Health posts
- June 21, 2016
- 03:05 AM
- 162 views
'Self-treatment' with helminths and autism?
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
At the end of 2013 there was some media interest in the presentation of interim data at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology from a couple of studies being run by Prof. Eric Hollander.It's life Jim but not as we know it... @ CDCThe abstracts for the studies 'Trichuris Suis Ova (TSO) as an Immune-inflammatory Treatment for Repetitive Behaviors in ASD' and 'Hyperthermia and the Improvement of ASD Symptoms' can be found here (look under abstracts........ Read more »
Liu J, Morey RA, Wilson JK, & Parker W. (2016) Practices and outcomes of self-treatment with helminths based on physicians' observations. Journal of helminthology, 1-11. PMID: 27240605
- June 20, 2016
- 04:10 PM
- 182 views
Fear factor: A new genetic candidate for treating PTSD
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Researchers have identified a new genetic candidate for testing therapies that might affect fear learning in people with PTSD or other conditions. Individuals with trauma- and stress-related disorders can manifest symptoms of these conditions in a variety of ways. Genetic risk factors for these and other psychiatric disorders have been established but do not explain the diversity of symptoms seen in the clinic - why are some individuals affected more severely than others and why do some respond ........ Read more »
Knoll, A., Halladay, L., Holmes, A., & Levitt, P. (2016) Quantitative Trait Loci and a Novel Genetic Candidate for Fear Learning. Journal of Neuroscience, 36(23), 6258-6268. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0177-16.2016
- June 20, 2016
- 09:12 AM
- 223 views
Mosquitoes Don’t Like Parasites Either (A Guest Post)
by Miss Behavior in The Scorpion and the Frog
By Maranda CardielA photograph of Culex pipiens, the species of mosquito that the researchers used in their experiment. Source: David Barillet-Portal at Wikimedia Commons.Everybody hates mosquitoes. They are annoying, persistent, and make us itch like crazy. Sometimes there are so many of them that we are afraid to go outside unless we want to risk getting covered in spots and scratching ourselves all over for the next week. And if that wasn’t enough, they can also carry dangerous diseases wi........ Read more »
Lalubin, F., Bize, P., van Rooyen, J., Christe, P., & Glaizot, O. (2012) Potential evidence of parasite avoidance in an avian malarial vector. Animal Behaviour, 84(3), 539-545. DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.06.004
- June 20, 2016
- 02:49 AM
- 183 views
Lactobacillus reuteri rescuing [mouse] social behaviours: relevance to autism?
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
Continuing a recent 'probiotic theme' on this blog I've decided to talk a little about the study results reported by Shelly Buffington and colleagues [1] on how a "single species of gut bacteria can reverse autism-related social behavior in mice." I say 'talk about' but my conversations on this topic should be viewed in light of what others have also said about this study (see here for example) including the lead author (see here).To summarise the findings: authors started from the idea that mat........ Read more »
Buffington, S., Di Prisco, G., Auchtung, T., Ajami, N., Petrosino, J., & Costa-Mattioli, M. (2016) Microbial Reconstitution Reverses Maternal Diet-Induced Social and Synaptic Deficits in Offspring. Cell, 165(7), 1762-1775. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.06.001
- June 18, 2016
- 04:25 PM
- 236 views
Mothers with diabetes more likely to have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Mothers of children with autism and were diagnosed with metabolic conditions during pregnancy, particularly gestational and type 2 diabetes, were more likely to have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies in their blood compared to healthy women of children with autism. The presence of these anti-fetal brain autoantibodies has been previously found to be specific to some mothers of children with autism and rare among mothers of children without autism.
