Development Of Early Intervention Strategies Research Articles

Neuroimaging features of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder.

Cognitive dysfunctions are one of the key symptoms of schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD), which exist not only during the onset of diseases but also before the onset, even after the remission of psychiatric symptoms. With the development of neuroimaging techniques, these non-invasive approaches provide valuable insights into the underlying pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and information of cognitive remediation interventions. This review synthesizes existing neuroimaging studies to examine domains of cognitive impairment, particularly processing speed, memory, attention, and executive function in SZ and MDD patients. First, white matter (WM) abnormalities are observed in processing speed deficits in both SZ and MDD, with distinct neuroimaging findings highlighting WM connectivity abnormalities in SZ and WM hyperintensity caused by small vessel disease in MDD. Additionally, the abnormal functions of prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe are found in both SZ and MDD patients during various memory tasks, while aberrant amygdala activity potentially contributes to a preference to negative memories in MDD. Furthermore, impaired large-scale networks including frontoparietal network, dorsal attention network, and ventral attention network are related to attention deficits, both in SZ and MDD patients. Finally, abnormal activity and volume of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and abnormal functional connections between the DLPFC and the cerebellum are associated with executive dysfunction in both SZ and MDD. Despite these insights, longitudinal neuroimaging studies are lacking, impeding a comprehensive understanding of cognitive changes and the development of early intervention strategies for SZ and MDD. Addressing this gap is critical for advancing our knowledge and improving patient prognosis.

Association of AI-determined Kellgren–Lawrence grade with medial meniscus extrusion and cartilage thickness by AI-based 3D MRI analysis in early knee osteoarthritis

The associations among Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade, medial meniscus extrusion (MME), and cartilage thickness in knee osteoarthritis (OA) remain insufficiently understood. Our aim was to determine these associations in early to moderate medial tibiofemoral knee OA. We included 469 subjects with no lateral OA from the Kanagawa Knee Study. KL grade was assessed using artificial intelligence (AI) software. The MME was measured by MRI, and the cartilage thickness was evaluated in 18 subregions of the medial femorotibial joint by another AI system. The median MME width was 1.4 mm in KL0, 1.5 mm in KL1, 2.4 mm in KL2, and 6.0 mm in KL3. Cartilage thinning in the medial femur occurred in the anterior central subregion in KL1, expanded inwardly in KL2, and further expanded in KL3. Cartilage thinning in the medial tibia occurred in the anterior and middle external subregions in KL1, expanded into the anterior and middle central subregions in KL2, and further expanded in KL3. The absolute correlation coefficient between MME width and cartilage thickness increased as the KL grade increased in some subregions. This study provides novel insights into the early stages of knee OA and potentially has implications for the development of early intervention strategies.

A mini-review on functional magnetic resonance imaging on brain structure of vascular cognitive impairment.

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is the initial stage of vascular dementia (VaD). Early diagnosis and treatment of VCI are crucial to prevent the progression of VaD. In order to gain a better understanding of VCI, this study aimed to investigate the use of advanced imaging techniques such as structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). These techniques allow researchers to observe the structural and functional changes in the brain that are associated with VCI. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and sMRI techniques have been widely used in studies focusing on gray matter, brain networks, and functional abnormalities during rest. By searching and summarizing recent literature, this study has provided valuable evidence on the use of advanced imaging techniques in understanding and treating VCI. The findings from this study can aid in the development of early intervention strategies for patients with VCI, potentially slowing down or even halting the progression of VCI to full-blown VaD.

Predictive factors for cerebrocardiac syndrome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a retrospective cohort study.

