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Pizzigallo E, Cornoldi C, Buono S, Città S, Viola F, Toffalini E. The Intellectual Profile of Adults with Specific Learning Disabilities. J Intell 2023; 11:223. [PMID: 38132841 PMCID: PMC10744172 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11120223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite growing research on adults with specific learning disabilities (SLDs), evidence concerning their intellectual profile remains scarce. The present study examined the results of the administration of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition to 301 adults diagnosed with SLDs and compared them to the results obtained from previous studies with a large sample of children with SLDs. The results showed that: (1) as observed among children, adults with SLDs also presented higher scores in the subtests implying reasoning (associated with the General Ability Index, GAI) and lower scores in the subtests involving working memory and processing speed; (2) the discrepancy between full-scale IQ and the GAI had a good predictive value in discriminating adults with and without SLDs; (3) the four-factor hierarchical structure of intelligence proposed for the general adult population held for adults with SLDs as well, even though there were substantial differences in the loadings and a five-factor structure could be more appropriate; (4) similarities as well as strong differences were present between adults and children with SLDs. In adults, scores on subtests were generally lower, particularly in working memory and processing speed. However, in some cases, scores were equal or even higher (as in the "Similarity" subtest) among adults, meaning that the discrepancy between the full scale and the GAI was accentuated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cesare Cornoldi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Viola
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Toffalini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy
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Calì F, Di Blasi FD, Avola E, Vinci M, Musumeci A, Gloria A, Greco D, Raciti DR, Zagami A, Rizzo B, Città S, Federico C, Vetri L, Saccone S, Buono S. Specific Learning Disorders: Variation Analysis of 15 Candidate Genes in 9 Multiplex Families. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1503. [PMID: 37629793 PMCID: PMC10456226 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a complex neurobiological disorder characterized by a persistent difficult in reading (dyslexia), written expression (dysgraphia), and mathematics (dyscalculia). The hereditary and genetic component is one of the underlying causes of SLD, but the relationship between genes and the environment should be considered. Several genetic studies were performed in different populations to identify causative genes. Materials and Methods: Here, we show the analysis of 9 multiplex families with at least 2 individuals diagnosed with SLD per family, with a total of 37 persons, 21 of whom are young subjects with SLD, by means of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify possible causative mutations in a panel of 15 candidate genes: CCPG1, CYP19A1, DCDC2, DGKI, DIP2A, DYM, GCFC2, KIAA0319, MC5R, MRPL19, NEDD4L, PCNT, PRMT2, ROBO1, and S100B. Results: We detected, in eight families out nine, SNP variants in the DGKI, DIP2A, KIAA0319, and PCNT genes, even if in silico analysis did not show any causative effect on this behavioral condition. In all cases, the mutation was transmitted by one of the two parents, thus excluding the case of de novo mutation. Moreover, the parent carrying the allelic variant transmitted to the children, in six out of seven families, reports language difficulties. Conclusions: Although the present results cannot be considered conclusive due to the limited sample size, the identification of genetic variants in the above genes can provide input for further research on the same, as well as on other genes/mutations, to better understand the genetic basis of this disorder, and from this perspective, to better understand also the neuropsychological and social aspects connected to this disorder, which affects an increasing number of young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Calì
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Emanuela Avola
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Mirella Vinci
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Antonino Musumeci
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Angelo Gloria
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Donatella Greco
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Daniela Rita Raciti
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Alessandro Zagami
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Biagio Rizzo
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Santina Città
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Luigi Vetri
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Serafino Buono
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy; (F.C.); (F.D.D.B.); (S.B.)
