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Zamstein O, Wainstock T, Gutvirtz G, Sheiner E. Assessing the impact of medically assisted reproduction on autism spectrum disorder risk. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03180-z. [PMID: 38926295 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03180-z] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Techniques of medically assisted reproduction interact with the embryo at crucial developmental stages, yet their impact on the fetus and subsequent child's health remains unclear. Given rising infertility rates and more frequent use of fertility treatments, we aimed to investigate if these methods heighten the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. METHODS A population-based cohort study was conducted at Soroka University Medical Center, a tertiary referral hospital, encompassing singleton births. The incidence of ASD in offspring, incorporating either hospital or community-based diagnoses, was compared in relation to the conception method. To examine the cumulative incidence of ASD, a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was utilized. Cox proportional hazards model was employed to adjust for confounders. RESULTS Among 115,081 pregnancies, 0.5% involved ovulation induction (OI) and 1.7% in vitro fertilization (IVF), with the rest conceived naturally. Fertility treatments were more common in older patients and linked to more diabetes, hypertensive disorders, preterm, and cesarean deliveries. Out of 767 ASD diagnoses, offspring from OI and IVF had higher initial ASD rates (2.1% and 1.3%) than natural conceptions (0.6%). In a Cox model accounting for maternal age, ethnicity, and gender, neither OI nor IVF was significantly associated with ASD. The adjusted hazard ratios were 0.83 (95% CI 0.48-1.43) for OI and 1.34 (95% CI 0.91-1.99) for IVF. When considering fertility treatments combined, the association with ASD remained non-significant (aHR 1.11, 95% CI 0.80-1.54, p = 0.52). CONCLUSION Fertility treatments, including OI and IVF, do not exhibit a significant association with heightened ASD risk in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omri Zamstein
- The Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gil Gutvirtz
- The Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- The Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
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Neff RC, Stangis KA, Beniwal U, Hergenreder T, Ye B, Murphy GG. Cognitive behavioral phenotyping of DSCAM heterozygosity as a model for autism spectrum disorder. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.03.597158. [PMID: 38895491 PMCID: PMC11185729 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.03.597158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
It is estimated that 1 in 36 children are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States, which is nearly a twofold increase from a decade ago. Recent genetic studies have identified de novo loss-of-function (dnLoF) mutations in the Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (DSCAM) as a strong risk factor for ASD. Previous research has shown that DSCAM ablation confers social interaction deficits and perseverative behaviors in mouse models. However, it remains unknown to what extent DSCAM underexpression captures the full range of behaviors, specifically cognitive phenotypes, presented in ASD. Here, we conducted a comprehensive cognitive behavioral phenotyping which revealed that loss of one copy of DSCAM , as in the DSCAM 2J +/- mice, displayed hyperactivity, increased anxiety, and motor coordination impairments. Additionally, hippocampal-dependent learning and memory was affected, including working memory, long-term memory, and contextual fear learning. Interestingly, implicit learning processes remained intact. Therefore, DSCAM LoF produces autistic-like behaviors that are similar to human cases of ASD. These findings further support a role for DSCAM dnLoF mutations in ASD and suggest DSCAM 2J +/- as a suitable model for ASD research. Summary Statement Autism spectrum disorder represents a growing patient population. Loss of one copy of the DSCAM gene provides a promising mouse model that reproduces autistic-like behaviors for research and therapeutic testing.
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Lyu TJ, Ma J, Zhang XY, Xie GG, Liu C, Du J, Xu YN, Yang DC, Cen C, Wang MY, Lyu NY, Wang Y, Zhang HQ. Deficiency of FRMD5 results in neurodevelopmental dysfunction and autistic-like behavior in mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1253-1264. [PMID: 38228891 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02407-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is causally linked to postsynaptic scaffolding proteins, as evidenced by numerous large-scale genomic studies [1, 2] and in vitro and in vivo neurobiological studies of mutations in animal models [3, 4]. However, due to the distinct phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity observed in ASD patients, individual mutation genes account for only a small proportion (<2%) of cases [1, 5]. Recently, a human genetic study revealed a correlation between de novo variants in FERM domain-containing-5 (FRMD5) and neurodevelopmental abnormalities [6]. In this study, we demonstrate that deficiency of the scaffolding protein FRMD5 leads to neurodevelopmental dysfunction and ASD-like behavior in mice. FRMD5 deficiency results in morphological abnormalities in neurons and synaptic dysfunction in mice. Frmd5-deficient mice display learning and memory dysfunction, impaired social function, and increased repetitive stereotyped behavior. Mechanistically, tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomics revealed that FRMD5 deletion affects the distribution of synaptic proteins involved in the pathological process of ASD. Collectively, our findings delineate the critical role of FRMD5 in neurodevelopment and ASD pathophysiology, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jie Lyu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Yin Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Guang Xie
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Nuo Xu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - De-Cao Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cen
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Na-Yun Lyu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China.
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
| | - Hong-Quan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Kata A, McPhee PG, Chen YJ, Zwaigenbaum L, Singal D, Roncadin C, Bennett T, Carter M, Di Rezze B, Drmic I, Duku E, Fournier S, Frei J, Gentles SJ, Georgiades K, Hanlon-Dearman A, Hoult L, Kelley E, Koller J, de Camargo OK, Lai J, Mahoney B, Mesterman R, Ng O, Robertson S, Rosenbaum P, Salt M, Zubairi MS, Georgiades S. The Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study: protocol for a patient-oriented prospective study examining trajectories of functioning in children with autism. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083045. [PMID: 38684247 PMCID: PMC11086431 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The developmentally variable nature of autism poses challenges in providing timely services tailored to a child's needs. Despite a recent focus on longitudinal research, priority-setting initiatives with stakeholders highlighted the importance of studying a child's day-to-day functioning and social determinants of health to inform clinical care. To address this, we are conducting a pragmatic multi-site, patient-oriented longitudinal investigation: the Pediatric Autism Research Cohort (PARC) Study. In young children (<7 years of age) newly diagnosed with autism, we will: (1) examine variability in trajectories of adaptive functioning from the point of diagnosis into transition to school; and (2) identify factors associated with trajectories of adaptive functioning. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We aim to recruit 1300 children under 7 years of age with a recent (within 12 months) diagnosis of autism from seven sites: six in Canada; one in Israel. Participants will be followed prospectively from diagnosis to age 8 years, with assessments at 6-month intervals. Parents/caregivers will complete questionnaires administered via a customized online research portal. Following each assessment timepoint, families will receive a research summary report describing their child's progress on adaptive functioning and related domains. Analysis of the longitudinal data will map trajectories and examine child, family and service characteristics associated with chronogeneity (interindividual and intraindividual heterogeneity over time) and possible trajectory turning points around sensitive periods like the transition to school. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approvals have been received by all sites. All parents/respondents will provide informed consent when enrolling in the study. Using an integrated knowledge translation approach, where stakeholders are directly engaged in the research process, the PARC Study will identify factors associated with trajectories of functioning in children with autism. Resulting evidence will be shared with government policy makers to inform provincial and national programs. Findings will be disseminated at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kata
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick G McPhee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yun-Ju Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deepa Singal
- Autism Alliance of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Caroline Roncadin
- McMaster Children's Hospital Autism Program, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teresa Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa Carter
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Briano Di Rezze
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irene Drmic
- McMaster Children's Hospital Autism Program, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Duku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Julia Frei
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen J Gentles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana Hanlon-Dearman
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Elizabeth Kelley
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judah Koller
- Seymour Fox School of Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Olaf Kraus de Camargo
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Lai
- Autism Alliance of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bill Mahoney
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronit Mesterman
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olivia Ng
- McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sue Robertson
- McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Rosenbaum
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mackenzie Salt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Autism Alliance of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad S Zubairi
- McMaster Children's Hospital Autism Program, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Zamstein O, Sheiner E, Binyamin Y, Pariente G, Wainstock T. Examining the relationship between autism spectrum disorder in children whose mother had labour epidural analgesia for their birth: A retrospective cohort study. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2024; 41:282-287. [PMID: 38084085 DOI: 10.1097/eja.0000000000001932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children whose mother had labour epidural analgesia for their birth, as the few existing investigations have reported mixed findings. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the possibility of an association in our heterogeneous population. DESIGN A retrospective population-based cohort study. SETTING Vaginal deliveries that took place between the years 2005 and 2017 at Soroka University Medical Center, a tertiary referral hospital in Israel, and a follow-up on the incidence of ASD in the children. PATIENTS A hundred and thirty-nine thousand, nine hundred and eighty-one labouring patients and their offspring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The incidence of children diagnosed with ASD (both hospital and community-based diagnoses) was compared based on whether their mothers had received labour epidural analgesia during their labour. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve compared cumulative incidence of ASD. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for relevant confounders. RESULTS Labour epidural analgesia was administered to 33 315 women. Epidural analgesia was more common among high-risk pregnancy groups (including pregnancies complicated with diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, intrauterine growth restriction, and oligohydramnios; P < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazards model, the association between epidural analgesia during labour and ASD in the children lost statistical significance following adjustment for confounders such as maternal age, gestational age, hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus, and ethnicity [adjusted hazard ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.96 to 1.34, P = 0.152]. CONCLUSION In our population, after adjusting for confounders, epidural analgesia is not independently associated with autism spectrum disorder in the children. These findings enhance our knowledge regarding the safety of epidural analgesia and enable patients to make informed decisions about their pain relief techniques during labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omri Zamstein
- From the Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel (OZ, ES, GP), Department of Anesthesiology, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel (YB) and Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel (TW)
