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Shrivastava T, Singh V, Agrawal A. Autism spectrum disorder detection with kNN imputer and machine learning classifiers via questionnaire mode of screening. Health Inf Sci Syst 2024; 12:18. [PMID: 38464462 PMCID: PMC10917726 DOI: 10.1007/s13755-024-00277-8] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ASD cannot be fully cured, but early-stage diagnosis followed by therapies and rehabilitation helps an autistic person to live a quality life. Clinical diagnosis of ASD symptoms via questionnaire and screening tests such as Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 (AQ-10) and Quantitative Check-list for Autism in Toddlers (Q-chat) are expensive, inaccessible, and time-consuming processes. Machine learning (ML) techniques are beneficial to predict ASD easily at the initial stage of diagnosis. The main aim of this work is to classify ASD and typical developed (TD) class data using ML classifiers. In our work, we have used different ASD data sets of all age groups (toddlers, adults, children, and adolescents) to classify ASD and TD cases. We implemented One-Hot encoding to translate categorical data into numerical data during preprocessing. We then used kNN Imputer with MinMaxScaler feature transformation to handle missing values and data normalization. ASD and TD class data is classified using Support vector machine, k-nearest-neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and artificial neural network classifiers. RF gives the best performance in terms of the accuracy of 100% with different training and testing data split for all four types of data sets and has no over-fitting issue. We have also examined our results with already published work, including recent methods like Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Convolution Neural Network (CNN). Even using complex architectures like DNN and CNN, our proposed methods provide the best results with low-complexity models. In contrast, existing methods have shown accuracy upto 98% with log-loss upto 15%. Our proposed methodology demonstrates the improved generalization for real-time ASD detection during clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trapti Shrivastava
- Department of Information Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211015 India
| | - Vrijendra Singh
- Department of Information Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211015 India
| | - Anupam Agrawal
- Department of Information Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211015 India
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Mahmoud AH, Elhefnawei DM, EL-Desouky MA, Kadry MO. Reciprocal crosslink among MeCP2/BDNF /CREB signaling pinpointed in autism spectrum disorder. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:91-99. [PMID: 38229920 PMCID: PMC10789594 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.12.008] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder, or individual disability (ID), is a condition characterized by complications in social interaction, restricted repetitive behavior, and difficulties in social communication. Neuquinon (NQ) possess a powerful therapeutic potential in various neurodegenerative disease. Nevertheless, contributing to NQ's low water solubility and bioavailability, its medicinal use has been constrained. Liposomes were supposed to be prospective drug-delivering agents for NQ, crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and reaching the target organs. The current investigation aims to track the signaling pathways that govern NQ and liposomal neuquinon (LNQ) action in autistic models generated by ethyl formic acid. The neurotransmitters gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in addition to, the gene expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and the DNA damage COMET analysis at different time intervals of the study, were assessed. EFA in a dose of 500 mg/kg BW was used to induce autism in rats, and then NQ and LNQ were administered in 10 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg BW, respectively. The results revealed that NQ and LNQ significantly down-regulated BDNF, GABA, and AChE; on the other hand, they up-regulated MeCP2, CREB gene expressions, and ACh action. NQ and LNQ displayed improvement in DNA damage in almost all brain regions after EFA alterations; even better results were noticed post-LNQ therapy. Therefore, it may be concluded that neuquinon and liposomal-loaded neuquinon have a therapeutic index versus EFA-induced autism in a rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlam H. Mahmoud
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Doaa M. Elhefnawei
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | | | - Mai O. Kadry
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
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Zhang S, Hu R, Zhao S. Autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors in preschoolers: Mediating effects of sensory processing patterns. Appetite 2024; 196:107237. [PMID: 38316365 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107237] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between autistic traits and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)-associated eating behaviors in preschool-age children and investigated whether this association was mediated by sensory processing patterns. METHOD A cross-sectional, parent-reported study was conducted between July 2022 and March 2023 among 503 preschoolers aged 4-6 years in China. Parents provided assessments of their children's autistic traits using the Social Responsiveness Scale, sensory processing patterns using the Short Sensory Profile 2, and ARFID-associated eating behaviors using the Nine Items ARFID Screen. The mediation model based on ordinary least squares regression was employed to test the mediating effects of sensory processing patterns between autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors. RESULTS The results indicated significant associations among autistic traits, ARFID-associated eating behaviors, and sensory processing patterns. Moreover, mediation analyses revealed that sensory processing patterns played a partial mediating role in the relationship between autistic traits and ARFID-associated eating behaviors. Specifically, autistic traits were observed to weaken ARFID-associated eating behaviors, particularly picky eating and poor appetite, through Registration, while simultaneously fostering them through Sensitivity and Avoiding. DISCUSSION Our study is limited to some extent by the inability to draw longitudinal conclusions from cross-sectional data. Nevertheless, it underscores the significance of early identification and intervention for food avoidance/restriction behaviors due to sensory processing abnormalities in children with heightened autistic traits. This proactive approach may contribute to mitigating ARFID-associated eating behaviors that might drive clinical symptoms of ARFID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
| | - Rongqing Hu
- School of Medical Technology and Nursing, Shenzhen Polytechnic University, No. 7098 Liuxian Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
| | - Shuo Zhao
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
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Fonteneau M, Brugoux A, Jaccaz D, Donello JE, Banerjee P, Le Merrer J, Becker JA. The NMDA receptor modulator zelquistinel durably relieves behavioral deficits in three mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109889. [PMID: 38401792 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109889] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficient social communication and interaction together with restricted, stereotyped behaviors. Currently approved treatments relieve comorbidities rather than core symptoms. Since excitation/inhibition balance and synaptic plasticity are disrupted in ASD, molecules targeting excitatory synaptic transmission appear as highly promising candidates to treat this pathology. Among glutamatergic receptors, the NMDA receptor has received particular attention through the last decade to develop novel allosteric modulators. Here, we show that positive NMDA receptor modulation by zelquistinel, a spirocyclic β-lactam platform chemical, relieves core symptoms in two genetic and one environmental mouse models of ASD. A single oral dose of zelquistinel rescued, in a dose-response manner, social deficits and stereotypic behavior in Shank3Δex13-16-/- mice while chronic intraperitoneal administration promoted a long-lasting relief of such autistic-like features in these mice. Subchronic oral mid-dose zelquistinel treatment demonstrated durable effects in Shank3Δex13-16-/-, Fmr1-/- and in utero valproate-exposed mice. Carry-over effects were best maintained in the Fmr1 null mouse model, with social parameters being still fully recovered two weeks after treatment withdrawal. Among recently developed NMDA receptor subunit modulators, zelquistinel displays a promising therapeutic potential to relieve core symptoms in ASD patients, with oral bioavailability and long-lasting effects boding well for clinical applications. Efficacy in three mouse models with different etiologies supports high translational value. Further, this compound represents an innovative pharmacological tool to investigate plasticity mechanisms underlying behavioral deficits in animal models of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agathe Brugoux
- UMR 1253, IBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, France; Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Déborah Jaccaz
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France; Unité Expérimentale de Physiologie Animale de l'Orfrasière, INRAE UE 0028, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Julie Le Merrer
- UMR 1253, IBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, France; Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
| | - Jérôme Aj Becker
- UMR 1253, IBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, France; Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE UMR 0085, CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, Université de Tours, Inserm, Nouzilly, France
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Das S, Zomorrodi R, Kirkovski M, Hill AT, Enticott PG, Blumberger DM, Rajji TK, Desarkar P. Atypical alpha band microstates produced during eyes-closed resting state EEG in autism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110958. [PMID: 38309329 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110958] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates, which represent quasi-stable patterns of scalp topography, are a promising tool that has the temporal resolution to study atypical spatial and temporal networks in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While current literature suggests microstates are atypical in ASD, their clinical utility, i.e., relationship with the core behavioural characteristics of ASD, is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine microstate parameters in ASD, and examine the relationship between these parameters and core behavioural characteristics in ASD. We compared duration, occurrence, coverage, global explained variance percentage, global field power and spatial correlation of EEG microstates between autistic and neurotypical (NT) adults. Modified k-means cluster analysis was used on eyes-closed, resting state EEG from 30 ASD (10 females, 28.97 ± 9.34 years) and 30 age-equated NT (13 females, 29.33 ± 8.88 years) adults. Five optimal microstates, A to E, were selected to best represent the data. Five microstate maps explaining 80.44% of the NT and 78.44% of the ASD data were found. The ASD group was found to have atypical parameters of microstate A, C, D, and E. Of note, all parameters of microstate C in the ASD group were found to be significantly less than NT. While parameters of microstate D, and E were also found to significantly correlate with subscales of the Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale - Revised (RAADS-R), these findings did not survive a Bonferroni Correction. These findings, in combination with previous findings, highlight the potential clinical utility of EEG microstates and indicate their potential value as a neurophysiologic marker that can be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmit Das
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Reza Zomorrodi
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Kirkovski
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Daniel M Blumberger
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pushpal Desarkar
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Maisterrena A, de Chaumont F, Longueville JE, Balado E, Ey E, Jaber M. Female mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid exhibit complex and prolonged social behavior deficits. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110948. [PMID: 38244714 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110948] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized mainly by deficits in social communication and stereotyped and restricted behavior and interests with a male to female bias of 4.2/1. Social behavior in ASD animal models is commonly analyzed in males, and seldomly in females, using the widely implemented three-chambers test procedure. Here, we implemented a novel procedure, the Live Mouse Tracker (LMT), combining artificial intelligence, machine learning procedures and behavioral measures. We used it on mice that were prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) (450 mg/kg) at embryonic day 12.5, a widely recognized and potent ASD model that we had previously extensively characterized. We focused on female mice offspring, in which social deficits have been rarely documented when using the 3-CT procedure. We recorded several parameters related to social behavior in these mice, continuously for three days in groups of four female mice. Comparisons were made on groups of 4 female mice with the same treatment (4 saline or 4 VPA) or with different treatments (3 saline and 1 VPA). We report that VPA females show several types of social deficits, which are different in nature and magnitude in relation with time. When VPA mice were placed in the LMT alongside saline mice, their social deficits showed significant improvement as early as 1 h from the start of the experiment, lasting up to 3 days throughout the duration of the experiment. Our findings suggest that ASD may be underdiagnosed in females. They also imply that ASD-related social deficits can be ameliorated by the presence of typical individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Maisterrena
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Fabrice de Chaumont
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Longueville
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Eric Balado
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France
| | - Elodie Ey
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques U1084, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
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Guo X, Zhang X, Liu J, Zhai G, Zhang T, Zhou R, Lu H, Gao L. Resolving heterogeneity in dynamics of synchronization stability within the salience network in autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110956. [PMID: 38296155 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110956] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterogeneity in resting-state functional connectivity (FC) are one of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Traditional resting-state FC primarily focuses on linear correlations, ignoring the nonlinear properties involved in synchronization between networks or brain regions. METHODS In the present study, the cross-recurrence quantification analysis, a nonlinear method based on dynamical systems, was utilized to quantify the synchronization stability between brain regions within the salience network (SN) of ASD. Using the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 207 children (ASD/typically-developing controls (TC): 105/102) in Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange database, we analyzed the laminarity and trapping time differences of the synchronization stability between the ASD subtype derived by a K-means clustering analysis and the TC group, and examined the relationship between synchronization stability and the severity of clinical symptoms of the ASD subtypes. RESULTS Based on the synchronization stability within the SN of ASD, we identified two subtypes that showed opposite changes in synchronization stability relative to the TC group. In addition, the synchronization stability of ASD subtypes 1 and 2 can predict the social interaction and communication impairments, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal that ASD subgroups with different patterns of synchronization stability within the SN appear distinct clinical symptoms, and highlight the importance of exploring the potential neural mechanism of ASD from a nonlinear perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Guo
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
| | - Xia Zhang
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guangjin Zhai
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Rongjuan Zhou
- Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066000, China
| | - Huibin Lu
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
| | - Le Gao
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Information Transmission and Signal Processing, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China.
