Altered plasma protein profiles in genetic FTD - a GENFI study

BACKGROUND

Plasma biomarkers reflecting the pathology of frontotemporal dementia would add significant value to clinical practice, to the design and implementation of treatment trials as well as our understanding of disease mechanisms. The aim of this study was to explore the levels of multiple plasma proteins in individuals from families with genetic frontotemporal dementia.

METHODS

Blood samples from 693 participants in the GENetic Frontotemporal Dementia Initiative study were analysed using a multiplexed antibody array targeting 158 proteins.

RESULTS

We found 13 elevated proteins in symptomatic mutation carriers, when comparing plasma levels from people diagnosed with genetic FTD to healthy non-mutation controls and 10 proteins that were elevated compared to presymptomatic mutation carriers.

CONCLUSION

We identified plasma proteins with altered levels in symptomatic mutation carriers compared to non-carrier controls as well as to presymptomatic mutation carriers. Further investigations are needed to elucidate their potential as fluid biomarkers of the disease process.

Micromechanical Loading Studies in Ex Vivo Cultured Embryonic Rat Bones Enabled by a Newly Developed Portable Loading Device

Mechanical loading has been described as having the potential to affect bone growth. In order to experimentally study the potential clinical applications of mechanical loading as a novel treatment to locally modulate bone growth, there is a need to develop a portable mechanical loading device enabling studies in small bones. Existing devices are bulky and challenging to transfer within and between laboratories and animal facilities, and they do not offer user-friendly mechanical testing across both ex vivo cultured small bones and in vivo animal models. To address this, we developed a portable loading device comprised of a linear actuator fixed within a stainless-steel frame equipped with suitable structures and interfaces. The actuator, along with the supplied control system, can achieve high-precision force control within the desired force and frequency range, allowing various load application scenarios. To validate the functionality of this new device, proof-of-concept studies were performed in ex vivo cultured rat bones of varying sizes. First, very small fetal metatarsal bones were microdissected and exposed to 0.4 N loading applied at 0.77 Hz for 30 s. When bone lengths were measured after 5 days in culture, loaded bones had grown less than unloaded controls (p < 0.05). Next, fetal rat femur bones were periodically exposed to 0.4 N loading at 0.77 Hz while being cultured ex vivo for 12 days. Interestingly, this loading regimen had the opposite effect on bone growth, i.e., loaded femur bones grew significantly more than unloaded controls (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that complex relationships between longitudinal bone growth and mechanical loading can be determined using this device. We conclude that our new portable mechanical loading device allows experimental studies in small bones of varying sizes, which may facilitate further preclinical studies exploring the potential clinical applications of mechanical loading.

Psychoeducational group intervention for intellectually able adults with autism and their close relations (Prisma) - an open feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood is associated with severe impairments in functioning and poor health, while ASD is also affecting close relations. Accessible first-line interventions addressing the complex clinical needs and care coordination are lacking.

METHODS

This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effects of a new psychoeducational intervention (Prisma) developed for intellectually able adults with ASD and their close relations in an outpatient setting. The manualized Prisma intervention consist of four weekly group sessions guided by trained group leaders and providing information about autism, support, and services. Feasibility was examined through treatment completion rate and group-level comparisons between intervention completers and non-completers (Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's chi-squared test). Perceived treatment credibility was investigated by within-group comparisons of participant's self-ratings from pre-intervention to post-intervention, as well as by group leaders' ratings using an adjusted questionnaire. Treatment satisfaction was examined quantitatively regarding the session evaluations (Student's t-tests), as well as by a qualitative thematic analysis of participants' feedback. Preliminary efficacy was studied using paired t-tests (pre- and post-intervention).

RESULTS

Completion rate was 77% (n = 71 of the 92 adults with ASD) and 73% (n = 69 of the 94 close relations), respectively. Participants considered Prisma to be an acceptable intervention indicated by increases in treatment credibility and expectations from pre- to post-intervention. The group leaders reported treatment credibility in the same range as the participants. Both autistic adults and their close relations reported good treatment satisfaction for each session, while the qualitative thematic analysis indicated that Prisma could be improved by enhancing active participation. This participant feedback will be used to further improve the intervention for an upcoming RCT. Preliminary analyses of effects showed promising results with an increase in knowledge of ASD and some indications for improvements in relationship quality, mental health, quality of life, acceptance of diagnosis and burden of care.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, results indicate that the Prisma is a feasible and acceptable first-line intervention in outpatient services. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further corroborate the evidence base of this novel intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.org NCT0446097, retrospectively registered July 8th 2020.