Cerebrocardiac syndrome (CCS) is a severe complication of severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) that carries high mortality and disability rates. Early identification of CCS poses a significant clinical challenge. The main objective of this study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with the development of secondary CCS in patients with sTBI. It was hypothesized that elevated right heart Tei index (TI), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and elevated cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) levels would independently contribute to the occurrence of CCS in sTBI patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify risk factors for CCS secondary to sTBI. One hundred and fifty-five patients were enrolled with sTBI admitted to the hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 and divided them into a CCS group (n = 75) and a non-CCS group (n = 80) based on the presence of CCS. This study involved the analysis and comparison of clinical data from two patient groups, encompassing demographic characteristics, peripheral oxygen saturation (SPO2), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), cardiac ultrasound, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) scores, and GCS scores and so on. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify independent risk factors for CCS, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess their predictive value for CCS secondary to sTBI. The study revealed that 48.4% of sTBI patients developed secondary CCS. In the multivariate analysis model 1 that does not include NT-proBNP and cTnI, ONSD (OR = 2.582, 95% CI: 1.054-6.327, P = 0.038), right heart Tei index (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.288-6.129, P = 0.009), and GCS (OR = 0.212, 95% CI: 0.086-0.521, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for secondary CCS in sTBI patients. In multivariate analysis model 2 that includes NT-proBNP and cTnI, cTnI (OR = 27.711, 95%CI: 3.086-248.795, P = 0.003), right heart Tei index (OR = 2.736, 95% CI: 1.056-7.091, P = 0.038), and GCS (OR = 0.147, 95% CI: 0.045-0.481, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for secondary CCS in sTBI patients. The area under the ROC curve for ONSD, Tei index, GCS, and cTnI were 0.596, 0.613, 0.635, and 0.881, respectively. ONSD exhibited a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.704 and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.634. The Tei index demonstrated a PPV of 0.624 and an NPV of 0.726, while GCS had a PPV of 0.644 and an NPV of 0.815. On the other hand, cTnI exhibited a significantly higher PPV of 0.936 and an NPV of 0.817. These findings indicate that the Tei index, GCS score, and cTnI possess certain predictive value for secondary CCS in patients with sTBI. The study provides valuable insights into the identification of independent risk factors for CCS secondary to sTBI. The findings highlight the significance of right heart Tei index, GCS score, and cTnI as potential predictive factors for CCS in sTBI patients. Further larger-scale studies are warranted to corroborate these findings and to provide robust evidence for the development of early intervention strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of CCS in this patient population.

At-risk mental states and personality traits: A cluster analysis approach on a group of help-seeking young adults.

Research on the relationship between personality and psychosis onset is growing, with the goal of preventing or intervening early in patients' vulnerability. The identification of individuals with at-risk mental states has enabled the development of early intervention strategies, such as Programma 2000, a youth mental health service that was implemented in Milan (Italy). Focusing on the 18-25 age range-the time window with the highest incidence of psychotic onset-this study aims to identify the personality traits that may characterize the at-risk mental states and the social functioning of a group of help-seeking young adults. The sample includes 169 people (48.5% males and 51.5% females). Data were collected during an initial assessment that comprised the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5, the Checklist ERIraos and a clinical session. Results identified a three-cluster solution based on the Checklist scores: Cluster 1 'Not at psychotic risk'; Cluster 2 'At intermediate risk'; Cluster 3 'With psychotic onset'. The multivariate analysis of the variance of personality traits shows significant differences among the clusters in negative affect, detachment and disinhibition. Higher scores in these traits may distinguish individuals, not at psychotic risk from those at intermediate risk or with psychotic onset. Moreover, social functioning was found to be negatively associated with clusters of psychotic risk. Findings from this study highlighted the need to evaluate personalized interventions targeting such personality traits that could prevent psychotic transition and promote psychological well-being.

Characteristics of infant-directed speech in caregivers with traumatic experiences

Mothers with depressive symptoms interact differently with their children compared to mothers without depressive symptoms. Compared with non-depressed mothers, depressed mothers use a lower mean pitch and less extended pitch range, speak less, and respond slower to their infants. Are the characteristics of infant-directed speech (IDS) affected by a caregiver’s traumatic experiences? The study will examine characteristics of IDS in two groups of mothers (N=30); one group exposed to traumatic experiences and the other not exposed to traumatic experiences as assessed by the Adverse Childhood Experiences scale. The mean length of utterances (MLU, the number of morphemes per utterance), mean fundamental frequency (Hz), fundamental frequency range (Hz), speech rate (syllabus per utterance duration), and utterance duration (seconds) will be measured in maternal speech. Based on studies with depressed mothers, it is expected that mothers exposed to traumatic experiences will produce shorter MLU, lower fundamental frequency, less expanded fundamental frequency range, slower speech rate, and shorter utterance duration compared to mothers without traumatic experiences. The research will contribute to the development of early intervention strategies that will aim to strengthen language acquisition in children from families exposed to trauma.

