Further characterisation of ARX-related disorders in females due to inherited or de novo variants.

The Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) gene is located on the X chromosome and encodes a transcription factor that is essential for brain development. While the clinical spectrum of ARX-related disorders is well described in males, from X linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia syndrome to syndromic and non-syndromic intellectual disability (ID), its phenotypic delineation in females is incomplete. Carrier females in ARX families are usually asymptomatic, but ID has been reported in some of them, as well as in others with de novo variants. In this study, we collected the clinical and molecular data of 10 unpublished female patients with de novo ARX pathogenic variants and reviewed the data of 63 females from the literature with either de novo variants (n=10), inherited variants (n=33) or variants of unknown inheritance (n=20). Altogether, the clinical spectrum of females with heterozygous pathogenic ARX variants is broad: 42.5% are asymptomatic, 16.4% have isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) or mild symptoms (learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, drug-responsive epilepsy) without ID, whereas 41% present with a severe phenotype (ie, ID or developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE)). The ID/DEE phenotype was significantly more prevalent in females carrying de novo variants (75%, n=15/20) versus in those carrying inherited variants (27.3%, n=9/33). ACC was observed in 66.7% (n=24/36) of females who underwent a brain MRI. By refining the clinical spectrum of females carrying ARX pathogenic variants, we show that ID is a frequent sign in females with this X linked condition.

Pathogenic TRIO variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders perturb the molecular regulation of TRIO and axon pathfinding in vivo.

The RhoGEF TRIO is known to play a major role in neuronal development by controlling actin cytoskeleton remodeling, primarily through the activation of the RAC1 GTPase. Numerous de novo mutations in the TRIO gene have been identified in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). We have previously established the first phenotype/genotype correlation in TRIO-associated diseases, with striking correlation between the clinical features of the individuals and the opposite modulation of RAC1 activity by TRIO variants targeting different domains. The mutations hyperactivating RAC1 are of particular interest, as they are recurrently found in patients and are associated with a severe form of NDD and macrocephaly, indicating their importance in the etiology of the disease. Yet, it remains unknown how these pathogenic TRIO variants disrupt TRIO activity at a molecular level and how they affect neurodevelopmental processes such as axon outgrowth or guidance. Here we report an additional cohort of individuals carrying a pathogenic TRIO variant that reinforces our initial phenotype/genotype correlation. More importantly, by performing conformation predictions coupled to biochemical validation, we propose a model whereby TRIO is inhibited by an intramolecular fold and NDD-associated variants relieve this inhibition, leading to RAC1 hyperactivation. Moreover, we show that in cultured primary neurons and in the zebrafish developmental model, these gain-of-function variants differentially affect axon outgrowth and branching in vitro and in vivo, as compared to loss-of-function TRIO variants. In summary, by combining clinical, molecular, cellular and in vivo data, we provide compelling new evidence for the pathogenicity of novel genetic variants targeting the TRIO gene in NDDs. We report a novel mechanism whereby the fine-tuned regulation of TRIO activity is critical for proper neuronal development and is disrupted by pathogenic mutations.

Extending the phenotypes associated with TRIO gene variants in a cohort of 25 patients and review of the literature.

The TRIO gene encodes a rho guanine exchange factor, the function of which is to exchange GDP to GTP, and hence to activate Rho GTPases, and has been described to impact neurodevelopment. Specific genotype-to-phenotype correlations have been established previously describing striking differentiating features seen in variants located in specific domains of the TRIO gene that are associated with opposite effects on RAC1 activity. Currently, 32 cases with a TRIO gene alteration have been published in the medical literature. Here, we report an additional 25, previously unreported individuals who possess heterozygous TRIO variants and we review the literature. In addition, functional studies were performed on the c.4394A > G (N1465S) and c.6244-2A > G TRIO variants to provide evidence for their pathogenicity. Variants reported by the current study include missense variants, truncating nonsense variants, and an intragenic deletion. Clinical features were previously described and included developmental delay, learning difficulties, microcephaly, macrocephaly, seizures, behavioral issues (aggression, stereotypies), skeletal problems including short, tapering fingers and scoliosis, dental problems (overcrowding/delayed eruption), and variable facial features. Here, we report clinical features that have not been described previously, including specific structural brain malformations such as abnormalities of the corpus callosum and ventriculomegaly, additional psychological and dental issues along with a more recognizable facial gestalt linked to the specific domains of the TRIO gene and the effect of the variant upon the function of the encoded protein. This current study further strengthens the genotype-to-phenotype correlation that was previously established and extends the range of phenotypes to include structural brain abnormalities, additional skeletal, dental, and psychiatric issues.

