritability and sleep problems. Studies have also identified circulating endocannabinoids as a possible biomarker for ASD, providing another possible method of diagnosis. Conclusions: Currently, there are no approved medications for the core symptoms of ASD and only two medications Food and Drug Administration approved for associated irritability. Prescribed medications for symptoms associated with ASD display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability among the heterogeneous ASD population. At the time of this study there are no published placebo-controlled trials of medical cannabis for ASD and the observational studies have limitations. CBD-rich medical cannabis seems to be an effective, tolerable, and relatively safe option for many symptoms associated with ASD, however, the long-term safety is unknown at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Holdman
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel Vigil
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelsey Robinson
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Puja Shah
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Alexandra Elyse Contreras
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Marijuana Health Monitoring and Research, Denver, Colorado, USA
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161
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Raja A, Shekhar N, Singh H, Prakash A, Medhi B. In-silico discovery of dual active molecule to restore synaptic wiring against autism spectrum disorder via HDAC2 and H3R inhibition. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268139. [PMID: 35877665 PMCID: PMC9312418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) are essential epigenetic regulators; their molecular and pharmacological roles in medically critical diseases such as neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer are being studied globally. HDAC2’s differential expression in the central nervous system makes it an appealing therapeutic target for chronic neurological diseases like autism spectrum disorder. In this study, we identified H3R inhibitor molecules that are computationally effective at binding to the HDAC2 metal-coordinated binding site. The study highlights the importance of pitolisant in screening the potential H3R inhibitors by using a hybrid workflow of ligand and receptor-based drug discovery. The screened lead compounds with PubChem SIDs 103179850, 103185945, and 103362074 show viable binding with HDAC2 in silico. The importance of ligand contacts with the Zn2+ ion in the HDAC2 catalytic site is also discussed and investigated for a significant role in enzyme inhibition. The proposed H3R inhibitors 103179850, 103185945, and 103362074 are estimated as dual-active molecules to block the HDAC2-mediated deacetylation of the EAAT2 gene (SLC1A2) and H3R-mediated synaptic transmission irregularity and are, therefore, open for experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Raja
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Ajay Prakash
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
- * E-mail:
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Schnapp A, Harel M, Cayam-Rand D, Cassuto H, Polyansky L, Aran A. A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Cannabinoid Treatment for Disruptive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effects on Sleep Parameters as Measured by the CSHQ. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071685. [PMID: 35884990 PMCID: PMC9312464 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with debilitating sleep disturbances. While anecdotal evidence suggests the positive effect of cannabinoids, randomized studies are lacking. Here, we report the effects of cannabinoid treatment on the sleep of 150 children and adolescents with ASD, as part of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study that assessed the impact of cannabinoid treatment on behavior (NCT02956226). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatments: (1) whole-plant cannabis extract, containing cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a 20:1 ratio, (2) purified CBD and THC extract in the same ratio, and (3) an oral placebo. After 12 weeks of treatment (Period 1) and a 4-week washout period, participants crossed over to a predetermined, second 12-week treatment (Period 2). Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Children’s Sleep-Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ). We found that the CBD-rich cannabinoid treatment was not superior to the placebo treatment in all aspects of sleep measured by the CSHQ, including bedtime resistance, sleep-onset delay, and sleep duration. Notably, regardless of the treatment (cannabinoids or placebo), improvements in the CSHQ total score were associated with improvements in the autistic core symptoms, as indicated by the Social Responsiveness Scale total scores (Period 1: r = 0.266, p = 0.008; Period 2: r = 0.309, p = 0.004). While this study failed to demonstrate that sleep improvements were higher with cannabinoids than they were with the placebo treatment, further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Schnapp
- Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel;
| | - Moria Harel
- Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel; (M.H.); (D.C.-R.); (L.P.)
| | - Dalit Cayam-Rand
- Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel; (M.H.); (D.C.-R.); (L.P.)
| | - Hanoch Cassuto
- Child Development Centers, Leumit Health Services, Jerusalem 9439221, Israel;
| | - Lola Polyansky
- Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel; (M.H.); (D.C.-R.); (L.P.)
| | - Adi Aran
- Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel; (M.H.); (D.C.-R.); (L.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
- Correspondence:
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Yoneyama T, Utsumi A, Ishizaki A, Takahashi M, Yamaguchi S, Asami T, Hironaka S. Can dentists contribute to early screening for developmental disorders in five-year-old children during health checkups? PEDIATRIC DENTAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pdj.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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164
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Eicher TP, Mohajeri MH. Overlapping Mechanisms of Action of Brain-Active Bacteria and Bacterial Metabolites in the Pathogenesis of Common Brain Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132661. [PMID: 35807841 PMCID: PMC9267981 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of the gut microbiota and the metabolites of colon-residing bacteria in brain disease pathogenesis has been covered in a growing number of studies, but comparative literature is scarce. To fill this gap, we explored the contribution of the microbiota–gut–brain axis to the pathophysiology of seven brain-related diseases (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder). In this article, we discussed changes in bacterial abundance and the metabolic implications of these changes on disease development and progression. Our central findings indicate that, mechanistically, all seven diseases are associated with a leaky gut, neuroinflammation, and over-activated microglial cells, to which gut-residing bacteria and their metabolites are important contributors. Patients show a pro-inflammatory shift in their colon microbiota, harbouring more Gram-negative bacteria containing immune-triggering lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in their cell walls. In addition, bacteria with pro-inflammatory properties (Alistipes, Eggerthella, Flavonifractor) are found in higher abundances, whereas lower abundances of anti-inflammatory bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Coprococcus, Eucbacterium, Eubacterium rectale, Faecalibacterium, Faecalibacterium prasunitzii, Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Roseburia) are reported, when compared to healthy controls. On the metabolite level, aberrant levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are involved in disease pathogenesis and are mostly found in lower quantities. Moreover, bacterial metabolites such as neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, dopamine, noradrenaline, GABA, glutamate, serotonin) or amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan) also play an important role. In the future, defined aberrations in the abundance of bacteria strains and altered bacterial metabolite levels could likely be possible markers for disease diagnostics and follow-ups. Moreover, they could help to identify novel treatment options, underlining the necessity for a deeper understanding of the microbiota–gut–brain axis.
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165
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Clarke L, Fung LK. The impact of autism-related training programs on physician knowledge, self-efficacy, and practice behavior: A systematic review. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1626-1640. [PMID: 35698749 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder is estimated to impact 1.5 million children and almost 5.5 million adults. However, most physicians do not receive training on how to provide care to this increasingly large group of people. After performing a systematic review of the literature and screening over 4,500 unique articles focused on the effectiveness of autism-specific training programs designed for physicians and physician trainees, we determined that 17 studies met the pre-determined criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. The results reported by these studies suggest that by completing specialized training programs related to autism, physicians were more knowledgeable on topics related to the condition, more confident in their ability to provide care to autistic individuals, and more likely to screen their patients for autism spectrum disorder. However, further studies with higher quality data are needed to validate these findings and provide additional insight on the ability of these programs to improve physician behavior and patient outcomes. We are therefore advocating that medical educators develop and evaluate specialized autism training programs with an increased focus on improving physician behavior related to all aspects of providing care to autistic people.