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Mazer P, Garcez H, Macedo I, Pasion R, Silveira C, Sempf F, Ferreira-Santos F. Autistic traits and event-related potentials in the general population: A scoping review and meta-analysis. Biol Psychol 2024; 186:108758. [PMID: 38309513 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in short and long-latency Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) can help us infer abnormalities in brain processing, considering early and later stages of stimuli processing across tasks and conditions. In autism research, the adult population remains largely understudied compared to samples at early stages of development. In this context, this scoping review briefly summarises what has been described in community and subclinical adult samples of autism. METHOD The current scoping review and meta-analysis includes 50 records (N = 1652) and comprehensively explores short and long-latency ERP amplitudes and their relationship with autistic traits in adult community samples. RESULTS This meta-analysis identified, with small to medium effect sizes, distinctive patterns in late ERP amplitudes, indicating enhanced responses to visual stimuli and the opposite patterns to auditory tasks in the included sample. Additionally, a pattern of higher amplitudes was also found for the component P3b in autistic traits. DISCUSSION Differential effects in visual and auditory domains are explored in light of the predictive processing framework for Autism. It remains possible that different brain mechanisms operate to explain symptoms related with different sensory modalities. P3b is discussed as a possible component of interest in future studies as it revealed a more robust effect for differentiating severity in the expression of autistic traits in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prune Mazer
- ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal; Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Helena Garcez
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Rita Pasion
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal; HEI-LAB, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Celeste Silveira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; Psychiatry Department, Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Fernando Ferreira-Santos
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal
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Xiaoyan H, Zhaoxi Y, Lingli Z, Jinyuan C, Wen Q. Taurine Improved Autism-Like Behaviours and Defective Neurogenesis of the Hippocampus in BTBR Mice through the PTEN/mTOR/AKT Signalling Pathway. Folia Biol (Praha) 2024; 70:45-52. [PMID: 38830122 DOI: 10.14712/fb2024070010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Effective treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still absent so far. Taurine exhibits therapeutic effects towards the autism-like behaviour in ASD model animals. Here, we determined the mechanism of taurine effect on hippocampal neurogenesis in genetically inbred BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) mice, a proposed model of ASD. In this ASD mouse model, we explored the effect of oral taurine supplementation on ASD-like behaviours in an open field test, elevated plus maze, marble burying test, self-grooming test, and three-chamber test. The mice were divided into four groups of normal controls (WT) and models (BTBR), who did or did not receive 6-week taurine supplementation in water (WT, WT+ Taurine, BTBR, and BTBR+Taurine). Neurogenesis-related effects were determined by Ki67 immunofluorescence staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN)/mTOR/AKT pathway-associated proteins. Our results showed that taurine improved the autism-like behaviour, increased the proliferation of hippocampal cells, promoted PTEN expression, and reduced phosphorylation of mTOR and AKT in hippocampal tissue of the BTBR mice. In conclusion, taurine reduced the autism-like behaviour in partially inherited autism model mice, which may be associa-ted with improving the defective neural precursor cell proliferation and enhancing the PTEN-associated pathway in hippocampal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Xiaoyan
- Department of Child Health, Shenzhen Guangming Women and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yang Zhaoxi
- Department of Child Health, Shenzhen Guangming Women and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhang Lingli
- Department of Child Health, Shenzhen Guangming Women and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Jinyuan
- Department of Child Health, Shenzhen Guangming Women and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin Wen
- Department of Child Health, Shenzhen Guangming Women and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Fan G, Ma J, Ma R, Suo M, Chen Y, Zhang S, Zeng Y, Chen Y. Microglia Modulate Neurodevelopment in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17297. [PMID: 38139124 PMCID: PMC10743577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include various neurological disorders with high genetic heterogeneity, characterized by delayed or impaired cognition, communication, adaptive behavior, and psychomotor skills. These disorders result in significant morbidity for children, thus burdening families and healthcare/educational systems. However, there is a lack of early diagnosis and effective therapies. Therefore, a more connected approach is required to explore these disorders. Microglia, the primary phagocytic cells within the central nervous system, are crucial in regulating neuronal viability, influencing synaptic dynamics, and determining neurodevelopmental outcomes. Although the neurobiological basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ) has attracted attention in recent decades, the role of microglia in ASD and SZ remains unclear and requires further discussion. In this review, the important and frequently multifaceted roles that microglia play during neurodevelopment are meticulously emphasized and potential microglial mechanisms that might be involved in conditions such as ASD and SZ are postulated. It is of utmost importance to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the interplay between microglia and neurons to design effective, targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate the effects of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Zeng
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yushan Chen
- Brain Science and Advanced Technology Institute, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
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Aghakhani S, Carre N, Mostovoy K, Shafer R, Baeza-Hernandez K, Entenberg G, Testerman A, Bunge EL. Qualitative analysis of mental health conversational agents messages about autism spectrum disorder: a call for action. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1251016. [PMID: 38116099 PMCID: PMC10728644 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1251016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Conversational agents (CA's) have shown promise in increasing accessibility to mental health resources. This study aimed to identify common themes of messages sent to a mental health CA (Wysa) related to ASD by general users and users that identify as having ASD. Methods This study utilized retrospective data. Two thematic analyses were conducted, one focusing on user messages including the keywords (e.g., ASD, autism, Asperger), and the second one with messages from users who self-identified as having ASD. Results For the sample of general users, the most frequent themes were "others having ASD," "ASD diagnosis," and "seeking help." For the users that self-identified as having ASD (n = 277), the most frequent themes were "ASD diagnosis or symptoms," "negative reaction from others," and "positive comments." There were 3,725 emotion words mentioned by users who self-identified as having ASD. The majority had negative valence (80.3%), and few were positive (14.8%) or ambivalent (4.9%). Conclusion Users shared their experiences and emotions surrounding ASD with a mental health CA. Users asked about the ASD diagnosis, sought help, and reported negative reactions from others. CA's have the potential to become a source of support for those interested in ASD and/or identify as having ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Aghakhani
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - N. Carre
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - K. Mostovoy
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - R. Shafer
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - K. Baeza-Hernandez
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - A. Testerman
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - E. L. Bunge
- Department of Psychology, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Liu J, Chang H, Abrams DA, Kang JB, Chen L, Rosenberg-Lee M, Menon V. Atypical cognitive training-induced learning and brain plasticity and their relation to insistence on sameness in children with autism. eLife 2023; 12:e86035. [PMID: 37534879 PMCID: PMC10550286 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often display atypical learning styles; however, little is known regarding learning-related brain plasticity and its relation to clinical phenotypic features. Here, we investigate cognitive learning and neural plasticity using functional brain imaging and a novel numerical problem-solving training protocol. Children with ASD showed comparable learning relative to typically developing children but were less likely to shift from rule-based to memory-based strategy. While learning gains in typically developing children were associated with greater plasticity of neural representations in the medial temporal lobe and intraparietal sulcus, learning in children with ASD was associated with more stable neural representations. Crucially, the relation between learning and plasticity of neural representations was moderated by insistence on sameness, a core phenotypic feature of ASD. Our study uncovers atypical cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying learning in children with ASD, and informs pedagogical strategies for nurturing cognitive abilities in childhood autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Hyesang Chang
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Daniel A Abrams
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Julia Boram Kang
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Lang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
- Department of Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, United States
| | - Miriam Rosenberg-Lee
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Newark, United States
| | - Vinod Menon
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford, United States
- Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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11
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Gabbatore I, Marchetti Guerrini A, Bosco F. The fuzzy boundaries of the social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD): Why the picture is still so confusing? Heliyon 2023; 9:e19062. [PMID: 37664706 PMCID: PMC10468801 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19062] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Since the introduction of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) in 2013, a debate has arisen in the scientific community about its usefulness in differential diagnosis for other clinical categories such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Indeed, SPCD criteria share a common deficit in communication and pragmatic skills with these diagnostic entities. Available assessment tools seem scarce and not sensitive enough to clarify diagnostic criteria and clinical boundaries. This study aims to review the existing literature on diagnostic screening for SPCD to highlight confounding variables in the domains examined, overlap with other diagnostic entities, and lack of specificity of available assessment tools in identifying the core deficits of the disorder. Methods The search strategy was defined by combining the following keywords: "social pragmatic communication disorder," "DSM-5," "differential diagnosis," and "child." The search was performed in three databases: Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. All studies published between 2013 and April 2023, written in English, and with a major focus on SPCD were included in the review. Results After the screening for the eligibility, 18 studies were included in the review. Most of these studies aimed to investigate the differential diagnosis between SPCD and other diagnostic categories (e.g., specific language impairment and autism spectrum disorder). Of these researches, only 6 were ad hoc experimental studies, while the others were based on previously collected databases. Conclusions SPCD seems to have its own peculiarities and characteristics, indicating its clinical relevance, as emphasized by the DSM-5. However, the lack of specific instruments and a number of confounding variables make it difficult to identify and differentiate SPCD from other diagnostic entities. Further research is needed to overcome the lack of specific clinical instruments and lack of empirical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Gabbatore
- Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, University of Turin, Italy
| | - A. Marchetti Guerrini
- Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, University of Turin, Italy
- Associazione La Nostra Famiglia – IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - F.M. Bosco
- Department of Psychology, GIPSI Research Group, University of Turin, Italy
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Studi Avanzati di Neuroscienze – NIT, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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12