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Bone ME, O'Connor Leppert ML. Autism Spectrum Disorder at Home and in School. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:223-239. [PMID: 38423717 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.008] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings a lifetime of considerations for individuals and their families. The core symptoms of ASD vary in severity and influence behavior and function across all environments. Co-occurring medical, mental health, cognitive, language, learning, and behavioral differences add challenges to those associated with core symptoms. Navigating the preschool, school, and transition ages in the educational setting requires continual reassessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of the student to provide appropriate placement and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Bone
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Mary L O'Connor Leppert
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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Vasa RA, Neamsapaya K, Cross EA, Kalb L. Mental Health Crises in Autistic Children: A Framework for Prevention and Intervention in Primary Care. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:269-282. [PMID: 38423720 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.005] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Children with autism are at high risk for experiencing a mental health crisis, which occurs when psychiatric and behavioral symptoms become a danger and caregivers do not have the resources to safely manage the event. Our current mental health systems of care are not fully prepared to manage crisis in autistic individuals, due to the shortage of available mental health providers and programs that are tailored for autistic children. However, new strategies to address crisis are gradually emerging. This article provides a framework to define crisis and implement prevention and intervention approaches that could potentially mitigate risk for crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, 3901 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA.
| | - Kate Neamsapaya
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Cross
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, 3901 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA
| | - Luther Kalb
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, 3901 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA
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Wang Y, Long H, Bo T, Zheng J. Residual graph transformer for autism spectrum disorder prediction. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 2024; 247:108065. [PMID: 38428249 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108065] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Brain functional connectivity (FC) based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) has been in vogue to predict Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is a neuropsychiatric disease up the plight of locating latent biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. Albeit massive endeavors have been made, most studies are fed up with several chronic issues, such as the intractability of harnessing the interaction flourishing within brain regions, the astriction of representation due to vanishing gradient within deeper network architecture, and the poor interpretability leading to unpersuasive diagnosis. To ameliorate these issues, a FC-learned Residual Graph Transformer Network, namely RGTNet, is proposed. Specifically, we design a Graph Encoder to extract temporal-related features with long-range dependencies, from which interpretable FC matrices would be modeled. Besides, the residual trick is introduced to deepen the GCN architecture, thereby learning the higher-level information. Moreover, a novel Graph Sparse Fitting followed by weighted aggregation is proposed to ease dimensionality explosion. Empirically, the results on two types of ABIDE data sets demonstrate the meliority of RGTNet. Notably, the achieved ACC metric reaches 73.4%, overwhelming most competitors with merely 70.9% on the AAL atlas using a five-fold cross-validation policy. Moreover, the investigated biomarkers concord closely with the authoritative medical knowledge, paving a viable way for ASD-clinical diagnosis. Our code is available at https://github.com/CodeGoat24/RGTNet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Wang
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Haixia Long
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Bo
- Scientific Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Jianwei Zheng
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang, China.
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Anixt JS, Ehrhardt J, Duncan A. Evidence-Based Interventions in Autism. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:199-221. [PMID: 38423716 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.001] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Pediatricians have a critically important role in the care of children with autism, including conducting developmental screening to support early diagnosis and intervention, advising families about evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder, and supporting families' emotional health as they care for a child with a developmental disability. The purpose of this article is to provide pediatricians with information about evidence-based autism treatments and how to determine which interventions are appropriate for children across the autism spectrum at different ages and developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Anixt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC-4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Jennifer Ehrhardt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC-4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Amie Duncan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC-4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Wallis KE, Guthrie W. Screening for Autism: A Review of the Current State, Ongoing Challenges, and Novel Approaches on the Horizon. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:127-155. [PMID: 38423713 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.12.003] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Screening for autism is recommended in pediatric primary care. However, the median age of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is substantially higher than the age at which autism can reliably be identified, suggesting room for improvements in autism recognition at young ages, especially for children from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, low-income families, and families who prefer a language other than English. Novel approaches are being developed to utilize new technologies in aiding in autism recognition. However, attention to equity is needed to minimize bias. Additional research on the benefits and potential harms of universal autism screening is needed. The authors provide suggestions for pediatricians who are considering implementing autism-screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Wallis
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Clinical Futures, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Whitney Guthrie
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Clinical Futures, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Autism Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Zupo R, Castellana F, Boero G, Matera E, Colacicco G, Piscitelli P, Clodoveo ML, Rondanelli M, Panza F, Lozupone M, Sardone R. Processed foods and diet quality in pregnancy may affect child neurodevelopment disorders: a narrative review. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:361-381. [PMID: 37039128 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2197709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence on the association between maternal exposure to ultra-processed food (UPF) categories, UPF diet items, and overall diet quality, as assessed by recognized dietary indices, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, and Scholar databases were searched for original articles on female gestational exposure to UPF categories, individual elements of the UPF diet, or indices of diet quality, in relation to outcomes regarding their offspring's neurocognitive development, according to neuropsychometric and behavioral scales, anthropometric/psychomotor indices, and symptoms/diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). RESULTS Fourteen articles were selected and underwent the quantitative analysis. Six of these examined diet quality, and eight exposure to UPF categories or specific UPF foods. The maternal population was adult (18+). Child cognitive development was negatively impacted by a diet featuring many processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars. Conversely, a Med-diet led to better neurodevelopment, particularly verbal intelligence and executive functions, in middle childhood. DISCUSSION A maternal diet with many UPFs, saturated fats, and total sugars (especially those added or hidden in packaged carbonated beverages) can adversely affect a child's cognitive development. Knowledge needs to be further extended and managed from a prevention perspective in light of the well-known negative effects of UPFs on human health in all age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Zupo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Castellana
- Unit of Data Sciences and Technology Innovation for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis," Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Boero
- Complex Structure of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, Taranto, Italy
| | - Emilia Matera
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University "A. Moro," Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colacicco
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), niversity "Aldo Moro," Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Lisa Clodoveo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Rondanelli
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Department of Public Health, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), niversity "Aldo Moro," Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), niversity "Aldo Moro," Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sardone
- Unit of Data Sciences and Technology Innovation for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis," Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
- Local Healthcare Authority of Taranto, Italy
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14
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Romaniuk A, Ward M, Henrikson B, Cochrane K, Theule J. Family Quality of Life Perceived by Mothers of Children with ASD and ADHD. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:510-519. [PMID: 36074211 PMCID: PMC9452860 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01422-8] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Existing research has compared Family Quality of Life (FQOL) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) populations and typically developing populations but has not yet explored differences in FQOL across ASD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and comorbid ASD and ADHD populations (ASD + ADHD). In the present study, 117 North American mothers of 92 sons and 25 daughters (ages 6-11) with ASD, ADHD, or ASD + ADHD completed an online survey exploring FQOL. An ANOVA failed to show group differences in overall FQOL, however, mothers of children with ASD + ADHD reported significantly lower family Emotional Well-being than mothers of children with ASD only. The results of this study provide insight into FQOL in families of children with ASD and/or ADHD. Greater research is needed in this area to understand how mothers of children with ASD, ADHD, or ASD + ADHD experience FQOL. The COVID-19 pandemic, which ran concurrent with this study, potentially influenced results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Romaniuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, P439 Duff Roblin Building, 190 Dysart Road, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Michelle Ward
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, P439 Duff Roblin Building, 190 Dysart Road, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brenna Henrikson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, P439 Duff Roblin Building, 190 Dysart Road, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Karis Cochrane
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, P439 Duff Roblin Building, 190 Dysart Road, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jennifer Theule
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, P439 Duff Roblin Building, 190 Dysart Road, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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15
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Wei Q, Xiao Y, Yang T, Chen J, Chen L, Wang K, Zhang J, Li L, Jia F, Wu L, Hao Y, Ke X, Yi M, Hong Q, Chen J, Fang S, Wang Y, Wang Q, Jin C, Xu X, Li T. Predicting autism spectrum disorder using maternal risk factors: A multi-center machine learning study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115789. [PMID: 38452495 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115789] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex environmental etiology involving maternal risk factors, which have been combined with machine learning to predict ASD. However, limited studies have considered the factors throughout preconception, perinatal, and postnatal periods, and even fewer have been conducted in multi-center. In this study, five predictive models were developed using 57 maternal risk factors from a cohort across ten cities (ASD:1232, typically developing[TD]: 1090). The extreme gradient boosting model performed best, achieving an accuracy of 66.2 % on the external cohort from three cities (ASD:266, TD:353). The most important risk factors were identified as unstable emotions and lack of multivitamin supplementation using Shapley values. ASD risk scores were calculated based on predicted probabilities from the optimal model and divided into low, medium, and high-risk groups. The logistic analysis indicated that the high-risk group had a significantly increased risk of ASD compared to the low-risk group. Our study demonstrated the potential of machine learning models in predicting the risk for ASD based on maternal factors. The developed model provided insights into the maternal emotion and nutrition factors associated with ASD and highlighted the potential clinical applicability of the developed model in identifying high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Wei
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanjie Xiao
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Children's Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China; Big Data Center for Children's Medical Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136. Zhongshan Er Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Haikou, China
| | - Feiyong Jia
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center of Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingji Yi
- Department of Child Health Care, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Department of Child Healthcare, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanfeng Fang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yichao Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defect for Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Deyang Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Deyang, China
| | - Chunhua Jin
- Department of Children Health Care, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Big Data Center for Children's Medical Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136. Zhongshan Er Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400014, China.