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166
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Study on acquisition of time words by children with autism spectrum disorders. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03199-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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167
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Król JW, Stanirowski PJ, Mazanowska N, Majewska A, Wielgoś M, Bomba-Opoń D. Is There an Association between the Use of Epidural Analgesia during Labor and the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring?-A Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127202. [PMID: 35742451 PMCID: PMC9223492 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127202] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are multifactorial and complex neurodevelopmental conditions usually diagnosed in the early childhood. The etiology of ASDs is commonly described as a genetic predisposition combined with an environmental impact. As a result of broadening of the diagnostic criteria the prevalence of ASDs has been increasing worldwide and the search for the modifiable factors is still on-going. Epidural analgesia (ELA) provides effective pain relief during labor and is currently the most preferred method of anesthesia during the delivery. The safety of the procedure is well-discussed and documented; nonetheless, in 2020 a single population-based study indicated an association between the use of ELA during labor and newborn risk of ASD development, which led to widespread concern. To explore the possible association between the ELA and ASD occurrence in the offspring several studies in different countries have been conducted to date. In this review we aimed to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the association between the use of epidural analgesia during labor and risk of ASD. In conclusion, the literature review indicates that there is no significant association.
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168
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Jacob S, Anagnostou E, Hollander E, Jou R, McNamara N, Sikich L, Tobe R, Murphy D, McCracken J, Ashford E, Chatham C, Clinch S, Smith J, Sanders K, Murtagh L, Noeldeke J, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Large multicenter randomized trials in autism: key insights gained from the balovaptan clinical development program. Mol Autism 2022; 13:25. [PMID: 35690870 PMCID: PMC9188723 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by the core symptoms of social communication difficulties and restricted and repetitive behaviors. At present, there is an unmet medical need for therapies to ameliorate these core symptoms in order to improve quality of life of autistic individuals. However, several challenges are currently faced by the ASD community relating to the development of pharmacotherapies, namely in the conduct of clinical trials. Balovaptan is a V1a receptor antagonist that has been investigated to improve social communication difficulties in individuals with ASD. In this viewpoint, we draw upon our recent first-hand experiences of the balovaptan clinical development program to describe current challenges of ASD trials. DISCUSSION POINTS The balovaptan trials were conducted in a wide age range of individuals with ASD with the added complexities associated with international trials. When summarizing all three randomized trials of balovaptan, a placebo response was observed across several outcome measures. Placebo response was predicted by greater baseline symptom severity, online recruitment of participants, and less experienced or non-academic trial sites. We also highlight challenges relating to selection of outcome measures in ASD, the impact of baseline characteristics, and the role of expectation bias in influencing trial results. CONCLUSION Taken together, the balovaptan clinical development program has advanced our understanding of the key challenges facing ASD treatment research. The insights gained can be used to inform and improve the design of future clinical trials with the collective aim of developing efficacious therapies to support individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suma Jacob
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Hollander
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roger Jou
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nora McNamara
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Linmarie Sikich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Russell Tobe
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | | | - James McCracken
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Janice Smith
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Kevin Sanders
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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169
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Wang F. Disentangling the Heterogeneity of Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Normative Modeling. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:920-921. [PMID: 35589313 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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170
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Masi A, Moni MA, Azim SI, Choi B, Heussler H, Lin PI, Diaz AM, Eapen V. Clinical and behavioral attributes leading to sleep disorders in children on the autism spectrum. Autism Res 2022; 15:1274-1287. [PMID: 35596587 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2745] [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: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disorders are a common comorbid condition in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ("autism"). However, the relationship between the clinical features of autism and sleep disorders remains unclear. A better understanding of the inherent autism-related characteristics linked to comorbid sleep disorders would improve comprehensive assessment and management. This study examined the relationship between sociodemographics, autism symptoms, sleep problems, cognitive status, behavioral attributes, and sensory profiles. Using data from 1268 participants who took part in the Australian Autism Biobank, sleep-related measurements using the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) were compared between autistic children aged 2 to 17 (N = 969), their siblings (N = 188), and unrelated children without an autism diagnosis (N = 111). The known relationship between sleep problems and autism was further explored by including scores from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, Mullen Scales of Early Learning, Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale-II and the Short Sensory Profile-2; which were included in analyses for autistic participants who had a completed CSHQ. Multiple regression models were used to identify clinical/behavioral variables associated with CSHQ subscales. The autism group had a significantly higher total CSHQ score than the sibling and comparison groups (p < 0.001), indicating worse sleep quality. Within the autism group, lower adaptive behaviors (i.e., VABS-II) and sensory issues (i.e., SSP-2 subclass scores) were positively associated with the severity of sleep problems (i.e., the CSHQ subclass scores) (p < 0.001). The significant functional impact of poor sleep on autistic children warrants an assessment of sleep as a critical part of a holistic approach to supporting autistic children and their families. LAY SUMMARY: Autistic children generally have co-occurring conditions. Sleep disorders impact approximately 50%-80% of autistic children. The impact on the quality of life for both the children and their families can be significant. This study compares sleep problems in autistic children and adolescents with their siblings and children without a diagnosis of autism, and investigates the relationship between specific autistic traits, daily life behaviors and sleep problems. The findings highlight the importance of a holistic assessment for autistic children and matching appropriate sleep intervention and supports where indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Masi
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mohammod Ali Moni
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Syeda Ishra Azim
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Byungkuk Choi
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Heussler
- Centre for Children's Health Research, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Child Development, Child and Youth Community Health Services, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ping-I Lin
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Mental Health Research Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.,Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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171
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Garcés P, Baumeister S, Mason L, Chatham CH, Holiga S, Dukart J, Jones EJH, Banaschewski T, Baron-Cohen S, Bölte S, Buitelaar JK, Durston S, Oranje B, Persico AM, Beckmann CF, Bougeron T, Dell'Acqua F, Ecker C, Moessnang C, Charman T, Tillmann J, Murphy DGM, Johnson M, Loth E, Brandeis D, Hipp JF. Resting state EEG power spectrum and functional connectivity in autism: a cross-sectional analysis. Mol Autism 2022; 13:22. [PMID: 35585637 PMCID: PMC9118870 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00500-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the development of the neuronal circuitry underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is critical to shed light into its etiology and for the development of treatment options. Resting state EEG provides a window into spontaneous local and long-range neuronal synchronization and has been investigated in many ASD studies, but results are inconsistent. Unbiased investigation in large and comprehensive samples focusing on replicability is needed. METHODS We quantified resting state EEG alpha peak metrics, power spectrum (PS, 2-32 Hz) and functional connectivity (FC) in 411 children, adolescents and adults (n = 212 ASD, n = 199 neurotypicals [NT], all with IQ > 75). We performed analyses in source-space using individual head models derived from the participants' MRIs. We tested for differences in mean and variance between the ASD and NT groups for both PS and FC using linear mixed effects models accounting for age, sex, IQ and site effects. Then, we used machine learning to assess whether a multivariate combination of EEG features could better separate ASD and NT participants. All analyses were embedded within a train-validation approach (70%-30% split). RESULTS In the training dataset, we found an interaction between age and group for the reactivity to eye opening (p = .042 uncorrected), and a significant but weak multivariate ASD vs. NT classification performance for PS and FC (sensitivity 0.52-0.62, specificity 0.59-0.73). None of these findings replicated significantly in the validation dataset, although the effect size in the validation dataset overlapped with the prediction interval from the training dataset. LIMITATIONS The statistical power to detect weak effects-of the magnitude of those found in the training dataset-in the validation dataset is small, and we cannot fully conclude on the reproducibility of the training dataset's effects. CONCLUSIONS This suggests that PS and FC values in ASD and NT have a strong overlap, and that differences between both groups (in both mean and variance) have, at best, a small effect size. Larger studies would be needed to investigate and replicate such potential effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Garcés
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sarah Baumeister
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Luke Mason
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Christopher H Chatham
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Holiga
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juergen Dukart
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sven Bölte
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.,Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Durston
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Oranje
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio M Persico
- Interdepartmental Program "Autism 0-90", "G. Martino" University Hospital, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Christian F Beckmann
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Bougeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Flavio Dell'Acqua
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Christine Ecker
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Carolin Moessnang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Mark Johnson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Eva Loth
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Daniel Brandeis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joerg F Hipp
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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172
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Can EEG Correlates Predict Treatment Efficacy in Children with Overlapping ASD and SLI Symptoms: A Case Report. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051110. [PMID: 35626266 PMCID: PMC9139884 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the rehabilitation efficacy may be an essential indicator of its further implementation and planning. The research aim is to examine whether the estimation of EEG correlates of auditory-verbal processing in a child with overlapping autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and specific language impairment (SLI) symptoms may be a predictor of the treatment efficacy in conditions when behavioral tests do not show improvement during the time course. The prospective case report reports follow-up results in a child aged 36 to 66 months. During continuous integrative therapy, autism risk index, cognitive, speech–language, sensory, and EEG correlates of auditory-verbal information processing are recorded in six test periods, and their mutual interrelation was analyzed. The obtained results show a high statistically significant correlation of all observed functions with EEG correlates related to the difference between the average mean values of theta rhythm in the left (F1, F3, F7) and right (F2, F4, F8) frontal region. The temporal dynamics of the examined processes point to the consistency of the evaluated functions increasing with time flow. These findings indicate that EEG correlates of auditory-verbal processing may be used to diagnose treatment efficacy in children with overlapping ASD and SLI.