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Osredkar J, Baškovič BŽ, Finderle P, Bobrowska-Korczak B, Gątarek P, Rosiak A, Giebułtowicz J, Vrhovšek MJ, Kałużna-Czaplińska J. Relationship between Excreted Uremic Toxins and Degree of Disorder of Children with ASD. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7078. [PMID: 37108238 PMCID: PMC10138607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder in which communication and behavior are affected. A number of studies have investigated potential biomarkers, including uremic toxins. The aim of our study was to determine uremic toxins in the urine of children with ASD (143) and compare the results with healthy children (48). Uremic toxins were determined with a validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. We observed higher levels of p-cresyl sulphate (pCS) and indoxyl sulphate (IS) in the ASD group compared to the controls. Moreover, the toxin levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were lower in ASD patients. Similarly, for pCS and IS in children classified, according to the intensity of their symptoms, into mild, moderate, and severe, elevated levels of these compounds were observed. For mild severity of the disorder, elevated levels of TMAO and comparable levels of SDMA and ADMA for ASD children as compared to the controls were observed in the urine. For moderate severity of ASD, significantly elevated levels of TMAO but reduced levels of SDMA and ADMA were observed in the urine of ASD children as compared to the controls. When the results obtained for severe ASD severity were considered, reduced levels of TMAO and comparable levels of SDMA and ADMA were observed in ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joško Osredkar
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Njegoseva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.Ž.B.); (P.F.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Žvar Baškovič
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Njegoseva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.Ž.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Petra Finderle
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Njegoseva 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.Ž.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Barbara Bobrowska-Korczak
- Department of Toxicology and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paulina Gątarek
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.G.); (A.R.)
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Angelina Rosiak
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.G.); (A.R.)
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Giebułtowicz
- Department of Bioanalysis and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Maja Jekovec Vrhovšek
- Center for Autism, Unit of Child Psychiatry, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška c.002, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Joanna Kałużna-Czaplińska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland; (P.G.); (A.R.)
- CONEM Poland Chemistry and Nutrition Research Group, Lodz University of Technology, Zeromskiego 116, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
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13
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Guo D, Yang X, Gao M, Chen X, Tang Y, Shen L, Li K, Shi L. Deficiency of Autism-Related Gene Dock4 Leads to Impaired Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Function in Mice at Late Middle Age. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1129-1146. [PMID: 35635601 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01233-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that lasts lifelong and causes noticeably higher premature mortality. Although the core symptoms and other behavioral deficits of ASD can persist or be deteriorated from early development to old age, how aging affects the behaviors and brain anatomy in ASD is largely unknown. DOCK4 is an ASD risk gene highly expressed in the hippocampus, and Dock4 knockout (KO) mice display ASD-like behaviors in adulthood (4- to 6-month-old). In this study, we evaluated the behavioral and hippocampal pathological changes of late-middle-aged (15- to 17-month-old) Dock4 male KO mice. Aged Dock4 KO mice continuously showed similar social deficit, elevated anxiety, and disrupted object location memory as observed in the adulthood, when compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Notably, Dock4 KO mice displayed an age-related decline of hippocampal dependent spatial memory, showing decreased spatial memory in Barnes maze than their WT littermates at late middle age. Morphological analysis from WT and Dock4 KO littermates revealed that Dock4 deficiency led to decreased mature neurons and oligodendrocytes but increased astrocytes in the hippocampus of late-middle-aged mice. Together, we report that ASD-like behaviors mostly persist into late-middle age in Dock4 KO mice, with specific alterations of spatial memory and hippocampal anatomy by age, thus providing new evidence for understanding age differences in behavioral deficits of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daji Guo
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanping Tang
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingling Shen
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Keshen Li
- Clinical Neuroscience Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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14
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Coe A, Ciricillo J, Mansi S, El-Chammas K, Santucci N, Bali N, Lu PL, Damrongmanee A, Fei L, Liu C, Kaul A, Williams KC. Evaluation of Chronic Constipation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 76:154-159. [PMID: 36705696 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic constipation occurs frequently in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The primary objective was to determine whether chronic constipation is associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motor activity in ASD children than in non-ASD children. A secondary goal was to determine if clinical variables could identify children with ASD at risk for possessing abnormal colonic motility. METHODS A retrospective, propensity-matched, case-control study compared colonic manometry (CM) of an ASD cohort and non-ASD controls with chronic constipation. Clinical variables were evaluated as potential predictors for abnormal colonic motility. RESULTS Fifty-six patients with ASD and 123 controls without the diagnosis of ASD who underwent CM were included. Propensity score resulted in 35 matched cohorts of ASD and controls. The rate of abnormal CM findings between ASD and matched controls (24% vs 20%, P = 0.78) did not differ significantly. A prediction model of abnormal CM that included ASD diagnosis, duration of constipation, and soiling achieved a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.65. The risk for abnormal colonic motility increased 11% for every 1-year increase in duration of constipation. Odds for abnormal motility were 30 times higher in ASD children with soiling than controls with soiling (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Chronic constipation does not appear to be associated with a higher rate of abnormal colonic motility in children with ASD. Clinical information of disease duration and presence of soiling due to constipation show promise in identifying patients with ASD at a greater risk for abnormal colonic motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Coe
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Sherief Mansi
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Khalil El-Chammas
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neha Santucci
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Neetu Bali
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Peter L Lu
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Alisara Damrongmanee
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Lin Fei
- the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Chunyan Liu
- the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ajay Kaul
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kent C Williams
- the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
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15
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Loan A, Leung JWH, Cook DP, Ko C, Vanderhyden BC, Wang J, Chan HM. Prenatal low-dose methylmercury exposure causes premature neuronal differentiation and autism-like behaviors in a rodent model. iScience 2023; 26:106093. [PMID: 36843845 PMCID: PMC9947313 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neurodevelopment is a core deficit of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here we ask whether a non-genetic factor, prenatal exposure to the environmental pollutant methylmercury (MeHg), is a contributing factor in ASD onset. We showed that adult mice prenatally exposed to non-apoptotic MeHg exhibited key ASD characteristics, including impaired communication, reduced sociability, and increased restrictive repetitive behaviors, whereas in the embryonic cortex, prenatal MeHg exposure caused premature neuronal differentiation. Further single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis disclosed that prenatal exposure to MeHg resulted in cortical radial glial precursors (RGPs) favoring asymmetric differentiation to directly generate cortical neurons, omitting the intermediate progenitor stage. In addition, MeHg exposure in cultured RGPs increased CREB phosphorylation and enhanced the interaction between CREB and CREB binding protein (CBP). Intriguingly, metformin, an FDA-approved drug, can reverse MeHg-induced premature neuronal differentiation via CREB/CBP repulsion. These findings provide insights into ASD etiology, its underlying mechanism, and a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Loan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Joseph Wai-Hin Leung
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David P. Cook
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Chelsea Ko
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Barbara C. Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jing Wang
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada,University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada,Corresponding author
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada,Corresponding author
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16
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Liu J, Chang H, Abrams DA, Kang JB, Chen L, Rosenberg-Lee M, Menon V. Atypical cognitive training-induced learning and brain plasticity and their relation to insistence on sameness in children with autism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525594. [PMID: 36747659 PMCID: PMC9900852 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often display atypical learning styles, however little is known regarding learning-related brain plasticity and its relation to clinical phenotypic features. Here, we investigate cognitive learning and neural plasticity using functional brain imaging and a novel numerical problem-solving training protocol. Children with ASD showed comparable learning relative to typically developing children but were less likely to shift from rule-based to memory-based strategy. Critically, while learning gains in typically developing children were associated with greater plasticity of neural representations in the medial temporal lobe and intraparietal sulcus, learning in children with ASD was associated with more stable neural representations. Crucially, the relation between learning and plasticity of neural representations was moderated by insistence on sameness, a core phenotypic feature of ASD. Our study uncovers atypical cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying learning in children with ASD, and informs pedagogical strategies for nurturing cognitive abilities in childhood autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Hyesang Chang
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Daniel A. Abrams
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Julia Boram Kang
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Lang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053
| | - Miriam Rosenberg-Lee
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102
| | - Vinod Menon
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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17
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Hodkinson R, Phillips H, Allgar V, Young A, Le Couteur A, Holwell A, Teige C, Wright B. Comparison of Diagnostic Profiles of Deaf and Hearing Children with a Diagnosis of Autism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2143. [PMID: 36767509 PMCID: PMC9916080 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is limited research comparing the presentation of autism in deaf and hearing children and young people. These comparisons are important to facilitate accurate diagnosis, as rates of misdiagnosis and delay in diagnosis amongst deaf children and young people are high. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic assessment profiles of a UK cohort of autistic deaf and hearing children and young people. The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised-Deaf adaptation was completed with the parents of 106 children and young people (deaf children = 65; hearing children = 41). The majority of items explored showed no significant differences between deaf and hearing children and young people. Differences were found in peer relationships, where autistic deaf participants were less likely to respond to the approaches of other children or play imaginatively with peers. These findings need to be taken into consideration by clinicians in the assessment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hodkinson
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds LS7 3JX, UK
| | - Helen Phillips
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds LS7 3JX, UK
| | - Victoria Allgar
- Peninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Alys Young
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Neurodevelopment and Disability Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Andrew Holwell
- South West London and St. Georges Mental Health Trust, London SW17 0YF, UK
| | - Catarina Teige
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds LS7 3JX, UK
| | - Barry Wright
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds LS7 3JX, UK
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18
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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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19
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AAC and Autism: Manual Signs and Pecs, a Comparison. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12100359. [PMID: 36285928 PMCID: PMC9598566 DOI: 10.3390/bs12100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders, with onset in developmental age, which present a clinical expressiveness that varies from subject to subject and in the same subject over time. The DSM 5 defines Autism Spectrum Disorders according to two main criteria: persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction in multiple contexts and limited and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. This disorder can manifest itself across a broad spectrum of severity levels. Indeed, ASD includes clinical conditions from low functioning (LF—Low Functioning) to high functioning (HF—High Functioning), taking cognitive and adaptive functioning as a reference. One of the main characteristics of individuals with ASD is a delay in receptive and expressive communication. These deficits have led to the identification of evidence-based practices, particularly for those with severe communication difficulties. Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) has been implemented to compensate for deficits in functional communication and language skills in individuals with complex communication deficits. The AAC comprises communication systems including the Manual Signs, speech and image output devices (Communicators), and Image Exchange Systems (PECS); these systems have been shown to actually improve various abilities in autism such as social skills, modify and improve dysfunctional behaviors and, above all, improve learning. Recent meta-analyses have shown how PECS and Manual Sign can have great effects on the communication skills of young people with autism. The aim of this study is to compare these two types of intervention to improve communication in terms of vocalization in subjects with ASD and try to understand which of the two lead to more significant and rapid improvements.
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20
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Andreou M, Skrimpa V. Re-Examining Labels in Neurocognitive Research: Evidence from Bilingualism and Autism as Spectrum-Trait Cases. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1113. [PMID: 36009175 PMCID: PMC9405985 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that the urge to investigate bilingualism and neurodevelopmental disorders as continuous indices rather than categorical ones has been well-voiced among researchers with respect to research methodological approaches, in the recent literature, when it comes to examining language, cognitive skills and neurodivergent characteristics, it is still the case that the most prevalent view is the categorisation of adults or children into groups. In other words, there is a categorisation of individuals, e.g., monolingual vs. bilingual children or children with typical and atypical/non-typical/non-neurotypical development. We believe that this labelling is responsible for the conflicting results that we often come across in studies. The aim of this review is to bring to the surface the importance of individual differences through the study of relevant articles conducted in bilingual children and children with autism, who are ideal for this study. We concur with researchers who already do so, and we further suggest moving away from labels and instead shift towards the view that not everything is either white or black. We provide suggestions as to how this shift could be implemented in research, while mostly aiming at starting a discourse rather than offering a definite path.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Andreou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, University of Peloponnese, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Vasileia Skrimpa
- Department of English, School of Arts and Humanities, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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21
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Yang XY, Wang YY, Zhou YP, He J, Mei MJ, Zhang MN, Wang B, Zhou WJ, Luo MH, Wang QH, Li ZY, Xu Y, Lu Q, Zou LP. Postnatal Cytomegalovirus Infection May Increase the Susceptibility of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0186421. [PMID: 35467404 PMCID: PMC9241718 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01864-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a highly hereditary and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a common syndrome associated with ASD. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an environmental risk factor for ASD. The similarities in pathological and mechanistic pathways of TSC and CMV intrigued us to investigate whether CMV and TSC interacted in ASD's occurrence. We detected CMV IgG seroprevalence of 308 TSC patients from our prospective cohort (September 2011 to March 2021) and 93 healthy children by magnetic particle indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay. A total of 206 TSC patients enrolled were divided into ASD and non-ASD groups, and the relationship between ASD and CMV seroprevalence was analyzed. Nested PCR and Western blot were used to detect CMV DNAs and proteins in cortical malformations of seven TSC patients with and without ASD. No difference was found in CMV seroprevalence between TSC patients and healthy children (74.0% versus 72.0%, P = 0.704). Univariate analysis showed the seroprevalence in TSC patients with ASD was higher than that in TSC patients without ASD (89.2% versus 75.1%, P = 0.063), and multifactorial analysis showed that CMV seroprevalence was a risk factor for ASD in TSC patients (OR = 3.976, 95% CI = 1.093 to 14.454). Moreover, CMV was more likely to be detected in the cortical malformations in TSC patients with ASD but not in those without ASD. The findings demonstrated that CMV may increase the susceptibility of TSC to ASD. IMPORTANCE CMV is an environmental risk factor for ASD, but its role in syndromic autism with known genetic etiology has been rarely studied. The pathogenesis of ASD is related to the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. This study demonstrated that CMV can contribute to the occurrence of ASD related to TSC, a common genetic syndrome associated with ASD. Our findings provided support for the theory of gene-environment interaction (G × E) in pathogenesis of ASD and a new perspective for the prevention and therapy for TSC related ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yan Yang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Yang Wang
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Peng Zhou
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yuquan Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Jie Mei
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng-Na Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of the Outpatients, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Jing Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yuquan Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Min-Hua Luo
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu-Hong Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Li
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ping Zou
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Pediatrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Center for Brain Disorders Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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22
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Napolitano A, Schiavi S, La Rosa P, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Petrillo S, Bottino F, Tagliente E, Longo D, Lupi E, Casula L, Valeri G, Piemonte F, Trezza V, Vicari S. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnostic, Neurobiological, and Behavioral Features. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889636. [PMID: 35633791 PMCID: PMC9136002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 1%, characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive patterns of behaviors, and can be associated with hyper- or hypo-reactivity of sensory stimulation and cognitive disability. ASD comorbid features include internalizing and externalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems. The precise etiology of ASD is still unknown and it is undoubted that the disorder is linked to some extent to both genetic and environmental factors. It is also well-documented and known that one of the most striking and consistent finding in ASD is the higher prevalence in males compared to females, with around 70% of ASD cases described being males. The present review looked into the most significant studies that attempted to investigate differences in ASD males and females thus trying to shade some light on the peculiar characteristics of this prevalence in terms of diagnosis, imaging, major autistic-like behavior and sex-dependent uniqueness. The study also discussed sex differences found in animal models of ASD, to provide a possible explanation of the neurological mechanisms underpinning the different presentation of autistic symptoms in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- NESMOS, Neuroradiology Department, S. Andrea Hospital Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bottino
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tagliente
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lupi
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Piemonte
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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23
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Yu Y, Huang J, Chen X, Fu J, Wang X, Pu L, Gu C, Cai C. Efficacy and Safety of Diet Therapies in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:844117. [PMID: 35359629 PMCID: PMC8963985 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.844117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, with a rapid increase in recognition over the past decade. Interest in alternative therapies is growing annually, such as dietary therapies including gluten-free and/or casein-free diet, and the ketogenic diet. However, there is no consensus on the efficacy and safety of dietary therapy in children with ASD up to now. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of these diet interventions for children with ASD based on a meta-analysis of global data. Methods Seven databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang) were searched according to the established inclusion criteria, from the inception of the databases to August 18, 2021. The Cochrane Bias risk assessment tool was intended to assess the quality of the included studies. Review Manager 5.4 software was used as an efficacy analysis tool of the included studies, taking the core autistic symptoms and scales of ASD as therapeutic efficacy evaluations. Results In total, 7 RCTs with 338 participants were finally obtained. All studies assessed the association between core autistic symptoms and therapeutic diet, showing a statistically significant effect (standard mean difference (SMD) of −0.51, 95% confidence interval (Cl): −0.81 to −0.21), in which two studies which followed the GFD diet reported significant reductions in social behaviors (SMD of−0.41, 95% Cl: −0.75 to −0.06), showing no correlation with the length of the interventions (P < 0.05). Two studies were performed in KD diet suggested a significant effect in core symptoms (SMD of −0.67, 95% Cl: −1.04 to −0.31). No statistically significant changes were observed in the GFCF diet, GFD diet, cognition, communication, and stereotypical behaviors subgroups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion The results of a meta-analysis suggest that diet therapies can significantly ameliorate core symptoms of ASD, and GFD diets are conducive to improving social behaviors. Although the results suggest the effectiveness of dietary therapy for ASD, limited by the small sample size of RCTs, more well-designed, and high-quality clinical trials are needed to validate the above conclusions. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42021277565.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Yu
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China
| | - Jinyue Huang
- Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Fu
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China
| | - Linjie Pu
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyu Gu
- Graduate College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Tianjin, China
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24
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Liu Q, Yin W, Meijsen J, Reichenberg A, Gådin J, Schork A, Adami HO, Kolevzon A, Sandin S, Fang F. Cancer risk in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Ann Oncol 2022; 33:713-719. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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25
