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Murofushi T, Goto F, Ushio M. Habituation disorders in auditory middle latency response of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness patients. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1366420. [PMID: 38510380 PMCID: PMC10951051 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1366420] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To study habituation disorders in auditory middle latency response (AMLR) to repetitive stimuli of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) patients. Subjects Twenty-eight PPPD (10 men and 18 women, mean 59.5 years of age, 26-81 years of age) were enrolled. For comparison, data of 13 definite vestibular migraine (VM) patients (3 men, 10 women, mean age 45.5), 13 definite unilateral Meniere's disease (MD) patients (2 men, 11 women, mean age 50.6), and 8 healthy control (HC) subjects (2 men, 6 women, mean age 37.1) in the previous study were utilized. Methods The electrodes were placed on the vertex and the spinal process of the fifth cervical vertebra. Clicks (0.1 msec, 70 dB nHL) were binaurally presented and averaged (800 times). Averaged responses were divided into 4 sets (S1 to S4) according to the temporal order. As peaks, Na, and Pa were identified, and relative Na-Pa amplitudes in S2-S4 to S1 were analyzed. Results The mean relative amplitude of PPPD patients showed lack of habituation (potentiation) as shown in VM patients, although the extent of potentiation was weaker than VM. Comparison of relative S4 amplitudes showed significant differences among the 4 groups (p = 0.0013 one-way ANOVA), Multiple comparison revealed significant differences between PPPD and MD (p = 0.0337 Dunnet's test). Conclusion PPPD patients showed lack of habituation (potentiation) of Na-Pa amplitude in AMLR to repetitive stimuli. Lack of habituation (potentiation) might be associated with sensory processing disorders in PPPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihisa Murofushi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mizonokuchi Hospital, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Fumiyuki Goto
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Munetaka Ushio
- Department of Otolaryngology, Toho University Medical Center Sakura Hospital, Sakura, Japan
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Jang WH, Lee SH. Diffusion tensor imaging of the brain in children with sensory processing disorder: A review. J Neuroimaging 2024; 34:167-178. [PMID: 38183169 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13186] [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] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a clinical condition characterized by difficulties in the neurological processes of registering, discriminating, organizing, and responding to various sensory sensations. This study aimed to review the association between impaired white matter (WM) tract structure and neurofunctional deficits in children with SPD using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the online databases Google Scholar and PubMed (from 2010 to July 2023), resulting in the selection of nine relevant studies. Findings revealed that the splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), posterior corona radiata (PCR), and posterior thalamic radiation (PTR) exhibited reduced microstructural integrity, strongly associated with SPD. Specifically, auditory over-responsivity, a subtype of SPD, was linked to impaired integrity of the PCR, PTR, anterior corona radiata, and SLF. Tactile over-responsivity (TOR) was correlated with markers of decreased integrity in the SCC, superior corona radiata, and left PTR. Among the DTI parameters, decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) emerged as the most reliable factor for identifying SPD, followed by increased radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD). Notably, significant correlations were observed between with auditory over-responsivity and TOR with the DTI parameters (positive for FA and negative for RD and MD). Overall, this review confirms the impaired integrity of specific WM tracts in children with SPD and establishes correlations between DTI parameters and neurobehavioral deficits associated with the disorder. The insights gained from this review contribute to a better understanding of SPD and hold clinical implications for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Hyuk Jang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Science, Kangwon National University, Samcheok-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Hee Lee
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Science, Kangwon National University, Samcheok-si, Republic of Korea
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Akbar W, Ullah A, Haider N, Suleman S, Khan FU, Shah AA, Sikandar MA, Basit S, Ahmad W. Identification of novel homozygous variants in FOXE3 and AP4M1 underlying congenital syndromic anophthalmia and microphthalmia. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3601. [PMID: 37758467 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are severe developmental ocular disorders that affect the size of the ocular globe and can be unilateral or bilateral. The disease is found in syndromic as well as non-syndromic forms. It is genetically caused by chromosomal aberrations, copy number variations and single gene mutations, along with non-genetic factors such as viral infections, deficiency of vitamin A and an exposure to alcohol or drugs during pregnancy. To date, more than 30 genes having different modes of inheritance patterns are identified as causing anophthalmia and microphthalmia. METHODS In the present study, a clinical and genetic analysis was performed of six patients with anophthalmia and microphthalmia and/or additional phenotypes of intellectual disability, developmental delay and cerebral palsy from a large consanguineous Pakistani family. Whole exome sequencing followed by data analysis for variants prioritization and validation through Sanger sequencing was performed to identify the disease causing variant(s). American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines were applied to classify clinical interpretation of the prioritized variants. RESULTS Clinical investigations revealed that the affected individuals are afflicted with anophthalmia. Three of the patients showed additional phenotype of intellectual disability, developmental delays and other neurological symptoms. Whole exome sequencing of the DNA samples of the affected members in the family identified a novel homozygous stop gain mutation (NM_012186: c.106G>T: p.Glu36*) in Forkhead Box E3 (FOXE3) gene shared by all affected individuals. Moreover, patients segregating additional phenotypes of spastic paraplegia, intellectual disability, hearing loss and microcephaly showed an additional homozygous sequence variant (NM_004722: c.953G>A: p.Arg318Gln) in AP4M1. Sanger sequencing validated the correct segregation of the identified variants in the affected family. ACMG guidelines predicted the variants to be pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS We have investigated first case of syndromic anophthalmia caused by variants in the FOXE3 and AP4M1. The present findings are helpful for understanding pathological role of the mutations of the genes in syndromic forms of anophthalmia. Furthermore, the study signifies searching for the identification of second variant in families with patients exhibiting variable phenotypes. In addition, the findings will help clinical geneticists, genetic counselors and the affected family with respect to prenatal testing, family planning and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warda Akbar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asmat Ullah
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nighat Haider
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Department of Pediatrics, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sufyan Suleman
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fati Ullah Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abid Ali Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Sulman Basit
- College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
- Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Connolly SE, Constable HL, Mullally SL. School distress and the school attendance crisis: a story dominated by neurodivergence and unmet need. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1237052. [PMID: 37810599 PMCID: PMC10556686 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1237052] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus a school attendance crisis in many countries, although this likely pre-dates the pandemic. Children and young people (CYP) struggling to attend school often display extreme emotional distress before/during/after school. We term this School Distress. Here we sought to elucidate the characteristics of the CYP struggling to attend school in the United Kingdom. Methods Using a case-control, concurrent embedded mixed-method research design, 947 parents of CYP with experience of School Distress completed a bespoke online questionnaire (February/March 2022), alongside an age-matched control group (n = 149) and a smaller group of parents who electively home-educate (n = 25). Results In 94.3% of cases, school attendance problems were underpinned by significant emotional distress, with often harrowing accounts of this distress provided by parents. While the mean age of the CYP in this sample was 11.6 years (StDev 3.1 years), their School Distress was evident to parents from a much younger age (7.9 years). Notably, 92.1% of CYP currently experiencing School Distress were described as neurodivergent (ND) and 83.4% as autistic. The Odds Ratio of autistic CYP experiencing School Distress was 46.61 [95% CI (24.67, 88.07)]. Autistic CYP displayed School Distress at a significantly earlier age, and it was significantly more enduring. Multi-modal sensory processing difficulties and ADHD (among other neurodivergent conditions) were also commonly associated with School Distress; with School Distress CYP having an average of 3.62 NDs (StDev 2.68). In addition, clinically significant anxiety symptomology (92.5%) and elevated demand avoidance were also pervasive. Mental health difficulties in the absence of a neurodivergent profile were, however, relatively rare (6.17%). Concerningly, despite the striking levels of emotional distress and disability reported by parents, parents also reported a dearth of meaningful support for their CYP at school. Conclusion While not a story of exclusivity relating solely to autism, School Distress is a story dominated by complex neurodivergence and a seemingly systemic failure to meet the needs of these CYP. Given the disproportionate number of disabled CYP impacted, we ask whether the United Kingdom is upholding its responsibility to ensure the "right to an education" for all CYP (Human Rights Act 1998).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E. Connolly
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah L. Constable
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sinéad L. Mullally
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Parekh SA, Wren-Jarvis J, Lazerwitz M, Rowe MA, Powers R, Bourla I, Cai LT, Chu R, Trimarchi K, Garcia R, Marco EJ, Mukherjee P. Hemispheric lateralization of white matter microstructure in children and its potential role in sensory processing dysfunction. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1088052. [PMID: 37139524 PMCID: PMC10149818 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1088052] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have demonstrated white matter microstructural differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. However, the basis of these hemispheric asymmetries is not yet understood in terms of the biophysical properties of white matter microstructure, especially in children. There are reports of altered hemispheric white matter lateralization in ASD; however, this has not been studied in other related neurodevelopmental disorders such as sensory processing disorder (SPD). Firstly, we postulate that biophysical compartment modeling of diffusion MRI (dMRI), such as Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), can elucidate the hemispheric microstructural asymmetries observed from DTI in children with neurodevelopmental concerns. Secondly, we hypothesize that sensory over-responsivity (SOR), a common type of SPD, will show altered hemispheric lateralization relative to children without SOR. Eighty-seven children (29 females, 58 males), ages 8-12 years, presenting at a community-based neurodevelopmental clinic were enrolled, 48 with SOR and 39 without. Participants were evaluated using the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions (SP3D). Whole brain 3 T multi-shell multiband dMRI (b = 0, 1,000, 2,500 s/mm2) was performed. Tract Based Spatial Statistics were used to extract DTI and NODDI metrics from 20 bilateral tracts of the Johns Hopkins University White-Matter Tractography Atlas and the lateralization Index (LI) was calculated for each left-right tract pair. With DTI metrics, 12 of 20 