Articles tagged with Developmental Disorders
A new study found that stress can aggravate the impact of prior streptococcal infection on symptoms of Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The researchers identified a link between psychosocial stress and worsening tic and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity in children with Tourette syndrome and OCD.
Researchers have gained new understanding of Arl13b's function in Joubert syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by developmental delay and low muscle tone. The study reveals that Arl13b regulates ciliary transmembrane protein localization and transport to the tip of the cilium.
Researchers found a gene deletion in chromosome 15 associated with significant learning and behavioral problems, including developmental delay, mental retardation, and epilepsy. The study suggests that the nicotinic receptor plays a crucial role in these conditions.
Chinese dyslexia is characterized by two disorders: visuospatial deficit and phonological disorder, differing from English dyslexia which primarily affects phonological processing
Children with microcephaly are at risk of neurologic and cognitive problems, including epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and eye and ear disorders. Doctors recommend screening for coexisting conditions, brain scans, and genetic testing to identify the causes of microcephaly.
Researchers discover HYLS1 is a centriolar protein required for cilia formation in humans, linking hydrolethalus syndrome to the emerging class of human ciliopathies. The study expands knowledge on human ciliopathy diseases, providing insights into severe birth defects and early neonatal death.
The Interactive Autism Network is expanding its research initiative to adults with autism, enrolling individuals to gain insight into their experiences and connect them with researchers. The IAN Project aims to provide much-needed data on the lives of adults with autism, addressing a significant unmet need.
A six-year study found that administering high doses of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to pre-term infants through breast milk or formula reduces significantly delayed mental development. Premature girls showed better mental development than boys, but the exact reason for this difference remains unclear.
A study found a link between a chromosomal aberration at 1q21.1 and various developmental disorders in children, including mental retardation, growth issues, seizures, autism, and heart defects. The researchers suggest that the aberration may contribute to subtle disorders in carriers who appear unaffected.
Ahi1 and Hap1 form a stable complex in mouse brain, but truncated Ahi1 fails to stabilize Hap1; this affects TrkB levels crucial for nerve and brain development. The study provides insight into Joubert syndrome mechanisms.
A study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that IVF treatment does not lead to increased risk of cerebral palsy or other neurodevelopmental disorders in early infancy. However, sub-fertility itself may be associated with less-than-optimal neurological conditions.
A team of international experts from 10 countries developed the first evidence-based definition of lifelong premature ejaculation, aiding future diagnosis and treatment. The definition combines three key factors: early ejaculation nearly every time, inability to delay ejaculation, and negative personal consequences.
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN) has facilitated connections between parents and researchers, providing valuable data on causes, treatments, and potential cures for autism. The registry has revealed significant insights, including maternal depression and ineffective treatments.
Researchers found that cohesin acts as a regulator of gene expression, playing an essential role in reading genes independently of its previously known function. The molecule is also necessary for the function of insulators, which separate regions influenced by regulators.
Children with autism typically have normal-sized heads at birth but experience accelerated head growth between six and nine months of age, according to a new study. This aberrant growth is present in both early onset and regression types of the disorder, making it a potential biological marker for autism.
Researchers identified six courses of mental health, with poorer outcomes associated with smaller birth weight and delayed developmental milestones. The study suggests a 'fetal programming' model for depression and anxiety, where prenatal stress may result in permanent maladaptive changes to the developing fetal brain.
A simple questionnaire from the University of Oregon has increased referrals of mild developmental delays in year-old and 2-year-old children. The Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) showed a significant improvement in pediatrician diagnosis, with 44 additional patients eligible for monitoring.
A study by researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute found a strong association between increased white matter volume and poorer motor skills in children with autism. Conversely, typically developing children showed improved motor skills with increased white matter volume.
Toddlers with ASD show unusual attention patterns when viewing faces, spending more time on eyes than other features. They have difficulty recognizing familiar faces, but exhibit improved performance when adopting typical facial scanning patterns.
A team of experts approved ten new technologies for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which will allow scientists to study the first generation of stars and galaxies. The new tech includes microshutter arrays and wavefront sensing and control, reducing the risk of increased costs and schedule delays.
