scholarly journals The Use of Drosophila to Understand Psychostimulant Responses

Biomedicines ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Travis James Philyaw ◽  
Adrian Rothenfluh ◽  
Iris Titos
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Population Heterogeneity ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Genetic Components ◽  
The Many ◽  
High Degree

The addictive properties of psychostimulants such as cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate are based on their ability to increase dopaminergic neurotransmission in the reward system. While cocaine and methamphetamine are predominately used recreationally, amphetamine and methylphenidate also work as effective therapeutics to treat symptoms of disorders including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although both the addictive properties of psychostimulant drugs and their therapeutic efficacy are influenced by genetic variation, very few genes that regulate these processes in humans have been identified. This is largely due to population heterogeneity which entails a requirement for large samples. Drosophila melanogaster exhibits similar psychostimulant responses to humans, a high degree of gene conservation, and allow performance of behavioral assays in a large population. Additionally, amphetamine and methylphenidate reduce impairments in fly models of ADHD-like behavior. Therefore, Drosophila represents an ideal translational model organism to tackle the genetic components underlying the effects of psychostimulants. Here, we break down the many assays that reliably quantify the effects of cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate in Drosophila. We also discuss how Drosophila is an efficient and cost-effective model organism for identifying novel candidate genes and molecular mechanisms involved in the behavioral responses to psychostimulant drugs.

scholarly journals Distinct roles of GRIN2A and GRIN2B variants in neurological conditions

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 1940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott J Myers ◽  
Hongjie Yuan ◽  
Jing-Qiong Kang ◽  
Francis Chee Kuan Tan ◽  
Stephen F Traynelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Clinical Phenotypes ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Functional Consequences ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Circuit Function ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Insight Into

Rapid advances in sequencing technology have led to an explosive increase in the number of genetic variants identified in patients with neurological disease and have also enabled the assembly of a robust database of variants in healthy individuals. A surprising number of variants in the GRIN genes that encode N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamatergic receptor subunits have been found in patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. This review compares and contrasts the available information describing the clinical and functional consequences of genetic variations in GRIN2A and GRIN2B. Comparison of clinical phenotypes shows that GRIN2A variants are commonly associated with an epileptic phenotype but that GRIN2B variants are commonly found in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. These observations emphasize the distinct roles that the gene products serve in circuit function and suggest that functional analysis of GRIN2A and GRIN2B variation may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms, which will allow more accurate subclassification of clinical phenotypes. Furthermore, characterization of the pharmacological properties of variant receptors could provide the first opportunity for translational therapeutic strategies for these GRIN-related neurological and psychiatric disorders.

scholarly journals The cost-effectiveness of treatments for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa Sampaio ◽  
Inna Feldman ◽  
Tara A. Lavelle ◽  
Norbert Skokauskas
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
The Cost

AbstractEconomic evaluations can help decision makers identify what services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders provide best value-for-money. The aim of this paper is to review the best available economic evidence to support decision making for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. We conducted a systematic review of economic evaluations of ADHD and ASD interventions including studies published 2010–2020, identified through Econlit, Medline, PsychINFO, and ERIC databases. Only full economic evaluations comparing two or more options, considering both costs and consequences were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist. We identified ten studies of moderate-to-good quality on the cost-effectiveness of treatments for ADHD and two studies of good quality of interventions for ASD. The majority of ADHD studies evaluated pharmacotherapy (n = 8), and two investigated the economic value of psychosocial/behavioral interventions. Both economic evaluations for ASD investigated early and communication interventions. Included studies support the cost-effectiveness of behavioral parenting interventions for younger children with ADHD. Among pharmacotherapies for ADHD, different combinations of stimulant/non-stimulant medications for children were cost-effective at willingness-to-pay thresholds reported in the original papers. Early intervention for children with suspected ASD was cost-effective, but communication-focused therapy for preschool children with ASD was not. Prioritizing more studies in this area would allow decision makers to promote cost-effective and clinically effective interventions for this target group.

scholarly journals Prenatal maternal infections, ASD and ADHD

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hildigunnur Anna Hall ◽  
Lydia Gabriela Speyer ◽  
Aja Louise Murray ◽  
Bonnie Auyeung
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Maternal Infections ◽  
Prenatal Infection ◽  
Prenatal Infections

No clear answer has yet been attained as to the influence of prenatal exposure to infection on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), either alone or as co-occurring issues. We examined links between hospital-recorded and maternal-reported prenatal infections and ASD, ADHD and co-occurring ASD and ADHD in a large population-representative UK sample. Significant associations between maternal-reported infections and ASD, ADHD and co-occurring ASD and ADHD were found, but no significant associations were found with hospital-recorded infections. Agreement between hospital-recorded and maternal-reported infections was low, which may explain the discrepant findings. Results point to the importance of drawing on multiple sources of information when determining whether or not a prenatal infection is present.