tracts were left lateralized for fractional anisotropy and 17/20 tracts were right lateralized for axial diffusivity. These hemispheric asymmetries could be explained by NODDI metrics, including neurite density index (18/20 tracts left lateralized), orientation dispersion index (15/20 tracts left lateralized) and free water fraction (16/20 tracts lateralized). Children with SOR served as a test case of the utility of studying LI in neurodevelopmental disorders. Our data demonstrated increased lateralization in several tracts for both DTI and NODDI metrics in children with SOR, which were distinct for males versus females, when compared to children without SOR. Biophysical properties from NODDI can explain the hemispheric lateralization of white matter microstructure in children. As a patient-specific ratio, the lateralization index can eliminate scanner-related and inter-individual sources of variability and thus potentially serve as a clinically useful imaging biomarker for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalin A. Parekh
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Wren-Jarvis
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Maia Lazerwitz
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Mikaela A. Rowe
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Rachel Powers
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | - Ioanna Bourla
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lanya T. Cai
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robyn Chu
- Cortica Healthcare, San Rafael, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Hartman AG, McKendry S, Soehner A, Bodison S, Akcakaya M, DeAlmeida D, Bendixen R. Characterizing Sleep Differences in Children With and Without Sensory Sensitivities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:875766. [PMID: 35814144 PMCID: PMC9257069 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.875766] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Individuals register and react to daily sensory stimuli differently, which influences participation in occupations. Sleep is a foundational nightly occupation that impacts overall health and development in children. Emerging research suggests that certain sensory processing patterns, specifically sensory sensitivities, may have a negative impact on sleep health in children. In this study, we aimed to (i) characterize sleep in children with and without sensory sensitivities and (ii) examine the relationship between sensory processing patterns (using the Sensory Profile-2) and sleep using validated parent- and child-reported questionnaires. We hypothesized that children with sensory sensitivities will exhibit more difficulties with sleep. Methods We recruited 22 children (ages 6-10) with sensory sensitivities (SS) and 33 children without sensory sensitivities (NSS) to complete validated sleep and sensory processing questionnaires: the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Sleep Self-Report (SSR), and Sensory Profile-2. Results Children with SS had significantly more sleep behaviors reported by both parents (p < 0.001, g = 1.11) and children (p < 0.001, g = 1.17) compared to children with NSS. Specifically, children with SS had higher frequencies of sleep anxiety (p = 0.004, g = 0.79), bedtime resistance (p = 0.001, g = 0.83), and sleep onset delay (p = 0.003, g = 0.95). Spearman's ρ correlations indicated significant positive correlations between parent- and child-reported sleep. Children with SS showed a larger association and greater variability between sleep and sensory processing compared to their peers. Significant positive correlations between parent-reported sleep behaviors and sensory sensitive and avoiding patterns were identified for both children with SS and NSS. Child-reported sleep behaviors were most strongly associated with sensitive and avoiding patterns for children with NSS and seeking patterns for children with SS. Conclusion We present evidence that sleep is impacted for children with SS to a greater extent than children with NSS. We also identified that a child's sensory processing pattern may be an important contributor to sleep problems in children with and without sensory sensitivities. Sleep concerns should be addressed within routine care for children with sensory sensitivities. Future studies will inform specific sleep intervention targets most salient for children with SS and other sensory processing patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G. Hartman
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sarah McKendry
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Adriane Soehner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Stefanie Bodison
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Murat Akcakaya
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dilhari DeAlmeida
- Department of Health Information Management, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Roxanna Bendixen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Ptak A, Miękczyńska D, Dębiec-Bąk A, Stefańska M. The Occurrence of the Sensory Processing Disorder in Children Depending on the Type and Time of Delivery: A Pilot Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19116893. [PMID: 35682475 PMCID: PMC9180069 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Over recent years, the concept of Sensory Integration has become more popular. Knowledge about Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) also has grown, and it is often discussed in scientific research. Sensory disturbances can cause problems in learning and behaviour of children in whom no medical diagnosis has been made. These are healthy children regarding the environment, but their behaviour is often described as strange in the meaning not appropriate/not adequate to the situation. The aim of the study was to analyse if there is a correlation between occurrence of SPD and the time or the way of delivery. Participants were 75 children, ages 5–9 years old. Children born prematurely (n = 25), and children delivered by caesarean section (C-section) (n = 25) were compared to the ones born on time by natural means (n = 25). Research was based on a questionnaire filled by children’s parents. Descriptive results and percentage calculations were compared. SPD were detected among 84% of pre-borns and among 80% of children delivered by C-section and it is statistically significant. Both groups are at higher risk of Sensory Processing Disorder than those delivered on time by vaginal birth. Due to the results, the time and the way of the delivery are the factors that affect Sensory Processing Disorder.