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173
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Bernardini N, Skroza N, Marraffa F, Prevete E, Mambrin A, Proietti I, Tolino E, Caviglia M, Guardo AD, Rossi G, Volpe S, Bersani G, Potenza C. A case of Twins affected by Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Autism: Five years of efficacious and safe treatment with Secukinumab. Dermatol Ther 2022; 35:e15533. [PMID: 35460156 PMCID: PMC9539526 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Bernardini
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Nevena Skroza
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Marraffa
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mambrin
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Proietti
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Ersilia Tolino
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Caviglia
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Guardo
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rossi
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Volpe
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bersani
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina, Italy
| | - Concetta Potenza
- Dermatology Unit "D. Innocenzi", Polo Pontino, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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174
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Isaac J, Jeremias D, Rocha Almeida C, Albuquerque R. Beyond what clinicians see: missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of a woman with autism spectrum disorder. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e246320. [PMID: 35459645 PMCID: PMC9036173 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-246320] [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] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A young woman with autism spectrum disorder was admitted to the hospital via the emergency care unit. On being admitted, she was improperly diagnosed with a psychotic disorder due to her erratic behaviour and incomprehensible refusal to eat. As a result, the patient was hospitalised against her will. For accurate and correct diagnosis and treatment, it was necessary to collect the patient's detailed clinical history, while being hospitalised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Isaac
- Psychiatry, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
- Psychiatry, Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes, Beja, Portugal
| | - Daniela Jeremias
- Psychiatry, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Rui Albuquerque
- Psychiatry, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE, Lisboa, Portugal
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175
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Neuroligins in neurodevelopmental conditions: how mouse models of de novo mutations can help us link synaptic function to social behavior. Neuronal Signal 2022; 6:NS20210030. [PMID: 35601025 PMCID: PMC9093077 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental conditions (or neurodevelopmental disorders, NDDs) are highly heterogeneous with overlapping characteristics and shared genetic etiology. The large symptom variability and etiological heterogeneity have made it challenging to understand the biological mechanisms underpinning NDDs. To accommodate this individual variability, one approach is to move away from diagnostic criteria and focus on distinct dimensions with relevance to multiple NDDs. This domain approach is well suited to preclinical research, where genetically modified animal models can be used to link genetic variability to neurobiological mechanisms and behavioral traits. Genetic factors associated with NDDs can be grouped functionally into common biological pathways, with one prominent functional group being genes associated with the synapse. These include the neuroligins (Nlgns), a family of postsynaptic transmembrane proteins that are key modulators of synaptic function. Here, we review how research using Nlgn mouse models has provided insight into how synaptic proteins contribute to behavioral traits associated with NDDs. We focus on how mutations in different Nlgns affect social behaviors, as differences in social interaction and communication are a common feature of most NDDs. Importantly, mice carrying distinct mutations in Nlgns share some neurobiological and behavioral phenotypes with other synaptic gene mutations. Comparing the functional implications of mutations in multiple synaptic proteins is a first step towards identifying convergent neurobiological pathways in multiple brain regions and circuits.
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176
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Stevanovic D, Wentz E, Nasic S, Knez R. ASD with ADHD vs. ASD and ADHD alone: a study of the QbTest performance and single-dose methylphenidate responding in children and adolescents. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:282. [PMID: 35448977 PMCID: PMC9022263 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuous performance task (CPT) may help identify coexistent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Quantified behavior Test (QbTest) combines a CPT and motion-tracking data to assess ADHD symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the QbTest performance of children and adolescents with ASD plus ADHD, including estimating the effects of single-dose methylphenidate (MPH). To achieve these aims, (1) the QbTest performances were evaluated in ASD alone, ASD plus ADHD, and ADHD alone, and (2) the effects on the QbTest performance of single-dose MPH before and after intake were estimated across the groups. It was assumed that the ASD plus ADHD performance, including the MPH response, would preferably resemble the performance in ADHD alone, rather than ASD alone. METHODS Retrospective data were analyzed for 482 children and adolescents: 69 with ASD alone, 142 with ASD plus ADHD (ASD/ADHD), and 271 with ADHD alone. For 343 subjects, the QbTest was performed before and up to four hours after a single-dose MPH intake. A summary index of the CPT and motion-capture data was provided for QbTest cardinal parameters. RESULTS Of 12 QbTest parameters assessed before given MPH, the ASD/ADHD group had scores in line with the ASD group regarding four parameters and the ADHD group regarding nine parameters. Significant differences between groups were seen with respect to QbInattention (p > 0.05); the lowest scores in ASD and the highest in ADHD. Those with ASD/ADHD and ADHD had similar QbActivity and QbImpulsivity scores, but significantly higher than those with ASD. After MPH intake, scores for QbActivity decreased similarly in ASD/ADHD and ADHD, as well as scores for QbImpulsivity. QbImpulsivity increased in ASD. QbInattention scores decreased similarly in all groups after MPH intake. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents with ASD plus ADHD exhibited more atypical QbTest performances than those with ASD alone, while most of their performances were similar to those observed in ADHD alone. In addition, a single dose of MPH mitigated attention deficits and decreased hyperactivity while improved impulsivity in these children. Prospective studies should further clarify the role of the QbTest in the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in ASD with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Stevanovic
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 430, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden ,Psychiatry Department, Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Dr Subotic 6a, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Elisabet Wentz
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 430, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Salmir Nasic
- grid.416029.80000 0004 0624 0275Research & Development Centre, Skaraborgs Hospital, Lövängsvägen, 541 42 Skövde, Sweden ,grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 430, 40530 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Rajna Knez
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 430, 40530, Göteborg, Sweden. .,Department of Pediatrics, Skaraborgs Hospital, Skövde, Sweden.