Researchers found that a specific class of PCB causes significant developmental abnormalities in rat pups whose mothers were exposed to the toxicant during pregnancy and early nursing. The study suggests that non-coplanar PCBs may be particularly hazardous due to their stability and prevalence in environmental samples.
Researchers found that babies who don't respond to their names by 12 months are more likely to have developmental problems. The study identified a link between failure to respond to name and autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays.
Adults with autism exhibit differences in coordinated neural activity, suggesting inefficient communication between brain regions. Researchers found abnormal connectivity patterns in the left hemisphere and decreased connections between frontal lobes and rest of autistic brain.
The NIMH has launched three major clinical studies on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to better define subtypes and explore possible new treatments. Researchers will compare children with regressive, non-regressive, and other developmental disorders to investigate environmental factors that may trigger symptoms of autism.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study of 31 Dutch SCADD patients and their relatives to describe genetic, biochemical, and clinical characteristics. The study found a birth prevalence of at least 1:50,000, with developmental delay, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia being common symptoms.
A study published in Neurology found that children with autism have altered brain anatomy, including differences in gray matter and brain size compared to children with typical development. The researchers used MRI scans to measure the transverse relaxation of cortical gray and white matter in the brains of autistic children.
A study of premature babies found that their brain development follows an abnormal pattern, with the surface area growing faster than the volume. The rate of growth is critical in predicting whether a child will experience delayed development. The more premature and male the baby, the slower the growth rate and higher the risk of delay.
A University of Southern California study found that strength training exercise can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in overweight teens. Overweight Latino teenage boys who lifted weights twice per week for 16 weeks significantly reduced their insulin resistance, a condition common in obese children and precursor to diabetes.
Research suggests a significant increase in childhood autism prevalence in the UK, affecting approximately 1% of the child population. The study found that children with autism constitute 39 per 10,000 and 77 per 10,000 in South London, indicating a much higher prevalence than previously estimated.
A Hopkins study found that pediatricians rarely screen patients for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with 62% citing a lack of knowledge about screening tools. Screening for ASD is crucial to prevent poorer outcomes in children with developmental disorders, but current national efforts may not be effective.
A study found that developmentally delayed young children exhibit high levels of stability in their peer interactions, enabling early identification of those at risk for problems. Interventions focusing on promoting peer relationships during the early childhood period are suggested to address these challenges.
A Yale University study found that methylphenidate is an effective medication for children with autism and increased hyperactivity. However, the response rate was lower than expected compared to ADHD without co-occurring PDD.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that methylphenidate significantly improved symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children with pervasive developmental disorders. The study included 58 participants who showed a response rate of around 76 percent to the medication.
Scientists identify ZIC1 and ZIC4 genes linked to Dandy-Walker, a condition affecting the cerebellum. The discovery may lead to prenatal diagnosis and better understanding of autism.
A new hypothesis from Northwestern University researchers suggests that brain development and puberty could be key factors in learning disorders. The study found that individuals with learning problems develop more slowly than those without, and their brains stop developing around the time of puberty's onset.
Researchers have identified two specific brain areas activated when people make mental state judgments, shedding light on the neural basis of everyday theory of mind. This finding may help develop interventions for individuals with autism who struggle with social skills and mental state decoding.
The main thrust of a 1998 Lancet paper described an unexpected intestinal lesion in children, raising the possibility of a link between MMR vaccine and autism. Despite lack of evidence, the paper's interpretation sparked major implications for public health, leading to formal retraction by the authors.
Female coots can accurately count their own eggs in a mixture, rejecting parasitic eggs and altering clutch size. This remarkable feat provides insight into the complex defense mechanisms used by coots to thwart brood parasitism.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a gene responsible for Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS), a rare genetic disorder. The discovery suggests that primarily one gene contributes to the phenotype, rather than multiple genes as previously thought.
Adults with ADHD are at higher risk of dropping out of school, losing jobs, and experiencing marital problems due to poor social skills and increased anxiety and depression. Reliable diagnosis and treatment options, such as stimulant medications and new psychotherapeutic approaches, can help manage the condition.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for evaluating children with global developmental delay, including the use of cytogenetic studies and molecular testing. Early diagnosis can help determine the cause of the disorder and assist in developing a treatment plan.
