The role of extracellular vesicles during CNS development

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)With a diverse set of neuronal and glial cell populations, Central Nervous System (CNS) has one of the most complex structures in the body. Intercellular communication is therefore highly important to coordinate cell-to-cell interactions. Besides electrical and chemical messengers, CNS cells also benefit from another communication route, what is known as extracellular vesicles, to harmonize their interactions. Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and their subtype exosomes are membranous particles secreted by cells and contain information packaged in the form of biomolecules such as small fragments of DNA, lipids, miRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins. They are able to efficiently drive changes upon their arrival to recipient cells. EVs actively participate in all stages of CNS development by stimulating neural cell proliferation, differentiation, synaptic formation, and mediating reciprocal interactions between neurons and oligodendrocyte for myelination process. The aim of the present review is to enlighten the presence and contribution of EVs at each CNS developmental milestone.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Measuring visual matching and short-term recognition memory with the CANTAB® Delayed Matching to Sample task in schoolchildren:Effects of demographic influences, multiple outcome measures and regression-based normative data

The study aims to establish demographically corrected, pediatric norms for the computerized Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) test, a measure of "visual matching ability and short-term visual recognition memory, for non-verbalisable problems". The DMS was administered to n = 184 children aged 5.10 to 14.5 years old. The DMS is a 4-choice recognition task of non-verbal, abstract patterns. The child has "to select, among four different choice patterns, the one that matches a complex visual pattern presented," i.e., (the target stimulus). The DMS consists of two conditions: a) the overt condition in which the target stimulus and four choice patterns are shown simultaneously and b) the covert condition, in which the choice patterns are shown after the target pattern is covered. The DMS test provides three outcome measures: the accuracy score (i.e., the number of correct patterns selected), latency (i.e., the response speed) and the probability of making an error after an incorrect response. These outcome measures were calculated for both conditions and for both conditions combined. Results showed that demographic variables, such as age, sex, and/or level of parental education (LPE) affected scores on these outcome measures. Based on these data, demographically corrected norms were established for all outcome measures, per condition and for both conditions combined.</p

Ethics of prevention: An interactive computer-tailored program

Aim: This article describes the contents of an interactive computer-tailored program. The program is based on previous studies of the practice of care for persons with Prader-Willi syndrome. This genetic condition is associated with a constant overeating behaviour with the risk of obesity. The aim of the program is to start a process of awareness, reflection, and discussion by caregivers who are confronted with the moral dilemma of respect for autonomy versus restricting overeating behaviour. The program focuses on values (such as health and well-being) that are relevant to caregivers in daily practice. Furthermore, the focus is on various ways of interaction with the client. Caregivers were expected to focus mainly on health, and on both paternalistic and interpretive/deliberative forms of interaction. Methods: Sixteen professionals and 12 parents pilot-tested the program contents. With a pre-test, responses on one central case were collected for tailored feedback; with a post-test, the effects of the program were measured. Results: Significant correlations were found between the values of autonomy and consultation and between autonomy and well-being. In contrast to our expectations respondents valued all categories (autonomy, consultation, health, well-being, and liveability for others) as equally important in the pre-test. No significant changes in scores were found between pre- and post-test. The open answers and remarks of participants support the program contents. Conclusions: Participants' responses support previous research findings, advocating a concept of autonomy in terms of positive freedom, through support by others. The promotion of the client's self-understanding and self-development is central in this concept

Between control and freedom in the care for persons with Prader-Willi syndrome: An analysis of preferred interventions by caregivers

Objective: The present study examined caregivers' preferences for intervention strategies in dealing with the dilemma of respecting autonomy of intellectually disabled persons versus providing high-quality care. Methods: Twenty-four parents and 14 professional caregivers of persons with Prader-Willi syndrome were asked to rate four different kinds of intervention strategies according to their preferred way of dealing with 8 presented cases. Results: In general, caregivers preferred to intervene more actively in eating problems compared to behavioural problems, more in acute than in chronic situations, and more in situations at home than in community-based settings. Significant differences were found between parents and professionals. Conclusion: Parents and professionals prefer intervening above laissez faire. Parents prefer active intervention stronger than professionals. Practice implications: Awareness of various intervention strategies can help caregivers to develop a practice that does justice to the need for intervention on the one hand, and the possibility of using a variety of intervention strategies on the other hand. Communication about intervention strategies might foster understanding between professional caregivers and parents and improve mutual cooperation

Eye gaze technology as a form of augmentative and alternative communication for individuals with Rett syndrome: experiences of families in the Netherlands

This paper provides a brief report on families’ experiences of eye gaze technology as one form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT), and the advice, training and support they receive in relation to this. An online survey exploring communication and AAC was circulated to 190 Dutch families; of the 67 questionnaires that were returned, 63 had answered questions relating to eye gaze technology. These 63 were analysed according to parameters including: experiences during trial periods and longer-term use; expert knowledge, advice and support; funding; communicative progress; and family satisfaction. 20 respondents were using or had previous experience of using an eye gaze system at the time of the survey, 28 of those with no prior experience wanted to try a system in the future. Following a trial period, 11 systems had been funded through health insurance for long-term use and two families had decided a system was not appropriate for them. Levels of support during trials and following long-term provision varied. Despite frustrations with the technology, satisfaction with the systems was higher than satisfaction with the support. The majority of families reported progress in their child’s skills with longer term use. These findings suggest that although eye gaze technologies offer potential to individuals with RTT and their families, greater input from suppliers and knowledgeable AAC professionals is essential for individuals and families to benefit maximally. Higher levels of training and support should be part of the ‘package’ when an eye gaze system is provided

Eye gaze technology as a form of augmentative and alternative communication for individuals with Rett syndrome: experiences of families in the Netherlands

This paper provides a brief report on families’ experiences of eye gaze technology as one form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT), and the advice, training and support they receive in relation to this. An online survey exploring communication and AAC was circulated to 190 Dutch families; of the 67 questionnaires that were returned, 63 had answered questions relating to eye gaze technology. These 63 were analysed according to parameters including: experiences during trial periods and longer-term use; expert knowledge, advice and support; funding; communicative progress; and family satisfaction. 20 respondents were using or had previous experience of using an eye gaze system at the time of the survey, 28 of those with no prior experience wanted to try a system in the future. Following a trial period, 11 systems had been funded through health insurance for long-term use and two families had decided a system was not appropriate for them. Levels of support during trials and following long-term provision varied. Despite frustrations with the technology, satisfaction with the systems was higher than satisfaction with the support. The majority of families reported progress in their child’s skills with longer term use. These findings suggest that although eye gaze technologies offer potential to individuals with RTT and their families, greater input from suppliers and knowledgeable AAC professionals is essential for individuals and families to benefit maximally. Higher levels of training and support should be part of the ‘package’ when an eye gaze system is provided