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Newson JJ, Pastukh V, Thiagarajan TC. Assessment of Population Well-being With the Mental Health Quotient: Validation Study. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e34105. [PMID: 35442210 PMCID: PMC9069309 DOI: 10.2196/34105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) is an anonymous web-based assessment of mental health and well-being that comprehensively covers symptoms across 10 major psychiatric disorders, as well as positive elements of mental function. It uses a novel life impact scale and provides a score to the individual that places them on a spectrum from Distressed to Thriving along with a personal report that offers self-care recommendations. Since April 2020, the MHQ has been freely deployed as part of the Mental Health Million Project. OBJECTIVE This paper demonstrates the reliability and validity of the MHQ, including the construct validity of the life impact scale, sample and test-retest reliability of the assessment, and criterion validation of the MHQ with respect to clinical burden and productivity loss. METHODS Data were taken from the Mental Health Million open-access database (N=179,238) and included responses from English-speaking adults (aged≥18 years) from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, India, and Nigeria collected during 2021. To assess sample reliability, random demographically matched samples (each 11,033/179,238, 6.16%) were compared within the same 6-month period. Test-retest reliability was determined using the subset of individuals who had taken the assessment twice ≥3 days apart (1907/179,238, 1.06%). To assess the construct validity of the life impact scale, additional questions were asked about the frequency and severity of an example symptom (feelings of sadness, distress, or hopelessness; 4247/179,238, 2.37%). To assess criterion validity, elements rated as having a highly negative life impact by a respondent (equivalent to experiencing the symptom ≥5 days a week) were mapped to clinical diagnostic criteria to calculate the clinical burden (174,618/179,238, 97.42%). In addition, MHQ scores were compared with the number of workdays missed or with reduced productivity in the past month (7625/179,238, 4.25%). RESULTS Distinct samples collected during the same period had indistinguishable MHQ distributions and MHQ scores were correlated with r=0.84 between retakes within an 8- to 120-day period. Life impact ratings were correlated with frequency and severity of symptoms, with a clear linear relationship (R2>0.99). Furthermore, the aggregate MHQ scores were systematically related to both clinical burden and productivity. At one end of the scale, 89.08% (8986/10,087) of those in the Distressed category mapped to one or more disorders and had an average productivity loss of 15.2 (SD 11.2; SEM [standard error of measurement] 0.5) days per month. In contrast, at the other end of the scale, 0% (1/24,365) of those in the Thriving category mapped to any of the 10 disorders and had an average productivity loss of 1.3 (SD 3.6; SEM 0.1) days per month. CONCLUSIONS The MHQ is a valid and reliable assessment of mental health and well-being when delivered anonymously on the web.
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178
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Obst B, Roesler M, Fato P, Goff C. Supporting Children on the Autism Spectrum as They Experience the Challenges of COVID-19. NASN Sch Nurse 2022; 37:240-244. [PMID: 35426749 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x221089047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified stress and social isolation for many children, but those children living with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been disproportionately affected. Prior to the pandemic, children with ASD often faced social isolation due to struggles with their social communication and social development. Planning for children with ASD to return to community experiences, including school, appointments, and even recreational activities, will require an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on the child and their family. As the child and family are working to adjust to changes like new routines, sleep patterns, and sensory issues as a result of the pandemic, the pediatric nursing community should be knowledgeable and prepared to develop creative opportunities to meet the needs of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Obst
- SHNIC Program Coordinator, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Megan Roesler
- Nurse Educator, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Patricia Fato
- Nurse Educator, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Carrie Goff
- Nurse Coordinator, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
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Choi H, Byeon K, Park BY, Lee JE, Valk SL, Bernhardt B, Martino AD, Milham M, Hong SJ, Park H. Diagnosis-informed connectivity subtyping discovers subgroups of autism with reproducible symptom profiles. Neuroimage 2022; 256:119212. [PMID: 35430361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical heterogeneity has been one of the main barriers to develop effective biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recognizing this challenge, much effort has been made in recent neuroimaging studies to find biologically more homogeneous subgroups (called 'neurosubtypes') in autism. However, most approaches have rarely evaluated how much the employed features in subtyping represent the core anomalies of ASD, obscuring its utility in actual clinical diagnosis. To address this, we combined two data-driven methods, 'connectome-based gradient' and 'functional random forest', collectively allowing to discover reproducible neurosubtypes based on resting-state functional connectivity profiles that are specific to ASD. Indeed, the former technique provides the features (as input for subtyping) that effectively summarize whole-brain connectome variations in both normal and ASD conditions, while the latter leverages a supervised random forest algorithm to inform diagnostic labels to clustering, which makes neurosubtyping driven by the features of ASD core anomalies. Applying this framework to the open-sharing Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange repository data (discovery, n = 103/108 for ASD/typically developing [TD]; replication, n = 44/42 for ASD/TD), we found three dominant subtypes of functional gradients in ASD and three subtypes in TD. The subtypes in ASD revealed distinct connectome profiles in multiple brain areas, which are associated with different Neurosynth-derived cognitive functions previously implicated in autism studies. Moreover, these subtypes showed different symptom severity, which degree co-varies with the extent of functional gradient changes observed across the groups. The subtypes in the discovery and replication datasets showed similar symptom profiles in social interaction and communication domains, confirming a largely reproducible brain-behavior relationship. Finally, the connectome gradients in ASD subtypes present both common and distinct patterns compared to those in TD, reflecting their potential overlap and divergence in terms of developmental mechanisms involved in the manifestation of large-scale functional networks. Our study demonstrated a potential of the diagnosis-informed subtyping approach in developing a clinically useful brain-based classification system for future ASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoungshin Choi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Kyoungseob Byeon
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Bo-Yong Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea; Department of Data Science, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jong-Eun Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Otto Hahn group, Cognitive neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Boris Bernhardt
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Michael Milham
- Center for the Developing Brain, Child Mind Institute, New York, United States; Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, New York, United States
| | - Seok-Jun Hong
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea; Center for the Developing Brain, Child Mind Institute, New York, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
| | - Hyunjin Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea; School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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180
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Carli E, Pasini M, Pardossi F, Capotosti I, Narzisi A, Lardani L. Oral Health Preventive Program in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9040535. [PMID: 35455579 PMCID: PMC9031336 DOI: 10.3390/children9040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical hygienic parameters, patient collaboration, and dental habits in patients with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) before and after a tailored prevention program. A total of 100 patients (78 males and 22 females, mean age 8 ± 0.7 years old) was recruited, with ages ranging from 7 to 16 years old, and diagnoses of ASD. We evaluated the plaque index (IP), gingival index (IG), the dmft/DMFT, the frequency of tooth brushing, and the frequency of snacks for each patient. Patient behaviour was evaluated with the Frankl scale, and each patient was individually reassessed after five visits from the first one by the same operator. The t test was used to compare the parameters before and after the inclusion in the dedicated dental pathway. From T1 to T2 we found a significant improvement of the IP (p < 0.001), IG (p < 0.001), and the frequency of tooth brushing (p < 0.001). Concerning the frequency of snacks and the parameter dmft/DMFT, the differences in the observed averages were not significant (p > 0.05). The difference in collaboration between T1 and T2 evaluated by the Frankl scale was statistically significant (p < 0.001). It was found that the prevention program allowed a significant improvement in both clinical parameters and patient behaviour. The personalized digital supports can have a key role for success in familiarization and desensitization processes of patients affected by ASD, leading an increase in their collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Carli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Marco Pasini
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Francesca Pardossi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | - Isabella Capotosti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
| | | | - Lisa Lardani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (M.P.); (F.P.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-9527-5328
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181
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Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Carello-Collar G, Nunes GDF, Bauer-Negrini G, Schwingel GB, Fontes-Dutra M, Riesgo R, Gottfried C. Resveratrol Prevents Cytoarchitectural and Interneuronal Alterations in the Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084075. [PMID: 35456893 PMCID: PMC9027778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by several alterations, including disorganized brain cytoarchitecture and excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance. We aimed to analyze aspects associated with the inhibitory components in ASD, using bioinformatics to develop notions about embryonic life and tissue analysis for postnatal life. We analyzed microarray and RNAseq datasets of embryos from different ASD models, demonstrating that regions involved in neuronal development are affected. We evaluated the effect of prenatal treatment with resveratrol (RSV) on the neuronal organization and quantity of parvalbumin-positive (PV+), somatostatin-positive (SOM+), and calbindin-positive (CB+) GABAergic interneurons, besides the levels of synaptic proteins and GABA receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HC) of the ASD model induced by valproic acid (VPA). VPA increased the total number of neurons in the mPFC, while it reduced the number of SOM+ neurons, as well as the proportion of SOM+, PV+, and CB+ neurons (subregion-specific manner), with preventive effects of RSV. In summary, metabolic alterations or gene expression impairments could be induced by VPA, leading to extensive damage in the late developmental stages. By contrast, due to its antioxidant, neuroprotective, and opposite action on histone properties, RSV may avoid damages induced by VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Carello-Collar