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Galiana A, Flores-Ripoll JM, Benito-Castellanos PJ, Villar-Rodriguez C, Vela-Romero M. Prevalence and severity-based classification of sensory processing issues. An exploratory study with neuropsychological implications. Appl Neuropsychol Child 2021; 11:850-862. [PMID: 34669535 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2021.1988602] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Sensory processing issues, mainly known as sensory processing disorder or SPD, are frequent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and are associated with learning and behavioral difficulties. However, previous studies suggest that these disturbances might also be present in typically developing children, reaching prevalence rates of 10-20%. Nevertheless, published studies have been primary been conducted in non-European countries. Therefore, we aim, as first objective, to explore the frequency of sensory processing difficulties in a random sample of school-age children from Spain to contribute to the study of its prevalence. The Sensory Profile-2 (SP2) assessment tool was administered to 369 participants to study their sensory processing patterns, the absence or presence of sensory processing issues, the affected sensory systems, as well as their socioemotional, attentional, and behavioral impact. Furthermore, as second objective, we have developed a novel strategy to classify SPD by severity ranges using SP2 yielded results; accordingly, the sample was classified as follows: no alteration, mild, moderate, and severe sensory processing alteration. The results show prevalence rates consistent with previous findings: 15.9% of participants met the severe alteration criteria and 10.5%, 11.1% and 62.5% were classified as moderate, mild and no alteration, respectively. Finally, we hypothesize about SPD and underlying neuropsychological processes that might be associated with this condition. Our results highlight the necessity of further research efforts to establish whether high-frequency and severity rates of sensory processing alterations are linked to neuropsychological variables. The provided classification system might be useful to determine such associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Galiana
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychophysiology, Conecta Clínica, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Area of Psychobiology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Education, Universidad a Distancia de Madrid (UDIMA), Madrid, Spain.,Area of Educational Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Education, Universidad Internacional de la Rioja (UNIR), Logroño, Spain
| | | | | | - Clara Villar-Rodriguez
- Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Maria Vela-Romero
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Conecta Clínica, Ciudad Real, Spain
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Hedman E, Schoen SA, Miller LJ, Picard R. Wireless Measurement of Sympathetic Arousal During in vivo Occupational Therapy Sessions. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:539875. [PMID: 33192351 PMCID: PMC7659428 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.539875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose One goal of occupational therapists working with children who have sensory processing challenges is the regulation of arousal. Regulation strategies have not been evaluated using an empirical measure of physiological arousal. Objective To establish the feasibility of using an objective physiologic measure of sympathetic arousal in therapeutic settings and explore the relation between therapeutic activities and sympathetic arousal. To evaluate changes in electrodermal activity (EDA) during occupational therapy sessions. Methods Twenty-two children identified with sensory modulation dysfunction (SMD) wore a wireless EDA sensor during 50 min occupational therapy sessions (n = 77 sessions). Results All children were able to wear the sensor on the lower calf without being distracted by the device. The five insights below are based on a comparison of EDA recordings in relation to therapists' reflections describing how sympathetic arousal might correspond to therapeutic activities. Conclusion Objective physiological assessment of a child's sympathetic arousal during therapy is possible using a wireless EDA measurement system. Changes in EDA may correspond directly with therapeutic activities. The article provides a foundation for designing future therapeutic studies that include continuous measures of EDA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah A Schoen
- STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder, Centennial, CO, United States.,Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Lucy J Miller
- STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder, Centennial, CO, United States.,Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Rosalind Picard
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Javed H, Burns R, Jeon M, Howard AM, Park CH. A Robotic Framework to Facilitate Sensory Experiences for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Preliminary Study. ACM Trans Hum Robot Interact 2019; 9:3. [PMID: 33829148 PMCID: PMC8023221 DOI: 10.1145/3359613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children is commonly accompanied by a diagnosis of sensory processing disorders. Abnormalities are usually reported in multiple sensory processing domains, showing a higher prevalence of unusual responses, particularly to tactile, auditory and visual stimuli. This paper discusses a novel robot-based framework designed to target sensory difficulties faced by children with ASD in a controlled setting. The setup consists of a number of sensory stations, together with two different robotic agents that navigate the stations and interact with the stimuli. These stimuli are designed to resemble real world scenarios that form a common part of one's everyday experiences. Given the strong interest of children with ASD in technology in general and robots in particular, we attempt to utilize our robotic platform to demonstrate socially acceptable responses to the stimuli in an interactive, pedagogical setting that encourages the child's social, motor and vocal skills, while providing a diverse sensory experience. A preliminary user study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed framework, with a total of 18 participants (5 with ASD and 13 typically developing) between the ages of 4 and 12 years. We derive a measure of social engagement, based on which we evaluate the effectiveness of the robots and sensory stations in order to identify key design features that can improve social engagement in children.