| | - Tingyu Li
- Children Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Chongqing, China.
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Salpekar JA, Scahill L. Psychopharmacology Management in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:283-299. [PMID: 38423721 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.12.001] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have other psychiatric conditions that warrant treatment. Symptoms may not be easy to discern from rigidity or irritability that are sometimes considered to be constituent parts of ASD. Pathophysiology that involves hyperexcitable neurons and anomalous connectivity may provide justification for using psychopharmacologic agents, although nonmedical strategies may also be effective. Hyperactivity, irritability, and tantrums with or without aggression may be rational targets for psychopharmacological intervention. The best-studied drug class to date has been the second-generation antipsychotics targeting irritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A Salpekar
- Neuropsychiatry Center, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1741 Ashland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Lawrence Scahill
- Emory University School of Medicine, Marcus Autism Center, 1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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17
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Zovko M, Šimleša S, Olujić Tomazin M. Parenting stress, coping strategies and social support for mothers of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder in the Republic of Croatia. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:674-686. [PMID: 37491211 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231191802] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report experiencing more parenting stress than parents of children with typical development or other developmental disorders. Eighty mothers of preschool children with ASD completed questionnaires with the purpose of exploring the extent and characteristics of parenting stress and the possibility of predicting parenting stress based on the mother's coping strategies, perceived social and professional support, the severity of the child's symptoms, and certain sociodemographic characteristics. The results show that 19% of the mothers had clinically significant parental stress. Most of the mothers experienced increased stress levels related to the following: poor interactions with their children (34%), the child's demandingness (27%), and their personal ability to cope with parental distress (20%). The predictors significantly explained 42.8% of the variance in total parental stress, with support from friends and severity of the child's symptoms being significant unique contributors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Zovko
- Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Šimleša
- Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Olujić Tomazin
- Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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18
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Sandhu A, Rawat K, Gautam V, Bhatia A, Grover S, Saini L, Saha L. Ameliorating effect of pioglitazone on prenatal valproic acid-induced behavioral and neurobiological abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 237:173721. [PMID: 38307465 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173721] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that mainly arises due to abnormalities in different brain regions, resulting in behavioral deficits. Besides its diverse phenotypical features, ASD is associated with complex and varied etiology, presenting challenges in understanding its precise neuro-pathophysiology. Pioglitazone was reported to have a fundamental role in neuroprotection in various other neurological disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of pioglitazone in the prenatal valproic acid (VPA)-model of ASD in Wistar rats. Pregnant female Wistar rats received VPA on Embryonic day (E.D12.5) to induce autistic-like-behavioral and neurobiological alterations in their offspring. VPA-exposed rats presented core behavioral symptoms of ASD such as deficits in social interaction, poor spatial and learning behavior, increased anxiety, locomotory and repetitive activity, and decreased exploratory activity. Apart from these, VPA exposure also stimulated neurochemical and histopathological neurodegeneration in various brain regions. We administered three different doses of pioglitazone i.e., 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg in rats to assess various parameters. Of all the doses, our study highlighted that 10 mg/kg pioglitazone efficiently attenuated the autistic symptoms along with other neurochemical alterations such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. Moreover, pioglitazone significantly attenuated the neurodegeneration by restoring the neuronal loss in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Taken together, our study suggests that pioglitazone exhibits therapeutic potential in alleviating behavioral abnormalities induced by prenatal VPA exposure in rats. However, further research is needed to fully understand and establish pioglitazone's effectiveness in treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Kajal Rawat
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Vipasha Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Alka Bhatia
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education andResearch (PGIMER), 2nd Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Lokesh Saini
- Department of Paediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur 342001, Rajasthan, India
| | - Lekha Saha
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), 4th Floor, Research Block B, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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19
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Ko CL, Lin CK, Lin CL. Relationship between executive function and autism symptoms in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder. Res Dev Disabil 2024; 147:104692. [PMID: 38354483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104692] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Executive dysfunction and other symptomatology could have links in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study contains three objectives: to explore the difference in executive function between preschoolers with ASD and typically developing individuals (TD), to investigate correlations between executive function and multiple domains of autism symptoms in preschoolers with ASD, and to examine the impact of executive function on symptoms of autism. Participants of this study included preschoolers (4-6 years) with ASD (24 boys, 20 girls) according to DSM-5-TR criteria and TD (24 boys, 20 girls). BRIEF-P (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version) and CASD-C (Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder-Chinese Version) were used as measurement tools. Data were analyzed using MANOVA, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and simple regression. For the results, the study found results of executive function were significantly lower in preschoolers with ASD than in preschoolers without ASD; the greater the executive dysfunction, the greater the autistic symptomatology, and executive dysfunction predicted 57 % of the variability of autism symptoms. In conclusion, preschoolers with ASD had more executive dysfunction than those without ASD. Based on our findings, the study recommends incorporating executive function into clinical assessment programs to understand how executive function is related to autism symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ling Ko
- Department of Early Childhood Education, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Kai Lin
- Department of Early Childhood Education, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Lin Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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20
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Fatta LM, Bianchi D, Laugeson EA, Veytsman E, Romano G, Laghi F, Scattoni ML. Enhancing social outcomes in autistic youth: Assessing the impact of PEERS® booster sessions. Res Dev Disabil 2024; 147:104698. [PMID: 38401194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104698] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a social skills training program for autistic adolescents and those facing social challenges. Its efficacy has been established worldwide, including in Italy. Although booster interventions are a potentially valuable strategy to maintain improvements over time, there is currently no research on the efficacy of providing booster sessions of PEERS® following the traditional treatment. AIMS This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PEERS® Booster sessions in a sample who had previously participated in a traditional PEERS® Adolescent program. METHODS AND PROCEDURES A longitudinal non-randomized study was conducted involving 21 autistic adolescents, divided into the treatment group undergoing PEERS® Booster sessions and the control group without it. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The study evaluated the primary outcomes (social abilities) and secondary outcomes (co-occurrences, executive functions) at two-time points (pre- and post-treatment). No significant differences were found between groups on baseline measures and primary outcomes. However, there were significant group differences between pre- and post-treatment on primary outcomes (social awareness and social communication) and secondary outcomes (externalizing problems). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The efficacy of the PEERS® Booster Sessions shows promise and clinical implications were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maria Fatta
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Dora Bianchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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21
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Davis BA, Chen HY, Ye Z, Ostlund I, Tippani M, Das D, Sripathy SR, Wang Y, Martin JM, Shim G, Panchwagh NM, Moses RL, Farinelli F, Bohlen JF, Li M, Luikart BW, Jaffe AE, Maher BJ. TCF4 Mutations Disrupt Synaptic Function Through Dysregulation of RIMBP2 in Patient-Derived Cortical Neurons. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:662-675. [PMID: 37573005 PMCID: PMC10858293 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.07.021] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic variation in the TCF4 (transcription factor 4) gene is associated with risk for a variety of developmental and psychiatric conditions, which includes a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder called Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS). TCF4 encodes an activity-dependent transcription factor that is highly expressed during cortical development and in animal models has been shown to regulate various aspects of neuronal development and function. However, our understanding of how disease-causing mutations in TCF4 confer pathophysiology in a human context is lacking. METHODS To model PTHS, we differentiated human cortical neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells that were derived from patients with PTHS and neurotypical individuals. To identify pathophysiology and disease mechanisms, we assayed cortical neurons with whole-cell electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, multielectrode arrays, immunocytochemistry, and RNA sequencing. RESULTS Cortical neurons derived from patients with TCF4 mutations showed deficits in spontaneous synaptic transmission, network excitability, and homeostatic plasticity. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that these phenotypes resulted in part from altered expression of genes involved in presynaptic neurotransmission and identified the presynaptic binding protein RIMBP2 as the most differentially expressed gene in PTHS neurons. Remarkably, TCF4-dependent deficits in spontaneous synaptic transmission and network excitability were rescued by increasing RIMBP2 expression in presynaptic neurons. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results identify TCF4 as a critical transcriptional regulator of human synaptic development and plasticity and specifically identifies dysregulation of presynaptic function as an early pathophysiology in PTHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Davis
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Huei-Ying Chen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Zengyou Ye
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Isaac Ostlund
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Madhavi Tippani
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Debamitra Das
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Srinidhi Rao Sripathy
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jacqueline M Martin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gina Shim
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Neel M Panchwagh
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rebecca L Moses
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Federica Farinelli
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph F Bohlen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Meijie Li
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Bryan W Luikart
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; McKusick-Nathans Institute, Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brady J Maher
