Atypical Responses Research Articles

CLINICAL PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTROPHIC SCARS AT DR. SOETOMO GENERAL ACADEMIC HOSPITAL SURABAYA, INDONESIA

Highlights: Most hypertrophic scar patients were aged 17 to 25, mainly female, and the scars were mostly caused by burns on the face and upper extremities. Surgical techniques were the most common treatment, with most scars measuring 1 to 5 cm². Abstract: Introduction: Scars is a prevalent clinical concern that is often more complex than commonly perceived. Hypertrophic and keloid scars results from atypical wound healing responses following trauma, characterized by an excessive deposition of connective tissue. In Indonesia, there are remains a paucity of data on the clinical profile and management of hypertrophic scars. To address this gap, researchers conducted a descriptive study to systematically examine various variables associated with hypertrophic scars, aiming to enhance understanding and inform more effective management strategies. Methods: This research is a retrospective descriptive analysis utilizing secondary data from medical records of patients with hypertrophic scars treated at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya during the 2019 – 2020 period. The data were collected and processed according to key variables, including age, gender, occupation, etiology, anatomical location of the hypertrophic scars, scar size, and therapeutic interventions. Results:The number of patients with hypertrophic scars at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, from 2019 to 2020 was 68. Most patients were aged 17 to 25 years. The gender distribution was nearly equal, with 50% male and 50.9% female patients. Among the patients, 12.5% and 43% were students. Burns caused 37.5% and 25% of cases. The most common scar locations were the face (25%) and upper extremities (25%). Most scars measured 1 to 5 cm² (25%). The most common treatment was surgical techniques (80% and 48%). Conclusion: Most hypertrophic scar patients were aged 17 to 25 years, predominantly female, and students. The primary cause of the scars was burns, with the scars most commonly located on the face and upper extremities. The majority of scars measured between 1 and 5 cm², and surgical techniques were the most widely used therapy.

Striatal interneuron imbalance in a valproic acid-induced model of autism in rodents is accompanied by atypical somatosensory processing.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, cognitive rigidity, and atypical sensory processing. Recent studies suggest that the basal ganglia, specifically the striatum (NSt), plays an important role in ASD. While striatal interneurons, including cholinergic (ChAT+) and parvalbumin-positive (PV+) GABAergic neurons, have been described to be altered in animal models of ASD, their specific contribution remains elusive. Here, we combined behavioral, anatomical, and electrophysiological quantifications to explore if interneuron balance could be implicated in atypical sensory processing in cortical and striatal somatosensory regions of rats subjected to a valproic acid (VPA) model of ASD. We found that VPA animals showed a significant decrease in the number of ChAT+ and PV+ cells in multiple regions (including the sensorimotor region) of the NSt. We also observed significantly different sensory-evoked responses at the single-neuron and population levels in both striatal and cortical regions, as well as cortico-striatal interactions. Therefore, selective elimination of striatal PV+ neurons only partially recapitulated the effects of VPA, indicating that the mechanisms behind the VPA phenotype are much more complex than the elimination of a particular neural subpopulation. Our results indicate that VPA exposure induced significant histological changes in ChAT+ and PV+ cells accompanied by atypical sensory-evoked cortico-striatal population dynamics that could partially explain the sensory processing differences associated with ASD.Significance Statement One of the main characteristics of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the hypo- or hyper-responses to sensory stimuli. Various studies indicate that a possible explanation for these atypical responses is an imbalance in excitation-inhibition modulated by different types of interneurons. In the present work, we provide evidence that a striatal imbalance in ChAT+ and PV+ levels could partly explain behavioral and somatosensory processing differences associated with the valproic acid-induced ASD model.