Immune response pattern across the asymptomatic, symptomatic and convalescent periods of COVID-19

We present an integrated analysis of urine and serum proteomics and clinical measurements in asymptomatic, mild/moderate, severe and convalescent cases of COVID-19. We identify the pattern of immune response during COVID-19 infection. The immune response is activated in asymptomatic infection, but is dysregulated in mild and severe COVID-19 patients. Our data suggest that the turning point depends on the function of myeloid cells and neutrophils. In addition, immune defects persist into the recovery stage, until 12 months after diagnosis. Moreover, disorders of cholesterol metabolism span the entire progression of the disease, starting from asymptomatic infection and lasting to recovery. Our data suggest that prolonged dysregulation of the immune response and cholesterol metabolism might be the pivotal causative agent of other potential sequelae. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis, which is instructive for the development of early intervention strategies to ameliorate complex disease sequelae.

Predicting Depression Onset in Young People Based on Clinical, Cognitive, Environmental, and Neurobiological Data

BackgroundAdolescent onset of depression is associated with long-lasting negative consequences. Identifying adolescents at risk for developing depression would enable the monitoring of risk factors and the development of early intervention strategies. Using machine learning to combine several risk factors from multiple modalities might allow prediction of depression onset at the individual level. MethodsA subsample of a multisite longitudinal study in adolescents, the IMAGEN study, was used to predict future (subthreshold) major depressive disorder onset in healthy adolescents. Based on 2-year and 5-year follow-up data, participants were grouped into the following: 1) those developing a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or subthreshold major depressive disorder and 2) healthy control subjects. Baseline measurements of 145 variables from different modalities (clinical, cognitive, environmental, and structural magnetic resonance imaging) at age 14 years were used as input to penalized logistic regression (with different levels of penalization) to predict depression onset in a training dataset (n = 407). The features contributing the highest to the prediction were validated in an independent hold-out sample (three independent IMAGEN sites; n = 137). ResultsThe area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting depression onset ranged between 0.70 and 0.72 in the training dataset. Baseline severity of depressive symptoms, female sex, neuroticism, stressful life events, and surface area of the supramarginal gyrus contributed most to the predictive model and predicted onset of depression, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve between 0.68 and 0.72 in the independent validation sample. ConclusionsThis study showed that depression onset in adolescents can be predicted based on a combination multimodal data of clinical characteristics, life events, personality traits, and brain structure variables.

Prevalence and factors associated to depression and suicidal behavior among medical students

ABSTRACT Objective: Depression and suicidal behavior have been described as major problems among medical students. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression and suicidal behavior among medical students of an institution and to investigate possible associated variables. Methods: The authors carried out a cross-sectional study through a self-administered questionnaire, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck’s Suicide Intent Scale (BSIS) instruments. The diagnosis of depression was based on an instrument adapted according to the DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. Logistic regression was performed to search for depression predictor variables. Results: In a total of 381 students, the prevalence of depression was 27.6%. Suicidal ideation of moderate to severe intensity was observed in 10.5% of the sample. About 6% of students had previously attempted suicide. Consumption of licit and illicit drugs was frequent among the participants, reaching 78% and 24% of the sample, respectively. The demand for specialized treatment was lower than expected among students with depression. Logistic regression revealed that female gender, reduced interpersonal contact with friends, reduced physical activity, difficulty in facing new situations and high perception of personal pressure were risk factors for depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and suicidal behavior among medical students is higher than in the general population. There is a need for further studies to enable a better understanding of the risk factors and variables at play, which is fundamental for the development of early intervention strategies and support for students.