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Yoon N, Kim S, Oh MR, Kim M, Lee JM, Kim BN. Intrinsic network abnormalities in children with autism spectrum disorder: an independent component analysis. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:1-14. [PMID: 38324235 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00858-x] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant intrinsic brain networks are consistently observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. However, studies examining the strength of functional connectivity across brain regions have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the functional connectivity of the resting brain in children with low-functioning autism, including during the early developmental stages. We explored the functional connectivity of 43 children with autism spectrum disorder and 54 children with typical development aged 2 to 12 years using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. We used independent component analysis to classify the brain regions into six intrinsic networks and analyzed the functional connectivity within each network. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship between functional connectivity and clinical scores. In children with autism, the under-connectivities were observed within several brain networks, including the cognitive control, default mode, visual, and somatomotor networks. In contrast, we found over-connectivities between the subcortical, visual, and somatomotor networks in children with autism compared with children with typical development. Moderate effect sizes were observed in entire networks (Cohen's d = 0.43-0.77). These network alterations were significantly correlated with clinical scores such as the communication sub-score (r = - 0.442, p = 0.045) and the calibrated severity score (r = - 0.435, p = 0.049) of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. These opposing results observed based on the brain areas suggest that aberrant neurodevelopment proceeds in various ways depending on the functional brain regions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narae Yoon
- Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehakno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sohui Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mee Rim Oh
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minji Kim
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Sanhak-kisulkwan Bldg., #319, 222 Wangsipri-ro, Sungdong-gu, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bung-Nyun Kim
- Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehakno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea.
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Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common comorbidities in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Risk factors include the presence of developmental delay/intellectual disability, female sex, age, and an underlying genetic condition. Due to higher prevalence of epilepsy in ASD, it is important to have a high index of suspicion for seizures and refer to a neurologist if there are concerns. Genetic testing is recommended for all children with ASD but it becomes more high yield in children with epilepsy and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie K Capal
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB 7025, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Shafali S Jeste
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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Abstract
Autistic children and youth are at risk for premature mortality. Two preventable causes of that increased risk are elopement and suicide. Pediatricians should educate themselves and caregivers about strategies that could prevent tragic situations involving autistic youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Rybczynski
- East Tennessee Children's Hospital, 2018 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916, USA; Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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25
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Zhou L, Jiang P, Zhao L, Fei X, Tang Y, Luo Y, Gong H, Wang X, Li X, Li S, Zhang C, Yang H, Fan X. Ligustilide inhibits Purkinje cell ferritinophagy via the ULK1/NCOA4 pathway to attenuate valproic acid-induced autistic features. Phytomedicine 2024; 126:155443. [PMID: 38394737 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155443] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which social impairment is the core symptom. Presently, there are no definitive medications to cure core symptoms of ASD, and most therapeutic strategies ameliorate ASD symptoms. Treatments with proven efficacy in autism are imminent. Ligustilide (LIG), an herbal monomer extracted from Angelica Sinensis and Chuanxiong, is mainly distributed in the cerebellum and widely used in treating neurological disorders. However, there are no studies on its effect on autistic-like phenotypes and its mechanism of action. PURPOSE Investigate the efficacy and mechanism of LIG in treating ASD using two Valproic acid(VPA)-exposed and BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse models of autism. METHODS VPA-exposed mice and BTBR mice were given LIG for treatment, and its effect on autistic-like phenotype was detected by behavioral experiments, which included a three-chamber social test. Subsequently, RNA-Sequence(RNA-Seq) of the cerebellum was performed to observe the biological changes to search target pathways. The autophagy and ferroptosis pathways screened were verified by WB(Western Blot) assay, and the cerebellum was stained by immunofluorescence and examined by electron microscopy. To further explore the therapeutic mechanism, ULK1 agonist BL-918 was used to block the therapeutic effect of LIG to verify its target effect. RESULTS Our work demonstrates that LIG administration from P12-P14 improved autism-related behaviors and motor dysfunction in VPA-exposed mice. Similarly, BTBR mice showed the same improvement. RNA-Seq data identified ULK1 as the target of LIG in regulating ferritinophagy in the cerebellum of VPA-exposed mice, as evidenced by activated autophagy, increased ferritin degradation, iron overload, and lipid peroxidation. We found that VPA exposure-induced ferritinophagy occurred in the Purkinje cells, with enhanced NCOA4 and Lc3B expressions. Notably, the therapeutic effect of LIG disappeared when ULK1 was activated. CONCLUSION LIG treatment inhibits ferritinophagy in Purkinje cells via the ULK1/NCOA4-dependent pathway. Our study reveals for the first time that LIG treatment ameliorates autism symptoms in VPA-exposed mice by reducing aberrant Purkinje ferritinophagy. At the same time, our study complements the pathogenic mechanisms of autism and introduces new possibilities for its therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianyu Zhou
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
| | - Peiyan Jiang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Linyang Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xinghang Fei
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yexi Tang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Hong Gong
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaqing Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shigatse, 857000, China
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China
| | - Chunqing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China; Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, 400064, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Sidhu N, Wong Z, Bennett AE, Souders MC. Sleep Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:253-268. [PMID: 38423719 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.006] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 40% to 80% prevalence. Common disorders include insomnia, parasomnias, and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders. These problems have a multifactorial etiology and can both exacerbate and be exacerbated by core ASD symptoms. Sleep problems also impact the health and quality of life of both patients and their caregivers. All children with autism should be regularly screened for sleep problems and evaluated for co-occurring medical contributors. Behavioral interventions with caregiver training remain first-line treatment for sleep disorders in both neurotypical and neurodiverse youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navjot Sidhu
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3550 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zoe Wong
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Autism Research, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Amanda E Bennett
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3550 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Autism Research, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University; Department of Pediatrics, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Autism Integrated Care Program, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3550 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Margaret C Souders
- The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
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Cai Y, Deng W, Yang Q, Pan G, Liang Z, Yang X, Li S, Xiao X. High-fat diet-induced obesity causes intestinal Th17/Treg imbalance that impairs the intestinal barrier and aggravates anxiety-like behavior in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111783. [PMID: 38514921 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111783] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been steadily increasing, and growing evidence suggests a link between high-fat diet (HFD), obesity, and ASD; however, the mechanism underlying this association remains elusive. Herein, BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR) inbred mice (a mouse ASD model) and C57Bl/6J (C57) mice were fed an HFD and normal diet (ND) for 8 weeks (groups: C57 + ND, C57 + HFD, BTBR + ND, and BTBR + HFD). Subsequently, mice underwent behavioral assessments, followed by intestinal tissues harvesting to detect expression of intestinal barrier proteins and inflammatory factors and immune cell numbers, and a correlation analysis. HFD-fed BTBR mice developed obesity, elevated blood sugar, significantly aggravated anxiety-like behaviors, impaired intestinal barrier function, intestinal inflammation with elevated CD4+IL17+ T (Th17) cells and reduced CD4+Foxp3+ T (Treg) cells, exhibiting reduced expression of proteins related to AMPK regulatory pathway (AMPK, p-AMPK, SIRT1). Correlation analysis revealed that the degree of behavioral anxiety, the degree of intestinal barrier damage, the severity of intestinal inflammation, and the degree of immune cell imbalance positively correlated with each other. Accordingly, HFD-induced obesity may cause intestinal Th17/Treg imbalance via the AMPK-SIRT1 pathway, leading to an inflammatory environment in the intestine, impairing intestinal barrier function, and ultimately aggravating anxiety-like behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Wenlin Deng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Qiuping Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Guixian Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Zao Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Ximei Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Sitao Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Xin Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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28
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Yi S, Tang X, Zhang Q, Liang Y, Huang J, Zhang S, Huang L, Yi S, Huang M, Qin Z, Luo J. A nonsense CC2D1A variant is associated with congenital anomalies, motor delay, hypotonia, and slight deformities. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27946. [PMID: 38496842 PMCID: PMC10944275 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27946] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autosomal recessive intellectual developmental disorder-3 is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the CC2D1A gene. The disorder is characterized by intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date, 39 patients from 17 families with CC2D1A -related disorders have been reported worldwide, in whom only six pathogenic or likely pathogenic loss-of-function variants and three variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the CC2D1A gene have been identified in these patients. Methods We described a patient with ID from a non-consanguineous Chinese family and whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify the causative gene. Results The patient presented with severe ID and ASD, speech impairment, motor delay, hypotonia, slight facial anomalies, and finger deformities. Threatened abortion and abnormal fetal movements occurred during pregnancy with the proband but not his older healthy sister. WES analysis identified a homozygous nonsense variant, c.736C > T (p.Gln246Ter), in the CC2D1A gene. In addition, six novel likely pathogenic CC2D1A variants were identified by a retrospective review of the in-house database. Conclusions This study expands the genetic and clinical spectra of CC2D1A-associated disorders, and may aid in increasing awareness of this rare condition. Our findings have provided new insights into the clinical heterogeneity of the disease and further phenotype-genotype correlation, which could help to offer scope for more accurate genetic testing and counseling to affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Yi
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Xianglian Tang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Department of Pathology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Shujie Zhang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Limei Huang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Shang Yi
