Brain magnetic resonance findings in 117 children with autism spectrum disorder under 5 years old.

We examined the potential benefits of neuroimaging measurements across the first 5 years of life in detecting early comorbid or etiological signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In particular, we analyzed the prevalence of neuroradiologic findings in routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a group of 117 ASD children younger than 5 years old. These data were compared to those reported in typically developing (TD) children. MRI findings in children with ASD were analyzed in relation to their cognitive level, severity of autistic symptoms, and the presence of electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities. The MRI was rated abnormal in 55% of children with ASD with a significant prevalence in the high-functioning subgroup compared to TD children. We report significant incidental findings of mega cisterna magna, ventricular anomalies and abnormal white matter signal intensity in ASD without significant associations between these MRI findings and EEG features. Based on these results we discuss the role that brain MRI may play in the diagnostic procedure of ASD

How future surgery will benefit from SARS-COV-2-related measures: a SPIGC survey conveying the perspective of Italian surgeons

COVID-19 negatively affected surgical activity, but the potential benefits resulting from adopted measures remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in surgical activity and potential benefit from COVID-19 measures in perspective of Italian surgeons on behalf of SPIGC. A nationwide online survey on surgical practice before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic was conducted in March-April 2022 (NCT:05323851). Effects of COVID-19 hospital-related measures on surgical patients' management and personal professional development across surgical specialties were explored. Data on demographics, pre-operative/peri-operative/post-operative management, and professional development were collected. Outcomes were matched with the corresponding volume. Four hundred and seventy-three respondents were included in final analysis across 14 surgical specialties. Since SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, application of telematic consultations (4.1% vs. 21.6%; p < 0.0001) and diagnostic evaluations (16.4% vs. 42.2%; p < 0.0001) increased. Elective surgical activities significantly reduced and surgeons opted more frequently for conservative management with a possible indication for elective (26.3% vs. 35.7%; p < 0.0001) or urgent (20.4% vs. 38.5%; p < 0.0001) surgery. All new COVID-related measures are perceived to be maintained in the future. Surgeons' personal education online increased from 12.6% (pre-COVID) to 86.6% (post-COVID; p < 0.0001). Online educational activities are considered a beneficial effect from COVID pandemic (56.4%). COVID-19 had a great impact on surgical specialties, with significant reduction of operation volume. However, some forced changes turned out to be benefits. Isolation measures pushed the use of telemedicine and telemetric devices for outpatient practice and favored communication for educational purposes and surgeon-patient/family communication. From the Italian surgeons' perspective, COVID-related measures will continue to influence future surgical clinical practice

Disturbo dello Spettro Autistico e Narcolessia: una prospettiva socio-ecologica. Studio preliminare

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Scatter plot showing erythrocyte membrane features and molecules.

<p>Au = Autistic children; TD = typically developing children. TMA-DPH and DPH values are inversely correlated with the outer and the inner membrane fluidity, respectively. TBARS = Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances. Horizontal bars indicate means. Standard deviation values and whether parametric or not parametric statistic tests were applied, are reported in Tab. 2. p<0.01 highly significant; p<0.05 significant <i>ns</i>, not significant.</p

Erythrocyte membrane Fatty Acid profile.

<p>Au: Autistic children; TD: typically developing children; ARA, arachidonic acid; DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; EFA, essential fatty acids; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; MUFA, monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA; polyunsaturated fatty acids; SFA, saturated fatty acids; TRANS, transfatty acids; p values were calculated with non parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test (°) or parametric ANOVA test (*); <b>p<0.05</b>: significant; <b><u>p<0.01</u></b> highly significant; <i>pFDR</i>: Benjamini and Hochberg False Discovery Rate (FDR) corrected p-values.</p

Significant correlations of clinical features and biochemical data in Autistic children.

<p>Non-parametric correlation (Spearman's rho, r) was used to correlate clinical features (CARS, CARS activity item and Age) and biochemical data in the Autistic children group. Non-parametric ANOVA was used for Cognitive/developmental impairment level. MUFA, monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA; polyunsaturated fatty acids; SFA, saturated fatty acids. <b>p<0.05</b>: significant; <b><u>p<0.01</u></b> highly significant.</p><p><i>pFDR</i>: Benjamini and Hochberg False Discovery Rate (FDR) corrected p-values.</p

Relevant correlations between Au clinical features and biochemical data.

<p>Au patients were divided into three levels of cognitive/developmental impairment as follows: 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe. TMA-DPH values are inversely correlated with the outer membrane fluidity. SFA = Saturated Fatty Acids. CARS activity level item score denotes hyperactivity. p<0.01 highly significant; p<0.05 significant. More details are reported in Tab.4.</p

Summary of published results on fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membrane.

<p>ARA, arachidonic acid; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; MUFA, monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA; polyunsaturated fatty acids; SFA, saturated fatty acids.</p

Scatter plot showing oxidative stress markers in urine and plasma and antioxidant enzymes activities in erythrocytes.

<p>Au = Autistic children; TD = typically developing children. Horizontal bars indicate means. Standard deviation values and whether parametric or not parametric statistic tests were applied, are reported in Tab. 2. p<0.01 highly significant; p<0.05 significant; <i>ns</i>, not significant.</p