Cluster patterns of behavioural risk factors among children: Longitudinal associations with adult cardio-metabolic risk factors

Much of what is known about childhood clusters of cardiovascular disease behavioural risk factors (RFs) comes from cross-sectional studies, providing little insight into the long-term health impacts of different behavioural cluster profiles. This study aimed to establish the longitudinal relationship between cluster patterns of childhood behavioural RFs and adult cardio-metabolic RFs.Data were from an Australian prospective cohort study of 1265 participants measured in 1985 (ages 9–15 yrs), and in 2004–06 (ages 26–36 yrs). At baseline, children self-reported smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity (PA), dietary behaviour and psychological well-being. At follow-up, participants completed questionnaires and attended study clinics where the following component indicators of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) score were measured: waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipids. TwoStep cluster analyses were carried out to identify clusters in childhood. Linear regression was used to examine the longitudinal associations between cluster patterns of childhood behavioural RFs and adult cardio-metabolic RFs.Four childhood cluster patterns of behavioural RFs labelled ‘most healthy’, ‘high PA’, ‘most unhealthy’, and ‘breakfast skippers’ were identified. The unhealthier childhood clusters predicted a significantly higher adult MetS score (‘most unhealthy’: β = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.01, 0.19) and adult waist circumference (‘most unhealthy’: β = 2.29, 95%CI = 0.90, 6.67; ‘breakfast skippers’: β = 2.15, 95%CI = 0.30, 4.00). These associations were independent of adult behavioural RFs and socio-economic position.These findings emphasise the impact of multiple childhood behavioural RFs on important adult health outcomes and may be useful for the development of early intervention strategies, where identification of children at higher risk of poorer adult cardio-metabolic health is vital.

Perceptions of Methotrexate Intolerance and Its Impact on Daily Life in School-Age Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

PurposeMethotrexate (MTX) is a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug commonly used to treat children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Unfortunately, half of children taking MTX will experience MTX intolerance, which includes distressing gastrointestinal and behavioural symptoms associated with weekly MTX treatment. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of school-age children with JIA experiencing MTX intolerance, how they managed MTX intolerance, and how it impacted their daily life. Design and methodsAn interpretive descriptive design was used. Twelve children participated in one individual 30-minute semi-structured interview using a storyboard technique to elicit their perceptions through storytelling. Interview transcripts and observational data collected during the interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis. ResultsChildren described MTX intolerance as extremely challenging. Three themes emerged from the data: (1) “No kid likes taking MTX”. This theme was comprised of two subthemes related to: (a) associative MTX intolerance; namely, “Talking about it sometimes makes me feel sick”; and (b) anticipatory MTX intolerance, “Before [I take it], I have a little stomach ache”. Other themes included: (2) The importance of strategies and routines; and (3) Working hard to live with MTX intolerance. ConclusionsThis study sheds new light on MTX intolerance as perceived by school-aged children with JIA. Results highlight the importance of providing families and healthcare professionals with the necessary information for early recognition of MTX intolerance and optimizing care through the development of early intervention strategies. Practice implicationsStudy findings highlight the importance of prioritizing early identification and prevention of MTX intolerance.

Invasive candidiasis.

Invasive candidiasis is an important health-care-associated fungal infection that can be caused by several Candida spp.; the most common species is Candida albicans, but the prevalence of these organisms varies considerably depending on geographical location. The spectrum of disease of invasive candidiasis ranges from minimally symptomatic candidaemia to fulminant sepsis with an associated mortality exceeding 70%. Candida spp. are common commensal organisms in the skin and gut microbiota, and disruptions in the cutaneous and gastrointestinal barriers (for example, owing to gastrointestinal perforation) promote invasive disease. A deeper understanding of specific Candida spp. virulence factors, host immune response and host susceptibility at the genetic level has led to key insights into the development of early intervention strategies and vaccine candidates. The early diagnosis of invasive candidiasis is challenging but key to the effective management, and the development of rapid molecular diagnostics could improve the ability to intervene rapidly and potentially reduce mortality. First-line drugs, including echinocandins and azoles, are effective, but the emergence of antifungal resistance, especially among Candida glabrata, is a matter of concern and underscores the need to administer antifungal medications in a judicious manner, avoiding overuse when possible. A newly described pathogen, Candida auris, is an emerging multidrug-resistant organism that poses a global threat.