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Yu H, Qu H, Chen A, Du Y, Liu Z, Wang W. Alteration of Effective Connectivity in the Default Mode Network of Autism After an Intervention. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:796437. [PMID: 35002608 PMCID: PMC8727456 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.796437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging has revealed numerous atypical functional connectivity of default mode network (DMN) dedicated to social communications (SC) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet their nature and directionality remain unclear. Here, preschoolers with autism received physical intervention from a 12-week mini-basketball training program (12W-MBTP). Therefore, the directionality and nature of regional interactions within the DMN after the intervention are evaluated while assessing the impact of an intervention on SC. Based on the results of independent component analysis (ICA), we applied spectral dynamic causal modeling (DCM) for participants aged 3–6 years (experimental group, N = 17, control group, N = 14) to characterize the longitudinal changes following intervention in intrinsic and extrinsic effective connectivity (EC) between core regions of the DMN. Then, we analyzed the correlation between the changes in EC and SRS-2 scores to establish symptom-based validation. We found that after the 12W-MBTP intervention, the SRS-2 score of preschoolers with ASD in the experimental group was decreased. Concurrently, the inhibitory directional connections were observed between the core regions of the DMN, including increased self-inhibition in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and the changes of EC in mPFC were significantly correlated with change in the social responsiveness scale-2 (SRS-2) score. These new findings shed light on DMN as a potential intervention target, as the inhibitory information transmission between its core regions may play a positive role in improving SC behavior in preschoolers with ASD, which may be a reliable neuroimaging biomarker for future studies. Clinical Trial Registration: This study registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024973) on August 05, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hang Qu
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Aiguo Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Du
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhimei Liu
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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26
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Chisholm AK, Haebich KM, Pride NA, Walsh KS, Lami F, Ure A, Maloof T, Brignell A, Rouel M, Granader Y, Maier A, Barton B, Darke H, Dabscheck G, Anderson VA, Williams K, North KN, Payne JM. Delineating the autistic phenotype in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Mol Autism 2022; 13:3. [PMID: 34983638 PMCID: PMC8729013 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00481-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Existing research has demonstrated elevated autistic behaviours in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), but the autistic phenotype and its relationship to other neurodevelopmental manifestations of NF1 remains unclear. To address this gap, we performed detailed characterisation of autistic behaviours in children with NF1 and investigated their association with other common NF1 child characteristics. Methods Participants were drawn from a larger cross-sectional study examining autism in children with NF1. The population analysed in this study scored above threshold on the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (T-score ≥ 60; 51% larger cohort) and completed the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and/or the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2). All participants underwent evaluation of their intellectual function, and behavioural data were collected via parent questionnaires. Results The study cohort comprised 68 children (3–15 years). Sixty-three per cent met the ADOS-2 ‘autism spectrum’ cut-off, and 34% exceeded the more stringent threshold for ‘autistic disorder’ on the ADI-R. Social communication symptoms were common and wide-ranging, while restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs) were most commonly characterised by ‘insistence on sameness’ (IS) behaviours such as circumscribed interests and difficulties with minor changes. Autistic behaviours were weakly correlated with hyperactive/impulsive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms but not with inattentive ADHD or other behavioural characteristics. Language and verbal IQ were weakly related to social communication behaviours but not to RRBs. Limitations Lack of genetic validation of NF1, no clinical diagnosis of autism, and a retrospective assessment of autistic behaviours in early childhood. Conclusions Findings provide strong support for elevated autistic behaviours in children with NF1. While these behaviours were relatively independent of other NF1 comorbidities, the importance of taking broader child characteristics into consideration when interpreting data from autism-specific measures in this population is highlighted. Social communication deficits appear similar to those observed in idiopathic autism and are coupled with a unique RRB profile comprising prominent IS behaviours. This autistic phenotype and its relationship to common NF1 comorbidities such as anxiety and executive dysfunction will be important to examine in future research. Current findings have important implications for the early identification of autism in NF1 and clinical management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00481-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita K Chisholm
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Kristina M Haebich
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Natalie A Pride
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, 178A Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Karin S Walsh
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20310, USA
| | - Francesca Lami
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alex Ure
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Tiba Maloof
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Amanda Brignell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Melissa Rouel
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, 178A Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Yael Granader
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20310, USA
| | - Alice Maier
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Belinda Barton
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, 178A Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.,Children's Hospital Education Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, 178A Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Hayley Darke
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Gabriel Dabscheck
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Vicki A Anderson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Kathryn N North
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Payne
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. .,The Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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27
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Qiu YQ, Ma QW, Huang YY, Lin JW, Zhao JB, Zou LQ. Validation of the chemosensory pleasure scale for kids (CPS-K) and its mediating role in the relationship between autistic traits and eating behaviors. Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2021.104341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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28
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Li YA, Chen ZJ, Li XD, Gu MH, Xia N, Gong C, Zhou ZW, Yasin G, Xie HY, Wei XP, Liu YL, Han XH, Lu M, Xu J, Huang XL. Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders: Global burden of disease 2019 and bibliometric analysis of risk factors. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:972809. [PMID: 36545666 PMCID: PMC9760802 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.972809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the geographical pattern and temporal trend of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) epidemiology from 1990 to 2019, and perform a bibliometric analysis of risk factors for ASD. METHODS In this study, ASD epidemiology was estimated with prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 204 countries and territories by sex, location, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Age-standardized rate (ASR) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were used to quantify ASD temporal trends. Besides, the study performed a bibliometric analysis of ASD risk factors since 1990. Publications published were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection database, and were analyzed using CiteSpace. RESULTS Globally, there were estimated 28.3 million ASD prevalent cases (ASR, 369.4 per 100,000 populations), 603,790 incident cases (ASR, 9.3 per 100,000 populations) and 4.3 million DALYs (ASR, 56.3 per 100,000 populations) in 2019. Increases of autism spectrum disorders were noted in prevalent cases (39.3%), incidence (0.1%), and DALYs (38.7%) from 1990 to 2019. Age-standardized rates and EAPC showed stable trend worldwide over time. A total of 3,991 articles were retrieved from Web of Science, of which 3,590 were obtained for analysis after removing duplicate literatures. "Rehabilitation", "Genetics & Heredity", "Nanoscience & Nanotechnology", "Biochemistry & Molecular biology", "Psychology", "Neurosciences", and "Environmental Sciences" were the hotspots and frontier disciplines of ASD risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Disease burden and risk factors of autism spectrum disorders remain global public health challenge since 1990 according to the GBD epidemiological estimates and bibliometric analysis. The findings help policy makers formulate public health policies concerning prevention targeted for risk factors, early diagnosis and life-long healthcare service of ASD. Increasing knowledge concerning the public awareness of risk factors is also warranted to address global ASD problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-An Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Ze-Jian Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Dan Li
- Nursing Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China
| | - Ming-Hui Gu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Nan Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Chen Gong
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA United States
| | - Zhao-Wen Zhou
- Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA United States
| | - Gvzalnur Yasin
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Xinjiang Uyghur Medicine, Xinjiang China
| | - Hao-Yu Xie
- Division of Physical Therapy Education, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Xiu-Pan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Ya-Li Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Hua Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Min Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
| | - Xiao-Lin Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan China.,World Health Organization Cooperative Training and Research Center in Rehabilitation, Wuhan China
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Li SW, Williams ZM, Báez-Mendoza R. Investigating the Neurobiology of Abnormal Social Behaviors. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:769314. [PMID: 34916912 PMCID: PMC8670406 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.769314] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S William Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ziv M Williams
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA, United States.,Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raymundo Báez-Mendoza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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30
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A loss-of-function variant in SUV39H2 identified in autism-spectrum disorder causes altered H3K9 trimethylation and dysregulation of protocadherin β-cluster genes in the developing brain. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7550-7559. [PMID: 34262135 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence has documented the potential roles of histone-modifying enzymes in autism-spectrum disorder (ASD). Aberrant histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) dimethylation resulting from genetic variants in histone methyltransferases is known for neurodevelopmental and behavioral anomalies. However, a systematic examination of H3K9 methylation dynamics in ASD is lacking. Here we resequenced nine genes for histone methyltransferases and demethylases involved in H3K9 methylation in individuals with ASD and healthy controls using targeted next-generation sequencing. We identified a novel rare variant (A211S) in the SUV39H2, which was predicted to be deleterious. The variant showed strongly reduced histone methyltransferase activity in vitro. In silico analysis showed that the variant destabilizes the hydrophobic core and allosterically affects the enzyme activity. The Suv39h2-KO mice displayed hyperactivity and reduced behavioral flexibility in learning the tasks that required complex behavioral adaptation, which is relevant for ASD. The Suv39h2 deficit evoked an elevated expression of a subset of protocadherin β (Pcdhb) cluster genes in the embryonic brain, which is attributable to the loss of H3K9 trimethylation (me3) at the gene promoters. Reduced H3K9me3 persisted in the cerebellum of Suv39h2-deficient mice to an adult stage. Congruently, reduced expression of SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 in the postmortem brain samples of ASD individuals was observed, underscoring the role of H3K9me3 deficiency in ASD etiology. The present study provides direct evidence for the role of SUV39H2 in ASD and suggests a molecular cascade of SUV39H2 dysfunction leading to H3K9me3 deficiency followed by an untimely, elevated expression of Pcdhb cluster genes during early neurodevelopment.
