scholarly journals Network component analysis reveals developmental trajectories of structural connectivity and specific alterations in autism spectrum disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 4169-4184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Ball ◽  
Richard Beare ◽  
Marc L. Seal
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth Ball ◽  
Richard Beare ◽  
Marc L. Seal

The structural organisation of the brain can be characterised as a hierarchical ensemble of segregated modules linked by densely interconnected hub regions that facilitate distributed functional interactions. Disturbances to this network may be an important marker of abnormal development. Recently, several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have been framed as disorders of connectivity but the full nature and timing of these disturbances remain unclear.In this study, we use non-negative matrix factorisation, a data-driven, multivariate approach, to model the structural network architecture of the brain as a set of superposed subnetworks, or network components.In an openly available dataset of 196 subjects scanned between 5 to 85 years we identify a set of robust and reliable subnetworks that develop in tandem with age and reflect both anatomically local and long-range, network hub connections. In a second experiment, we compare network components in a cohort of 51 high-functioning ASD adolescents to a group of age-matched controls. We identify a specific subnetwork representing an increase in local connection strength in the cingulate cortex in ASD (t=3.44, p<0.001).This work highlights possible long-term implications of alterations to the developmental trajectories of specific cortical subnetworks.


2012 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Lord ◽  
Rhiannon Luyster ◽  
Whitney Guthrie ◽  
Andrew Pickles

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Iris W. Riemersma ◽  
Robbert Havekes ◽  
Martien J. H. Kas

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by differences in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory differences beginning early in life. Especially sensory symptoms are highly correlated with the severity of other behavioral differences. ASD is a highly heterogeneous condition on multiple levels, including clinical presentation, genetics, and developmental trajectories. Over a thousand genes have been implicated in ASD. This has facilitated the generation of more than two hundred genetic mouse models that are contributing to understanding the biological underpinnings of ASD. Since the first symptoms already arise during early life, it is especially important to identify both spatial and temporal gene functions in relation to the ASD phenotype. To further decompose the heterogeneity, ASD-related genes can be divided into different subgroups based on common functions, such as genes involved in synaptic function. Furthermore, finding common biological processes that are modulated by this subgroup of genes is essential for possible patient stratification and the development of personalized early treatments. Here, we review the current knowledge on behavioral rodent models of synaptic dysfunction by focusing on behavioral phenotypes, spatial and temporal gene function, and molecular targets that could lead to new targeted gene-based therapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 988-998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Peverill ◽  
Isabel M Smith ◽  
Eric Duku ◽  
Peter Szatmari ◽  
Pat Mirenda ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Although feeding problems are a common concern in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), few longitudinal studies have examined their persistence over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the developmental progression of feeding problems across four time points in preschoolers with ASD. Methods Group-based trajectory analyses revealed four distinct trajectories of feeding problems in our sample (N = 396). Results The majority of children showed levels of feeding problems that were low from the outset and stable (Group 1; 26.3%) or moderate and declining over time (Group 2; 38.9%). A third group (26.5%) showed high levels of feeding problems as preschoolers that declined to the average range by school age. Few participants (8.3%) showed evidence of severe chronic feeding problems. Feeding problems were more highly correlated with general behavior problems than with autism symptom severity. Conclusions Overall, our findings demonstrated that in our sample of children with ASD, most feeding problems remitted over time, but a small subgroup showed chronic feeding problems into school age. It is important to consider and assess feeding problems in ASD against the backdrop of typical development, as many children with ASD may show improvement with age.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 631-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmund Sonuga-Barke ◽  
Mark Kennedy ◽  
Dennis Golm ◽  
Nicky Knights ◽  
Hanna Kovshoff ◽  
...  

AbstractInstitutionally deprived young children often display distinctive patterns of attachment, classified as insecure/other (INS/OTH), with their adoptive parents. The associations between INS/OTH and developmental trajectories of mental health and neurodevelopmental symptoms were examined. Age 4 attachment status was determined for 97 Romanian adoptees exposed to up to 24 months of deprivation in Romanian orphanages and 49 nondeprived UK adoptees. Autism, inattention/overactivity and disinhibited-social-engagement symptoms, emotional problems, and IQ were measured at 4, 6, 11, and 15 years and in young adulthood. Romanian adoptees with over 6 months deprivation (Rom>6) were more often classified as INS/OTH than UK and Romanian adoptees with less than 6 months deprivation combined. INS/OTH was associated with cognitive impairment at age 4 years. The interaction between deprivation, attachment status, and age for autism spectrum disorder assessment was significant, with greater symptom persistence in Rom>6 INS/OTH(+) than other groups. This effect was reduced when IQ at age 4 was controlled for. Age 4 INS/OTH in Rom>6 was associated with worse autism spectrum disorder outcomes up to two decades later. Its association with cognitive impairment at age 4 is consistent with INS/OTH being an early marker of this negative developmental trajectory, rather than its cause.


2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 697-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori‐Ann R. Sacrey ◽  
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum ◽  
Susan Bryson ◽  
Jessica Brian ◽  
Isabel M. Smith ◽  
...  

Brain ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 141 (12) ◽  
pp. 3472-3481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc-Antoine d’Albis ◽  
Pamela Guevara ◽  
Miguel Guevara ◽  
Charles Laidi ◽  
Jennifer Boisgontier ◽  
...  

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