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Buono S, Zingale M, Città S, Mongelli V, Trubia G, Mascali G, Occhipinti P, Pettinato E, Ferri R, Gagliano C, Greco D. Clinical management of individuals with Intellectual Disability: The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic as experienced in a clinical and research center Research in Developmental Disabilities. Res Dev Disabil 2021; 110:103856. [PMID: 33497856 PMCID: PMC7973963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oasi Research Institute of Troina (Italy) became an important hotbed for infection; in fact, 109 patients with different levels of Intellectual Disability (ID) tested positive for COVID-19. The procedures and interventions put in place at the Oasi Research Institute due to the COVID-19 pandemic are exhaustively reported in this paper. The description of the clinical procedures as well as remote/in person psychological support services provided to people with ID and their families are here divided into three different sections: Phase I (or Acute phase), Phase II (or Activity planning), and Phase III (or Activity consolidation). In each section, the main psycho-pathological characteristics of patients, the reactions of family members and the multidisciplinary interventions put in place are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serafino Buono
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Marinella Zingale
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Santina Città
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Vita Mongelli
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Grazia Trubia
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Mascali
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Paola Occhipinti
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Enrica Pettinato
- Unit of Psychology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Unit of Neurology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Catalda Gagliano
- Unit of Neurology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
| | - Donatella Greco
- Unit of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
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Operto FF, Verrotti A, Marrelli A, Ciuffini R, Coppola G, Pastorino GMG, Striano P, Sole M, Zucca C, Manfredi V, Città S, Elia M. Cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral effects of adjunctive rufinamide in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: A prospective observational clinical study. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 112:107445. [PMID: 32920379 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe pediatric epilepsy syndrome characterized by multiple drug-resistant seizure types. Children with LGS usually experience cognitive regression, and LGS is almost always associated with moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Rufinamide (RFM) was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2007 for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with LGS in patients ≥4 years of age. The primary objective of our study was to assess cognitive, adaptive, and behavior functioning of patients with LGS after 12 months of RFM therapy. METHODS This was an observational, multicenter, prospective study involving 16 patients diagnosed with LGS aged between 7 and 58 years (mean = 22 ± 16.3). Fourteen of 16 patients were already on therapy with 3 antiseizure drugs and 2/16 with 4 antiseizure drugs; RFM has been added with 100 mg/week increments up to a dose of 300-2400 mg/day. The participants and their parents underwent a neuropsychological evaluation for the assessment of intellectual, adaptive, and emotional/behavioral functioning (Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised (LEITER-R), Vineland, and Child Behavior CheckList (CBCL), respectively) before the RFM introduction (baseline) and 12 months after the RFM therapy (T2). Physical and neurological examination, electroencephalography (EEG) recording, seizure type and frequency, and adverse reactions were also considered. RESULTS After 12 months, the total intelligence quotient (IQ) assessed by LEITER-R did not show statistical significant changes, such as there were no statistically significant changes in adaptive functions, assessed by Vineland. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant changes in internalizing and externalizing problems assessed by CBCL. CONCLUSION Adjunctive treatment with RFM did not negatively affect cognitive, adaptive function, and emotional profile in patients with LGS after 1 year of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alfonso Marrelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberta Ciuffini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 'G. Gaslini' Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Sole
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 'G. Gaslini' Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudio Zucca
- Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Valentina Manfredi
- Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Santina Città
- Oasi Research Institute (IRCCS), Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, Troina, Italy
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Oasi Research Institute (IRCCS), Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, Troina, Italy
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Scuderi C, Saccuzzo L, Vinci M, Castiglia L, Galesi O, Salemi M, Mattina T, Borgione E, Città S, Romano C, Fichera M. Biallelic intragenic duplication in ADGRB3 (BAI3) gene associated with intellectual disability, cerebellar atrophy, and behavioral disorder. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 27:594-602. [PMID: 30659260 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chromosomal microarray analysis has permitted the discovery of rearrangements underlying several neurodevelopmental disorders and still represents the first diagnostic test for unexplained neurodevelopmental disabilities. Here we report a family of consanguineous parents showing psychiatric disorders and their two sons both affected by intellectual disability, ataxia, and behavioral disorder. SNP/CGH array analysis in this family demonstrated in both siblings a biallelic duplication inherited from the heterozygous parents, disrupting the ADGRB3 gene. ADGRB3, also known as BAI3, belongs to the subfamily of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (adhesion GPCRs) that regulate many aspects of the central nervous system, including axon guidance, myelination, and synapse formation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and copy number variants involving ADGRB3 have recently been associated with psychiatric disorders. These findings further support this association and also suggest that biallelic variants affecting the function of the ADGRB3 gene may also cause cognitive impairments and ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Saccuzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Teresa Mattina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Fichera
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy. .,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Medical Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Di Blasi FD, Buono S, Città S, Costanzo AA, Zoccolotti P. Reading Deficits in Intellectual Disability Are still an Open Question: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2018; 8:E146. [PMID: 30087288 PMCID: PMC6119986 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8080146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In children with intellectual disability (ID), the acquisition of reading skills constitutes a basic step towards the possibility of independent living, social inclusion and participation. METHODS We carried out a narrative review of the literature on reading fluency and accuracy of individuals with ID resulting from different genetic syndromes (Fragile X, Williams, Velocardiofacial, Prader-Willi, and Down syndrome). Our aim was to define their reading profiles in light of the dual-route reading model. For this purpose, studies that examined both word and non-word reading in children with ID were included in the analysis. RESULTS Seventeen studies emerged based on the selection criteria. The results were different depending on the control group used. A deficit in reading non-words emerged in studies that used the reading-level match design but not when standardized scores were used, when controls were age-matched or when a mental age matching was used. Thus, a deficit in reading non-words emerged only in studies that used the reading-level match design. However, severe methodological criticisms were recently raised about the use of this matching design. CONCLUSIONS In view of the methodological problems in using grade equivalents, it is premature to draw definite conclusions about the reading profile of children with ID resulting from different genetic syndromes. In any case, the reviewed evidence provides little support for the idea that children with ID have selective difficulty in phonological reading. Thus, the reading profile of children with ID remains an open question that needs to be investigated by means of methodologically sound research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serafino Buono
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina, Italy.