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Della-Flora Nunes
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bauer-Negrini
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
| | - Rudimar Riesgo
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder—GETTEA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil; (J.S.-T.); (I.D.); (G.C.-C.); (G.D.-F.N.); (G.B.-N.); (G.B.S.); (M.F.-D.); (R.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation—INCT-NIM, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Autism Wellbeing and Research Development—AWARD—Initiative BR-UK-CA, Porto Alegre 90040-060, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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182
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Wynn CJ, Josephson ER, Borrie SA. An Examination of Articulatory Precision in Autistic Children and Adults. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2022; 65:1416-1425. [PMID: 35235372 PMCID: PMC9499346 DOI: 10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE According to the speech attunement framework, autistic individuals lack the ability and/or motivation to "tune up" their speech to the same level of precision as their neurotypical peers. However, previous studies exploring the articulatory patterns of autistic individuals have yielded disparate findings. One reason contrasting conclusions exist may be because studies have relied on perceptual measures of articulation. Here, we use an objective acoustic measure of articulatory precision to explore the articulatory patterns of autistic children and adults. METHOD This was a retrospective analysis of an existing corpus of 900 recorded speech samples taken from 30 adult and 30 child participants across two different population groups: autistic individuals (autism spectrum disorder [ASD] group) and neurotypical individuals (neurotypical [NT] group). Articulatory precision scores were calculated using an automated metric that compares observed acoustics to the expected acoustics for each phoneme production. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare the articulatory precision scores across population group (i.e., ASD group vs. NT group) and to see if these differences were moderated by age group (i.e., children vs. adult). RESULTS The speech of autistic individuals was characterized by reduced articulatory precision relative to their neurotypical peers. This pattern was not significantly moderated by age, indicating it occurred in both the children and adult groups. CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary findings indicate that imprecise articulation may be a characteristic of the speech of autistic individuals in both childhood and adulthood. These findings are in line with predictions posited by the speech attunement framework. Given the current lack of speech markers for this clinical population and the importance of speech quality in the social integration of autistic individuals, our results advance articulatory precision as a viable and important target for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille J. Wynn
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
| | | | - Stephanie A. Borrie
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan
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183
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Astle DE, Holmes J, Kievit R, Gathercole SE. Annual Research Review: The transdiagnostic revolution in neurodevelopmental disorders. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:397-417. [PMID: 34296774 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Practitioners frequently use diagnostic criteria to identify children with neurodevelopmental disorders and to guide intervention decisions. These criteria also provide the organising framework for much of the research focussing on these disorders. Study design, recruitment, analysis and theory are largely built on the assumption that diagnostic criteria reflect an underlying reality. However, there is growing concern that this assumption may not be a valid and that an alternative transdiagnostic approach may better serve our understanding of this large heterogeneous population of young people. This review draws on important developments over the past decade that have set the stage for much-needed breakthroughs in understanding neurodevelopmental disorders. We evaluate contemporary approaches to study design and recruitment, review the use of data-driven methods to characterise cognition, behaviour and neurobiology, and consider what alternative transdiagnostic models could mean for children and families. This review concludes that an overreliance on ill-fitting diagnostic criteria is impeding progress towards identifying the barriers that children encounter, understanding underpinning mechanisms and finding the best route to supporting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan E Astle
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joni Holmes
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rogier Kievit
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Susan E Gathercole
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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184
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Sha Z, van Rooij D, Anagnostou E, Arango C, Auzias G, Behrmann M, Bernhardt B, Bolte S, Busatto GF, Calderoni S, Calvo R, Daly E, Deruelle C, Duan M, Duran FLS, Durston S, Ecker C, Ehrlich S, Fair D, Fedor J, Fitzgerald J, Floris DL, Franke B, Freitag CM, Gallagher L, Glahn DC, Haar S, Hoekstra L, Jahanshad N, Jalbrzikowski M, Janssen J, King JA, Lazaro L, Luna B, McGrath J, Medland SE, Muratori F, Murphy DGM, Neufeld J, O'Hearn K, Oranje B, Parellada M, Pariente JC, Postema MC, Remnelius KL, Retico A, Rosa PGP, Rubia K, Shook D, Tammimies K, Taylor MJ, Tosetti M, Wallace GL, Zhou F, Thompson PM, Fisher SE, Buitelaar JK, Francks C. Subtly altered topological asymmetry of brain structural covariance networks in autism spectrum disorder across 43 datasets from the ENIGMA consortium. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2114-2125. [PMID: 35136228 PMCID: PMC9126820 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01452-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Small average differences in the left-right asymmetry of cerebral cortical thickness have been reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing controls, affecting widespread cortical regions. The possible impacts of these regional alterations in terms of structural network effects have not previously been characterized. Inter-regional morphological covariance analysis can capture network connectivity between different cortical areas at the macroscale level. Here, we used cortical thickness data from 1455 individuals with ASD and 1560 controls, across 43 independent datasets of the ENIGMA consortium's ASD Working Group, to assess hemispheric asymmetries of intra-individual structural covariance networks, using graph theory-based topological metrics. Compared with typical features of small-world architecture in controls, the ASD sample showed significantly altered average asymmetry of networks involving the fusiform, rostral middle frontal, and medial orbitofrontal cortex, involving higher randomization of the corresponding right-hemispheric networks in ASD. A network involving the superior frontal cortex showed decreased right-hemisphere randomization. Based on comparisons with meta-analyzed functional neuroimaging data, the altered connectivity asymmetry particularly affected networks that subserve executive functions, language-related and sensorimotor processes. These findings provide a network-level characterization of altered left-right brain asymmetry in ASD, based on a large combined sample. Altered asymmetrical brain development in ASD may be partly propagated among spatially distant regions through structural connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Sha
- Department of Language & Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Daan van Rooij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Celso Arango
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Gregorio Maran General University Hospital, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillaume Auzias
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, Aix Marseille Universit, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Marlene Behrmann
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Boris Bernhardt
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sven Bolte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Geraldo F Busatto
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroimaging (LIM-21), Departamento e Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosa Calvo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Hospital Clinic, Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, 2017SGR881, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eileen Daly
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christine Deruelle
- Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289, Aix Marseille Universit, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Meiyu Duan
- BioKnow Health Informatics Lab, College of Computer Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Symbolic Computation and Knowledge Engineering of Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China
| | - Fabio Luis Souza Duran
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroimaging (LIM-21), Departamento e Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sarah Durston
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
- The Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Damien Fair
- Institute of Child Development, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Institute of the Developing Brain, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jennifer Fedor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- The Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dorothea L Floris
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- The Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115-5724, USA
- Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Center, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Shlomi Haar
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Liesbeth Hoekstra
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Maria Jalbrzikowski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joost Janssen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Gregorio Maran General University Hospital, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joseph A King
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Luisa Lazaro
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Hospital Clinic, Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, 2017SGR881, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Luna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jane McGrath
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- The Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah E Medland
- Psychiatric Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- The Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Behavioural Genetics Clinic, Adult Autism Service, Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Janina Neufeld
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kirsten O'Hearn
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Bob Oranje
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mara Parellada