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Factor Structure of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire in Young Children with and Without Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:3126-3137. [PMID: 33184732 PMCID: PMC8113317 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04752-5] [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: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) is often used to assess sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but little is known about its factor structure in younger children with ASD. We evaluated alternative factor structures and measurement invariance for CSHQ items in 2- to 4-year-olds with ASD or typical development (TD). Bifactor models indicated subscales' variance was subsumed by a general factor predominantly reflecting sleep initiation and nighttime awakening items. A factor consisting of 7 of these items was measurement invariant across ASD and TD. Thus, comparisons between young children with ASD and TD is appropriate for a measure composed of 7 CSHQ items relating to sleep initiation and awakenings but not for other CSHQ item composites.
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32
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Lee DK, Li SW, Bounni F, Friedman G, Jamali M, Strahs L, Zelinger O, Gabrieli P, Stankovich MA, Demaree J, Williams ZM. Reduced sociability and social agency encoding in adult Shank3-mutant mice are restored through gene re-expression in real time. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1243-1255. [PMID: 34253921 PMCID: PMC8410666 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00888-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite a growing understanding of the molecular and developmental basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), how the neuronal encoding of social information is disrupted in ASD and whether it contributes to abnormal social behavior remains unclear. Here, we disrupted and then restored expression of the ASD-associated gene Shank3 in adult male mice while tracking the encoding dynamics of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) over weeks. We find that Shank3 disruption led to a reduction of neurons encoding the experience of other mice and an increase in neurons encoding the animal's own experience. This shift was associated with a loss of ability by neurons to distinguish other from self and, therefore, the inability to encode social agency. Restoration of Shank3 expression in the mPFC reversed this encoding imbalance and increased sociability over 5-8 weeks. These findings reveal a neuronal-encoding process that is necessary for social behavior and that may be disrupted in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Lee
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston MA,Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - S William Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston MA
| | - Firas Bounni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - Gabriel Friedman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | - Mohsen Jamali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | | | | | | | - Michael A Stankovich
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
| | | | - Ziv M Williams
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston MA,Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA,Harvard Medical School, Program in Neuroscience, Boston MA,Correspondence should be made to -
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Lan J, Hu Y, Wang X, Zheng W, Liao A, Wang S, Li Y, Wang Y, Yang F, Chen D. Abnormal spatiotemporal expression pattern of progranulin and neurodevelopment impairment in VPA-induced ASD rat model. Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108689. [PMID: 34175324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Some environmental risk factors have been proven to contribute to the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of ASD in humans, and consequently is utilized as a validated animal model of ASD in rodents; however, the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms remain ill-defined. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prenatal VPA exposure on the spatiotemporal dynamics of Progranulin (PGRN) expression, neuronal apoptosis, synapse density, and AKT/GSK-3β pathway activation in the brains of VPA-exposed offspring. Results from behavioral tests were consistent with prior studies showing impaired sociability, restricted interests and increased repetitive behaviors in VPA rats at postnatal days 28-32. Our data also indicated that VPA exposure resulted in abnormal dynamics of PGRN expression in different brain regions at the different development stages. The temporal and spatial patterns of PGRN expression were consistent with the spatiotemporal regularity of abnormalities, which observed in apoptosis-related protein levels, neuron numbers, dendritic spine density, synapse-related protein levels, and AKT/GSK-3β phosphorylation in VPA rats. It suggests that prenatal VPA exposure may affect the spatiotemporal regularity of neuronal apoptosis and synaptic development/regression via interfering with the spatiotemporal process of PGRN expression and downstream AKT/GSK-3β pathway activation. This may be a potential mechanism of the abnormal neuroanatomical changes and ASD-like behaviors in VPA-induced ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Lan
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Yuling Hu
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Qujiang No.2 Middle School, Xi'an 710000, China.
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Wenxia Zheng
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ailing Liao
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Shali Wang
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yingbo Li
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Feng Yang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Di Chen
- Cerebrovascular Diseases Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Davoli-Ferreira M, Thomson CA, McCoy KD. Microbiota and Microglia Interactions in ASD. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676255. [PMID: 34113350 PMCID: PMC8185464 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are serious, highly variable neurodevelopmental disorders, commonly characterized by the manifestation of specific behavioral abnormalities, such as stereotypic behaviors and deficits in social skills, including communication. Although the neurobiological basis for ASD has attracted attention in recent decades, the role of microglial cells, which are the main resident myeloid cell population in the brain, is still controversial and underexplored. Microglia play several fundamental roles in orchestrating brain development and homeostasis. As such, alterations in the intrinsic functions of these cells could be one of the driving forces responsible for the development of various neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. Microglia are highly sensitive to environmental cues. Amongst the environmental factors known to influence their intrinsic functions, the gut microbiota has emerged as a central player, controlling both microglial maturation and activation. Strikingly, there is now compelling data suggesting that the intestinal microbiota can play a causative role in driving the behavioural changes associated with ASD. Not only is intestinal dysbiosis commonly reported in ASD patients, but therapies targeting the microbiome can markedly alleviate behavioral symptoms. Here we explore the emerging mechanisms by which altered microglial functions could contribute to several major etiological factors of ASD. We then demonstrate how pre- and postnatal environmental stimuli can modulate microglial cell phenotype and function, underpinning the notion that reciprocal interactions between microglia and intestinal microbes could play a crucial role in ASD aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Davoli-Ferreira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carolyn A Thomson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kathy D McCoy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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35
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Is there a “g-neuron”? Establishing a systematic link between general intelligence (g) and the von Economo neuron. INTELLIGENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2021.101540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kaneko A, Asaoka Y, Lee YA, Goto Y. Cognitive and Affective Processes Associated with Social Biases. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:645-655. [PMID: 33929492 PMCID: PMC8378077 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our social activities are quite often erroneous and irrational, based on biased judgements and decision-making, known as social biases. However, the cognitive and affective processes that produce such biases remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated associations between social schemas, such as social judgment and conformity, entailing social biases and psychological measurements relevant to cognitive and affective functions. METHOD This study recruited 42 healthy adult subjects. A psychological test and a questionnaire were administered to assess biased social judgements by superficial attributes and social conformity by adherence to social norms, respectively, along with additional questionnaires and psychological tests for cognitive and affective measurements, including negative affects, autistic traits, and Theory of Mind (ToM). Associations of social judgment and conformity with cognitive and affective functions were examined using a multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling. RESULTS Anxiety and the cognitive realm of ToM were mutually associated with both social judgments and conformity, although social judgements and conformity were still independent processes. Social judgements were also associated with autistic traits and the affective realm of ToM, whereas social conformity was associated with negative affects other than anxiety and an intuitive decision-making style. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that ToM and negative affects may play important roles in social judgements and conformity, and the social biases connoted in these social schemas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Kaneko
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yui Asaoka
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan
| | - Young-A Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan,South Korea
| | - Yukiori Goto
- Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, Japan,Correspondence: Yukiori Goto, PhD, Kyoto University Primate Research Institute, 41–2 Kanrin, Inuyama, Aichi 484–8506, Japan ()
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37
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Node Centrality Measures Identify Relevant Structural MRI Features of Subjects with Autism. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040498. [PMID: 33919984 PMCID: PMC8071038 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Although the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic ASD has not been fully elucidated, compelling evidence suggests an interaction between genetic liability and environmental factors in producing early alterations of structural and functional brain development that are detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the group level. This work shows the results of a network-based approach to characterize not only variations in the values of the extracted features but also in their mutual relationships that might reflect underlying brain structural differences between autistic subjects and healthy controls. We applied a network-based analysis on sMRI data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange I (ABIDE-I) database, containing 419 features extracted with FreeSurfer software. Two networks were generated: one from subjects with autistic disorder (AUT) (DSM-IV-TR), and one from typically developing controls (TD), adopting a subsampling strategy to overcome class imbalance (235 AUT, 418 TD). We compared the distribution of several node centrality measures and observed significant inter-class differences in averaged centralities. Moreover, a single-node analysis allowed us to identify the most relevant features that distinguished the groups.