Medical Pediatric Psychology Has Come of Age

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 475-476
Author(s):  
Deborah Dewey
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Pediatric Psychology ◽  
Pediatric Neuropsychology ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Medical Disorders ◽  
Multidisciplinary Nature ◽  
Neurobehavioral Outcomes ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
The Many

In the last line of the forward to Pediatric Neuropsychology, Arthur Benton stated that “pediatric neuropsychology has come of age.” This volume provides ample support for this statement. It demonstrates how the field of pediatric neuropsychology has developed and matured, but it also reminds us of the many questions that remain unanswered. Its focus is on the neurobehavioral sequelae of various medical disorders such as epilepsy, meningitis, and diabetes. It does not address, however, the neurobehavioral outcomes associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. As indicated by Byron Rourke in his commentary (chapter 20), “these are important areas of pediatric neuropsychological research that merit attention because of their theoretical and clinical relevance” (p. 476). I agree with Dr. Rourke's statement that they should be covered in a book that deals with pediatric neuropsychology and would also encourage the editors to include them in a second edition should it be forthcoming. Despite this shortcoming, this book is an excellent reference for both researchers and clinicians in pediatric neuropsychology. Further, because of its multidisciplinary nature it may be of interest to other professionals who work with and treat children with various medical disorders that have neurobehavioral sequelae such as pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, pediatric psychiatrists and medical geneticists.

The many faces of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Unruly behaviour in secondary school and diagnostic solutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylva Odenbring ◽  
Thomas Johansson ◽  
Kristina Hunehäll Berndtsson
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Research Field ◽  
School Officials ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Student Welfare ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Many ◽  
Integrated Or

In society today, there is a tendency towards over-diagnosing. This tendency in society at large seems to reflect the normalization of a diagnostic culture. Some researchers have claimed that this normalization could be defined as the ‘medicalization of childhood’. There would seem to be a need for a sociocultural analysis of this phenomenon in schools – and it is in relation to this background that the present study hopes to generate new knowledge for the research field. This article explores how professionals in student welfare teams relate to and use neuropsychiatric diagnoses. The study draws on interviews with key officials working in student welfare teams in three urban secondary schools in southern Sweden. The main aim has been to investigate how the school officials talk about diagnoses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and what kind of explanatory value is awarded to these diagnoses. The results indicate that the professional culture in schools plays a key role in how diagnoses are integrated or not integrated into the schools’ work with students’ behavioural problems. The results also show that the narratives about diagnoses were framed by ideas related to the students’ social-class background and gender.

Examining the Role of Language in Play Among Children With and Without Developmental Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 795-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth J. Short ◽  
Rachael Cooper Schindler ◽  
Rita Obeid ◽  
Maia M. Noeder ◽  
Laura E. Hlavaty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Free Play ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Play Skills ◽  
Critical Aspect ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Better Than

Purpose Play is a critical aspect of children's development, and researchers have long argued that symbolic deficits in play may be diagnostic of developmental disabilities. This study examined whether deficits in play emerge as a function of developmental disabilities and whether our perceptions of play are colored by differences in language and behavioral presentations. Method Ninety-three children participated in this study (typically developing [TD]; n = 23, developmental language disorders [DLD]; n = 24, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]; n = 26, and autism spectrum disorder [ASD]; n = 20). Children were videotaped engaging in free-play. Children's symbolic play (imagination, organization, elaboration, and comfort) was scored under conditions of both audible language and no audible language to assess diagnostic group differences in play and whether audible language impacted raters' perception of play. Results Significant differences in play were evident across diagnostic groups. The presence of language did not alter play ratings for the TD group, but differences were found among the other diagnostic groups. When language was audible, children with DLD and ASD (but not ADHD) were scored poorly on play compared to their TD peers. When language was not audible, children with DLD were perceived to play better than when language was audible. Conversely, children with ADHD showed organizational deficits when language was not available to support their play. Finally, children with ASD demonstrated poor play performance regardless of whether language was audible or not. Conclusions Language affects our understanding of play skills in some young children. Parents, researchers, and clinicians must be careful not to underestimate or overestimate play based on language presentation. Differential skills in language have the potential to unduly influence our perceptions of play for children with developmental disabilities.