Neural processing of rhythmic speech by children with developmental language disorder (DLD): An EEG study

Abstract Sensitivity to rhythmic and prosodic cues in speech has been described as a precursor of language acquisition. Consequently, atypical rhythmic processing during infancy and early childhood has been considered a risk factor for developmental language disorders. Despite many behavioural studies, the neural processing of rhythmic speech has not yet been explored in children with developmental language disorder (DLD). Here we utilise EEG to investigate the neural processing of rhythmic speech by 9-year-old children with and without DLD. In the current study, we investigate phase entrainment, angular velocity, power, event related potentials (ERPs), phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) and phase-phase coupling (PPC), at three frequency bands selected on the basis of the prior literature, delta, theta and low gamma. We predicted a different phase of entrainment in the delta band in children with DLD, and also greater theta power, atypical cross-frequency coupling and possibly atypical gamma-band responses. Contrary to prediction, children with DLD demonstrated significant and equivalent phase entrainment in the delta and theta bands to control children. However, only the control children showed significant phase entrainment in the low gamma band. The children with DLD also exhibited significantly more theta and low gamma power compared to the control children, and there was a significant gamma-band difference in angular velocity between the two groups. Finally, group resultant phase analyses showed that low-frequency phase (delta and theta) affected gamma oscillations differently by group. These EEG data show important differences between children with and without DLD in the neural mechanisms underpinning the processing of rhythmic speech. The findings are discussed in terms of auditory theories of DLD, particularly Temporal Sampling theory.

Pupillometry reveals hyper-arousal in response to auditory stimuli in autistic children.

Atypical sensory responsivity is widely reported in autistic individuals and is related to elevated functional difficulties. Dynamically, altered initial responses and/or habituation rates could underlie their atypical averaged responses to repeated sensory stimuli. In this study we aimed to measure the arousal level in response to different types of auditory stimuli and the dynamic change of atypical arousal level using pupillometry in autistic children. In Experiment 1, 43 autistic children and 49 neurotypical (NT) children were asked to passively listen to a mild sound and an aversive sound repeatedly. In Experiment 2, 39 autistic children and 44 NT children who went through Experiment 1 listened to a gradually emerging non-startling sound and a suddenly emerging startling sound in a random order. We found that the autistic group showed hyper-arousal in response to the aversive sound and the startling sound as reflected by their larger change in pupil area. In comparison, these autistic children demonstrated normal arousal in response to the mild sound and the non-startling sound. Dynamically, the autistic group had a larger peak pupil area change than the NT group in the first trial and a normal habituation rate to the aversive sound. In summary, our results suggest hyper-arousal to aversive and startling stimuli and the role of larger initial responses in hyper-arousal in autism. Minimizing aversive and startling sensory stimuli or gradually increasing the volume of aversive auditory stimuli to allow autistic children to adapt using the principle of habituation is recommended to reduce the arousal level and problematic behaviors of autistic children.

Spectrum of Visual Dysfunction Detected by a Novel Testing Protocol Within a Special School Eye Care Service.

Children with special educational needs are more likely to have vision problems than peers in mainstream education. Reports focus on visual acuity and refraction, overlooking visuoperceptual difficulties, including cerebral visual impairment. This article reports on the feasibility and outcomes of visual function testing performed during in-school visual assessments. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of children participating in a special school vision programme. The testing strategy included acuity, fields, contrast sensitivity, eye movements, accommodation, stereopsis, visual attention, refraction and a parent-completed questionnaire. The testing method was chosen based on the child's ability to engage with testing. 78 cases were identified (mean age 9.6 years). Low vision (worse than 6/19) was identified in 31%. All six tests of visual function were completed by 44% (mean 5.1; range 2-6). The mean number of atypical responses was 1 (range 0-4). Almost half (49%) showed at least one atypical response, most commonly visual attention (35%) and 25% had atypical eye movements. Overall, only 20% of children in the special school setting demonstrated a normal response to each test they were able to complete. Acuity testing alone does not demonstrate the atypical visual function of a child with special needs. Using techniques which require minimal cognitive, speech or motor function, a range of visual functions can be elicited during in-school testing. This testing strategy has the advantage of demonstrating areas of visual (dys)function impacting on the child's ability to access learning which can be immediately fed back to teaching staff and carers.