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Schneider ML, Moore CF, Ahlers EO, Barnhart TE, Christian BT, DeJesus OT, Engle JW, Holden JE, Larson JA, Moirano JM, Murali D, Nickles RJ, Resch LM, Converse AK. PET Measures of D1, D2, and DAT Binding Are Associated With Heightened Tactile Responsivity in Rhesus Macaques: Implications for Sensory Processing Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:29. [PMID: 31379528 PMCID: PMC6652150 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing disorder (SPD), a developmental regulatory condition characterized by marked under- or over-responsivity to non-noxious sensory stimulation, is a common but poorly understood disorder that can profoundly affect mood, cognition, social behavior and adaptive life skills. Little is known about the etiology and neural underpinnings. Clinical research indicates that children with SPD show greater prevalence of difficulties in complex cognitive behavior including working memory, behavioral flexibility, and regulation of sensory and affective functions, which are related to prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatal, and midbrain regions. Neuroimaging may provide insight into mechanisms underlying SPD, and animal experiments provide important evidence that is not available in human studies. Rhesus monkeys (N = 73) were followed over a 20-year period from birth into old age. We focused on a single sensory modality, the tactile system, measured at 5-7 years, because of its critical importance for nourishment, attachment, and social reward in development. Positron emission tomography imaging was conducted at ages 12-18 years to quantify the availability of the D1 and D2 subtypes of the DA receptor (D1R and D2R), and the DA transporter (DAT). Heightened tactile responsivity was related to (a) elevated D1R in PFC overall, including lateral, ventrolateral, medial, anterior cingulate (aCg), frontopolar, and orbitofrontal (OFC) subregions, as well as nucleus accumbens (Acb), (b) reduced D2R in aCg, OFC, and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area, and (c) elevated DAT in putamen. These findings suggest a mechanism by which DA pathways may be altered in SPD. These pathways are associated with reward processing and pain regulation, providing top-down regulation of sensory and affective processes. The balance between top-down cognitive control in the PFC-Acb pathway and bottom-up motivational function of the VTA-Acb-PFC pathway is critical for successful adaptive function. An imbalance in these two systems might explain DA-related symptoms in children with SPD, including reduced top-down regulatory function and exaggerated responsivity to stimuli. These results provide more direct evidence that SPD may involve altered DA receptor and transporter function in PFC, striatal, and midbrain regions. More work is needed to extend these results to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Colleen F Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Elizabeth O Ahlers
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Todd E Barnhart
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bradley T Christian
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Onofre T DeJesus
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonathan W Engle
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - James E Holden
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julie A Larson
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Moirano
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dhanabalan Murali
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert J Nickles
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Leslie M Resch
- Occupational Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sensory overresponsivity (SOR) is characterized by challenges in integrating and responding to everyday sensory experiences. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts, ritualistic behaviors, and sensory phenomena. There is some evidence that individuals with co-occurring symptoms of SOR and OCD experience more severe anxiety than those with symptoms of OCD alone, but most studies employed small numbers of participants (typically with an OCD diagnosis) assessed at a single time point. Our 2-fold objective was to replicate previous research showing an association between OCD symptoms and SOR symptoms concurrently and to extend these analyses longitudinally in a large, birth-register-based sample. METHOD Twins (N = 1613) and their primary caregivers participated in a multimodal, multimethod, longitudinal study. Primary caregivers completed the SOR inventory for their offspring at the age of 8 years, and twins completed the adult sensory profile at the age of 13 years. Parents completed the OCD module of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV when twins were 8 years; twins completed the same module at 13 years. Linear regression models tested for the concurrent and longitudinal associations between SOR and OCD controlling for socioeconomic status. RESULTS Concurrently, participants' likelihood of exhibiting OCD symptoms increased with each symptom of tactile or auditory overresponsivity at 8 years and 13 years (odds ratio = 1.1-2.7). However, SOR measured at age 8 years was unrelated to adolescent OCD symptoms at 13 years and vice versa. CONCLUSION SOR symptoms, although significantly related to concurrent OCD symptoms, do not appear to precede OCD symptoms, suggesting that SOR symptoms may reflect another type of OCD sensory phenomenon rather than a comorbid condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karyn Esbensen
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - H Hill Goldsmith
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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13
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Heitman T, Day AJ, Bassani AS. Pediatric Compounding Pharmacy: Taking on the Responsibility of Providing Quality Customized Prescriptions. Children (Basel) 2019; 6:children6050066. [PMID: 31060226 PMCID: PMC6560512 DOI: 10.3390/children6050066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Compounding pharmacy has an important role to play in the field of pediatric medicine. These specialized pharmacies can offer solutions to the unique patient needs that arise in the pediatric population. Medication can be tailored to the child to allow better compliance in cases when the commercial product is unable to meet the needs of the patient. For example, a suspension, suppository, or lozenge formulation is sometimes needed when the manufactured products are only offered as solid oral dosage forms. Sensory processing disorder (SPD), patients with food allergies, and specific dietary needs can also be a big challenge for caregivers and practitioners who need alternatives to the commercially available forms. Three example cases are presented to help describe the process of collaboration between the pharmacist, patient, and doctor to solve the patient’s needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tricia Heitman
- PCCA, 9901 South Wilcrest Drive, Houston, TX 77099, USA.
| | - A J Day
- PCCA, 9901 South Wilcrest Drive, Houston, TX 77099, USA.