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Minpan Huang
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Zailong Qin
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Jingsi Luo
- Genetic and Metabolic Central Laboratory, Guangxi Birth Defects Research and Prevention Institute, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Birth Defects Prevention, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Genetic Diseases, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Stem Cell Biobank, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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Gizzo L, Bliss G, Palaty C, Kolevzon A. Caregiver perspectives on patient-focused drug development for Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:134. [PMID: 38532502 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03141-w] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by SHANK3 haploinsufficiency with clinical manifestations that can be devastating and profoundly affect quality of life. RESULTS The Externally Led Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) meeting was an opportunity for families affected by PMS to share with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) how symptoms impact their lives and how treatments could be most meaningful. The Voice of the Patient report serves as a summary of this meeting to influence upcoming drug development and clinical trials. The purpose of this report is to provide a clinical perspective on the results of the EL-PFDD meeting to amplify the voice of these caregivers to the scientific community. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers prioritize an improved quality of life for their loved ones characterized by improved cognitive function, improved communication, increased independence, and reduced risk of regression. With these caregiver priorities in mind, this report provides the FDA and the scientific community with a clear understanding of which aspects of PMS should influence the development of future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Gizzo
- University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME, USA
| | | | - Chrystal Palaty
- Metaphase Health Research Consulting Inc., Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Ohtsubo T, Mizoguchi Y, Aita C, Imamura Y, Kobayashi M, Kunitake Y, Tateishi H, Ueno T, Monji A. Relationship between serum cortisol levels, stereotypies, and the presence of autism spectrum disorder in patients with severe intellectual disability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7139. [PMID: 38531943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57459-3] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stereotypies are one of the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are common to both ASD and intellectual disability (ID). Previous studies have been inconclusive, with some showing a positive correlation between stereotypies and cortisol, while others have shown a negative correlation. We hypothesised and investigated the presence of ASD as one of the variables involved in this discrepancy. We tested the following hypotheses on serum cortisol in a total of 84 hospitalised patients with severe ID and ASD with severe ID. Hypothesis (1) Higher levels of stereotypies are associated with higher levels of serum cortisol. Hypothesis (2) The presence of ASD will moderate the association between stereotypies and high serum cortisol levels. The results of the analysis supported hypotheses (1) and (2). We also found that in the population with ID, serum cortisol levels were significantly lower in the ASD group compared to the non-ASD group. The present findings that the association between stereotypies and serum cortisol levels in people with severe ID is moderated by the presence of ASD suggest that the stress response system may function differently in people with ID and ASD than in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeru Ohtsubo
- Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital Organization Hizen Psychiatric Medical Center, 160 Mitsu, Yoshinogari, Kanzaki, Saga, 842-0192, Japan.
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Chie Aita
- Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital Organization Hizen Psychiatric Medical Center, 160 Mitsu, Yoshinogari, Kanzaki, Saga, 842-0192, Japan
| | - Yoshiomi Imamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Momoko Kobayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital Organization Hizen Psychiatric Medical Center, 160 Mitsu, Yoshinogari, Kanzaki, Saga, 842-0192, Japan
- Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kunitake
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
| | - Takefumi Ueno
- Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital Organization Hizen Psychiatric Medical Center, 160 Mitsu, Yoshinogari, Kanzaki, Saga, 842-0192, Japan
| | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, 849-8501, Japan
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Zhou X, Lin WS, Zou FY, Zhong SS, Deng YY, Luo XW, Shen LS, Wang SH, Guo RM. Biomarkers of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder: quantitative analysis of whole-brain tissue component volumes, intelligence scores, ADOS-CSS, and ages of first-word production and walking onset. World J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12519-024-00800-7. [PMID: 38526835 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-024-00800-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preschooling is a critical time for intervention in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); thus, we analyzed brain tissue component volumes (BTCVs) and clinical indicators in preschool children with ASD to identify new biomarkers for early screening. METHODS Eighty preschool children (3-6 years) with ASD were retrospectively included. The whole-brain myelin content (MyC), white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and non-WM/GM/MyC/CSF brain component volumes were obtained using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI). Clinical data, such as intelligence scores, autism diagnostic observation schedule-calibrated severity scores, age at first production of single words (AFSW), age at first production of phrases (AFP), and age at walking onset (AWO), were also collected. The correlation between the BTCV and clinical data was evaluated, and the effect of BTCVs on clinical data was assessed by a regression model. RESULTS WM and GM volumes were positively correlated with intelligence scores (both P < 0.001), but WM and GM did not affect intelligence scores (P = 0.116, P = 0.290). AWO was positively correlated with AFSW and AFP (both P < 0.001). The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that MyC, AFSW, AFP, and AWO were significantly different (P = 0.005, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed positive correlations between WM and GM volumes and intelligence scores. Whole-brain MyC affected AFSW, AFP, and AWO in preschool children with ASD. Noninvasive quantification of BTCVs via SyMRI revealed a new visualizable and quantifiable biomarker (abnormal MyC) for early ASD screening in preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Wu-Sheng Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Feng-Yun Zou
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Zhong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ya-Yin Deng
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Li-Shan Shen
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shi-Huan Wang
- Department of Child Development and Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Ruo-Mi Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Molins F, Ben-Hassen Jemni N, Garrote-Petisco D, Serrano MÁ. Highly logical and non-emotional decisions in both risky and social contexts: understanding decision making in autism spectrum disorder through computational modeling. Cogn Process 2024:10.1007/s10339-024-01182-4. [PMID: 38526667 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-024-01182-4] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
In risky contexts, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) individuals exhibit more logical consistency and non-emotional decisions than do typical adults (TAs). This way of deciding could be also prevailing in social contexts, leading to maladaptive decisions. This evidence is scarce and inconsistent, and further research is needed. Recent developments in computational modeling allow analysis of decisional subcomponents that could provide valuable information to understand the decision-making and help address inconsistencies. Twenty-seven individuals with ASD and 25 TAs were submitted to a framing-task and the ultimatum game (UG). The Rescorla-Wagner computational model was used to analyze UG decisions. Results showed that in the UG, the ASD group exhibited a higher utilitarianism, characterized by lower aversion to unfairness and higher acceptance of offers. Moreover, this way of deciding was predicted by the higher economic rationality found in the framing task, where people with ASD did not manifest emotional biases such as framing effect. These results could suggest an atypical decision making, highly logical and non-emotional, as a robust feature of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Molins
- Department of Psychobiology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nour Ben-Hassen Jemni
- Department of Psychobiology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Garrote-Petisco
- Department of Psychobiology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Serrano
- Department of Psychobiology, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
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Sawada Y, Sakamoto K, Tsukamura A, Sawai C. Vitamin B12 deficiency-induced megaloblastic anemia in a pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder with a chronically unbalanced diet. Int J Hematol 2024:10.1007/s12185-024-03759-3. [PMID: 38526684 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03759-3] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of behavioral flexibility and stereotyped language. Food selectivity is common among children with ASD because of their persnickety nature. A prolonged unbalanced diet results in an increased risk of several diseases, such as iron deficiency anemia, scurvy, rickets, dry eye, and Wernicke encephalopathy. However, no cases of megaloblastic anemia have been reported to date. We report the case of an 11-year-old boy with ASD who developed megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. He had a prolonged history of selective eating for more than 10 years. His nutritional status on admission was poor, and he had low weight and short stature. His food selectivity was so strong that intervention to expand diet variety was unsuccessful. A developmental-behavioral pediatrician found that the patient had visual dominance and could take some medications when suffering from a minor illness. Nutritional supplements were selected after consultation with a nutritionist. Although compulsory treatment was necessary during the acute phase, the therapy was continued at home. With multidisciplinary intervention tailored to the patient and his parents' characteristics, his nutritional status improved in a few months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Sawada
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sakamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Tsukamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sawai
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
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Jonsdottir SL, Saemundsen E, Thorarinsdottir EA, Rafnsson V. Evaluating screening for autism spectrum disorder using cluster randomization. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6855. [PMID: 38514752 PMCID: PMC10957883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57656-0] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a group invited to a screening program compared to the rates in two groups who received usual care. The population eligible for screening was all children in Iceland registered for their 30-month well-child visits at primary healthcare centers (PHCs) from March 1, 2016, to October 31, 2017 (N = 7173). The PHCs in the capital area of Reykjavik were the units of cluster randomization. Nine PHCs were selected for intervention (invited group), while eight PHCs received usual care (control group 1). PHCs outside the capital area were without randomization (control group 2). An interdisciplinary team, including a pediatrician contributing with physical and neurological examination, a psychologist evaluating autism symptoms using a diagnostic instrument, and a social worker interviewing the parents, reached a consensus on the clinical diagnosis of ASD according to the ICD-10 diagnostic system. Children in the population were followed up for at least two years and 119 cases were identified. The overall cumulative incidence of ASD was 1.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37, 1.99). In the invited group the incidence rate was 2.13 (95% CI: 1.60, 2.78); in control group 1, the rate was 1.83 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.50); and in control group 2, the rate was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.66, 1.50). Although the rate of ASD was higher in the invited group than in the control groups, the wide confidence intervals prevented us from concluding definitively that the screening detected ASD more readily than usual care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigridur Loa Jonsdottir
- State Diagnostic and Counseling Center, Dalshraun 1B, 220, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland.
