scholarly journals An investigation of chronic exposure of lead to the pregnant laboratory animal and its effects on their offspring: Autism investigation to the laboratory animal model in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 085-084
Author(s):  
Md Shafiqul Islam ◽  
Sabbya Sachi ◽  
Md Rakibul Hasan

Lead poisoning is a continuing crisis impacting learning, neurological and behavioral development in children. This study investigated an important outcome from the environmental lead contamination which cause retardation of infant’s brain development. A total of 30 Swiss albino mice of both sexes were used in this study and divide into three groups consisting 6 female and 4 male in each group. Two groups of mice were given lead treated drinking (30 ppm and 230 ppm respectively) and rat pellets ad libitum and the control mice were supplied normal drinking water and rat pellets ad libitum. At 20-21th days of pregnancy lead-induced female mouse gave birth to a litter of 5-6 pups; whereas, control mouse gave birth to 10-13 pups at a time. Both lead-induced and controlled offspring were found normal; however, some lead-induced offspring were found comparatively smaller than the control one. Autism spectrum disorder behavioral diagnostic tools were used to explore the level of autism, if any. The anxiety assessment marble burying investigation did not reveal any significant differences among the group’s mice. Three chambered social interaction analysis found no significant differences among the mice. Blood serum level of lead for controlled mice were found 0.333mg/dL, whereas, 30 ppm and 230 ppm lead-induced born mice were found 3.833mg/dL and 9.666mg/dL respectively. This study suggested that a genetic predisposition pair with exposure to environmental toxicants play important role in the causes of autism spectrum disorder. Lead is not the pivotal factor of autism development in new born offspring in mice

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bárbara Backes ◽  
Bruna Gomes Mônego ◽  
Cleonice Alves Bosa ◽  
Denise Ruschel Bandeira

Objective To systematically review the scientific literature on the psychometric properties of international instruments for the assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Brazilian population. Methods A search of bibliographic references was conducted in six electronic databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, IndexPsi, Lilacs, Capes (theses and dissertations) and SciELO. The studies were selected by two independent researchers. Results The procedure identified 11 studies of the Brazilian population that encompassed six ASD assessment tools. Given the information provided, the adaptation of the M-CHAT, a screening instrument, was the best conducted. All steps of the adaptation process were described and the changes made to the final version of the instrument were presented, which was not addressed in other studies. In terms of reliability, all of the instruments that assessed internal consistency showed adequate values. In addition, the ADI-R and the CARS adaptations also satisfactorily contemplated inter-rater reliability and test-retest indices, respectively. Finally, all studies aiming to validate instruments showed evidence of validity and sensitivity, and specificity values above 0.90 were observed in the ASQ, ADI-R and ABC. Conclusion Considering both the psychometric aspects and the copyright information, the screening instrument that currently appears to be best indicated for clinical and research use is the M-CHAT. It was also noticed that there are still no specific ASD diagnostic tools available for use in Brazil. This lack of diagnostic instruments consists in a critical situation for the improvement of clinical practice and the development of research in this area.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
Nadire Cavus ◽  
Abdulmalik A. Lawan ◽  
Zurki Ibrahim ◽  
Abdullahi Dahiru ◽  
Sadiya Tahir ◽  
...  

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. The insufficient number of trained clinicians coupled with limited accessibility to quick and accurate diagnostic tools resulted in overlooking early symptoms of ASD in children around the world. Several studies have utilized behavioral data in developing and evaluating the performance of machine learning (ML) models toward quick and intelligent ASD assessment systems. However, despite the good evaluation metrics achieved by the ML models, there is not enough evidence on the readiness of the models for clinical use. Specifically, none of the existing studies reported the real-life application of the ML-based models. This might be related to numerous challenges associated with the data-centric techniques utilized and their misalignment with the conceptual basis upon which professionals diagnose ASD. The present work systematically reviewed recent articles on the application of ML in the behavioral assessment of ASD, and highlighted common challenges in the studies, and proposed vital considerations for real-life implementation of ML-based ASD screening and diagnostic systems. This review will serve as a guide for researchers, neuropsychiatrists, psychologists, and relevant stakeholders on the advances in ASD screening and diagnosis using ML.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 182-193
Author(s):  
Huw Morgan Dunstall ◽  
Catherine Walton ◽  
Lance Vincent Watkins ◽  
Andrew Bhasker Isaac ◽  
Mohamed El Tahir

Purpose Catatonia is increasingly recognised as a comorbid syndrome of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDs). The assessment and management of individuals with comorbid ASD and intellectual disability (ID) adds a further dimension to this already complex presentation, with few cases identified in the literature. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents four cases of catatonia in individuals with comorbid ASD and ID. The diagnostic challenges, response to treatment and prognosis are discussed whilst comparing with the existing literature. Findings A high index of suspicion is required to recognise the subtle catatonic features seen in patients with ASD and ID. Clinicians should be particularly vigilant following stressful events in young adults. The assessment of catatonia in ASDs and ID requires a pragmatic approach given the lack of suitable diagnostic tools and difficulties completing investigations. Caution is advised when using rating scales as they are not validated in ID. The mainstay of treatment is lorazepam, although responses vary. Originality/value The discussion of these four cases strengthens the existing literature, and highlights the implications a comorbid diagnosis of ID has on the assessment and management of catatonia in ASDs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karina Griesi-Oliveira ◽  
Andréa Laurato Sertié

ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder is a complex and genetically heterogeneous disorder, which has hampered the identification of the etiological factors in each patient and, consequently, the genetic counseling for families at risk. However, in the last decades, the remarkable advances in the knowledge of genetic aspects of autism based on genetic and molecular research, as well as the development of new molecular diagnostic tools, have substantially changed this scenario. Nowadays, it is estimated that using the currently available molecular tests, a potential underlying genetic cause can be identified in nearly 25% of cases. Combined with clinical assessment, prenatal history evaluation and investigation of other physiological aspects, an etiological explanation for the disease can be found for approximately 30 to 40% of patients. Therefore, in view of the current knowledge about the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorder, which has contributed for a more precise genetic counseling, and of the potential benefits that an etiological investigation can bring to patients and families, molecular genetic investigation has become increasingly important. Here, we discuss the current view of the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorder, and list the main associated genetic alterations, the available molecular tests and the key aspects for the genetic counseling of these families.


F1000Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaheen Akhter ◽  
A.H.M Enayet Hussain ◽  
Jannatara Shefa ◽  
Gopen Kumar Kundu ◽  
Fazlur Rahman ◽  
...  

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. In Bangladesh, autism in children is a significant burden of disease. Early identification of ASD could improve quality of life. The study has explored at the prevalence of ASD among rural community children aged between 18-36 months. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the 5286 children aged between 18-36 months in a rural community. Household level data was collected using screening tool MCHAT. Primarily screening positive 66 children were invited for final diagnosis in a health camp. Diagnosis was made by different staging started from primary screening, followed by validation using MCHAT and flash card. Final diagnosis was made by the paediatric neurologists, child clinical psychologists and development therapist using diagnostic tools (DSM-IV & ADOS). Results: 04 children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prevalence of the ASD in rural community was found 0.75/1000 children. Among the four ASD cases three were boys and one was girl and age range was between 20- 30 months. Whereas, the highest prevalence rate found was for the cerebral palsy which was 5.6/1000 children and Developmental delay (2.6/1000) was the next to that. Conclusions: Age specific autism (18-36 months) in children is found higher in rural community of Bangladesh. In order to get more comprehensive information on autism in other age groups of children in rural community, further study is required. Early detection in rural community could help the policy makers to decentralization of health services among the ASD children in rural community.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Seesahai ◽  
Paige Church ◽  
Lina Patel ◽  
Thomas Rotter ◽  
Elizabeth Asztalos ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUNDTraditionally, autism spectrum disorder in people with Down syndrome was believed to be uncommon. This misconception is rooted in the challenges that a dual diagnosis poses. In fact, evidence indicates that children with Down syndrome are at risk for autism spectrum disorder with a potentially higher prevalence than the typically developing population. The purpose of this review is to determine the reported prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome in comparison to the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in the typical population when specific diagnostic tools are used. METHODSWe will conduct a systematic review of the prevalence and incidence data and perform a meta-analysis on these results. This study will consider all studies that reported on children and adults with an existing diagnosis of Down syndrome and diagnosed by the standardized assessments for autism spectrum disorder. We will also consider the diagnoses made by team assessment (psychologist, psychiatrist & developmental pediatrician), according to DSM-III, DSM-IV or DSM-V criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder or if they use autism spectrum disorder screeners. Studies will be considered from all countries that have data reporting prevalence on this topic. We will not apply language restrictions, attempting to translate studies that are not in English. We will search five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL). Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data extraction independently. The articles will be categorized according to key findings and a critical appraisal performed.DISCUSSIONThe results of this review will bring increased awareness of the presence of autism spectrum disorder in individuals with Down syndrome. In doing so, this may facilitate a recommendation for screening and diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome. Based on the research demonstrating the benefits of early identification and intervention on the outcomes of children with autism, we anticipate similar benefits in this population. This will guide the allocation of resources and direct future research.SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATIONWe registerd the review title prospectively on PROSPERO on November 8, 2021. Registration number: CRD42020213282


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 222-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Underwood ◽  
Jane McCarthy ◽  
Eddie Chaplin ◽  
Marco O. Bertelli

Purpose – Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a range of psychiatric disorders. However, making an accurate diagnosis is challenging. It is important to follow a robust and informed process in the assessment of psychopathology that is centred on the individual and their neurodevelopmental difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with an evidence-based approach to the assessment process for adults with ASD presenting with a possible co-occurrent psychiatric disorder. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the recent literature was undertaken focusing on key papers that describe the assessment of mental health problems in adults with ASD. Findings – The presentation of psychiatric symptoms is influenced by the underlying developmental disorder and it is often quite different from the one of the general population. Thus, it is essential to undertake a comprehensive psychopathological assessment including a diagnostic assessment of ASD. There is a very small evidence base on the use of diagnostic tools in the assessment of adults with ASD. Originality/value – This is a practice review paper applying recent evidence from the literature.


2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. S202
Author(s):  
I. Dobrescu ◽  
F. Rad ◽  
M.C. Nedelcu ◽  
C. Trutescu ◽  
C.G. Anghel

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