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38
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Zou R, Wang Y, Duan M, Guo M, Zhang Q, Zheng H. Dysbiosis of Gut Fungal Microbiota in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:267-275. [PMID: 32447559 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we tested the feces of children with ASD and those of healthy children, and the overall changing of the gut fungal community was observed in ASD children compared with controls. However, there were no abundant fungi populations showed significant variations between the ASD and Control group both at phylum and class level. Among the 507 genera identified, Saccharomyces and Aspergillus showed significant differences between ASD (59.07%) and Control (40.36%), indicating that they may be involved in the abnormal gut fungal community structure of ASD. When analyzed at the species level, a decreased abundance in Aspergillus versicolor was observed while Saccharomyces cerevisiae was increased in children with ASD relative to controls. Overall, this study characterized the fungal microbiota profile of children with ASD and identified potential diagnostic species closely related to the immune response in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuezhu Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Duan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Huajun Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China.
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Jamioł-Milc D, Bloch M, Liput M, Stachowska L, Skonieczna-Żydecka K. Tactile Processing and Quality of Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030362. [PMID: 33808992 PMCID: PMC8001965 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) commonly experience problems with the processing of tactile stimuli and poor quality of sleep. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether tactile stimuli modulation (TSM) disorders might be linked to insomnia prevalence in ASD individuals. We hypothesized that sleep disorders in children with ASD may result from improper tactile under/over responsivity. The study included 27 children diagnosed with ASD, aged 6.8 (±2.9 years) with male dominance (n = 22, 81.5%). To evaluate the pattern of TSM we used a clinical interview with a parent, and guided and spontaneous observation of the patients. Sleep disorders were diagnosed using the Athens Insomnia Scale. Of all the children diagnosed with TSM, 20 patients (74.1%) had an over-responsivity pattern and 7 children (25.9%) had an under-responsivity pattern. Of the patients, 11 children (40.7%) met the diagnostic criteria for insomnia. The data indicated a statistical tendency for higher prevalence of insomnia in individuals diagnosed with tactile under-responsivity (p = 0.051). We concluded that under-responsivity toward tactile stimuli may be partly responsible for poor sleep quality in ASD. There is an urgent need to treat sleep and sensory disruptions which may intensify behavioral difficulties in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Jamioł-Milc
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-91-441-48-06; Fax: +48-91-441-48-07
| | | | - Magdalena Liput
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicines, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Laura Stachowska
- Students Scientific Club at the Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland;
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Georgiades S, Tait PA, McNicholas PD, Duku E, Zwaigenbaum L, Smith IM, Bennett T, Elsabbagh M, Kerns CM, Mirenda P, Ungar WJ, Vaillancourt T, Volden J, Waddell C, Zaidman-Zait A, Gentles S, Szatmari P. Trajectories of Symptom Severity in Children with Autism: Variability and Turning Points through the Transition to School. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:392-401. [PMID: 33704613 PMCID: PMC8732828 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04949-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the trajectories of autistic symptom severity in an inception cohort of 187 children with ASD assessed across four time points from diagnosis to age 10. Trajectory groups were derived using multivariate cluster analysis. A two trajectory/cluster solution was selected. Change in trajectory slopes revealed a turning point marked by plateauing in symptom reduction during the period of transition to school (age 6) for one of the two trajectories. Trajectories were labelled: Continuously Improving (27%) and Improving then Plateauing (73% of sample). Children in the two trajectories differed in levels of symptom severity, language, cognitive, and adaptive functioning skills. Study findings can inform the development of more personalized services for children with ASD transitioning into the school system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP Suite 201A, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Peter A Tait
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP Suite 201A, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Paul D McNicholas
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP Suite 201A, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Eric Duku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP Suite 201A, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Isabel M Smith
- IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Teresa Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP Suite 201A, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | | | - Pat Mirenda
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephen Gentles
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP Suite 201A, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Centre for Addition and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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Effect of L-Carnosine in children with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Amino Acids 2021; 53:575-585. [PMID: 33704575 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are an emerging health problem worldwide. So far, no definite cure for ASD exists. L-Carnosine is an amino acid containing β-alanine and L-histidine which has been proposed to have neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-convulsive properties that may benefit affected children with this disorder. This review aimed to assess the effect of L-Carnosine in the management of ASD in children. We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which documented the effect of L-Carnosine in children with ASD. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, Clinical Trial Registry-India databases from inception to December 20, 2020. Articles were selected based on pre-set inclusion/exclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were changes in social, communication and behavioural responses and the secondary outcomes were improvement in sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, oxidative stress markers and adverse effects. Jadad scale was used to assess the quality of RCTs and modified Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to check the risk of bias of the included studies. The meta-analysis was reported based on the fixed-effects model. Four double-blinded, placebo-controlled, RCTs and one open label trial with a total of 215 participants were selected for the review. All the trials were methodological of high quality according to the Jadad scale. The modified Cochrane risk of bias tool showed a low to high risk of bias. Results from the meta-analysis of three studies showed no significant difference between L-Carnosine and placebo groups in the Gilliam autism rating scale (GARS) (MD = - 2.57; 95% CI - 10.30, 5.16, p = 0.52) and in its socialisation (MD = - 1.51; 95% CI - 6.16, 3.14, p = 0.53), behaviour (MD = - 0.48; 95% CI - 4.82, 3.87, p = 0.83) and communication (MD = - 3.94; 95% CI - 10.00, 2.11, p = 0.20) subscales as well as the childhood autism rating scale (CARS) (MD = - 0.88; 95% CI - 6.96, 5.20; p = 0.78). Current data do not support the use of L-Carnosine in the management of children with ASD due to a low number of studies and sample size available. Further studies are warranted to know the effect of L-Carnosine for ASD management.