| | - Santina Città
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero, 73, 94018 Troina, Italy.
| | | | - Pierluigi Zoccolotti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- ISTC Institute for Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Zingale M, Città S, Occhipinti P, Elia F, Buono S. [Neuropsychological profiles, personality features and familial relational patterns in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders]. Riv Psichiatr 2017; 52:75-82. [PMID: 28492577 DOI: 10.1708/2679.27443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study of neuropsychological profiles and personality features of parents of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has highlighted specific traits that turned out to be useful for diagnostic purposes. AIM AND METHODS In our study, psychodiagnostic measures have been used to investigate cognitive profiles, personality features and familial relational patters in a group of parents of children with ASD associated to Intellectual Disability (ID). This group was then compared with a another group of parents of children with Prader-Willi syndrome. RESULTS Results show no differences between the two groups with regard to Intellectual Quotient, while significant differences were found at the intelligence test Wechsler, which partially confirmed data from the literature relating to the performances of parents of persons with ASD. No differences were found in the executive functioning and memory abilities. As for familial relational patters, families of children with ASD showed decreased cohesion and higher disengagement. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results obtained in the domains of familial relational patterns and emotional personality components seem to confirm how children's disability can significantly impact on the entire household, in particular in the case of children with ASD. This data suggest the need for intervention programs aimed at supporting the entire household, with the objective of improving coping strategies and resilience resources of the family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santina Città
- UOC di Psicologia, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS. Troina (Enna)
| | | | - Flaviana Elia
- UOC di Psicologia, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS. Troina (Enna)
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Abstract
We conducted a trial of multidisciplinary tele-assistance to support 20 families of patients with intellectual disability. Psychological, educational, social and medical support was provided by videoconferencing, email and on-line sharing of diagnostic and rehabilitation tools. The main topics dealt with were self-care, learning processes, adaptation skills, management of problem behaviours and health problems. A computer network was developed which connected workstations at the patients' houses and two main sites at the Oasi Institute. It was based on ISDN transmission. During the study, 840 videoconference sessions and 805 programme planning and case discussions took place. After one year of tele-assistance, most families (84%) stated that they were satisfied with the experience, underlining, among various advantages, the availability of professional and continuous support, the reduction of inconvenient travelling to specialized centres and the increase in adaptation skills of their children. Although the present study was empirical, our experience suggests that tele-assistance can satisfy some of the main needs of persons with intellectual disability and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serafino Buono
- Psychology Department, IRCCS Oasi Maria SS, Troina, Italy.
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Città S, Buono S, Greco D, Barone C, Alfei E, Bulgheroni S, Usilla A, Pantaleoni C, Romano C. 3q29 microdeletion syndrome: Cognitive and behavioral phenotype in four patients. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 161A:3018-22. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Santina Città
- Unit of Psychology; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima; Troina Italy
| | - Serafino Buono
- Unit of Psychology; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima; Troina Italy
| | - Donatella Greco
- Unit of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima; Troina Italy
| | - Concetta Barone
- Unit of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima; Troina Italy
| | - Enrico Alfei
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; Milano Italy
| | - Sara Bulgheroni
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; Milano Italy
| | - Arianna Usilla
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; Milano Italy
| | | | - Corrado Romano
- Unit of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics; IRCCS Associazione Oasi Maria Santissima; Troina Italy
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