The Influence of Background Auditory Noise on P50 and N100 Suppression Elicited by the Paired-Click Paradigm

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-178
Author(s):  
Samantha Major ◽  
Kimberly Carpenter ◽  
Logan Beyer ◽  
Hannah Kwak ◽  
Geraldine Dawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Gating ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Inhibitory Response ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Optimal Outcomes ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Auditory Sensory Gating ◽  
Auditory Noise ◽  
P50 Suppression

Abstract. Auditory sensory gating is commonly assessed using the Paired-Click Paradigm (PCP), an electroencephalography (EEG) task in which two identical sounds are presented sequentially and the brain’s inhibitory response to the second sound is measured. Many clinical populations demonstrate reduced P50 and/or N100 suppression. Testing sensory gating in children may help to identify individuals at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders earlier, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which could lead to more optimal outcomes. Minimal research has been done with children because of the difficulty of performing lengthy EEG experiments with young children, requiring them to sit still for long periods of time. We designed a modified, potentially child-friendly version of the PCP and evaluated it in typically developing adults. The PCP was administered twice, once in a traditional silent room (silent movie condition) and once with an audible movie playing (audible movie condition) to minimize boredom and enhance behavioral compliance. We tested whether P50 and N100 suppression were influenced by the presence of the auditory background noise from the movie. N100 suppression was observed in both hemispheres in the silent movie condition and in the left hemisphere only during the audible movie condition, though suppression was attenuated in the audible movie condition. P50 suppression was not observed in either condition. N100 sensory gating was successfully elicited with an audible movie playing during the PCP, supporting the use of the modified task for future research in both children and adults.

Disorder-specific alterations of tactile sensitivity in neurodevelopmental disorders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason He ◽  
Ericka Wodka ◽  
Mark Tommerdahl ◽  
Richard Edden ◽  
Mark Mikkelsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
The Core ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Tactile Detection ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Sensory Processes ◽  
Core Symptoms

Alterations of tactile processing have long been identified in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the extent to which these alterations are disorder-specific, rather than disorder-general, and how they relate to the core symptoms of each disorder, remains unclear. We measured and compared tactile detection, discrimination and order judgment thresholds between a large sample of children with ASD, ADHD, ASD + ADHD combined and typically developing controls. The pattern of results suggested that while difficulties with tactile detection and order judgement were more common in children with ADHD, difficulties with tactile discrimination were more common in children with ASD. Strikingly, subsequent correlation analyses found that the disorder-specific alterations suggested by the group comparisons were also exclusively related to the core symptoms of each respective disorder. These results suggest that disorder-specific alterations of lower-level sensory processes exist and are specifically related to higher-level clinical symptoms of each disorder.

The Mechanisms Behind the Biological Activity of Flavonoids

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (39) ◽  
pp. 6976-6990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana María González-Paramás ◽  
Begoña Ayuda-Durán ◽  
Sofía Martínez ◽  
Susana González-Manzano ◽  
Celestino Santos-Buelga
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Stress Theory ◽  
Radical Scavenging Properties

: Flavonoids are phenolic compounds widely distributed in the human diet. Their intake has been associated with a decreased risk of different diseases such as cancer, immune dysfunction or coronary heart disease. However, the knowledge about the mechanisms behind their in vivo activity is limited and still under discussion. For years, their bioactivity was associated with the direct antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of phenolic compounds, but nowadays this assumption is unlikely to explain their putative health effects, or at least to be the only explanation for them. New hypotheses about possible mechanisms have been postulated, including the influence of the interaction of polyphenols and gut microbiota and also the possibility that flavonoids or their metabolites could modify gene expression or act as potential modulators of intracellular signaling cascades. This paper reviews all these topics, from the classical view as antioxidants in the context of the Oxidative Stress theory to the most recent tendencies related with the modulation of redox signaling pathways, modification of gene expression or interactions with the intestinal microbiota. The use of C. elegans as a model organism for the study of the molecular mechanisms involved in biological activity of flavonoids is also discussed.

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