Researchers will enroll up to 2,000 children with differing patterns of development to compare environmental exposures and physiologic factors. The study aims to gain a better understanding of the multiple ways autism and other developmental delays may occur.
A nationwide study aims to identify genetic markers for autism and improve early detection, helping families receive timely support. The study will involve 75 children with autism, 40 developmentally delayed children, and 40 normally developing ones.
Autistic children exhibit significantly increased cerebral volumes compared to typically developing children, suggesting abnormal brain development processes occur very early. Brain volume levels out to normal size by adolescence and adulthood.
Research found that autistic preschoolers have 10% larger brains than normally developing children, which may contribute to their difficulty in recognizing emotions from facial expressions. The study also suggests that early intervention programs can help rewire the brain to process faces and emotions more normally.
A recent study by Dr. Gianpiero Palermo and his team found that ICSI children are developing normally, with no significant delays in cognitive abilities, socio-emotional development, or motor skills. The study contradicts previous concerns about the ICSI technique's impact on babies' development.
A claims-based measurement system shows widespread underuse of necessary care among elderly Medicare beneficiaries, even among relatively well-insured populations. Underuse is more common among African Americans, residents of poverty areas, and those living in areas with a shortage of healthcare professionals.
A Phase III study found that Aslera improved bone mineral density in female lupus patients by 1.8% compared to a loss of 1.8%, with greater increases observed in postmenopausal patients. This suggests that Aslera may be effective in preventing osteoporosis and fractures in women with SLE.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends routine developmental screening for all children from infancy through school age, focusing on early detection of autism. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of genetic or metabolic testing to rule out conditions that may be confused with autism.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaling nitric oxide gas can prevent the development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in infant rats by reducing cell proliferation in lung arteries. The study suggests that this therapy may significantly improve the quality of life and save lives of infants at risk for PVD.
Researchers have identified a bone morphogenetic protein receptor II gene mutation as the cause of familial primary pulmonary hypertension, a progressive condition characterized by constriction of blood vessels. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for both familial and sporadic forms of PPH.
Researchers identified SAANDS compounds as a potential new drug target for inducing apoptosis in abnormal cells. The compounds inhibit cGMP phosphodiesterases, triggering programmed cell death in cancerous and precancerous cells.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients treated with Aptosyn experienced a clinically significant reduction in precancerous colon polyp formation after six months of therapy. Over 18 months, patients showed an overall 75% reduction in polyps, highlighting the compound's potential as a treatment for FAP.
A new study suggests that a caspase-inhibiting drug could help delay ALS symptoms and prolong life. Researchers found that mice treated with zVAD-fmk lived 22% longer than untreated littermates, providing proof of principle for this potential treatment.
The companies identified a family of proteins called Potassium Channel Interacting Proteins (KChIPs) that regulate A-type potassium channels, which control brain electrical signals. These KChIPs may lead to the development of new therapeutics for CNS disorders with minimal side effects.
Researchers found Madh6 gene and Smad6 protein play crucial role in cardiovascular system, causing heart valve and blood vessel abnormalities. This discovery provides potential target for developing novel therapies to treat cardiovascular disease.
Research found that babies who used newer-style walkers with large trays took longer to sit upright, crawl, and walk compared to those who didn't use walkers. These delays were attributed to the restricted visual feedback from seeing their moving legs.
Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered a naturally-occurring antibody that significantly reduces diabetic symptoms in mice. The study's findings suggest that masking the foreign nature of affected cells may prevent immunological processes that cause diabetes. Eighty percent of treated mice did not develop diabetic symptoms.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that green tea polyphenols may help prevent and reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that mice given green tea polyphenols were significantly less likely to develop arthritis, with only 44% developing the condition compared ...
A study of 12,330 men and women aged 45-64 found that those with high levels of white blood cells, albumin, or fibrinogen were at higher risk of developing diabetes. The research suggests that inflammation may play a central role in the development of Type 2 diabetes.