- Center of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Evald Saemundsen
- State Diagnostic and Counseling Center, Dalshraun 1B, 220, Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Elin Astros Thorarinsdottir
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Center of Children's Mental Health, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Vilhjalmur Rafnsson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
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Onovbiona H, Quetsch L, Del Rosario EA. Exploring Factors of Diagnostic Timing Among Black Autistic Youth. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06283-9. [PMID: 38509323 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06283-9] [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] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to compare profiles among Black families of autistic youth who were identified Early (≤ 2 years of age), Mid (age 3 or 4), and Delayed (≥ 5 years of age) to better identify the characteristics that contribute to early ASD identification and delayed ASD identification. Black caregivers with autistic youth (N = 101) were divided into Early (N = 34), Mid (N = 39), and Delayed (N = 28) groups and compared on (a) the age at which signs of autism signs were first noticed, (b) wait times, (c) previous misdiagnoses rates, and (d) racial barriers experienced during the diagnostic process. The results revealed differences between the diagnostic profiles. Specifically, (a) Delayed families noticed the first signs of autism significantly later, (b) Early families had significantly smaller wait times between age of noticing signs of autism and age of receiving the diagnosis, (c) the odds of receiving a later or delayed autism diagnosis was nearly three times higher for caregivers who reported receiving a misdiagnosis, and (d) there were no significant differences in racial barriers experienced between Early, Mid, and Delayed families. Challenges in receiving a timely diagnosis remain for some Black autistic youth. To improve early identification for Black autistic youth who are at risk for receiving delayed diagnostic care, further research should examine factors and practices that improve autism knowledge among professionals and caregivers, enhance assessment practices, and integrate culturally responsive practices into assessment and screening procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harlee Onovbiona
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 306 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - Lauren Quetsch
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 306 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Emily-Anne Del Rosario
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 306 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
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Yuan JJ, Zhao YN, Lan XY, Zhang Y, Zhang R. Prenatal, perinatal and parental risk factors for autism spectrum disorder in China: a case- control study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:219. [PMID: 38509469 PMCID: PMC10956196 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05643-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is heritable neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), but environmental risk factors have also been suggested to a play a role in its development. Prenatal, perinatal and parental factors have been associated with an increased risk of ASD in children. The aim of the present study was to explore the prenatal, perinatal, and parenting risk factors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from Beijing, China by comparing them with typically developing (TD) children. METHODS A sample of 151 ASD children's parents who from rehabilitation institutions in Beijing were enrolled in this study, and an additional 151 children from kindergartens in Beijing were recruited as a control group (child age: mean = 4.4 years). TD children were matched according to age, sex and maternal education. We explored the maternal AQ (Autism Spectrum Quotient) scores (mean:19.40-19.71, no significant difference between two groups) to referring the genetic baseline. This study evaluated 17 factors with unadjusted and adjusted analyses. RESULTS Birth asphyxia was associated with a more than a thirteen-fold higher risk of ASD (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 13.42). Breastfeeding difficulties were associated with a higher risk of ASD(AOR = 3.46). Parenting influenced the risk of ASD, with low responding (LR) and harsh or neglectful parenting associated with a higher risk of ASD in offspring (AOR = 2.37 for LR, AOR = 3.42 for harsh parenting and AOR = 3.01 for neglectful parenting). Maternal fever during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of ASD in offspring (AOR = 3.81). CONCLUSIONS Many factors were associated with ASD in offspring. Further assessment is needed to elucidate the role of modifiable environmental factors to inform prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Yuan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Beijing, China
- Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- APEC Health Science Academy Peking Universities, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Yu Lan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Beijing, China
- Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Beijing, China
- Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Beijing, China.
- Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Onnink MLA, Teunissen LB, Verstraten PF, van Nispen RM, van der Aa HP. Experts' perspectives on the impact of visual impairment and comorbid mental disorders on functioning in essential life domains. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:209. [PMID: 38500080 PMCID: PMC10946163 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05635-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visual impairment (VI) with comorbid mental disorders (MDs) are expected to have a major impact on people's daily functioning, for which tailored support is needed. However, this has been barely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine the impact of VI and comorbid MDs on functioning in essential life domains, (2) gain insight into best-practices that are currently used to support this target group, and (3) determine strategies to optimize care in the future. METHODS A four-step qualitative Delphi method was used to obtain input from 31 Dutch professionals who work with this target group (84% female, mean age 46 years, on average 11 years of experience in working with the target group). The Self-Sufficiency Matrices were used to determine the impact on various aspects of daily living, for people with VI and (1) autism spectrum disorder, (2) psychotic disorders, (3) obsessive-compulsive disorder, (4) antisocial personality disorder, (5) borderline personality disorder, (6) dependent personality disorder. RESULTS Experts describe a frail and vulnerable population, in which the VI and MD often have a cumulative negative impact on people's physical and mental health. People frequently experience anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Also, many tend to neglect self-care and substance abuse is common. They often experience difficulty in trusting others while at the same time being dependent on them. Social interaction and relationships are complicated because of communication restrictions (e.g. no facial recognition) and social incompetence or withdrawal. Experts advise taking transdiagnostic factors into account, using evidence-based psychological treatment options based on an intermittent approach, and offering multidisciplinary care. They stress the importance of building trust, showing patience and empathy, stimulating empowerment, involving the informal network and building on positive experiences. CONCLUSION VI and comorbid MD have a major impact on people's daily functioning on a mental, physical, social and environmental level. This study provides insight into best-practices to support this target group. According to experts, more research is needed which could be aimed at investigating tailored diagnostic approaches and treatment options and include clients' perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein LA Onnink
- Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Ophthalmology and The Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Ruth Ma van Nispen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Ophthalmology and The Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Pa van der Aa
- Robert Coppes Foundation, Vught, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Ophthalmology and The Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Berenguer C, Rosa E, De Stasio S, Choque Olsson N. Sleep quality relates to language impairment in children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. Sleep Med 2024; 117:99-106. [PMID: 38522116 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.03.028] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify sleep quality profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to compare these profiles with those of typically developing (TD) children, and to verify whether there are differences between them in terms of language skills. METHODS We evaluated the sleep quality and language skills of 47 children with ASD without intellectual disability (ID) and 32 children with TD. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified two sleep quality ASD profiles (poor and good). We then performed a series of MANCOVAs and ANOVAs to compare the sleep quality and language skills of the two ASD clusters and the TD group. RESULTS A main group effect (TD, "poor" cluster, and "good" cluster) was found in the total sleep quality and all its dimensions. Significant differences were revealed between the "good" and "poor" clusters in the total structural language score (F1,46 = 10.75, p < 0.001) and three of its subscales (speech: F1,46 = 9.19, p < 0.001; syntax, F1,46 = 8.61, p = 0.001; coherence: F1,46 = 11.36, p < 0.001); the total pragmatic language score (F1,46 = 7.00, p = 0.001) and three of its subscales (inappropriate initiation: F1,46 = 8.02, p = 0.001; use of context: F1,46 = 8.07, p = 0.001; nonverbal communication: F1,46 = 7.35, p = 0.001); and the social relations score (F1,46 = 9.97, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Sleep quality in children with ASD (especially a subgroup) is worse than in children with TD. There is an association between sleep quality and language skills, both at the pragmatic and structural levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Berenguer
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, ERI-Lectura Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy University of Valencia, Blasco Ibanez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Eva Rosa
- Department of Basic Psychology, ERI-Lectura, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Valencia, Blasco Ibanez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Simona De Stasio
- Department of Human Studies, LUMSA University, Piazza Delle Vaschette, 101, 00193, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nora Choque Olsson
