Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Amena Alsakran, Tetsuhiro Kudoh
Summary: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders caused by elevated alcohol levels in pregnant mothers lead to symptoms such as microcephaly and cardiac defects. Zebrafish embryos provide an ideal model system to study the effects of alcohol on cell migration and brain development, serving as convenient biomarkers for toxicity research and investigation of molecular pathways in brain development.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Marlene Stuempflen, Ernst Schwartz, Mariana C. Diogo, Sarah Glatter, Birgit Pfeiler, Patric Kienast, Athena Taymourtash, Victor U. Schmidbauer, Lisa Bartha-Doering, Elisabeth Krampl-Bettelheim, Rainer Seidl, Georg Langs, Daniela Prayer, Gregor Kasprian
Summary: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can alter the normal trajectory of fetal brain development and result in lasting neurodevelopmental changes. This study used super-resolution fetal MRI to investigate the regional effects of PAE on human brain structure. The results showed that even minor PAE can significantly impact the neurodevelopmental trajectory.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Laura Cacciaguerra, Paola Tortorella, Maria A. Rocca, Massimo Filippi
Summary: Advancements in the understanding of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder have led to the development of targeted drugs, particularly biologics that significantly reduce the risk of relapses in aquaporin-4-seropositive patients with mild to moderate adverse effects.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Anita J. J. Fuglestad, Neely C. C. Miller, Birgit A. A. Fink, Christopher J. J. Boys, Judith K. K. Eckerle, Michael K. K. Georgieff, Jeffrey R. R. Wozniak
Summary: Choline supplementation is associated with recognition memory performance in children with FASD, as indicated by the neurophysiological correlates of middle latency negative component and positive slow wave.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Theresah Boateng, Kathryn Beauchamp, Faerl Torres, Chaselyn D. Ruffaner-Hanson, John F. L. Pinner, Kishore Vakamudi, Cassandra Cerros, Dina E. Hill, Julia M. Stephen
Summary: This study quantified the differences in brain structure between individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and typically developing controls. The results showed that individuals with FASD had smaller brain volume, reduced cortical thickness, and reduced surface area compared to controls, with the pFAS/FAS subtype showing the largest effects. The study also found correlations between brain volume and IQ scores.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Blake A. Gimbel, Mary E. Anthony, Abigail M. Ernst, Donovan J. Roediger, Erik de Water, Judith K. Eckerle, Christopher J. Boys, Joshua P. Radke, Bryon A. Mueller, Anita J. Fuglestad, Steven H. Zeisel, Michael K. Georgieff, Jeffrey R. Wozniak
Summary: This long-term follow-up study suggests that early choline supplementation in children with FASD can improve lower-order executive function and white matter microstructure organization, providing preliminary evidence for the potential long-term benefits of choline as a neurodevelopmental intervention in this population.
JOURNAL OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karan Srisurapanont, Yanisa Samakarn, Boonyasit Kamklong, Phichayakan Siratrairat, Arina Bumiputra, Montita Jaikwang, Manit Srisurapanont
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the efficacy and acceptability of blue-wavelength light therapy (BWLT) and long-wavelength/no light therapy (LW/NLT) for post-TBI sleepiness, sleep disturbance, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. The results showed that BWLT was superior to LW/NLT in reducing sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms, and there were trends suggesting BWLT's superiority in reducing sleepiness and fatigue as well.
Review
Substance Abuse
Michael E. Charness
Summary: This article is part of a Festschrift commemorating the 50th anniversary of NIAAA, the world's largest funding agency for alcohol research. NIAAA supports a wide range of research to advance the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related problems. The article is based on Dr. Charness' presentation at a symposium hosted by NIAAA.
ALCOHOL RESEARCH-CURRENT REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marin Pielage, Hanan El Marroun, Hein J. Odendaal, Sten P. Willemsen, Manon H. J. Hillegers, Eric A. P. Steegers, Melek Rousian
Summary: This study investigated the association between periconceptional and prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal growth, and found that alcohol exposure was associated with reduced fetal growth, particularly when exposed during the periconception period or in the second trimester. The results indicate that potential negative consequences of alcohol exposure during pregnancy are detectable before birth.