Desafios diagnósticos e terapêuticos dos transtornos de ansiedade em comorbilidade com o transtorno do espectro Autista: uma revisão integrativa

Anxiety Disorders are common in children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), affecting 16-40% of cases and exacerbating functional impairment by amplifying problematic behaviours such as deficits in social skills and repetitive behaviours. The article aims to explore the interaction between ASD and Anxiety Disorders, with a focus on prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. A literature review was conducted using databases such as Medline/PubMed, highlighting the clinical implications for managing these comorbidities. Psychopathology assessment is complex, considering underlying challenges in ASD, including atypical non-verbal responses and limitations in emotional expression, as well as the frequent overlap between anxiety and ASD symptoms. Additionally, anxiety symptoms may deviate from conventional criteria in psychopathological diagnostic manuals. Differential diagnosis between ASD and Social Anxiety is challenging due to similar symptoms. There is a demand for specific therapeutic approaches, such as modified cognitive-behavioural therapy, incorporating emotional recognition and social skills training. Pharmacological interventions require caution due to limited studies on SSRIs and potential side effects in individuals with ASD.

Assessment of auditory hypersensitivity in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: integrative review

Introduction: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may present impairments in communication, behavior, social interaction and changes in sensory processing with atypical responses to information from the senses, such as auditory hypersensitivity. Objective: to describe the methods of evaluating auditory hypersensitivity used in babies, children and/or adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, through an integrative review. Data Synthesis: The study was carried out with the PVO strategy, in the months of October and November 2023, with the search key: “Infant” OR “Child” OR “Adolescent” AND “Autism Spectrum Disorder” AND “Hyperacusis” OR “ Hyperacuses” OR "Hearing” in 11 databases. Results: 7,071 studies were identified, after reading titles and abstracts, 59 were selected, 30 of which were duplicates and 29 were read in full. In the end, 10 articles were included. The majority of studies carried out audiological exams followed by a questionnaire, with the Sensory Profile questionnaire being the most common and the Otoacoustic Emissions, Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential and Immittance Tests being the most common. The sounds that cause the most discomfort are: sounds of strong intensity in general, such as, vacuum cleaner and hairdryer. The most common emotional reaction was crying and physical reactions, covering the ears and running away. Conclusion: It was noticed that the majority of studies reported in this review demonstrate that for the investigation of auditory hypersensitivity, it can be both questionnaires and hearing exams were used in children and adolescents with auditory hypersensitivity, making it necessary to carry out more studies on the subject to standardize an assessment for auditory hypersensitivity.

Sensory processing in typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems

This study investigates the sensory processing of typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems. The research group consisted of typically developing toddlers with sleep problems (n = 110, mean age=18.35 ± 3.4 months), while the control group included typically developing toddlers without sleep problems (n = 110, mean age=18.67 ± 3.5 months) and their mothers. Toddlers were assigned to the research and control groups based on their sleep problems, as determined by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. The sensory processing of the toddlers was evaluated using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile 2. Sensory patterns and sensory processing sub-parameters of the research and control groups were compared. The sensory processing of the research group showed atypical behavioral responses in low registration (low awareness or indifferent attitude to sensory stimuli), sensory sensitivity (distracted or irritable attitude, intensely stimulated by sensory stimuli), and sensory avoiding (intentional avoidance of sensory stimuli or attitudes that produce out-of-norm responses) patterns compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Behavioral responses were similar in the sensory seeking (disturbing or dangerous attitude to the environment in search of sensory stimuli) pattern (p > 0.309). Statistically significant differences were observed in all sub-parameters of sensory processing compared to the control group. Our findings indicate that toddlers with sleep problems are at risk for sensory processing issues. Toddlers with sleep problems exhibit atypical sensory responses related to sensory sensitivity, low registration, and sensory avoiding. It should be considered that toddlers with sleep problems may show sensitivity to different sensory stimuli, avoidance or may not be able to recognize sensory stimuli. These findings suggest that the inclusion of sensory profile assessments in interdisciplinary care for toddlers with sleep problems may contribute to parent-infant well-being.

Dimensional Affective Sensitivity to Hormones across the Menstrual Cycle (DASH-MC): A transdiagnostic framework for ovarian steroid influences on psychopathology.