... Read more »
Krakowiak, P., Walker, C., Tancredi, D., Hertz-Picciotto, I., & Van de Water, J. (2016) Autism-specific maternal anti-fetal brain autoantibodies are associated with metabolic conditions. Autism Research. DOI: 10.1002/aur.1657
- June 18, 2016
- 12:05 PM
- 245 views
A Step Closer To Artificial Human Beings?
by Agnese Mariotti in United Academics
Scientists propose the creation of a synthetic human genome as a follow-up of the Human Genome Project... Read more »
Boeke, J., Church, G., Hessel, A., Kelley, N., Arkin, A., Cai, Y., Carlson, R., Chakravarti, A., Cornish, V., Holt, L.... (2016) The Genome Project-Write. Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf6850
- June 18, 2016
- 04:57 AM
- 207 views
A study to watch... probiotics for autism
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
Happy as a pig in...Assuming that I'm still around as and when published, I'd like to think that the final product of the study protocol from Elisa Santocchi and colleagues [1] will eventually find it's way on to this blog when the peer-reviewed results are finally in.Alongside it's ClinicalTrials.gov entry (see here), authors describe an interesting double-blind, placebo-controlled study where the aim is to "determine the effects of supplementation with a probiotic mixture (Vivomixx®) in ASD&n........; Read more »
Santocchi E, Guiducci L, Fulceri F, Billeci L, Buzzigoli E, Apicella F, Calderoni S, Grossi E, Morales MA, & Muratori F. (2016) Gut to brain interaction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: a randomized controlled trial on the role of probiotics on clinical, biochemical and neurophysiological parameters. BMC psychiatry, 16(1), 183. PMID: 27260271
- June 17, 2016
- 03:06 AM
- 216 views
Epilepsy begets autism?
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
"Individuals with epilepsy are at increased risk of ASD [autism spectrum disorder], especially if epilepsy appears in childhood. Further, ASD is more common in the siblings and offspring of individuals with epilepsy, suggesting shared etiology."That was the research bottom-line from Heléne Sundelin and colleagues [1] reporting results based on examination of the "Swedish Patient Register" with regards to the "risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in individuals with epilepsy and in t........ Read more »
Sundelin, H., Larsson, H., Lichtenstein, P., Almqvist, C., Hultman, C., Tomson, T., & Ludvigsson, J. (2016) Autism and epilepsy. Neurology, 10. DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002836
- June 16, 2016
- 03:52 PM
- 300 views
Postpartum depression least severe form of depression in mothers
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Postpartum depression--a household term since actress Brooke Shields went public in 2005 about her struggle with it--is indeed serious. But depression that begins before or during pregnancy is often more severe because it lasts longer and usually goes undetected until the doctor screens for it after the birth of the baby.
... Read more »
Fisher, S., Wisner, K., Clark, C., Sit, D., Luther, J., & Wisniewski, S. (2016) Factors associated with onset timing, symptoms, and severity of depression identified in the postpartum period. Journal of Affective Disorders, 111-120. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.063
- June 16, 2016
- 03:01 AM
- 205 views
Prevalence of learning disability and autism in Western Australia
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
"The prevalence of ID [intellectual disability] in WA [Western Australia] has increased over the past 10 years compared with previous estimates... This increase is associated in a large part with an increased prevalence of ASDs [autism spectrum disorder] for whom 70% had comorbid ID or an unknown level of ID."Those were some of the findings reported by Jenny Bourke and colleagues [1] (open-access available here). Drawing on data derived from the Intellectual Di........ Read more »
Bourke J, de Klerk N, Smith T, & Leonard H. (2016) Population-Based Prevalence of Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Western Australia: A Comparison With Previous Estimates. Medicine, 95(21). PMID: 27227936
- June 15, 2016
- 10:18 AM
- 278 views
Weird stuff found in recreational drugs: Meth edition
by Rosin Cerate in Rosin Cerate
As Breaking Bad has taught us, the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine is a very dangerous undertaking. It involves the use of many harmful substances, which depending on the synthesis method include highly corrosive acids and bases, cancer-causing benzene, brain-damaging mercury and lead, jaw-wrecking phosphorus, and blood-breaking sodium cyanide. Blending these various substances together can produce noxious fumes, making gas masks and chemical suits a necessity if you want to avoid get........ Read more »
Cole C, Jones L, McVeigh J, Kicman A, Syed Q, & Bellis M. (2011) Adulterants in illicit drugs: A review of empirical evidence. Drug Testing and Analysis, 3(2), 89-96. PMID: 21322119
- June 15, 2016
- 03:10 AM
- 185 views
The stability of an Asperger syndrome diagnosis continued
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
"The subsample that no longer fulfilled an autism spectrum disorder had full-time jobs or studies (10/11), independent living (100%), and reported having two or more friends (100%)."So said the paper by Adam Helles and colleagues [1] continuing a research theme from this authorship group on what happens to autism, or rather Asperger syndrome, in the longer-term (see here). Indeed, if you have the time, the thesis from Helles covering this area of study is well worth a read (see here).This time a........ Read more »
Helles A, Gillberg IC, Gillberg C, & Billstedt E. (2016) Asperger syndrome in males over two decades: Quality of life in relation to diagnostic stability and psychiatric comorbidity. Autism : the international journal of research and practice. PMID: 27233289
- June 14, 2016
- 03:16 PM
- 308 views
Even when help is just a click away, stigma is still a roadblock
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Stigma is a major barrier preventing people with mental health issues from getting the help they need. Even in a private and anonymous setting online, someone with greater self-stigma is less likely to take that first step to get information about mental health concerns and counseling.