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Eleni Petkari, Elena Nikolaou, Sandra Oberleiter, Stefan Priebe, Jakob Pietschnig
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to examine the impact of different interventions on the quality of life (QoL) in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The findings suggest that psychological interventions can improve patients' QoL, with psychoeducation having the largest effect on objective QoL and combined interventions having the largest effect on subjective QoL.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rafal Podgorski, Sabina Galiniak, Artur Mazur, Agnieszka Domin
Summary: Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), leading to growth impairment and various developmental, physical, and cognitive disorders in children. This study aimed to investigate the levels of hormones related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in FASD patients. Results showed that fasting proopiomelanocortin (POMC) levels were lower in FASD patients compared to controls. However, cortisol concentrations did not differ. The study suggests that hormonal dysregulation may contribute to the negative effects of FASDs on growth, development, and neurological functions.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Xi Yu, Jade Dunstan, Sandra W. W. Jacobson, Christopher D. D. Molteno, Nadine M. M. Lindinger, Ted K. K. Turesky, Ernesta M. M. Meintjes, Joseph L. L. Jacobson, Nadine Gaab
Summary: Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with reading deficits in adolescents, affecting both brain function and structure. Adolescents with facial dysmorphology show distinctive neural correlates of reading disabilities compared to those without facial dysmorphology.
Review
Pediatrics
Diego A. Gomez, Omar A. Abdul-Rahman
Summary: Recent research has focused on leveraging technology to develop tools for diagnosis, defining neurocognition and neuroimaging patterns specific to FASD, developing interventions, and expanding access to care. FASDs are a common cause of neurodevelopmental impairment in school-age children, and early interventions are essential for optimizing outcomes. Evidence suggests applying principles of neuroplasticity may improve the lives of patients and their families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
CURRENT OPINION IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Kangkang Xu, Pengcheng Yi, Jiayuan Liu, Jing Ren, Qiqi Zhang, Lei Yu, Yang Yang, Yang Wang, Lijun Ma, Yao Zhang, Xiaoming Li
Summary: This study found that noninvasive brain stimulation has a positive effect on improving symptoms of eating disorders, serving as a potential supplement to traditional therapies.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samuel J. Westwood, Valeria Parlatini, Katya Rubia, Samuele Cortese, Edmund J. S. Sonuga-Barke, European ADHD Guidelines Grp EAGG
Summary: This meta-analysis examined the effects of computerized cognitive training (CCT) on clinical, neuropsychological, and academic outcomes in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The results showed that CCT had no significant impact on overall symptoms or hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms of ADHD, but had a small improvement in inattention symptoms. CCT improved working memory, but did not affect other neuropsychological or academic outcomes.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Erik de Water, Alyssa M. Krueger, Christopher W. Lindgren, Anita J. Fuglestad, Madeline N. Rockhold, Kristin E. Sandness, Judith K. Eckerle, Birgit A. Fink, Christopher J. Boys, Jeffrey R. Wozniak
Summary: The study found that in children with FASD, the ability to delay gratification in preschool was associated with inhibitory control and school functioning in middle childhood. Children with better delay of gratification performance in preschool showed improved inhibitory control and school functioning in middle childhood.
CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Substance Abuse
Gemma A. Bernes, Natasia S. Courchesne-Krak, Matthew T. Hyland, Miguel T. Villodas, Claire D. Coles, Julie A. Kable, Philip A. May, Wendy O. Kalberg, Elizabeth R. Sowell, Jeffrey R. Wozniak, Kenneth L. Jones, Edward P. Riley, Sarah N. Mattson
Summary: This study aimed to develop a risk score for identifying individuals at risk of prenatal alcohol exposure. Data from two cohorts were analyzed to predict the likelihood of alcohol exposure, with subjects classified into low and high-risk groups. The risk score significantly distinguished between alcohol-exposed and control subjects, and correlated with cognitive outcomes like intelligence quotient and executive function.
ALCOHOL-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Theresa Lafavor, Blake Gimbel, Aarika Olsen, Alicia Travis, Rachel Weber
Summary: This study examined the relationship between posttraumatic stress and ADHD symptoms with executive function in adolescents, finding that parent-rated EF problems were associated with ADHD symptoms, while specific emotional/behavioral impairment was correlated with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Measures of inhibition and shifting EF were strongly correlated with symptoms, but explained minimal variance in regression models. Internalizing behavior problems were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms, while externalizing behavior problems were linked to ADHD symptoms.
CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Victor Kovac, Elsa G. Shapiro, Kyle D. Rudser, Bryon A. Mueller, Julie B. Eisengart, Kathleen A. Delaney, Alia Ahmed, Kelly E. King, Brianna D. Yund, Morton J. Cowan, Julian Raiman, Eva G. Mamak, Paul R. Harmatz, Suma P. Shankar, Nadia Ali, Stephanie R. Cagle, Jeffrey R. Wozniak, Kelvin O. Lim, Paul J. Orchard, Chester B. Whitley, Igor Nestrasil
Summary: In this study, we used a quantitative MRI protocol to compare the brain macrostructure between individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) and healthy controls (HC). We found significant differences in cortical and subcortical gray matter, white matter, corpus callosum, ventricular, and choroid plexus volumes between MPS I participants and HC. The severity of MPS I, age, and cognition had effects on these brain structures. We also observed age-related differences in neurodevelopmental trajectories between MPS I forms and HC.
MOLECULAR GENETICS AND METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Erik de Water, Paul Curtin, Chris Gennings, John J. Chelonis, Merle Paule, Moira Bixby, Nia McRae, Katherine Svensson, Lourdes Schnaas, Ivan Pantic, Martha M. Tellez-Rojo, Robert O. Wright, Megan K. Horton
Summary: Reward motivation is a complex term associated with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes, often altered in children with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. This study found that children exposed to metals during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy demonstrated increased reward motivation, possibly reflecting a tendency towards perseveration or hypersensitivity to positive reinforcement.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Anita J. J. Fuglestad, Neely C. C. Miller, Birgit A. A. Fink, Christopher J. J. Boys, Judith K. K. Eckerle, Michael K. K. Georgieff, Jeffrey R. R. Wozniak
Summary: Choline supplementation is associated with recognition memory performance in children with FASD, as indicated by the neurophysiological correlates of middle latency negative component and positive slow wave.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Blake A. Gimbel, Mary E. Anthony, Abigail M. Ernst, Donovan J. Roediger, Erik de Water, Judith K. Eckerle, Christopher J. Boys, Joshua P. Radke, Bryon A. Mueller, Anita J. Fuglestad, Steven H. Zeisel, Michael K. Georgieff, Jeffrey R. Wozniak
Summary: This long-term follow-up study suggests that early choline supplementation in children with FASD can improve lower-order executive function and white matter microstructure organization, providing preliminary evidence for the potential long-term benefits of choline as a neurodevelopmental intervention in this population.
JOURNAL OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Blake A. A. Gimbel, Donovan J. J. Roediger, Abigail M. M. Ernst, Mary E. E. Anthony, Erik de Water, Bryon A. A. Mueller, Madeline N. N. Rockhold, Moss J. J. Schumacher, Sarah N. N. Mattson, Kenneth L. L. Jones, Kelvin O. O. Lim, Jeffrey R. R. Wozniak
Summary: This study examines the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and abnormalities in cortical structure and maturation. The results suggest delayed and atypical developmental trajectories in cortical thickness in children with PAE compared to typically developing children. Furthermore, the study also reveals abnormal brain-behavior relationships in PAE children. These findings highlight the potential impact of altered developmental timing of cortical maturation on long-term functional impairment in PAE.
ALCOHOL-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Blake J. Gimbel, Donovan M. Roediger, Abigail E. Ernst, Mary Anthony, Erik N. de Water, Madeline A. Rockhold, Bryon N. Mueller, Sarah L. Mattson, Kenneth P. Jones, Edward O. Riley, Kelvin R. Lim, Jeffrey Wozniak
Summary: This study used diffusion-weighted Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) to analyze the differences in white matter microstructure development trajectories between individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and typically-developing controls. The results showed that FASD participants displayed greater age-related increases in the bending and fanning of axons (ODI) in the central region of the Corpus Callosum (CC) compared to controls, as well as increased ODI in the mid posterior CC. Furthermore, the relationship between ODI and NDI changes and cognitive function differed between FASD participants and controls. These findings underscore the importance of further longitudinal research on white matter neurodevelopmental trajectories in FASD.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
