Noteworthy Autism-related Publications with NSU-affiliated Researchers
Sourced from the PubMed directory, this article highlights noteworthy autism-related publications from the past year (June 2022 – June 2023) featuring NSU-affiliated researchers as authors. NSU authors/contributors are bolded in the citations:
Langlie J, Mittal R, Finberg A, Bencie NB, Mittal J, Omidian H, Omidi Y, Eshraghi AA. Unraveling pathological mechanisms in neurological disorders: the impact of cell-based and organoid models. Neural Regen Res. 2022 Oct;17(10):2131-2140.
doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.335836. PMID: 35259819; PMCID: PMC9083150.
Abstract: Cell-based models are a promising tool in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurological disorders as well as aiding in the discovery and development of future drug therapies. The greatest challenge is creating cell-based models that encapsulate the vast phenotypic presentations as well as the underlying genotypic etiology of these conditions. In this article, we discuss the recent advancements in cell-based models for understanding the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. We reviewed studies discussing the progression of cell-based models to the advancement of three-dimensional models and organoids that provide a more accurate model of the pathophysiology of neurological disorders in vivo. The better we understand how to create more precise models of the neurological system, the sooner we will be able to create patient-specific models and large libraries of these neurological disorders. While three-dimensional models can be used to discover the linking factors to connect the varying phenotypes, such models will also help to understand the early pathophysiology of these neurological disorders and how they are affected by their environment. The three-dimensional cell models will allow us to create more specific treatments and uncover potentially preventative measures in neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Assuah FB, Emanuel B, Lacasse BM, Beggs J, Lou J, Motta FC, Nemzer LR, Worth R, Cravens GD. A Literature Review of Similarities Between and Among Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy. Cureus. 2023 Jan 18;15(1):e33946.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.33946. PMID: 36819340; PMCID: PMC9937677.
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been shown to be associated with various other conditions, and most commonly, ASD has been demonstrated to be linked to epilepsy. ASD and epilepsy have been observed to exhibit high rates of comorbidity, even when compared to the co-occurrence of other disorders with similar pathologies. At present, nearly one-half of the individuals diagnosed with ASD also have been diagnosed with comorbid epilepsy. Research suggests that both conditions likely share similarities in their underlying disease pathophysiology, possibly associated with disturbances in the central nervous system (CNS), and may be linked to an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether one condition is the consequence of the other, as the pathologies of both disorders are commonly linked to many different underlying signal transduction mechanisms. In this review, we aim to investigate the co-occurrence of ASD and epilepsy, with the intent of gaining insights into the similarities in pathophysiology that both conditions present with. Elucidating the underlying disease pathophysiology as a result of both disorders could lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of disease activity that drives co-occurrence, as well as provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of each condition individually.
Chanin M, Etcheverry N, Levi-Minzi MA, Chung J, Padilla O, Ocanto RA. Parent Perception of Child’s Behavior during the Initial Dental Visit among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 30;20(3):2454.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032454. PMID: 36767822; PMCID: PMC9915281.
Abstract: (1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate parent perception of behavior and level of cooperation to determine the success of a dental appointment with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). (2) Methods: pre-treatment form, task analysis (TAS), and Frankl scale scores were extracted from patient charts. Values were calculated for patient demographics and other health characteristics (N = 235). Regression models were constructed to examine the success level during the first dental appointment (measured by TAS and Frankl scores) by several factors. (3) Results: The model to test patient characteristics: age, gender, ethnicity, and verbal communication, Hispanic ethnicity significantly predicted the TAS score, F (4, 191) = 2.45, p = 0.03 [95% CI -17.18, -3.53], and age significantly predicted the Frankl score, F (4, 194) = 5.17, p = 0.00 [95% CI 0.04, 0.12]. There was a significant association between parent perception of behavior and Frankl scores, F (2, 202) = 7.68, p = 0.00 [ 95% CI -0.11, -0.02]. (4) Conclusion: The results indicate that ethnicity and age play a role in successful outcomes during the dental appointment. Additionally, parent perception of their child’s behavior significantly predicted the Frankl score, thus coordinating with parents during the dental appointment can be a key factor in treatment planning for productive dental visits.
Dufault RJ, Crider RA, Deth RC, Schnoll R, Gilbert SG, Lukiw WJ, Hitt AL. Higher rates of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in American children: Are food quality issues impacting epigenetic inheritance? World J Clin Pediatr. 2023 Mar 9;12(2):25-37.
doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i2.25. PMID: 37034430; PMCID: PMC10075020.
Abstract: In the United States, schools offer special education services to children who are diagnosed with a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder and have difficulty meeting their learning goals. Pediatricians may play a key role in helping children access special education services. The number of children ages 6-21 in the United States receiving special education services increased 10.4% from 2006 to 2021. Children receiving special education services under the autism category increased 242% during the same period. The demand for special education services for children under the developmental delay and other health impaired categories increased by 184% and 83% respectively. Although student enrollment in American schools has remained stable since 2006, the percentage distribution of children receiving special education services nearly tripled for the autism category and quadrupled for the developmental delay category by 2021. Allowable heavy metal residues remain persistent in the American food supply due to food ingredient manufacturing processes. Numerous clinical trial data indicate heavy metal exposures and poor diet are the primary epigenetic factors responsible for the autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder epidemics. Dietary heavy metal exposures, especially inorganic mercury and lead may impact gene behavior across generations. In 2021, the United States Congress found heavy metal residues problematic in the American food supply but took no legislative action. Mandatory health warning labels on select foods may be the only way to reduce dietary heavy metal exposures and improve child learning across generations.
Demchick BB, Flanagan J, Li CY, Cassidy R, Golding J. Early Indicators of Autism in Infants: Development of the IMES Screening Tool. OTJR (Thorofare N J). 2023 Apr;43(2):255-263.
doi: 10.1177/15394492221134910. Epub 2022 Dec 10. PMID: 36495161.
Abstract: We developed the Infant, Motor, and Engagement Scale (IMES) to address the public health goal of early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The IMES is a screening tool that assesses quality of infants’ interaction with people and objects during early play. We aimed to examine the IMES’ preliminary psychometric properties and its value in discriminating between infants later diagnosed with ASD and typically developing infants. We used the IMES to score retrospective home videos of 15 male infants, 7 who were later diagnosed with autism. We examined interrater reliability using Cohen’s Kappa, internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha and content validity through expert review. Preliminary data support validity and reliability of the IMES for early identification for infants at 6 to 9 months. With further research, the IMES has the potential to identify at risk infants at a young age that may have long-term impact on child and family outcomes.