Fluctuations in progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) across the menstrual cycle can exert direct effects on biological systems implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders and represent a key biological source of variability in affective, cognitive, and behavioral disorders. Although these cyclical symptoms may be most readily identified when they occur exclusively in relation to the menstrual cycle, as in DSM-5 premenstrual dysphoric disorder, symptom changes of similar magnitude occur in a larger proportion of people with ongoing psychiatric disorders. Studies investigating cyclical regulation of brain and behavior often produce inconsistent results, which may be attributed to a lack of focus on specific hormonal events and individual differences in related sensitivities. We propose a transdiagnostic Dimensional Affective Sensitivity to Hormones across the Menstrual Cycle (DASH-MC) framework, postulating that atypical neural responses to several key hormonal events provoke specific temporal patterns of affective and behavioral change across the menstrual cycle. We review prospective and experimental evidence providing initial support for these dimensions, which include (1) luteal-onset negative affect caused by a sensitivity to E2 or P4 surges (mediated by neuroactive metabolites such as allopregnanolone), typified by irritability and hyperarousal; (2) perimenstrual-onset negative affect caused by a sensitivity to low or falling E2, typified by low mood and cognitive dysfunction; and (3) preovulatory-onset positive affect dysregulation caused by a sensitivity to E2 surges, typified by harmful substance use and other risky reward-seeking. This multidimensional, transdiagnostic framework for hormone sensitivity can inform more precise research on ovarian steroid regulation of psychopathology, including further mechanistic research, diagnostic refinement, and precision psychiatry treatment development. Additionally, given the high rates of hormone sensitivity across affective disorders, the DASH-MC may guide broader insights into the complex neurobiological vulnerabilities driving female-biased affective risk, as well as potential triggers and mechanisms of affective state change in psychiatric disorders.

Increased sensorimotor activity during categorisation of emotionally ambiguous faces.

Actions are rarely devoid of emotional content. Thus, a more complete picture of the neural mechanisms underlying the mental simulation of observed actions requires more research using emotion information. The present study used high-density electroencephalography to investigate mental simulation associated with facial emotion categorisation. Alpha-mu rhythm modulation was measured at each frequency, from 8Hz to 13 Hz, to infer the degree of sensorimotor simulation. Results suggest the sensitivity of the sensorimotor activity to emotional information, because (1) categorising static images of neutral faces as happy or sad was associated with stronger suppression in the central region than categorising clearly happy faces, (2) there was preliminary evidence indicating that the strongest suppression in the central region was in response to neutral faces, followed by sad and then happy faces and (3) in the control task, which required categorising images with the head oriented right, left, or forward as right or left, differences between conditions showed a pattern more indicative of task difficulty rather than sensorimotor engagement. Dissociable processing of emotional information in facial expressions and directionality information in head orientations was further captured in beta band activity (14-20 Hz). Stronger mu suppression to neutral faces indicates that sensorimotor simulation extends beyond crude motor mimicry. We propose that mu rhythm responses to facial expressions may serve as a biomarker for empathy circuit activation. Future research should investigate whether atypical or inconsistent mu rhythm responses to facial expressions indicate difficulties in understanding or sharing emotions.

Robust tests for equality of regression curves based on characteristic functions

This paper focuses on the problem of testing the null hypothesis that the regression functions of several populations are equal under a general nonparametric homoscedastic regression model. It is well known that linear kernel regression estimators are sensitive to atypical responses. These distorted estimates will influence the test statistic constructed from them so the conclusions obtained when testing equality of several regression functions may also be affected. In recent years, the use of testing procedures based on empirical characteristic functions has shown good practical properties. For that reason, to provide more reliable inferences, we construct a test statistic that combines characteristic functions and residuals obtained from a robust smoother under the null hypothesis. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is studied under the null hypothesis and under root − n contiguous alternatives. A Monte Carlo study is performed to compare the finite sample behaviour of the proposed test with the classical one obtained using local averages. The reported numerical experiments show the advantage of the proposed methodology over the one based on Nadaraya–Watson estimators for finite samples. An illustration to a real data set is also provided and enables to investigate the sensitivity of the p − value to the bandwidth selection.

Pupillary response during social emotion tasks in autism spectrum disorder.