... Read more »
Lannin, D., Vogel, D., Brenner, R., Abraham, W., & Heath, P. (2016) Does self-stigma reduce the probability of seeking mental health information?. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(3), 351-358. DOI: 10.1037/cou0000108
- June 14, 2016
- 12:18 PM
- 278 views
Nurturing the Gifted
by William Yates, M.D. in Brain Posts
My photo of Mozart No one denies the importance of public education. Raising graduation rates and academic ability in the general population are highly accepted education system goals. Additionally, identification of learning disorders and the barriers to academic progress are the focus of many.However, the study of the gifted is perhaps no less important but this topic receives less attention and research.Matthew Makel and colleagues at Duke University and Vanderbi........ Read more »
Makel MC, Kell HJ, Lubinski D, Putallaz M, & Benbow CP. (2016) When Lightning Strikes Twice: Profoundly Gifted, Profoundly Accomplished. Psychological science. PMID: 27225220
Kell HJ, Lubinski D, Benbow CP, & Steiger JH. (2013) Creativity and technical innovation: spatial ability's unique role. Psychological science, 24(9), 1831-6. PMID: 23846718
- June 14, 2016
- 08:47 AM
- 247 views
MaMaLoc: How To Change Cancer Surgeries With Magnets
by Rita dos Santos Silva in United Academics
A small magnetic device might transform breast cancer surgeries... Read more »
Rahusen, F., Bremers, A., Fabry, H., Taets van Amerongen, A., Boom, R., & Meijer, S. (2002) Ultrasound-guided lumpectomy of nonpalpable breast cancer versus wire-guided resection: A randomized clinical trial. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 9(10), 994-998. DOI: 10.1007/BF02574518
Anderson, R., Kimmick, G., McCoy, T., Hopkins, J., Levine, E., Miller, G., Ribisl, P., & Mihalko, S. (2011) A randomized trial of exercise on well-being and function following breast cancer surgery: the RESTORE trial. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 6(2), 172-181. DOI: 10.1007/s11764-011-0208-4
Medina-Franco, H., Abarca-Pérez, L., García-Alvarez, M., Ulloa-Gómez, J., Romero-Trejo, C., & Sepúlveda-Méndez, J. (2008) Radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) versus wire-guided lumpectomy for non-palpable breast lesions: A randomized prospective evaluation. Journal of Surgical Oncology, 97(2), 108-111. DOI: 10.1002/jso.20880
Lovrics, P., Cornacchi, S., Vora, R., Goldsmith, C., & Kahnamoui, K. (2011) Systematic review of radioguided surgery for non-palpable breast cancer. European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), 37(5), 388-397. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2011.01.018
Postma, E., Koffijberg, H., Verkooijen, H., Witkamp, A., van den Bosch, M., & van Hillegersberg, R. (2013) Cost-Effectiveness of Radioguided Occult Lesion Localization (ROLL) Versus Wire-Guided Localization (WGL) in Breast Conserving Surgery for Nonpalpable Breast Cancer: Results from a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 20(7), 2219-2226. DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-2888-7
Ahmed, M., & Douek, M. (2013) A systematic review and meta-analysis of intra-operative ultrasound versus wire-guided localization in the surgical management of non-palpable breast cancers. European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), 39(11). DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2013.07.212
- June 14, 2016
- 02:42 AM
- 202 views
On fatty acid metabolism and autism and ADHD (again)
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
"Children with ADHD [attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder] and ASD [autism spectrum disorder] had low levels of EPA [eicosapentaenoic acid], DHA [docosahexaenoic acid] and AA [arachidonic acid] and high ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs [polyunsaturated fatty acid] and these correlated significantly with symptoms. Future research should further investigate abnormal fatty acid metabolism in these disorders."So said the research publication by Natalie Par........ Read more »