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Gregorio Maran General University Hospital, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose C Pariente
- Magnetic Resonance Image Core Facility, IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigacions Biomdiques August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Merel C Postema
- Department of Language & Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karl Lundin Remnelius
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Retico
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Pisa Division, Largo B. Pontecorvo 3, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pedro Gomes Penteado Rosa
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroimaging (LIM-21), Departamento e Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Katya Rubia
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Devon Shook
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristiina Tammimies
- Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Region, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research; Department of Womens and Childrens Health, Karolinska Institutet and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gregory L Wallace
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fengfeng Zhou
- BioKnow Health Informatics Lab, College of Computer Science and Technology, and Key Laboratory of Symbolic Computation and Knowledge Engineering of Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130012, China
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Department of Language & Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Clyde Francks
- Department of Language & Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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185
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Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
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186
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Carreira LD, Matias FC, Campos MG. Clinical Data on Canabinoids: Translational Research in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040796. [PMID: 35453548 PMCID: PMC9024565 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational research made with Cannabis sativa L. and its biocompounds provides data for some targeted diseases, as also symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The main compounds ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are capable of modulating the endocannabinoid system since its dysregulation interferes with the pathophysiology of ASDs there are clinical evidence for its potential use in the treatment of the disease. Conventional therapy still has limitations, as it does not always treat the central symptoms, and there are many patients who do not respond to treatment, which demands more research on new therapies. Through the analysis of published literature on this topic, it is verified that cannabinoids, in particular CBD, improves symptoms associated with common comorbidities in ASDs. Some studies also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of these compounds in the treatment of central symptoms of autism. In addition, cannabinoid therapy to ASDs is associated with low adverse effects and a reduction in concomitant medication. Although it appears to be promising, it is essential to do the translation of this data into clinical research and some of its potential and critical gaps are discussed in this review pointing to large-scale and long-term clinical trials that should include more patients and homogeneous samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D. Carreira
- Observatory of Drug-Herb Interactions, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Francisca C. Matias
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Maria G. Campos
- Observatory of Drug-Herb Interactions, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Campus, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC, FCT Unit 313) (FCTUC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-488-400
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187
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Shen L, Zhang H, Lin J, Gao Y, Chen M, Khan NU, Tang X, Hong Q, Feng C, Zhao Y, Cao X. A Combined Proteomics and Metabolomics Profiling to Investigate the Genetic Heterogeneity of Autistic Children. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3529-3545. [PMID: 35348996 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02801-x] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become one of the most common neurological developmental disorders in children. However, the study of ASD diagnostic markers faces significant challenges due to the existence of heterogeneity. In this study, genetic testing was performed on children who were clinically diagnosed with ASD. Children with ASD susceptibility genes and healthy controls were studied. The proteomics of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as plasma metabolomics were carried out. The results showed that although there was genetic heterogeneity in children with ASD, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and differential metabolites in plasma could still effectively distinguish autistic children from controls. The mechanism associated with them focuses on several common and previously reported mechanisms of ASD. The biomarkers for ASD diagnosis could be found by taking differentially expressed proteins and differential metabolites into consideration. Integrating omics data, glycerophospholipid metabolism and N-glycan biosynthesis might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajie Zhang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China.,Brain Disease and Big Data Research Institute, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China.,Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Margy Chen
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Naseer Ullah Khan
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xueshan Cao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518071, People's Republic of China.
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188
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Wang Q, Wang X, Xu L. Intelligent Somatosensory Interactive Activities Restore Motor Function to Children with Autism. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:4516005. [PMID: 35388325 PMCID: PMC8977316 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4516005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
So far, the biomedical community has not provided clear etiological conclusions and targeted drug treatments. Educational intervention and rehabilitation are the main ways to promote the development of autistic children's ability and change the quality of life. This research mainly explores how intelligent somatosensory interactive activities can restore motor function to children with autism. Case studies are used to investigate the current problems of hand movement training for children with autism and the effect of somatosensory games on rehabilitation training for autism. The experience of autistic children using somatosensory games for hand movement training was analyzed. Through the collection, sorting, and analysis of data, the influence of different factors on users' immersive experience is explored. It designs and implements the system's somatosensory game module, including a detailed introduction to the development platform and key technologies used in the development of the somatosensory game module, and shows the functions, program flow, main features, and implementation effects of the somatosensory game. The development process of the somatosensory interaction system is introduced in detail, including model making, character control, task flow control, collision detection, interactive interface, and natural interaction methods of gesture interaction and voice interaction. This study outlines the concepts related to autism and the characteristics of children with autism. It discusses the feasibility of applying somatosensory games to the hand movement training of children with autism and analyzes the development status and application of somatosensory games in detail to lay the foundation for follow-up research. Moreover, it defines the research content of somatosensory interactive training products and clarifies the design content and direction of the product. The comfort evaluation of the somatosensory game products designed in the study reached 92.9%. This research further proves that somatosensory games have a positive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- School of Sports and Health, Guangdong Polytechnic of Science and Technology, Zhuhai 519090, Guangdong, China
| | - Xing Wang
- School of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lei Xu
- School of Physical Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong, China
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189
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van der Wurff I, Oenema A, de Ruijter D, Vingerhoets C, van Amelsvoort T, Rutten B, Mulkens S, Köhler S, Schols A, de Groot R. A Scoping Literature Review of the Relation between Nutrition and ASD Symptoms in Children. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14071389. [PMID: 35406004 PMCID: PMC9003544 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication skills, and repetitive and restrictive behaviors and interests. Even though there is a biological basis for an effect of specific nutrition factors on ASD symptoms and there is scientific literature available on this relationship, whether nutrition factors could play a role in ASD treatment is unclear. The goal of the current literature review was to summarize the available scientific literature on the relation between nutrition and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in childhood, and to formulate practical dietary guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy including terms for ASD, nutrition factors (therapeutic diets, dietary patterns, specific food products, fatty acids and micronutrients) and childhood was developed and executed in six literature databases (Cinahl, Cochrane, Ovid Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science). Data from meta-analyses, systematic reviews and original studies were qualitatively summarized. A total of 5 meta-analyses, 29 systematic reviews and 27 original studies were retrieved that focused on therapeutic diets, specific food products, fatty acids and micronutrients and ASD symptoms during childhood. Results of the available studies were sparse and inconclusive, and hence, no firm conclusions could be drawn. There is currently insufficient evidence for a relation between nutrition and ASD symptoms in childhood, making it impossible to provide practical nutrition guidelines; more methodological sound research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge van der Wurff
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands
- Conditions for Lifelong Learning, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anke Oenema
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (A.O.); (D.d.R.)
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Dennis de Ruijter
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (A.O.); (D.d.R.)
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Claudia Vingerhoets
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.V.); (T.v.A.); (B.R.); (S.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Thérèse van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.V.); (T.v.A.); (B.R.); (S.M.); (S.K.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.V.); (T.v.A.); (B.R.); (S.M.); (S.K.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Mulkens
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.V.); (T.v.A.); (B.R.); (S.M.); (S.K.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- SeysCentra, 6581 TE Malden, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Köhler
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; (C.V.); (T.v.A.); (B.R.); (S.M.); (S.K.)