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Frigaux A, Lighezzolo-Alnot J, Maleval JC, Evrard R. Clinique différentielle du spectre de l’autisme : l’intérêt de penser un « autisme ordinaire ». EVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Osório JMA, Rodríguez-Herreros B, Romascano D, Junod V, Habegger A, Pain A, Richetin S, Yu P, Isidor B, Van Maldergem L, Pons L, Manificat S, Chabane N, Jequier Gygax M, Maillard AM. Touch and olfaction/taste differentiate children carrying a 16p11.2 deletion from children with ASD. Mol Autism 2021; 12:8. [PMID: 33546725 PMCID: PMC7863523 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory processing atypicalities are frequent in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Different domains of sensory processing appear to be differentially altered in these disorders. In this study, we explored the sensory profile of two clinical cohorts, in comparison with a sample of typically developing children. Methods Behavioral responses to sensory stimuli were assessed using the Sensory Processing Measure (parent-report questionnaire). We included 121 ASD children, 17 carriers of the 16p11.2 deletion (Del 16p11.2) and 45 typically developing (TD) children. All participants were aged between 2 and 12 years. Additional measures included the Tactile Defensiveness and Discrimination Test-Revised, Wechsler Intelligence Scales and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Statistical analyses included MANCOVA and regression analyses. Results ASD children score significantly higher on all SPM subscales compared to TD. Del16p11.2 also scored higher than TD on all subscales except for tactile and olfactory/taste processing, in which they score similarly to TD. When assessing sensory modulation patterns (hyper-, hypo-responsiveness and seeking), ASD did not significantly differ from del16p11.2. Both groups had significantly higher scores across all patterns than the TD group. There was no significant association between the SPM Touch subscale and the TDDT-R. Limitations Sensory processing was assessed using a parent-report questionnaire. Even though it captures observable behavior, a questionnaire does not assess sensory processing in all its complexity. The sample size of the genetic cohort and the small subset of ASD children with TDDT-R data render some of our results exploratory. Divergence between SPM Touch and TDDT-R raises important questions about the nature of the process that is assessed. Conclusions Touch and olfaction/taste seem to be particularly affected in ASD children compared to del16p11.2. These results indicate that parent report measures can provide a useful perspective on behavioral expression. Sensory phenotyping, when combined with neurobiological and psychophysical methods, might have the potential to provide a better understanding of the sensory processing in ASD and in other NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Maria Almeida Osório
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Borja Rodríguez-Herreros
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - David Romascano
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Junod
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aline Habegger
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Pain
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Richetin
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paola Yu
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Laboratory for Investigative Neurophysiology (LINE), Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Lionel Van Maldergem
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,Unité de recherche en neurosciences intégratives et cognitives EA481, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.,Centre d'investigation clinique 1431, INSERM, Besançon, France
| | - Linda Pons
- Service Génopsy - Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire ADIS, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Sabine Manificat
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Chabane
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marine Jequier Gygax
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Manuela Maillard
- CHUV-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service des Troubles du Spectre de l'Autisme et apparentés, Lausanne University Hospital, Les Allières - Av. Beaumont 23, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Caplan B, Blacher J, Eisenhower A, Baker BL, Lee SS. Gene x responsive parenting interactions in social development: Characterizing heterogeneity in autism spectrum disorder. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:1082-1097. [PMID: 33511631 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22095] [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: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that caregiving environments and genetic variants independently contribute to social functioning in children with typical development or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, biologically plausible interactive models and complimentary assessment of mechanisms are needed to: (a) explain considerable social heterogeneity, (b) resolve inconsistencies in the literature, and (c) develop and select optimal treatments based on individual differences. This study examined the role of child genotypes and responsive parenting in the social development of 104 children with ASD (ages 4-7 years). We utilized a longitudinal, multi-informant design and structural equation models to evaluate: (a) the additive and interactive effects of biologically plausible candidate genes (5-HTTLPR, OXTR, DRD4) and responsive parenting in predicting prospective social development in ASD across three time points spanning 1.5 years, and (b) whether child emotion regulation mediated observed gene x environment interactions (GxEs). Responsive parenting positively predicted prospective change in child social skills; these associations were moderated by 5-HTTLPR and DRD4 in teacher-report models, and DRD4 in parent-report models. No GxE effects were found for OXTR. Emotion regulation did not significantly mediate the GxEs involving 5-HTTLPR and DRD4. Acknowledging the complexities of GxE research, implications for future research, and targeted intervention efforts are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Caplan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jan Blacher
- Department of Education, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Abbey Eisenhower
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce L Baker
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steve S Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Peters WJ, Matson JL. Comparing Rates of Diagnosis Using DSM-IV-TR Versus DSM-5 Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:1898-1906. [PMID: 30815773 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03941-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
With the publication of DSM-5, many changes were introduced regarding how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would be diagnosed. Changes from DSM-IV-TR were controversial, with many arguing that individuals would lose their diagnosis with the new criteria. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in the application of diagnostic criteria across both recent versions in a sample of infants and toddlers. Fewer individuals met criteria according to DSM-5; however, a larger proportion of individuals met criteria for both. Additionally, individuals with higher levels of symptoms were more likely to meet criteria for both versions as compared to either alone. Overall, results suggest that there are meaningful differences in how DSM criteria may apply to individuals with an ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Jason Peters
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
| | - Johnny L Matson
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
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Kim H, Ahn J, Lee H, Ha S, Cheon KA. Differences in Language Ability and Emotional-Behavioral Problems according to Symptom Severity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Yonsei Med J 2020; 61:880-890. [PMID: 32975063 PMCID: PMC7515780 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2020.61.10.880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate differences in language ability and emotional-behavioral problems according to the severity of social communication impairments (SCI) and restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). MATERIALS AND METHODS We grouped 113 children with ASD aged 3-12 years according to the severity of SCI and RRB, and investigated language differences and emotional-behavioral problems among the severity groups. If differences in language abilities between the groups were observed, they were further subdivided to examine possible predictors of both receptive and expressive language abilities. RESULTS In cluster analyses using subdomains of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-revised, severe SCI individuals showed lower language ability than their milder counterparts, while RRB showed no differences. Receptive and expressive language in the severe SCI group was negatively predicted by social communication and social motivation, respectively. The severe RRB group showed significantly higher levels of anxiety/distress, somatic complaints, thought problems, attention problems, and aggressive behavior, while the severe SCI group was reported to be more withdrawn. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that the severity of SCI greatly affects language ability. In children with severe SCI, social communication and social motivation negatively predicted receptive language and expressive language, respectively. Children with severe RRB may have more emotional-behavioral problems that require active intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeyeon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaeun Ahn
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heejin Lee
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungji Ha
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keun Ah Cheon
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Ward A, Boan AD, Carpenter LA, Bradley CC. Evaluating the rate of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder in children at risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2020.1803072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Ward
- College of Medicine, Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrea D. Boan
- College of Medicine, Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Laura A. Carpenter
- College of Medicine, Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Catherine C. Bradley
- College of Medicine, Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Murray SO, Kolodny T, Schallmo MP, Gerdts J, Bernier RA. Late fMRI Response Components Are Altered in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:241. [PMID: 32694986 PMCID: PMC7338757 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted cortical neural inhibition has been hypothesized to be a primary contributor to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This hypothesis predicts that ASD will be associated with an increase in neural responses. We tested this prediction by comparing fMRI response magnitudes to simultaneous visual, auditory, and motor stimulation in ASD and neurotypical (NT) individuals. No increases in the initial transient response in any brain region were observed in ASD, suggesting that there is no increase in overall cortical neural excitability. Most notably, there were widespread fMRI magnitude increases in the ASD response following stimulation offset, approximately 6–8 s after the termination of sensory and motor stimulation. In some regions, the higher fMRI offset response in ASD could be attributed to a lack of an “undershoot”—an often observed feature of fMRI responses believed to reflect inhibitory processing. Offset response magnitude was associated with reaction times (RT) in the NT group and may explain an overall reduced RT in the ASD group. Overall, our results suggest that increases in neural responsiveness are present in ASD but are confined to specific components of the neural response, are particularly strong following stimulation offset, and are linked to differences in RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott O Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tamar Kolodny
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael-Paul Schallmo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Perryman T, Ricks L, Cash-Baskett L. Meaningful Transitions: Enhancing Clinician Roles in Transition Planning for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch 2020; 51:899-913. [PMID: 32585119 DOI: 10.1044/2020_lshss-19-00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this tutorial is to provide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with foundational information that will assist them in transition planning for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on a review of current literature. SLPs must be knowledgeable of transition planning in order to assist students with ASD and their families with preparing for their future. An appreciation and awareness of pertinent assessments, functional goals, and factors associated with successful postsecondary outcomes are essential competencies that SLPs need when planning for the transition process. SLPs are ideal workforce development partners. They facilitate independence, communication, and interaction skills necessary for postsecondary and workplace success. Speech-language services are one of the most common special education services received by high school students with Individualized Education Programs. However, SLPs receive little preparation on the specifics or nuances of transition planning prior to working in the educational settings, despite the high incidence of speech-language services in secondary education. Method This tutorial reviews and synthesizes research findings related to assessment planning, goal-setting, and Individualized Education Program implementation for achieving meaningful postsecondary transitions for students with ASD. Additionally, it highlights some of the key postsecondary skillsets related to speech-language therapy services, including the development of self-determination, self-advocacy, social competence, and adaptive behaviors. Conclusion Greater focus on higher quality transition planning requires SLPs to develop high levels of knowledge and competencies in the transition planning process. This tutorial educates clinicians on the unique challenges faced by individuals with ASD and provides evidence-based strategies to help students and families successfully plan for and navigate postsecondary transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Twyla Perryman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Professional Counseling, University of West Georgia, Carrollton
| | - Lacey Ricks
- Department for Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
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50
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Yuan H, Dollaghan C. Applying Item Response Theory Modeling to Identify Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2020; 63:1916-1932. [PMID: 32539641 DOI: 10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose No diagnostic tools exist for identifying social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD), a new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition category for individuals with social communication deficits but not the repetitive, restricted behaviors and interests (RRBIs) that would qualify them for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We explored the value of items from a widely used screening measure of ASD for distinguishing SPCD from typical controls (TC; Aim 1) and from ASD (Aim 2). Method We applied item response theory (IRT) modeling to Social Communication Questionnaire-Lifetime (Rutter, Bailey, & Lord, 2003) records available in the National Database for Autism Research. We defined records from putative SPCD (n = 54), ASD (n = 278), and TC (n = 274) groups retrospectively, based on National Database for Autism Research classifications and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised responses. After assessing model assumptions, estimating model parameters, and measuring model fit, we identified items in the social communication and RRBI domains that were maximally informative in differentiating the groups. Results IRT modeling identified a set of seven social communication items that distinguished SPCD from TC with sensitivity and specificity > 80%. A set of five RRBI items was less successful in distinguishing SPCD from ASD (sensitivity and specificity < 70%). Conclusion The IRT modeling approach and the Social Communication Questionnaire-Lifetime item sets it identified may be useful in efforts to construct screening and diagnostic measures for SPCD.
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