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14
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Harrison LA, Kats A, Williams ME, Aziz-Zadeh L. The Importance of Sensory Processing in Mental Health: A Proposed Addition to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) and Suggestions for RDoC 2.0. Front Psychol 2019; 10:103. [PMID: 30804830 PMCID: PMC6370662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The time is ripe to integrate burgeoning evidence of the important role of sensory and motor functioning in mental health within the National Institute of Mental Health's [NIMH] Research Domain Criteria [RDoC] framework (National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.a), a multi-dimensional method of characterizing mental functioning in health and disease across all neurobiological levels of analysis ranging from genetic to behavioral. As the importance of motor processing in psychopathology has been recognized (Bernard and Mittal, 2015; Garvey and Cuthbert, 2017; National Institute of Mental Health, 2019), here we focus on sensory processing. First, we review the current design of the RDoC matrix, noting sensory features missing despite their prevalence in multiple mental illnesses. We identify two missing classes of sensory symptoms that we widely define as (1) sensory processing, including sensory sensitivity and active sensing, and (2) domains of perceptual signaling, including interoception and proprioception, which are currently absent or underdeveloped in the perception construct of the cognitive systems domain. Then, we describe the neurobiological basis of these psychological constructs and examine why these sensory features are important for understanding psychopathology. Where appropriate, we examine links between sensory processing and the domains currently included in the RDoC matrix. Throughout, we emphasize how the addition of these sensory features to the RDoC matrix is important for understanding a range of mental health disorders. We conclude with the suggestion that a separate sensation and perception domain can enhance the current RDoC framework, while discussing what we see as important principles and promising directions for the future development and use of the RDoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Harrison
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anastasiya Kats
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marian E. Williams
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lisa Aziz-Zadeh
- USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Abstract
Background: Over the last several decades, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has continued to increase, creating a unique challenge for general physicians who are likely to encounter these patients in their practice. The primary aim of this cross-sectional study design was to identify potential knowledge gaps that were present among medical students and pediatric trainees (interns, residents, and fellows) particularly during the management of a sick child with ASD. Methods: A 23-question online survey was developed and distributed to medical students and pediatric trainees at a tertiary children's hospital affiliated with a medical school. Results: Medical students and pediatric trainees reported a low general knowledge of ASD and were unfamiliar with sensory issues that are often present in these children. Increased discomfort and insufficient didactic and clinical training for providing care to children with ASD during an acute illness were also identified. Both medical students and trainees reported the need for increased education and training, preferentially via patient interaction and small group-based learning. We found that as education/training levels increased, participants perceived increased comfort, and knowledge in managing an ill child with ASD. Conclusions: A perceived knowledge gap and discomfort is present amongst medical students and pediatric trainees on the management of children with ASD. Across all education levels, awareness for sensory dysregulation in ASD children is low. Education programs using direct patient interaction and small group learning were the preferred training modalities to learn how to provide optimal care for children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Austriaco
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Inmaculada Aban
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - James Willig
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Michele Kong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric therapies adopt a family-centered approach that encourages a caregiver's involvement in therapy. Contextual interventions in the child's natural environment have been effective in generalization of skills and increasing of child participation in daily activities. The use of home programs is common across a variety of conditions, but adherence has been challenging. Apps have been demonstrated to promote medication adherence and physical activity maintenance. INTRODUCTION This study suggested and tested a construct for features required for caregivers' behavioral modification during home programs in pediatric therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS SensoryTreat is an adherence promoting app for home-program treatments of children with sensory processing disorders. The app was evaluated by testing availability of desired features, usage frequency, impact on adherence with home programs, and parental sense of competence. RESULTS Results suggest a strong significant correlation between SensoryTreat usage frequency and families' adherence with home programs, as well as a strong significant correlation between relevancy and usefulness of SensoryTreat's interventional content, and parental competence and their adherence with home programs. DISCUSSION Using SensoryTreat twice or more per week increases parental adherence with home programs. Content plays an important role in promoting adherence and parental sense of competence, yet, as usage frequency grows the interventional content habituates, and other features as goal setting and feedback logs have significant impact on parental competence and adherence with home programs over time. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the content and features of SensoryTreat app have the potential to promote adherence of families with pediatric therapy home programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eynat Gal
- 1 Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Haifa , Haifa, Israel
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17