Autistic individuals encounter challenges in recognizing emotional expressions of others. Pupillary response has been proposed as an indicator of arousal dysregulation or cognitive load. The pupillary response of autistic individuals during socio-affective tasks remains unclear. This study investigated pupillary response in autistic adults when viewing emotional faces/eyes and recognizing emotions during the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and watching interpersonal touch scenes in the social touch task. The study included 98 participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and 37 typically developing controls (TD). Pupil size was measured using the Tobii X2-30 Eye Tracker. The results showed that autistic adults had larger maximal pupil sizes, smaller minimal pupil sizes, and greater change rates of pupil size, particularly during the RMET Eyes task. Clinical correlations revealed that attention switching difficulty positively correlated with mean pupil size in TD participants, while social communication deficitspositively correlated with mean pupil size in autistic participants. In conclusion, our findings suggest atypical pupillary responses in autistic adults during socio-affective tasks, indicating heightened cognitive demand. Further investigation is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms and their association with autistic traits.

Toward an endophenotype for ADHD: Exploring the duration mismatch negativity in drug-free children with ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent disorders in children that is considered to affect early stages of information processes. Inefficient processing of temporal information, which is a vital auditory processing skill suggests itself as a potential candidate for investigating ADHD deficits. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), a neuroscience-based research framework, has been introduced to study mental illness without relying on pre-established diagnostic categories. In this regard, Mismatch Negativity (MMN) has been considered an ideal electrophysiological marker for investigating ADHD deficits. This study investigates alterations in the amplitude and latency of the MMN component in response to changes in the duration and Inter-Stimulus Interval (ISI) of basic sound stimuli within an oddball task. The MMN paradigm was employed to examine duration deviations in ADHD (n = 25, 84% male, mean age: 7.3 years, SD = 2.01) compared to Control group of typically developing (TD) children (n = 25, 72% male, mean age: 7.2 years, SD = 1.92). Participants with ADHD were introduced from an accredited psychiatrist. TD children were recruited from social media and online forms. Both groups were matched in terms of gender, age and IQ. The psychological tests conducted in this study included Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS), Gilliam Autism Rating Scale|Third Edition (Gars3), Sensory profile questionnaire and Edinburgh Handedness inventory. Our findings revealed reduced MMN amplitudes in response to two blocks of duration and ISI-based deviations in ADHD children. To elaborate in greater detail, at Fz, in Duration and ISI block, respectively, the ADHD group showed an amplitude of −1.2097 ± 0.2938 and −0.8553 ± 0.4423, while the normal group showed an amplitude of −1.8325 ± 0.3689 and −2.0855 ± 0.3802. Additionally, at Cz, the ADHD group exhibited a shorter amplitude (-1.2515 ± 0.3261 and −0.9367 ± 0.3432) compared to the normal group (−2.1319 ± 0.4445 and −2.7561 ± 0.4883), in the duration and ISI blocks, respectively. Furthermore, children with ADHD display longer MMN latencies in both experimental blocks, suggesting atypical responses. To provide more detail, at Fz, the ADHD group displayed MMN latencies of 239.68 ± 5.059 and 226.88 ± 4.885 in the Duration and ISI blocks, respectively, whereas the normal group showed MMN latencies of 228.56 ± 6.584 and 213.56 ± 4.153. Similarly, at Cz, the ADHD group exhibited longer MMN latencies (234.40 ± 5.741 and 231.44 ± 5.464) compared to the normal group (227.52 ± 6.710 and 218.00 ± 5.261) in the Duration and ISI blocks, respectively. Our findings were interpreted in the context of the internal clock model, which involves the pace of an internal pacemaker regulated by dopamine (DA) levels. The convergence of MMN and auditory timing abnormalities within the RDoC framework suggests their potential as endophenotypes for ADHD, highlighting the significance of sensory processing in understanding the disorder.