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Watkins LV, Moon S, Burrows L, Tromans S, Barwell J, Shankar R. Pharmacological management of fragile X syndrome: a systematic review and narrative summary of the current evidence. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38393835 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2323605] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of Intellectual Disability. There is a broad phenotype that includes deficits in cognition and behavioral changes, alongside physical characteristics. Phenotype depends upon the level of mutation in the FMR1 (fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1) gene. The molecular understanding of the impact of the FMR1 gene mutation provides an opportunity to target treatment not only at symptoms but also on a molecular level. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to provide an up-to-date narrative summary of the current evidence for pharmacological treatment in FXS. The review was restricted to randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trials. RESULTS The outcomes from these studies are discussed and the level of evidence assessed against validated criteria. The initial search identified 2377 articles, of which 16 were included in the final analysis. CONCLUSION Based on this review to date there is limited data to support any specific pharmacological treatments, although the data for cannabinoids are encouraging in those with FXS and in future developments in gene therapy may provide the answer to the search for precision medicine. Treatment must be person-centered and consider the combination of medical, genetic, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance V Watkins
- Epilepsy Specialist Service, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
- Unit for Development in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
- Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER), University of Plymouth Peninsula School of Medicine, Truro, UK
| | - Seungyoun Moon
- Epilepsy Specialist Service, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lisa Burrows
- Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER), University of Plymouth Peninsula School of Medicine, Truro, UK
- Adult Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry, Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust, Truro, UK
| | - Samuel Tromans
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Adult Learning Disability Service, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Julian Barwell
- Clinical Genetics Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rohit Shankar
- Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research (CIDER), University of Plymouth Peninsula School of Medicine, Truro, UK
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Li K, Liang X, Liu X, Geng Y, Yan J, Tian L, Liu H, Lai W, Shi Y, Xi Z, Lin B. Early-life exposure to PM2.5 leads to ASD-like phenotype in male offspring rats through activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2024; 274:116222. [PMID: 38503106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116222] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that early-life exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with an increasing risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, the specific sensitive period of ASD is unknown. Here, a model of dynamic whole-body concentrated PM2.5 exposure in pre- and early-postnatal male offspring rats (MORs) was established. And we found that early postnatal PM2.5 exposed rats showed more typical ASD behavioral characteristics than maternal pregnancy exposure rats, including poor social interaction, novelty avoidance and anxiety disorder. And more severe oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were observed in early postnatal PM2.5 exposed rats. Moreover, the expression level of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) was down-regulated and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT were up-regulated in early postnatal PM2.5 exposed rats. This study suggests that early postnatal exposure to PM2.5 is more susceptible to ASD-like phenotype in offspring than maternal pregnancy exposure and the activation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway may represent underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Xiaotian Liang
- Yantai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yanpei Geng
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Binzhou Medical College, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenqin Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Yantai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
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Wang Z, Yuen AS, Wong KH, Chan AY, Coghill D, Simonoff E, Lau WC, Wong IC, Park S, Man KK. Association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 160:105635. [PMID: 38499117 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105635] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The paucity of evidence regarding the safety of gestational antipsychotic exposure has led to treatment discontinuation in pregnant women with severe mental health conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the current evidence on the association between gestational antipsychotic exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children (Study protocol registered in PROSPERO:CRD42022311354). Five studies included in our meta-analysis with around 8.6 million pregnancy episodes in nine different countries/regions. Results from our meta-analysis indicate that the heightened risks of ASD and ADHD in children gestationally exposed to antipsychotics appear to be attributable to maternal characteristics, rather than having a causal relationship with the antipsychotic exposure during pregnancy. The results underscore the importance of meticulously monitoring the neurodevelopment of children born to mothers with mental illnesses, which can facilitate early interventions and provide requisite support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Wang
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China
| | - Andrew Sc Yuen
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kirstie Htw Wong
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China
| | - Adrienne Yl Chan
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Unit of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology and -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - David Coghill
- Department of Paediatrics and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wallis Cy Lau
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Centre for Medicines Optimisation Research and Education, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Ck Wong
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Aston Pharmacy School, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Centre for Medicines Optimisation Research and Education, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sohee Park
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Kenneth Kc Man
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region China; Centre for Medicines Optimisation Research and Education, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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42
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Chen Y, Jahromi LB. Self-Regulation and Academic Learning in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Links to School Engagement and Levels of Autism Characteristics. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06288-4. [PMID: 38489105 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06288-4] [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] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder often demonstrate self-regulation challenges and academic difficulties. Although self-regulation has been well documented as an important factor for academic achievement in neurotypical children, little is known about how it is related to academic learning in autistic children, especially during preschool, a critical developmental period for both emergent academic skills and self-regulatory abilities. It is also unclear whether school engagement or autism characteristics influence the relation between self-regulation and academic learning in autistic children during preschool. Thirty-two autistic preschoolers participated in this study. Direct measures and parent reports were used to measure three dimensions of self-regulation, including executive function, effortful control, and emotion regulation. Classroom-based data from multiple academic programs were used to reflect their average rates of achieving new literacy and mathematics learning goals. Teachers reported the participants' levels of school engagement, and their autism characteristics were measured directly. Emotion regulation was significantly linked to the rate of meeting literacy learning goals in autistic preschoolers, whereas multiple executive function skills, including inhibitory and attentional control and working memory, were associated with their mathematics learning rate. Emotion regulation demonstrated a stronger association with literacy learning when autistic children were more engaged in classroom activities. Levels of autism characteristics did not mediate or moderate the association between self-regulation and academic learning. Future interventions and teaching should consider fostering self-regulation and facilitating school engagement for autistic preschoolers besides targeting their learning performance on specific academic content to promote their current and future academic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Chen
- Department of Health Studies and Applied Educational Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Laudan B Jahromi
- Department of Health Studies and Applied Educational Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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43
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Wu Y, Zhang Z, Dong X, Liang P, Li L, Zhai X, Zou B. Epilepsy and childhood psychiatric disorders: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07447-2. [PMID: 38488928 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07447-2] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have indicated that psychiatric disorders are the most common comorbidities in pediatric epilepsy. However, the existence and direction of a causal relationship between the two remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between common childhood psychiatric disorders and epilepsy using a two-sample, bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. METHODS Genetic instruments were obtained from the most recent and largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including datasets for epilepsy (N_case = 29,994, N_control = 52,538), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (N_case = 38,691, N_control = 186,843), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (N_case = 18,381, N_control = 27,969), and Tourette syndrome (TS) (N_case = 4,819, N_control = 9488). MR analyses were conducted using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median method, and MR-Egger regression. RESULTS No reliable evidence was found to suggest a causal effect of ADHD, ASD, or TS on epilepsy, nor was there any reliable evidence indicating that epilepsy increases the risk of these three psychiatric disorders. These findings remained consistent across various sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION Although observational studies have highlighted a high comorbidity rate between pediatric epilepsy and psychiatric disorders like ADHD and ASD, the MR analysis did not confirm a causal relationship between them. This suggests that previous studies might have been influenced by confounding biases or other biases, potentially overestimating the true relationship. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying these comorbidities is crucial for refining the treatment of pediatric epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuXin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2Nd Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - ZaiYu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2Nd Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyu Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2Nd Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2Nd Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Lusheng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2Nd Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Zhai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2Nd Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 136, Zhongshan 2Nd Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China.