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Demopoulos C, Yu N, Tripp J, Mota N, Brandes-Aitken AN, Desai SS, Hill SS, Antovich AD, Harris J, Honma S, Mizuiri D, Nagarajan SS, Marco EJ. Magnetoencephalographic Imaging of Auditory and Somatosensory Cortical Responses in Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Dysfunction. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:259. [PMID: 28603492 PMCID: PMC5445128 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging-derived indices of auditory and somatosensory cortical processing in children aged 8–12 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; N = 18), those with sensory processing dysfunction (SPD; N = 13) who do not meet ASD criteria, and typically developing control (TDC; N = 19) participants. The magnitude of responses to both auditory and tactile stimulation was comparable across all three groups; however, the M200 latency response from the left auditory cortex was significantly delayed in the ASD group relative to both the TDC and SPD groups, whereas the somatosensory response of the ASD group was only delayed relative to TDC participants. The SPD group did not significantly differ from either group in terms of somatosensory latency, suggesting that participants with SPD may have an intermediate phenotype between ASD and TDC with regard to somatosensory processing. For the ASD group, correlation analyses indicated that the left M200 latency delay was significantly associated with performance on the WISC-IV Verbal Comprehension Index as well as the DSTP Acoustic-Linguistic index. Further, these cortical auditory response delays were not associated with somatosensory cortical response delays or cognitive processing speed in the ASD group, suggesting that auditory delays in ASD are domain specific rather than associated with generalized processing delays. The specificity of these auditory delays to the ASD group, in addition to their correlation with verbal abilities, suggests that auditory sensory dysfunction may be implicated in communication symptoms in ASD, motivating further research aimed at understanding the impact of sensory dysfunction on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Demopoulos
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nina Yu
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer Tripp
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nayara Mota
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Anne N Brandes-Aitken
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Shivani S Desai
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susanna S Hill
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ashley D Antovich
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Julia Harris
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susanne Honma
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Danielle Mizuiri
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Srikantan S Nagarajan
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elysa J Marco
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA, United States
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18
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Abbas Shangari T, Falahi M, Bakouie F, Gharibzadeh S. Multisensory integration using dynamical Bayesian networks. Front Comput Neurosci 2015; 9:58. [PMID: 26052281 PMCID: PMC4440906 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2015.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohsen Falahi
- Amirkabir Robotic Center, Amirkabir University of Technology Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Bakouie
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriar Gharibzadeh
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, Iran
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19
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Schaaf RC, Benevides T, Blanche EI, Brett-Green BA, Burke JP, Cohn ES, Koomar J, Lane SJ, Miller LJ, May-Benson TA, Parham D, Reynolds S, Schoen SA. Parasympathetic functions in children with sensory processing disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2010; 4:4. [PMID: 20300470 PMCID: PMC2839854 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2010.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The overall goal of this study was to determine if parasympathetic nervous system (PsNS) activity is a significant biomarker of sensory processing difficulties in children. Several studies have demonstrated that PsNS activity is an important regulator of reactivity in children, and thus, it is of interest to study whether PsNS activity is related to sensory reactivity in children who have a type of condition associated with sensory processing disorders termed sensory modulation dysfunction (SMD). If so, this will have important implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying sensory processing problems of children and for developing intervention strategies to address them. The primary aims of this project were: (1) to evaluate PsNS activity in children with SMD compared to typically developing (TYP) children, and (2) to determine if PsNS activity is a significant predictor of sensory behaviors and adaptive functions among children with SMD. We examine PsNS activity during the Sensory Challenge Protocol; which includes baseline, the administration of eight sequential stimuli in five sensory domains, recovery, and also evaluate response to a prolonged auditory stimulus. As a secondary aim we examined whether subgroups of children with specific physiological and behavioral sensory reactivity profiles can be identified. Results indicate that as a total group the children with severe SMD demonstrated a trend for low baseline PsNS activity, compared to TYP children, suggesting this may be a biomarker for SMD. In addition, children with SMD as a total group demonstrated significantly poorer adaptive behavior in the communication and daily living subdomains and in the overall Adaptive Behavior Composite of the Vineland than TYP children. Using latent class analysis, the subjects were grouped by severity and the severe SMD group had significantly lower PsNS activity at baseline, tones and prolonged auditory. These results provide preliminary evidence that children who demonstrate severe SMD may have physiological activity that is different from children without SMD, and that these physiological and behavioral manifestations of SMD may affect a child's ability to engage in everyday social, communication, and daily living skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseann C Schaaf
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Jefferson School of Health Professions and Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA, USA
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20