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemie Schols
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Renate de Groot
- Conditions for Lifelong Learning, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Open University of the Netherlands, 6419 AT Heerlen, The Netherlands;
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190
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An Explorative Study of Atypical Social Interaction Styles in Adult Men with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Men with Personality Disorders and Men from the General Population. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:2297-2305. [PMID: 35298755 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05521-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Different atypical social interaction styles (SISs) were defined and tested in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whether these styles can also be distinguished in adults with ASD has not yet been explored. In men with ASD, men with personality disorder (PD), and men from the general population (N = 90), aged 18-65 years, we tested which SISs can be distinguished and how they relate to the presence of PD traits. We found a significant distinction in allocation to atypical SISs between the three groups. This study shows the presence of atypical SISs in adults with ASD, and complements previous SIS findings in children and adolescents with ASD.Trial registration The Netherlands National Trial Register NTR6391. Registered 04 May 2017.
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191
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Immune Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do We Know about It? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063033. [PMID: 35328471 PMCID: PMC8955336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a wide and variable set of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including deficits in social communication, narrow and restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. The immune hypothesis is considered to be a major factor contributing to autism pathogenesis, as well as a way to explain the differences of the clinical phenotypes and comorbidities influencing disease course and severity. Evidence highlights a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits in autism from several types of evidence found in both cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood and their utility to identify autistic subgroups with specific immunophenotypes; underlying behavioral symptoms are also shown. This review summarizes current insights into immune dysfunction in ASD, with particular reference to the impact of immunological factors related to the maternal influence of autism development; comorbidities influencing autism disease course and severity; and others factors with particular relevance, including obesity. Finally, we described main elements of similarities between immunopathology overlapping neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, taking as examples autism and Parkinson Disease, respectively.
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192
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Exploring polygenic contributors to subgroups of comorbid conditions in autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3416. [PMID: 35233033 PMCID: PMC8888546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have heterogeneous comorbid conditions. This study examined whether comorbid conditions in ASD are associated with polygenic risk scores (PRS) of ASD or PRS of comorbid conditions in non-ASD specific populations. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data were obtained from 1386 patients with ASD from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) study. After excluding individuals with missing clinical information concerning comorbid conditions, a total of 707 patients were included in the study. A total of 18 subgroups of comorbid conditions (‘topics’) were identified using a machine learning algorithm, topic modeling. PRS for ASD were computed using a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 18,381 cases and 27,969 controls. From these 18 topics, Topic 6 (over-represented by allergies) (p = 1.72 × 10−3) and Topic 17 (over-represented by sensory processing issues such as low pain tolerance) (p = 0.037) were associated with PRS of ASD. The associations between these two topics and the multi-locus contributors to their corresponding comorbid conditions based on non-ASD specific populations were further explored. The results suggest that these two topics were not associated with the PRS of allergies and chronic pain disorder, respectively. Note that characteristics of the present AGRE sample and those samples used in the original GWAS for ASD, allergies, and chronic pain disorder, may differ due to significant clinical heterogeneity that exists in the ASD population. Additionally, the AGRE sample may be underpowered and therefore insensitive to weak PRS associations due to a relatively small sample size. Findings imply that susceptibility genes of ASD may contribute more to the occurrence of allergies and sensory processing issues in individuals with ASD, compared with the susceptibility genes for their corresponding phenotypes in non-ASD individuals. Since these comorbid conditions (i.e., allergies and pain sensory issues) may not be attributable to the corresponding comorbidity-specific biological factors in non-ASD individuals, clinical management for these comorbid conditions may still depend on treatments for core symptoms of ASD.
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193
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Two neuroanatomical subtypes of males with autism spectrum disorder revealed using semi-supervised machine learning. Mol Autism 2022; 13:9. [PMID: 35197121 PMCID: PMC8867630 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00489-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical and etiological varieties remain major obstacles to decompose heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recently, neuroimaging raised new hope to identify neurosubtypes of ASD for further understanding the biological mechanisms behind the disorder. Methods In this study, brain structural MRI data and clinical measures of 221 male subjects with ASD and 257 healthy controls were selected from 7 independent sites from the Autism Brain Image Data Exchange database (ABIDE). Heterogeneity through discriminative analysis (HYDRA), a recently-proposed semi-supervised clustering method was utilized to divide individuals with ASD into several neurosubtypes by regional volumetric measures of gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. Voxel-wise volume, clinical measures, dynamic resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI) measures among different neurosubtypes of ASD were explored. In addition, support vector machine (SVM) model was applied to test whether the neurosubtyping of ASD could improve diagnostic accuracy of ASD. Results Two neurosubtypes of ASD with different voxel-wise volumetric patterns were revealed. The full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ), verbal IQ, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) total scores and ADOS severity scores were significantly different between the two neurosubtypes, the total intracranial volume was correlated with performance IQ in Subtype 1 and was correlated with ADOS communication score and ADOS social score in Subtype 2. Compared with Subtype 2, Subtype 1 showed lower dynamic R-fMRI measures, lower dynamic functional architecture stability, higher mean and lower standard deviation (SD) of concordance among dynamic R-fMRI measures in cerebellum. In addition, classification accuracies between ASD neurosubtypes and healthy controls were significantly improved compared with classification accuracy between entire ASD group and healthy controls. Limitations The present study excluded female subjects and left-handed subjects, which limited the ability to investigate the associations between these factors and the heterogeneity of ASD. Conclusions The two distinct neuroanatomical subtypes of ASD validated by other data modalities not only adds reliability of the result, but also bridges from brain phenomenology to clinical behavior. The current neurosubtypes of ASD could facilitate understanding the neuropathology of this disorder and could be potentially used to improve clinical decision-making process and optimize treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00489-3.
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Dilleggi ES, Santos PLD, Scorsolini-Comin F. Associations between family environment resources and mental health problems in children. JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE PSIQUIATRIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/0047-2085000000359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: The relationship between mental health and contextual factors has been increasingly investigated in the scientific literature to identify elements that may configure themselves as protective. The present study aimed to identify what resources (activities, family outings, toys, material elements, and learning) were offered in the daily lives of children with mental disorders, and from this, verify whether the offer of such resources in the family was associated with areas of greatest damage relative to mental health problems. Methods: Thirty-three caregivers of/people responsible for children between 6 and 12 years of age with most frequent diagnoses in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder seen at a general hospital participated. We used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ – parents version) and Family Environment Resources Inventory (RAF). Results: From a descriptive and correlational analysis, it was revealed that the more the mental health problems were present in children, the lower the family resources offer. Conclusions: The environmental resources offer proved to be protective for child development. Such findings are relevant to aid in outlining strategies for promoting mental health among children.