Serial minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring during first-line FCR treatment for CLL may direct individualized therapeutic strategies

Achieving undetectable MRD (U-MRD) status after chemoimmunotherapy predicts longer progression-free and overall survival. The predictive factors and timing of relapse in patients with U-MRD and value of interim MRD analysis are ill-defined. This was a prospective study of 289 patients with CLL treated first-line with FCR. MRD analysis was performed after course 3 (C3) and at end-of-therapy (EOT) in bone marrow using 4-color flow cytometry (sensitivity 10−4). Eighteen percent of patients had U-MRD after C3 and 48% at EOT. U-MRD status at EOT was associated with longer PFS (median NR vs 38mo, p<0.001). MRD level (≤1% vs. >1%) after C3 predicted greater likelihood of U-MRD status at EOT (64% vs. 9%, p<0.001). PFS was significantly longer for patients with MRD ≤1% vs. >1% after C3 (median 73mo vs 41mo, p<0.001), but similar for <0.01% vs. 0.01–1%. Interim MRD status may therefore be used for risk stratification and to individualize therapy. Eighty-five patients with U-MRD status at EOT had yearly blood MRD monitoring; MRD re-emerged in 38/85, a median of 48mo after EOT and preceded clinical progression by a median of 24 months, which may allow development of early intervention strategies.

Rates and predictors of 18-months remission in an epidemiological cohort of 661 patients with first-episode psychosis.

Most first episode psychosis (FEP) outcome studies are based on patient samples enrolled through an informed consent procedure, which may induce important biases. Our aim was to study the 18-month outcome of FEP in an epidemiological sample of patients treated at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC). The files of 661 FEP patients treated for up to 18months between 1998 and 2000 were assessed. Symptomatic remission was defined as receiving a score≤3 on the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scales, and functional remission as concurrent fulfillment of occupation/employment and independent living. Predictors were analyzed using stepwise logistic regression models. At endpoint, 63% of FEP patients had reached symptomatic remission and 44% functional remission. Duration of untreated psychosis, baseline symptom intensity, time in service and decrease or remission of substance use, predicted both symptomatic and functional outcome. A history of suicide attempt or non-adherence to medication was linked to lower likelihood to reach symptomatic remission while pre-morbid GAF and employment at baseline were linked to functional outcome. The development of early intervention strategies should be pursued, in order both to provide treatment before symptoms reach a high intensity and to maintain social integration. Specific strategies need to promote engagement, facilitate adherence to medication and to create a framework where key issues such as substance abuse co-morbidity can be addressed.

Development and validation of the cannabis experiences questionnaire – Intoxication effects checklist (CEQ-I) short form

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a short form of the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire - Intoxication Effects (CEQ-I), a 42-item scale which measures the euphoric and paranoid-dysphoric effects of cannabis intoxication. MethodExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted among 604 past-month cannabis users to develop the short form. The factor structure was replicated in a second sample of 146 past-month cannabis users. The concurrent validity of the scale was also examined. ResultsConsistent with previous research, two factors were identified (paranoid-dysphoric; euphoric), and were replicated with confirmatory factor analyses. The most parsimonious scale consisted of 13 items. Correlations of short-form subscales with corresponding original subscales were high. The paranoid-dysphoric subscale was also moderately positively correlated with measures of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and psychological distress. ConclusionsThe revised and validated CEQ-I short form can be used to explore the euphoric and paranoid-dysphoric effects of cannabis intoxication in young cannabis users, and whether these experiences increase their risk of developing cannabis use and psychotic disorders. The CEQ-I short form has the potential to aid in the identification of young cannabis users at risk of the paranoid-dysphoric effects of cannabis intoxication and may assist in the development of early intervention strategies targeting cannabis users with PLEs.

Correlation of ABO Blood Group Phenotype and Rhesus Factor with Periodontal Disease: An Observational Study.