Placebo effects in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Placebo responses are frequently observed in research studies and clinical contexts, yet there is limited knowledge about the placebo effect among children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review the placebo effect in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Placebo responses are widely evident in ASD clinical trials and could partly operate via so-called placebo-by-proxy, whereby caregivers or clinicians indirectly shape patient outcomes. Understanding the role of placebo effects in ASD may help discern genuine treatment effects from contextual factors in clinical trials. The much less studied nocebo effect, or negative placebo, might contribute to the experience of side effects in ASD treatments but empirical data is missing. Better knowledge about placebo and nocebo mechanisms may contribute to the development of more effective research designs, such as three-armed designs that account for natural history, and improved treatments for ASD symptoms. At a clinical level, deeper knowledge about placebo and nocebo effects may optimize the delivery of care for individuals with ASD in the future. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Placebo responses are evident in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical trials. Placebo responses in ASD are likely dependent on a placebo-by-proxy mechanism.

A new mouse model of ARX dup24 recapitulates the patients' behavioral and fine motor alterations.

The aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) transcription factor is involved in the development of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons in the forebrain. ARX mutations have been associated with a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, among which the most frequent, a 24 bp duplication in the polyalanine tract 2 (c.428_451dup24), gives rise to intellectual disability, fine motor defects with or without epilepsy. To understand the functional consequences of this mutation, we generated a partially humanized mouse model carrying the c.428_451dup24 duplication (Arxdup24/0) that we characterized at the behavior, neurological and molecular level. Arxdup24/0 males presented with hyperactivity, enhanced stereotypies and altered contextual fear memory. In addition, Arxdup24/0 males had fine motor defects with alteration of reaching and grasping abilities. Transcriptome analysis of Arxdup24/0 forebrains at E15.5 showed a down-regulation of genes specific to interneurons and an up-regulation of genes normally not expressed in this cell type, suggesting abnormal interneuron development. Accordingly, interneuron migration was altered in the cortex and striatum between E15.5 and P0 with consequences in adults, illustrated by the defect in the inhibitory/excitatory balance in Arxdup24/0 basolateral amygdala. Altogether, we showed that the c.428_451dup24 mutation disrupts Arx function with a direct consequence on interneuron development, leading to hyperactivity and defects in precise motor movement control and associative memory. Interestingly, we highlighted striking similarities between the mouse phenotype and a cohort of 33 male patients with ARX c.428_451dup24, suggesting that this new mutant mouse line is a good model for understanding the pathophysiology and evaluation of treatment.

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome in patients with SLC16A2 mutations.

The aim of the study was to redefine the phenotype of Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS), which is caused by mutations in the SLC16A2 gene that encodes the brain transporter of thyroid hormones. Clinical phenotypes, brain imaging, thyroid hormone profiles, and genetic data were compared to the existing literature. Twenty-four males aged 11 months to 29 years had a mutation in SLC16A2, including 12 novel mutations and five previously described mutations. Sixteen patients presented with profound developmental delay, three had severe intellectual disability with poor language and walking with an aid, four had moderate intellectual disability with language and walking abilities, and one had mild intellectual disability with hypotonia. Overall, eight had learned to walk, all had hypotonia, 17 had spasticity, 18 had dystonia, 12 had choreoathetosis, 19 had hypomyelination, and 10 had brain atrophy. Kyphoscoliosis (n=12), seizures (n=7), and pneumopathies (n=5) were the most severe complications. This study extends the phenotypic spectrum of AHDS to a mild intellectual disability with hypotonia. Developmental delay, hypotonia, hypomyelination, and thyroid hormone profile help to diagnose patients. Clinical course depends on initial severity, with stable acquisition after infancy; this may be adversely affected by neuro-orthopaedic, pulmonary, and epileptic complications. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Mild intellectual disability is associated with SLC16A2 mutations. A thyroid hormone profile with a free T3 /T4 ratio higher than 0.75 can help diagnose patients. Patients with SLC16A2 mutations present a broad spectrum of neurological phenotypes that are also observed in other hypomyelinating disorders. Axial hypotonia is a consistent feature of Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome and leads to specific complications.

A new family with an SLC9A6 mutation expanding the phenotypic spectrum of Christianson syndrome.