Parletta N, Niyonsenga T, & Duff J. (2016) Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels and Correlations with Symptoms in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Controls. PloS one, 11(5). PMID: 27232999
- June 13, 2016
- 08:30 PM
- 268 views
This Month in Blastocystis Research (MAY 2016)
by Christen Rune Stensvold in Blastocystis Parasite Blog
The May entry of "This Month in Blastocystis Research" focusses especially on the increasing interest in Blastocystis in a gut microbiota context. ... Read more »
Audebert C, Even G, Cian A, Blastocystis Investigation Group, Loywick A, Merlin S, Viscogliosi E, & Chabé M. (2016) Colonization with the enteric protozoa Blastocystis is associated with increased diversity of human gut bacterial microbiota. Scientific reports, 25255. PMID: 27147260
Andersen LO, Bonde I, Nielsen HB, & Stensvold CR. (2015) A retrospective metagenomics approach to studying Blastocystis. FEMS microbiology ecology, 91(7). PMID: 26130823
Stensvold CR, & Clark CG. (2016) Current status of Blastocystis: A personal view. Parasitology international. PMID: 27247124
O'Brien Andersen L, Karim AB, Roager HM, Vigsnæs LK, Krogfelt KA, Licht TR, & Stensvold CR. (2016) Associations between common intestinal parasites and bacteria in humans as revealed by qPCR. European journal of clinical microbiology . PMID: 27230509
Ramírez JD, Sánchez A, Hernández C, Flórez C, Bernal MC, Giraldo JC, Reyes P, López MC, García L, Cooper PJ.... (2016) Geographic distribution of human Blastocystis subtypes in South America. Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 32-5. PMID: 27034056
- June 13, 2016
- 01:43 PM
- 296 views
Experimental antibiotic treats deadly MRSA infection
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
The antibiotic arms race is on, while we are rushing to find new antibiotics, bacteria are working on finding ways around them. With that in mind, a new experimental antibiotic developed by a team of scientists successfully treats the deadly MRSA infection and restores the efficacy of a commonly prescribed antibiotic that has become ineffective against MRSA.
... Read more »
Kaul M, Mark L, Zhang Y, Parhi AK, Lyu YL, Pawlak J, Saravolatz S, Saravolatz LD, Weinstein MP, LaVoie EJ.... (2015) TXA709, an FtsZ-Targeting Benzamide Prodrug with Improved Pharmacokinetics and Enhanced In Vivo Efficacy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 59(8), 4845-55. PMID: 26033735
- June 13, 2016
- 07:24 AM
- 199 views
Collateral Damage: Anti-cancer therapy and Autoimmune disease: Part I
by AG McCluskey in Zongo's Cancer Diaries
This post describes what Autoimmune diseases are. Part II will describe the potential of anti-cancer therapies as treatments for Autoimmune disease.... Read more »
Bell, E., & Bird, L. (2005) Autoimmunity. Nature, 435(7042), 583-583. DOI: 10.1038/435583a
AG McCluskey. (2016) Collateral Damage. Zongo's Cancer Diaries. info:/
- June 13, 2016
- 02:34 AM
- 217 views
A gluten-free diet, gastrointestinal issues and autism
by Paul Whiteley in Questioning Answers
Given my own research interest in the use of specific dietary modifications as possible intervention tools for some aspects of some autism (see here) I was more than interested to read the results published by Faezeh Ghalichi and colleagues [1] following their randomised-controlled trial of a gluten-free diet (GFD) including some 80 children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).As part of an area of much discussion, debate and also heated argument down the years, the author........ Read more »
Ghalichi F, Ghaemmaghami J, Malek A, & Ostadrahimi A. (2016) Effect of gluten free diet on gastrointestinal and behavioral indices for children with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized clinical trial. World journal of pediatrics : WJP. PMID: 27286693
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