KCNJ11 mutations cause sever neuropsychological deficits

KCNJ11 encodes Kir6.2, the pore-forming subunit of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel present in brain regions including the hypothalamus, neocortex and cerebellum. Its neurological function is uncertain. KCNJ11 activating mutations cause neonatal diabetes (ND) as it is also expressed in the pancreas. This provides a unique opportunity to study the role of the channel in the human brain. We evaluated the neuropsychological features in patients with ND due to KCNJ11 mutations

Cognitive, neurological and behavioral features in adults with KCNJ11 neonatal diabetes

Central nervous system (CNS) features in children with permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) due to KCNJ11 mutations have a major impact on affected families. Sulfonylurea therapy achieves outstanding metabolic control but only partial improvement in CNS features. The effects of KCNJ11 mutations on the adult brain and their functional impact are not well understood. We aimed to characterize the CNS features in adults with KCNJ11 PNDM compared with adults with INS PNDM.This article is freely available via Open Access. The final published article is available from the Publisher URL (above

Emotion Regulation Predicts Pain and Functioning in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: An Electronic Diary Study

Objectives This study utilized e-diaries to evaluate whether components of emotion regulation predict daily pain and function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods 43 children ages 8–17 years and their caregivers provided baseline reports of child emotion regulation. Children then completed thrice daily e-diary assessments of emotion, pain, and activity involvement for 28 days. E-diary ratings of negative and positive emotions were used to calculate emotion variability and to infer adaptive emotion modulation following periods of high or low emotion intensity. Hierarchical linear models were used to evaluate how emotion regulation related to pain and function. Results The attenuation of negative emotion following a period of high negative emotion predicted reduced pain; greater variability of negative emotion predicted higher pain and increased activity limitation. Indices of positive emotion regulation also significantly predicted pain. Conclusions Components of emotion regulation as captured by e-diaries predict important health outcomes in children with JIA