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Nadeem A, Ahmad SF, Al-Harbi NO, Al-Ayadhi LY, Alanazi MM, Alfardan AS, Attia SM, Algahtani M, Bakheet SA. Dysregulated Nrf2 signaling in response to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in neutrophils of children with autism. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 106:108619. [PMID: 35183033 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by constellation of impaired behaviors that include deficits in social interaction/communication and the presence of restricted/repetitive behavioral patterns. Both genetic component and environmental factors are thought to play a key role in the initiation and progression of ASD. Several environmental factors such as heavy metals and plasticizers are known to affect the progression of ASD. One of the most common pollutants in the environment today is di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is utilized as a plasticizer in several household and office materials which range from medical devices to plastic toys. Children usually get exposed to DEHP at an early age through use of plastic toys and other plastic materials. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-relatedfactor-2 (Nrf2) is a master redox regulator as it controls transcription of several antioxidant genes. DEHP has been reported to cause dysregulation in Nrf2 signaling in vitro/in vivo and ASD subjects also exhibit oxidant-antioxidant imbalance.Therefore, this study attempted to delineate the effect of DEHP on Nrf2 signaling in neutrophils of ASD and typically developing healthy children (TDC) in vitro. Our data display that neutrophils of ASD subjects have dysregulated Nrf2 and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression as compared to TDC subjects. DEHP treatment leads to elevation of oxidant stress in neutrophils of both ASD and TDC subjects, however TDC neutrophils have better antioxidant response to mitigate oxidative stress. This is depicted by enhancement of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in TDC neutrophils in response to DEHP whereas ASD neutrophils fail to do so. These results suggest that plasticizer, DEHP may cause further dysregulation in Nrf2 signaling which may promote progression of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S Alfardan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Algahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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196
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Mouat JS, LaSalle JM. The Promise of DNA Methylation in Understanding Multigenerational Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Genet 2022; 13:831221. [PMID: 35242170 PMCID: PMC8886225 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.831221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social reciprocity and communication, restrictive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Most cases of ASD arise from a confluence of genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors, whose interactions can be studied through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. While various parental factors are known to increase risk for ASD, several studies have indicated that grandparental and great-grandparental factors may also contribute. In animal studies, gestational exposure to certain environmental factors, such as insecticides, medications, and social stress, increases risk for altered behavioral phenotypes in multiple subsequent generations. Changes in DNA methylation, gene expression, and chromatin accessibility often accompany these altered behavioral phenotypes, with changes often appearing in genes that are important for neurodevelopment or have been previously implicated in ASD. One hypothesized mechanism for these phenotypic and methylation changes includes the transmission of DNA methylation marks at individual chromosomal loci from parent to offspring and beyond, called multigenerational epigenetic inheritance. Alternatively, intermediate metabolic phenotypes in the parental generation may confer risk from the original grandparental exposure to risk for ASD in grandchildren, mediated by DNA methylation. While hypothesized mechanisms require further research, the potential for multigenerational epigenetics assessments of ASD risk has implications for precision medicine as the field attempts to address the variable etiology and clinical signs of ASD by incorporating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In this review, we discuss the promise of multigenerational DNA methylation investigations in understanding the complex etiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Mouat
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Hall HA, Speyer LG, Murray AL, Auyeung B. Prenatal Maternal Infections and Children's Neurodevelopment in the UK Millennium Cohort Study: A Focus on ASD and ADHD. J Atten Disord 2022; 26:616-628. [PMID: 34009046 DOI: 10.1177/10870547211015422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE No clear answer has yet been attained as to the influence of prenatal exposure to infection on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), either alone or as co-occurring issues. The current study examined links between hospital-recorded and maternal-reported prenatal infections and ASD, ADHD, and co-occurring ASD and ADHD. METHODS Participants were n = 15,462 children and mother pairs from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), a population-representative UK sample. RESULTS Findings show associations between maternal-reported infections and ASD, and some evidence of links with ADHD and co-occurring ASD and ADHD. Hospital-recorded infections were not found to be associated with ASD, ADHD, or their co-occurrence. Agreement between hospital-recorded and maternal-reported infections was low, which may explain the discrepant findings. CONCLUSION Prenatal maternal infections may be associated with increased odds of ASD and ADHD. Findings point to the importance of drawing on multiple sources of information when ascertaining prenatal infection status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bonnie Auyeung
- University of Edinburgh, UK.,University of Cambridge, UK
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Camilleri LJ, Maras K, Brosnan M. The impact of using digitally-mediated social stories on the perceived competence and attitudes of parents and practitioners supporting children with autism. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262598. [PMID: 35041714 PMCID: PMC8765644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A Social Story (SS) is a highly acceptable and widely used intervention by the autism community. Yet, inconsistent implementation of the intervention is reported to be one of the causes of variability in terms of outcome research, particularly in a naturalistic context. This study aimed to (1) investigate whether digitally-mediated social stories (SSs) can improve competence in developing and delivering a SS and thus contribute towards improved implementation, and (2) investigate the impact of the digitally-mediated SS on attitudes towards the SS intervention. Ninety-three participants took an initial pre-engagement survey. Forty-eight of these participants also complete a post-engagement survey. A pre-post design was utilised with the participants who completed both surveys. These 48 participants were invited to develop a digitally-mediated SS with the aim of exploring how digitally-mediated SSs impacted perceived competence and attitudes. Post-engagement data was collected two weeks after the pre-engagement data. Outcomes of this study indicate that both perceived competence and attitudes improved after engaging with digitally-mediated SSs. It is concluded that digitally-mediated SS not only impacted the integrity of how the intervention was delivered but also the beliefs in the participants’ capabilities to develop and deliver a SS. Digitally-mediated SS, thus, has the potential to effectively support development and delivery whilst also addressing challenges related to intervention implementation in a naturalistic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis John Camilleri
- Centre for Applied Autism Research (CAAR), University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Department of Inclusion & Access to Learning, University of Malta, Malta, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Katie Maras
- Centre for Applied Autism Research (CAAR), University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Brosnan
- Centre for Applied Autism Research (CAAR), University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
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Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder using fMRI Functional Connectivity with Feature Selection and Deep Learning. Cognit Comput 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12559-021-09981-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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De Hert M, Loos S, Sterckx S, Thys E, Van Assche K. Improving control over euthanasia of persons with psychiatric illness: Lessons from the first Belgian criminal court case concerning euthanasia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:933748. [PMID: 35928783 PMCID: PMC9343580 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.933748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Belgium is one of very few countries that legally allow euthanasia for suffering caused by psychiatric illness. In the first criminal trial in Belgium of physicians involved in euthanasia, three physicians recently faced the accusation of "murder by poisoning," for allegedly having failed to comply with several requirements of the Belgian Euthanasia Law in granting the euthanasia request a woman suffering from psychiatric illness. Although all three physicians were acquitted, the case generated much debate among policy makers, medical professionals, and the general public. METHOD We use this trial as the starting point for a critical analysis of the adequacy of the three-level control system established in the Euthanasia Law, as it is applied in the evaluation of euthanasia requests from persons who suffer unbearably from a psychiatric illness. This analysis is based on information presented during the criminal trial as well as information on the euthanasia that was published in the press. RESULTS Our analysis highlights substantial problems in the assessment and granting of the euthanasia request. The patient was euthanized without it having been substantiated that her psychiatric illness had no prospect of improvement and that her suffering could not be alleviated. The three-step control system enshrined in the Law and promoted by the Federal Control and Evaluation Commission for Euthanasia appears to have failed at each level. CONCLUSION To evaluate requests for euthanasia for mental suffering caused by psychiatric illness, the requirements of the Belgian Euthanasia Law should be complemented by mandating the advice of two psychiatrists, and face-to-face discussions between all physicians involved. In parallel with the process of evaluating the euthanasia request, a treatment track should be guaranteed where reasonable evidence-based treatments and recovery-oriented options are tried.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc De Hert
- University Psychiatric Centre, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, Centre for Clinical Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Antwerp Health Law and Ethics Chair, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sien Loos
- Research Group Personal Rights and Property Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Sterckx
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erik Thys
- University Psychiatric Centre, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, Centre for Clinical Psychiatry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristof Van Assche
- Antwerp Health Law and Ethics Chair, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Research Group Personal Rights and Property Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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