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Kang SK, Hawkins NA, Thompson CH, Baker EM, Echevarria-Cooper DM, Barse L, Thenstedt T, Dixon CJ, Speakes N, George AL, Kearney JA. Altered neurological and neurobehavioral phenotypes in a mouse model of the recurrent KCNB1-p.R306C voltage-sensor variant. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 194:106470. [PMID: 38485094 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106470] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in KCNB1 are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder spectrum that includes global developmental delays, cognitive impairment, abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns, and epilepsy with variable age of onset and severity. Additionally, there are prominent behavioral disturbances, including hyperactivity, aggression, and features of autism spectrum disorder. The most frequently identified recurrent variant is KCNB1-p.R306C, a missense variant located within the S4 voltage-sensing transmembrane domain. Individuals with the R306C variant exhibit mild to severe developmental delays, behavioral disorders, and a diverse spectrum of seizures. Previous in vitro characterization of R306C described altered sensitivity and cooperativity of the voltage sensor and impaired capacity for repetitive firing of neurons. Existing Kcnb1 mouse models include dominant negative missense variants, as well as knockout and frameshifts alleles. While all models recapitulate key features of KCNB1 encephalopathy, mice with dominant negative alleles were more severely affected. In contrast to existing loss-of-function and dominant-negative variants, KCNB1-p.R306C does not affect channel expression, but rather affects voltage-sensing. Thus, modeling R306C in mice provides a novel opportunity to explore impacts of a voltage-sensing mutation in Kcnb1. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated the Kcnb1R306C mouse model and characterized the molecular and phenotypic effects. Consistent with the in vitro studies, neurons from Kcnb1R306C mice showed altered excitability. Heterozygous and homozygous R306C mice exhibited hyperactivity, altered susceptibility to chemoconvulsant-induced seizures, and frequent, long runs of slow spike wave discharges on EEG, reminiscent of the slow spike and wave activity characteristic of Lennox Gastaut syndrome. This novel model of channel dysfunction in Kcnb1 provides an additional, valuable tool to study KCNB1 encephalopathies. Furthermore, this allelic series of Kcnb1 mouse models will provide a unique platform to evaluate targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Kyu Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nicole A Hawkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Christopher H Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Erin M Baker
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dennis M Echevarria-Cooper
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Levi Barse
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Tyler Thenstedt
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Conor J Dixon
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nathan Speakes
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alfred L George
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer A Kearney
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Ramos Benitez J, Kannan S, Hastings WL, Parker BJ, Willbrand EH, Weiner KS. Ventral temporal and posteromedial sulcal morphology in autism spectrum disorder. Neuropsychologia 2024; 195:108786. [PMID: 38181845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108786] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Two parallel research tracks link the morphology of small and shallow indentations, or sulci, of the cerebral cortex with functional features of the cortex and human cognition, respectively. The first track identified a relationship between the mid-fusiform sulcus (MFS) in ventral temporal cortex (VTC) and cognition in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The second track identified a new sulcus, the inframarginal sulcus (IFRMS), that serves as a tripartite landmark within the posteromedial cortex (PMC). As VTC and PMC are structurally and functionally different in ASD, here, we integrated these two tracks and tested if there are morphological differences in VTC and PMC sulci in a sample of young (5-17 years old) male participants (50 participants with ASD and 50 neurotypical controls). Our approach replicates and extends recent findings in four ways. First, regarding replication, the standard deviation (STD) of MFS cortical thickness (CT) was increased in ASD. Second, MFS length was shorter in ASD. Third, the CT STD effect extended to other VTC and to PMC sulci. Fourth, additional morphological features of VTC sulci (depth, surface area, gray matter volume) and PMC sulci (mean CT) were decreased in ASD, including putative tertiary sulci, which emerge last in gestation and continue to develop after birth. To our knowledge, this study is the most extensive comparison of the sulcal landscape (including putative tertiary sulci) in multiple cortical expanses between individuals with ASD and NTs based on manually defined sulci at the level of individual hemispheres, providing novel targets for future studies of neurodevelopmental disorders more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Ramos Benitez
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sandhya Kannan
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William L Hastings
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin J Parker
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ethan H Willbrand
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kevin S Weiner
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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46
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Li H, Dang Y, Yan Y. Serum interleukin-17 A and homocysteine levels in children with autism. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:17. [PMID: 38475688 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-024-00860-5] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically emerges early in childhood. This study aimed to explore the potential link between serum levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) and the severity of ASD symptoms in children. METHODS In this study, 50 children diagnosed with ASD comprised the observation group, while 50 healthy children constituted the control group. Serum levels of IL-17 A, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 were compared between the study group and control group, as well as among children with different degrees of ASD severity. The correlation between the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score and serum levels of IL-17 A, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 was examined. Additionally, the relationship between serum IL-17 A and Hcy levels and their association with the severity ASD were explored. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the observation group demonstrated elevated serum Hcy and IL-17 A levels alongside decreased folate and vitamin B12 levels. Individuals with severe ASD exhibited higher Hcy and IL-17 A levels but lower folate and vitamin B12 levels compared to those with mild to moderate ASD. The CARS score showed negative correlations with serum folate and vitamin B12 levels and positive correlations with serum IL-17 A and Hcy levels in ASD patients. Additionally, serum Hcy and IL-17 A levels were correlated with ASD severity. CONCLUSION Children diagnosed with ASD presented with reduced serum vitamin B12 levels and increased levels of Hcy, potentially contributing to the onset and severity of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Child Health Care, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, 710061, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yunhao Dang
- Xi'an Mental Health Center, Department of Children and adolescents Psychology, 710061, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Yan
- Department of Child Health Care, Xi'an Central Hospital, 710004, Xi'an, China
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47
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Bjørklund G, Meguid NA, Hemimi M, Sahakyan E, Fereshetyan K, Yenkoyan K. The Role of Dietary Peptides Gluten and Casein in the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Biochemical Perspectives. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04099-3. [PMID: 38472652 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04099-3] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
This paper examines the role of dietary peptides gluten and casein in modulating brain function in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a biochemical perspective. Neurotransmitter systems and neural networks are crucial for brain function, and alterations at the biochemical level can contribute to the characteristic symptoms and behaviors of ASD. The paper explores how dietary peptides influence neurotransmitter systems and neural networks, highlighting their potential as interventions to improve brain function in ASD. The evidence suggests that dietary peptides can impact neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and receptor interactions, disrupting the balance of neurotransmitter systems and affecting neural network function. The findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions in modulating brain function in ASD and call for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize clinical practice. Considering individual dietary sensitivities and preferences, personalized dietary approaches may be necessary for optimal outcomes. Dietary interventions' timing, duration, and integration with other evidence-based treatments are crucial considerations. Safety considerations and regular monitoring are important to ensure the implementation of dietary interventions safely and effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Nagwa A Meguid
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- CONEM Egypt Child Brain Research Group, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha Hemimi
- Research on Children with Special Needs Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Elen Sahakyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Pharmacy, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Katarine Fereshetyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun, 0025, Yerevan, Armenia.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia.
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Eyuboglu D, Eyuboglu M, Yaylaci F, Guller B, Sahbudak B, Avunduk A, Dagli OO, Pala SC, Arslantas D. The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Autism Family Experience Questionnaire (AFEQ). J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06264-y. [PMID: 38459280 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06264-y] [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] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the AFEQ for Turkish parents of children with ASD. The Turkish-translated version of the AFEQ was administered to 241 parents of children aged 2-12 years with ASD to examine the construct validity and internal consistencies. Parents completed the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire Parent version, along with the AFEQ. The mean age of the children of 241 individuals in the study group was 7.63 ± 3.02 and 88.4% (n = 213) were male. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.921 of the total variance. Cronbach alpha coefficients are 0.813 for the "Experience of being a parent" subscale, 0.768 for the "Family Life" subscale, 0.810 for the "Child Development, Understanding and Social Relationships" subscale, and 0.804 for the "Child Symptoms (Feelings and Behaviour)" subscale. In conclusion, the translated and culturally adapted AFEQ shows good reliability and validity to measure the priorities of autistic children and their families in Turkey. It can also be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of intervention programs and changes in the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Eyuboglu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey.
| | - Murat Eyuboglu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Yaylaci
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bursa Dortcelik Children Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Baris Guller
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bursa Dortcelik Children Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Begum Sahbudak
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manisa Mental Health and Diseases Hospital, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Aslihan Avunduk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Onur Oktay Dagli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Seval Caliskan Pala
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
- Eskisehir Provincial Health Directorate, Odunpazari Health Directorate, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Didem Arslantas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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49
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Weerasekera A, Ion-Mărgineanu A, Nolan GP, Mody M. Subcortical-cortical white matter connectivity in adults with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia patients. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2024; 340:111806. [PMID: 38508025 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111806] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are neuropsychiatric disorders that overlap in symptoms associated with social-cognitive impairment. Alterations of the cingulate cortex, subcortical, medial-temporal, and orbitofrontal structures are frequently reported in both disorders. In this study, we examined white-matter connectivity between these structures in adults with ASD and SZ patients compared with their respective neurotypical controls and indirectly with each other, using probabilistic and local DTI tractography. This exploratory study utilized publicly available neuroimaging databases, of adults with ASD (ABIDE II; n = 28) and SZ (COBRE; n = 38), age-gender matched neurotypicals (NT) and associated phenotypic data. Tractography was performed using Freesurfer and MRtrix software, and diffusion metrics of white-matter tracts between cingulate-, orbitofrontal- cortices, subcortical structures, parahippocampal, entorhinal cortex were assessed. In ASD, atypical diffusivity parameters were found in the isthmus cingulate and parahippocampal connectivity to subcortical and rostral-anterior cingulate, which were also associated with IQ and social skills (SRS). In contrast, atypical diffusivity parameters were observed between the medial-orbitofrontal cortex and subcortical structures in SZ, and were associated with executive function (i.e., IQ, processing speed) and emotional regulation. Overall, the results suggest that defects in the isthmus cingulate, medial-orbitofrontal, and striato-limbic white matter connectivity may help unravel the neural underpinnings of executive and social-emotional dysfunction at the core of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akila Weerasekera
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Adrian Ion-Mărgineanu
- ESAT - STADIUS, KU Leuven, Leuven. Belgium; Biomed Artificial Intelligence LLC, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Garry P Nolan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Maria Mody
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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50
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Oppenheim D, Koren-Karie N, Slonim M, Mottes-Peleg M, Sher-Censor E, Dolev S, Yirmiya N. Maternal and paternal insightfulness and reaction to the diagnosis in families of preschoolers with Autism spectrum disorder: associations with observed parental sensitivity and inter-parent interaction. Attach Hum Dev 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38451115 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2326416] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Sensitivity among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is based on parental insightfulness and on resolution regarding the child's diagnosis. This has been supported in studies of mothers, and we examined whether the same is true regarding fathers. Also, we asked whether parents' Insightfulness and Resolution tap general mentalization and therefore also be expressed in parent-parent interactions. Eighty preschooler boys with ASD and both of their parents participated. As expected, fathers who were more insightful and mothers who were more resolved were more sensitive. Contrary to expectations, no associations were found between fathers' resolution and mothers' insightfulness and their sensitivity. Associations were found between parental insightfulness and resolution and positive parent-parent interaction. The findings are the first to demonstrate the insightfulness-sensitivity link among fathers of children with ASD. Also, they suggest that both insightfulness and resolution involve general mentalization that is evident both in parent-child and parent-parent interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Oppenheim
- School of Psychological Sciences and Center for the Study of Child Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nina Koren-Karie
- School of Social Work and Center for the Study of Child Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Slonim
- School of Psychological Sciences and Center for the Study of Child Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Mottes-Peleg
- School of Psychological Sciences and Center for the Study of Child Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Efrat Sher-Censor
- School of Psychological Sciences and Center for the Study of Child Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Smadar Dolev
- Oranim Academic College of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education, Tivon, Israel
| | - Nurit Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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