Background:The knowledge of the ABO blood group phenotype of the patients and their correlation with the periodontal disease maybe important in the development of early treatment strategies, and it would be helpful to target non-responding areas to periodontal therapy of the susceptible individuals.Aims:The present study was conducted to determine whether there was any correlation between periodontal diseases and ABO blood groups and Rh factor.Material and Method:This study was carried out on 537 subjects attending Faculty of Dental Sciences OPD in BHU. Subjects were divided into three groups: group I (healthy subjects), group II (subjects with gingivitis), and group III (subjects with periodontitis) based on periodontal examination (Gingival index, Bleeding Index, Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level). ABO Blood grouping were done and correlated with the periodontal status of study subjects. Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using the statistical software namely Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 16, IBM Analytics) and Systat 8.0.Results:In this study, there was a greater prevalence of gingivitis in blood group O and periodontitis in blood group B. The blood group AB showed the least prevalence of periodontal diseases. Similarly gingivitis and peridontitis were significantly higher among Rhesus positive groups when compared with Rhesus negative groups.Conclusion:Considering the results of this study, it can be concluded that ABO blood groups and Rh factor could be a risk factor for the development of periodontal disease.

Design and Methodology of the Korean Early Psychosis Cohort Study.

The present study details the rationale and methodology of the Korean Early Psychosis Cohort Study (KEPS), which is a clinical cohort investigation of first episode psychosis patients from a Korean population. The KEPS is a prospective naturalistic observational cohort study that follows the participants for at least 2 years. This study includes patients between 18 and 45 years of age who fulfill the criteria for one of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders according to the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5. Early psychosis is defined as first episode patients who received antipsychotic treatment for fewer than 4 consecutive weeks after the onset of illness or stabilized patients in the early stages of the disorder whose duration of illness was less than 2 years from the initiation of antipsychotic treatment. The primary outcome measures are treatment response, remission, recovery, and relapse. Additionally, several laboratory tests are conducted and a variety of objective and subjective psychiatric measures assessing early life trauma, lifestyle pattern, and social and cognitive functioning are administered. This long-term prospective cohort study may contribute to the development of early intervention strategies and the improvement of long-term outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

Prader-Willi Syndrome: The Disease that Opened up Epigenomic-Based Preemptive Medicine.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function of paternally expressed genes on chromosome 15 due to paternal deletion of 15q11–q13, maternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 15, or an imprinting mutation. We previously developed a DNA methylation-based PCR assay to identify each of these three genetic causes of PWS. The assay enables straightforward and rapid diagnosis during infancy and therefore allows early intervention such as nutritional management, physical therapy, or growth hormone treatment to prevent PWS patients from complications such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is known that various environmental factors induce epigenomic changes during the perinatal period, which increase the risk of adult diseases such as type 2 diabetes and intellectual disabilities. Therefore, a similar preemptive approach as used in PWS would also be applicable to acquired disorders and would make use of environmentally-introduced “epigenomic signatures” to aid development of early intervention strategies that take advantage of “epigenomic reversibility”.

Insights into Mechanisms of Chronic Neurodegeneration.

Chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and prion diseases are characterised by the accumulation of abnormal conformers of a host encoded protein in the central nervous system. The process leading to neurodegeneration is still poorly defined and thus development of early intervention strategies is challenging. Unique amongst these diseases are Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases, which have the ability to transmit between individuals. The infectious nature of these diseases has permitted in vivo and in vitro modelling of the time course of the disease process in a highly reproducible manner, thus early events can be defined. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the cell-to-cell spread of protein aggregates by a “prion-like mechanism” is common among the protein misfolding diseases. Thus, the TSE models may provide insights into disease mechanisms and testable hypotheses for disease intervention, applicable to a number of these chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of training focused on executive functions (attention, inhibition, and working memory) in preschoolers exhibiting ADHD symptoms.

The development of early intervention strategies for children with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is important because it provides an opportunity to prevent severe problems in the future. The main purpose of this investigation was to determine the efficacy of a group training for the control of attention, working memory and impulsive behaviors, involving 5-year-old children with ADHD symptoms. Twenty-six children with ADHD symptoms and 26 with typical development were randomly divided in two conditions. Thirteen children in each group were assigned to the training condition and the other to the business as usual condition (normal class activity). Children who participated in the intervention showed an improvement in the tasks measuring their control of attention, impulsive behavior, and working memory. Moreover, children with typical development who attended the training also improved their competencies. The results confirm the importance of an early intervention for preschool-age children with ADHD symptoms.