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Schneider ML, Moore CF, Larson JA, Barr CS, Dejesus OT, Roberts AD. Timing of moderate level prenatal alcohol exposure influences gene expression of sensory processing behavior in rhesus monkeys. Front Integr Neurosci 2009; 3:30. [PMID: 19936317 PMCID: PMC2779096 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.07.030.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 04/10/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing disorder, characterized by over- or under-responsivity to non-noxious environmental stimuli, is a common but poorly understood disorder. We examined the role of prenatal alcohol exposure, serotonin transporter gene polymorphic region variation (rh5-HTTLPR), and striatal dopamine (DA) function on behavioral measures of sensory responsivity to repeated non-noxious sensory stimuli in macaque monkeys. Results indicated that early gestation alcohol exposure induced behavioral under-responsivity to environmental stimuli in monkeys carrying the short (s) rh5-HTTLPR allele compared to both early-exposed monkeys homozygous for the long (l) allele and monkeys from middle-to-late exposed pregnancies and controls, regardless of genotype. Moreover, prenatal timing of alcohol exposure altered the relationship between sensory scores and DA D2R availability. In early-exposed monkeys, a positive relationship was shown between sensory scores and DA D2R availability, with low or blunted DA function associated with under-responsive sensory function. The opposite pattern was found for the middle-to-late gestation alcohol-exposed group. These findings raise questions about how the timing of prenatal perturbation and genotype contributes to effects on neural processing and possibly alters neural connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Schneider
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI, USA
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21
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Miller LJ, Nielsen DM, Schoen SA, Brett-Green BA. Perspectives on sensory processing disorder: a call for translational research. Front Integr Neurosci 2009; 3:22. [PMID: 19826493 PMCID: PMC2759332 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.07.022.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
THIS ARTICLE EXPLORES THE CONVERGENCE OF TWO FIELDS, WHICH HAVE SIMILAR THEORETICAL ORIGINS: a clinical field originally known as sensory integration and a branch of neuroscience that conducts research in an area also called sensory integration. Clinically, the term was used to identify a pattern of dysfunction in children and adults, as well as a related theory, assessment, and treatment method for children who have atypical responses to ordinary sensory stimulation. Currently the term for the disorder is sensory processing disorder (SPD). In neuroscience, the term sensory integration refers to converging information in the brain from one or more sensory domains. A recent subspecialty in neuroscience labeled multisensory integration (MSI) refers to the neural process that occurs when sensory input from two or more different sensory modalities converge. Understanding the specific meanings of the term sensory integration intended by the clinical and neuroscience fields and the term MSI in neuroscience is critical. A translational research approach would improve exploration of crucial research questions in both the basic science and clinical science. Refinement of the conceptual model of the disorder and the related treatment approach would help prioritize which specific hypotheses should be studied in both the clinical and neuroscience fields. The issue is how we can facilitate a translational approach between researchers in the two fields. Multidisciplinary, collaborative studies would increase knowledge of brain function and could make a significant contribution to alleviating the impairments of individuals with SPD and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Miller
- Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation Greenwood Village, CO, USA
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22
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Stein BE, Perrault TJ, Stanford TR, Rowland BA. Postnatal experiences influence how the brain integrates information from different senses. Front Integr Neurosci 2009; 3:21. [PMID: 19838323 PMCID: PMC2762369 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.07.021.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is characterized by anomalous reactions to, and integration of, sensory cues. Although the underlying etiology of SPD is unknown, one brain region likely to reflect these sensory and behavioral anomalies is the superior colliculus (SC), a structure involved in the synthesis of information from multiple sensory modalities and the control of overt orientation responses. In the present review we describe normal functional properties of this structure, the manner in which its individual neurons integrate cues from different senses, and the overt SC-mediated behaviors that are believed to manifest this “multisensory integration.” Of particular interest here is how SC neurons develop their capacity to engage in multisensory integration during early postnatal life as a consequence of early sensory experience, and the intimate communication between cortex and the midbrain that makes this developmental process possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry E Stein
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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23
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Moore CF, Gajewski LL, Laughlin NK, Luck ML, Larson JA, Schneider ML. Developmental lead exposure induces tactile defensiveness in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Environ Health Perspect 2008; 116:1322-1326. [PMID: 18941572 PMCID: PMC2569089 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tactile defensiveness in children is associated with difficult social relations, emotional dysregulation, and inattention. However, there are no studies of lead exposure and tactile defensiveness in children or animals in spite of the fact that lead exposure is also associated with inattention and emotional dysregulation. OBJECTIVES In this study we tested whether lead exposure induces tactile defensiveness in rhesus monkeys. METHODS We tested 61 monkeys from a 3 (no lead, 1-year lead, 2-year lead) x 2 (succimer chelation or not) factorial experiment for tactile defensiveness at 4 years of age. Lead-treated monkeys had been orally administered lead in a daily milk solution from 8 days of life to either 1 or 2 years of age to produce blood lead levels of 35-40 mg/dL. Succimer chelation therapy or placebo was administered at 1 year of age. We measured tactile defensiveness using six repeated trials of each of three textures as a swipe to the cheek and neck. RESULTS Lead-exposed monkeys showed higher negative responses to repeated tactile stimulation compared with controls. Blood lead during the first 3 months of life was positively correlated with the negative response on the tactile defensiveness test. There was an interaction of lead exposure x succimer chelation x trials, but it is not clear that succimer chelation was beneficial with respect to tactile defensiveness. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to implicate lead as a potential cause of tactile defensiveness. Research should examine whether lead exposure is associated with tactile defensiveness in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa L. Gajewski
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nellie K. Laughlin
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology
- Psychology Department, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Julie A. Larson
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mary L. Schneider
- Department of Psychology
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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