Using targeted next generation sequencing, we have identified a splicing mutation (c.526-9_526-5del) in the SLC9A6 gene in a 9-year-old boy with mild intellectual disability (ID), microcephaly, and social interaction disabilities. This intronic microdeletion leads to the skipping of exon 3 and to an in-frame deletion of 26 amino acids in the TM4 domain. It segregates with cognitive impairment or learning difficulties in other members of the family. Mutations in SLC9A6 have been reported in X-linked Christianson syndrome associating severe to profound intellectual deficiency and an Angelman-like phenotype with microcephaly, absent speech, ataxia with progressive cerebellar atrophy, ophthalmoplegia, epilepsy, and neurological regression. The proband and his maternal uncle both have an attenuated phenotype with mild ID, attention deficit disorder, speech difficulties, and mild asymptomatic cerebellar atrophy. The proband also have microcephaly. The mutation cosegregated with learning disabilities and speech difficulties in the female carriers (mother and three sisters of the proband). Detailed neuropsychological, speech, and occupational therapy investigations in the female carriers revealed impaired oral and written language acquisition, with dissociation between verbal and performance IQ. An abnormal phenotype, ranging from learning disability with predominant speech difficulties to mild intellectual deficiency, has been described previously in a large proportion of female carriers. Besides broadening the clinical spectrum of SLC9A6 gene mutations, we present an example of a monogenic origin of mild learning disability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical Characteristics, Developmental Trajectory, and Caregiver Burden of Patients With Creatine Transporter Deficiency (SLC6A8).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) is a rare X-linked genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID). We evaluated the clinical characteristics and trajectory of patients with CTD and the impact of the disease on caregivers to identify relevant endpoints for future therapeutic trials. METHODS: As part of a French National Research Program, patients with CTD were included based on (1) a pathogenic SLC6A8 variant and (2) ID and/or autism spectrum disorder. Families and patients were referred by the physician who ordered the genetic analysis through Reference Centers of ID from rare causes and inherited metabolic diseases. After we informed the patients and their parents/guardians about the study, all of them gave written consent and were included. A control group of age-matched and sex-matched patients with Fragile X syndrome was also included. Physical examination, neuropsychological assessments, and caregiver impact were assessed. All data were analyzed using R software. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (27 male, 4 female) were included (25/31 aged 18 years or younger). Most of the patients (71%) had symptoms at <24 months of age. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.5 years. Epilepsy occurred in 45% (mean age at onset: 8 years). Early-onset behavioral disorder occurred in 82%. Developmental trajectory was consistently delayed (fine and gross motor skills, language, and communication/sociability). Half of the patients with CTD had axial hypotonia during the first year of life. All patients were able to walk without help, but 7/31 had ataxia and only 14/31 could walk tandem gait. Most of them had abnormal fine motor skills (27/31), and most of them had language impairment (30/31), but 12/23 male patients (52.2%) completed the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. Approximately half (14/31) had slender build. Most of them needed nursing care (20/31), generally 1-4 h/d. Adaptive assessment (Vineland) confirmed that male patients with CTD had moderate-to-severe ID. Most caregivers (79%) were at risk of burnout, as shown by Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) > 36 (significantly higher than for patients with Fragile X syndrome) with a high burden of time dependence. DISCUSSION: In addition to clinical endpoints, such as the assessment of epilepsy and the developmental trajectory of the patient, the Vineland scale, PPVT5, and CBI are of particular interest as outcome measures for future trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ANSM Registration Number 2010-A00327-32.

Simultaneous action execution and observation optimise grasping actions.

Action observation and execution share overlapping neural resonating mechanisms. In the present study, we sought to examine the effect of the activation of this system during concurrent movement observation and execution in a prehension task, when no a priori information about the requirements of grasping action was available. Although it is known that simultaneous activation by observation and execution influences motor performance, the importance of the delays of these two events and the specific effect of movement observation itself (and not the prediction of the to-be-observed movement) on action performance are poorly known. Fine-grained kinematic analysis of both the transport and grasp components of the movement should provide knowledge about the influence of movement observation on the precision and the performance of the executed movement. The experiment involved two real participants who were asked to grasp a different side of a single object that was composed of a large and a small part. In the first experiment, we measured how the transport component and the grasp component were affected by movement observation. We tested whether this influence was greater if the observed movement occurred just before the onset of movement (200 ms) or well before the onset of movement (1 s). In a second experiment, to reproduce the previous experiment and to verify the specificity of the grasping movements, we also included a condition consisting of pointing towards the object. Both experiments showed two main results. A general facilitation of the transport component was found when observing a simultaneous action, independent of its congruency. Moreover, a specific facilitation of the grasp component was present during the observation of a congruent action when movement execution and observation were nearly synchronised. While the general facilitation may arise from a competition between the two participants as they reached for the object, the specific facilitation of the grasp component seems to be directly related to mirror neuron system activity induced by action observation itself. Moreover, the time course of the events appears to be an essential factor for this modulation, implying the transitory activation of the mirror neuron system.