Atypical cellular responses mediated by intracellular constitutive active TrkB (NTRK2) kinase domains and a solely intracellular NTRK2-fusion oncogene

Trk (NTRK) receptor and NTRK gene fusions are oncogenic drivers of a wide variety of tumors. Although Trk receptors are typically activated at the cell surface, signaling of constitutive active Trk and diverse intracellular NTRK fusion oncogenes is barely investigated. Here, we show that a high intracellular abundance is sufficient for neurotrophin-independent, constitutive activation of TrkB kinase domains. In HEK293 cells, constitutive active TrkB kinase and an intracellular NTRK2-fusion oncogene (SQSTM1-NTRK2) reduced actin filopodia dynamics, phosphorylated FAK, and altered the cell morphology. Atypical cellular responses could be mimicked with the intracellular kinase domain, which did not activate the Trk-associated MAPK/ERK pathway. In glioblastoma-like U87MG cells, expression of TrkB or SQSTM1-NTRK2 reduced cell motility and caused drastic changes in the transcriptome. Clinically approved Trk inhibitors or mutating Y705 in the kinase domain, blocked the cellular effects and transcriptome changes. Atypical signaling was also seen for TrkA and TrkC. Moreover, hallmarks of atypical pTrk kinase were found in biopsies of Nestin-positive glioblastoma. Therefore, we suggest Western blot-like immunoassay screening of NTRK-related (brain) tumor biopsies to identify patients with atypical panTrk or phosphoTrk signals. Such patients could be candidates for treatment with NTRK inhibitors such as Larotrectinhib or Entrectinhib.

Sensory over-responsivity and atypical neural responses to socially relevant stimuli in autism.

Although aversive responses to sensory stimuli are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it remains unknown whether the social relevance of aversive sensory inputs affects their processing. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate neural responses to mildly aversive nonsocial and social sensory stimuli as well as how sensory over-responsivity (SOR) severity relates to these responses. Participants included 21 ASD and 25 typically-developing (TD) youth, aged 8.6-18.0 years. Results showed that TD youth exhibited significant neural discrimination of socially relevant versus irrelevant aversive sensory stimuli, particularly in the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), regions that are crucial for sensory and social processing. In contrast, ASD youth showed reduced neural discrimination of social versus nonsocial stimuli in the amygdala and OFC, as well as overall greater neural responses to nonsocial compared with social stimuli. Moreover, higher SOR in ASD was associated with heightened responses in sensory-motor regions to socially-relevant stimuli. These findings further our understanding of the relationship between sensory and social processing in ASD, suggesting limited attention to the social relevance compared with aversiveness level of sensory input in ASD versus TD youth, particularly in ASD youth with higher SOR.

Unmasking a Case of Sitosterolaemia: An Approach for Diagnosis and Management.

Recognise the significance of considering sitosterolaemia in differential diagnosis for unexplained lipid abnormalities.Understand the challenges in diagnosing and managing sitosterolaemia, especially in patients with atypical responses to conventional lipid-lowering therapies.

Behavioural phenotype of SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability.

SYNGAP1- related intellectual disability (SYNGAP1-ID) is a rare genetic disorder presenting with intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, maladaptive behaviours and communication challenges. To date, few studies have assessed the context in which these maladaptive behaviours occur. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of problem behaviours, characterise the behavioural phenotype and use well-validated measures to explore variables that maintain the behaviours. Our sample includes 19 individuals diagnosed with SYNGAP1-ID and their parents. Parents provided information on behaviours that their children engage in, as well as their general behavioural dispositions. Well-validated measures (e.g., the Repetitive Behaviour Scale-Revised, Sensory Profile-2 and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale) were used. A subset of individuals underwent further direct experimental assessment of their problem behaviour to identify the variables maintaining those problem behaviours. Parental reports were analysed using nonparametric statistical analysis; the direct assessments of individuals' problem behaviour were analysed using visual analysis and validated supplemental measures. All 19 individuals engaged in some form of maladaptive problem behaviour. Ratings of ritualistic, sameness and restricted behaviours measured by the RBS-R were commensurate with individuals diagnosed with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while self-injurious behaviours were endorsed at a higher level in SYNGAP1-ID when compared with idiopathic ASD. The problem behaviours in our cohort of patients with SYNGAP1-ID were maintained by automatic reinforcement and social attention and are positively correlated with atypical sensory responses. Individuals with SYNGAP1-ID engage in problem behaviours commensurate with other populations (e.g., those with ASD), they exhibit atypical response to sensory stimuli. Problem behaviours were frequently maintained by automatic reinforcement, which may result from a dysregulated sensory system. Children with SYNGAP1-ID may benefit from strategies used in persons with ASD.

Fear of the human 'super predator' in native marsupials and introduced deer in Australia.

Recent experiments have demonstrated that carnivores and ungulates in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America fear the human 'super predator' far more than other predators. Australian mammals have been a focus of research on predator naiveté because it is suspected they show atypical antipredator responses. To experimentally test if mammals in Australia also most fear humans, we quantified the responses of four native marsupials (eastern grey kangaroo, Bennett's wallaby, Tasmanian pademelon, common brushtail possum) and introduced fallow deer to playbacks of predator (human, dog, Tasmanian devil, wolf) or non-predator control (sheep) vocalizations. Native marsupials most feared the human 'super predator', fleeing humans 2.4 times more often than the next most frightening predator (dogs), and being most, and significantly, vigilant to humans. These results demonstrate that native marsupials are not naïve to the peril humans pose, substantially expanding the taxonomic and geographic scope of the growing experimental evidence that wildlife worldwide generally perceive humans as the planet's most frightening predator. Introduced fallow deer fled humans, but not more than other predators, which we suggest may result from their being introduced. Our results point to both challenges concerning marsupial conservation and opportunities for exploiting fear of humans as a wildlife management tool.

The Relationship between Emotional Recognition and Psychopathic Trait

The ability to recognize and understand emotions plays a fundamental role in human social interaction and is essential for effective communication and interpersonal relationships. Psychopathy, a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior and impaired empathy, holds significant relevance in understanding criminal behavior, societal impact, and the implications of psychopathic traits on social functioning. In the intricate interplay between psychopathic traits and emotion recognition, prior research has highlighted the profound role of emotional processing in an individual's social functioning and development, alongside the considerable impact of psychopathic traits on these facets of life. To develop further into this complex relationship, this paper synthesizes existing research findings while elucidating current research gaps. These studies collectively revealed the diminished accuracy and efficiency in the emotional processing capabilities of high psychopathic individuals, as well as the emergence of atypical automatic emotional responses and subjective selection of emotional information in their interactions with emotional stimuli. Additionally, this review emphasizes the critical role played by primary psychopathic traits in shaping abnormal attention patterns, particularly the tendency of highly psychopathic individuals to divert their attention away from crucial emotion-carrying cues, such as the eyes of facial stimuli, especially when confronted with negative emotional expressions. The present review also recognizes certain limitations, mainly arising from sample size, self-report assessments, and the lack of comparison between clinical and nonclinical populations with high psychopathic traits. To address these constraints and further enrich people’s comprehension, future research should focus on conducting longitudinal studies within high-risk populations.

Dyadic Adjustment of Couples and State Anxiety in Patients Tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Background: While existing literature addresses the psychological impact of HIV, there is a notable gap in data regarding other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the association between STIs, the psychological profile of patients as measured by anxiety levels, and the impact on couple adaptability. Methods: A prospective investigation was conducted in Romania, from November 2021, including individuals with high suspicion of STI and healthy controls. Data collection comprised a questionnaire, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y-1). Statistical methods, including multivariate logistic and linear regressions, were used to carry out the analyses. Results: The participant cohort consisted of 441 individuals. STI participants exhibited consistently lower DAS scores, notably in dyadic adaptability (DA) (p = 0.031), dyadic satisfaction (DS) (p = 0.006), and affectional expression (AE) (p = 0.016). Multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for confounders confirmed a significant association between STIs and atypical DAS responses (2.56-fold increase). STAI T scores were significantly higher in the STI suspected group (p < 0.01), remaining robust after adjusting for confounders in a multiple linear regression model. Conclusions: Our prospectively designed study highlights the mental health repercussions associated with STIs. This is evident through the diminished DAS scores and heightened STAI Y-1 scores observed in individuals with suspected STIs.