Neuropsychological and neuroanatomical phenotype in 17 patients with cystinosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by intracellular cystine accumulation. Proximal tubulopathy (Fanconi syndrome) is one of the first signs, leading to end-stage renal disease between the age of 12 and 16. Other symptoms occur later and encompass endocrinopathies, distal myopathy and deterioration of the central nervous system. Treatment with cysteamine if started early can delay the progression of the disease. Little is known about the neurological impairment which occurs later. The goal of the present study was to find a possible neuroanatomical dysmorphic pattern that could help to explain the cognitive profile of cystinosis patients. We also performed a detailed review of the literature on neurocognitive complications associated with cystinosis. METHODS: 17 patients (mean age = 17.6 years, [5.4-33.3]) with cystinosis were included in the study. Neuropsychological assessment was performed including intelligence (Intelligence Quotient (IQ) with Wechsler's scale), memory (Children Memory Scale and Wechsler Memory Scale), visuo-spatial (Rey's figure test) and visuo-perceptual skills assessments. Structural brain MRI (3 T) was also performed in 16 out of 17 patients, with high resolution 3D T1-weighted, 3D FLAIR and spectroscopy sequences. RESULTS: Intellectual efficiency was normal in patients with cystinosis (mean Total IQ = 93). However the Perceptual Reasoning Index (mean = 87, [63-109]) was significantly lower than the Verbal Comprehension Index (mean = 100, [59-138], p = 0.003). Memory assessment showed no difference between visual and verbal memory. But the working memory was significantly impaired in comparison with the general memory skills (p = 0.003). Visuospatial skills assessment revealed copy and reproduction scores below the 50th percentile rank in more than 70% of the patients. Brain MRI showed cortical and sub-cortical cerebral atrophy, especially in the parieto-occipital region and FLAIR hypersignals in parietal, occipital and brain stem/cerebellum. Patients with atrophic brain had lower Total IQ scores compared to non-atrophic cystinosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cystinosis have a specific neuropsychological and neuroanatomical profile. We suggest performing a systematic neuropsychological assessment in such children aiming at considering adequate management.

Outcome of isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum: A population-based prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Neurodevelopmental outcome of apparently isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) remains a major concern with uncertain prognosis. Despite "normal" IQ reported in a majority of patients, the rates of learning disabilities and severe outcome (ranging from 0% to 20%) are not clearly established. METHODS: A large population-based series was investigated based on a longitudinal follow-up until school age, using Wechsler Intelligence scales at 3, 5, and 7 years. RESULTS: Fifty women were referred to a tertiary referral unit for an "apparently" isolated ACC confirmed by ultrasound, foetal MRI, and karyotyping or array CGH. Twelve pregnancies were terminated, one foetus died in utero, one pregnancy outcome was unknown, and 36 babies were born. Two were lost to follow-up. Thirty-four children could be classified into three groups. Group 1 comprised two children (6%) with severe intellectual disability (one Mowat-Wilson syndrome and one ASD). Group 2 comprised 10 children (29%) who had learning disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning (VIQ and/or PIQ scores >70 and <85); three patients had hypopituitarism with additional MRI anomalies revealed after birth. Group 3 comprised 22 children (65%) who had both VIQ and PIQ >85 (-1 SD) with a normal school level. Longitudinal follow-up revealed weaker PIQ in younger children which improved with age. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that intellectual ability is normal (IQ > 85) in approximately two thirds and borderline in just over a quarter of patients. However, a low risk of severe cognitive impairment exists, and this information should be shared with couples during prenatal counselling.

Basal ganglia involvement in ARX patients: The reason for ARX patients very specific grasping?

The ARX (Aristaless Related homeoboX) gene was identified in 2002 as responsible for XLAG syndrome, a lissencephaly characterized by an almost complete absence of cortical GABAergic interneurons, and for milder forms of X-linked Intellectual Disability (ID) without apparent brain abnormalities. The most frequent mutation found in the ARX gene, a duplication of 24 base pairs (c.429_452dup24) in exon 2, results in a recognizable syndrome in which patients present ID without primary motor impairment, but with a very specific upper limb distal motor apraxia associated with a pathognomonic hand-grip, described as developmental Limb Kinetic Apraxia (LKA). In this study, we first present ARX expression during human fetal brain development showing that it is strongly expressed in GABAergic neuronal progenitors during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. We show that although ARX expression strongly decreases towards the end of gestation, it is still present after birth in some neurons of the basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebral cortex, suggesting that ARX also plays a role in more mature neuron functioning. Then, using morphometric brain MRI in 13 ARX patients carrying c.429_452dup24 mutation and in 13 sex- and age-matched healthy controls, we show that ARX patients have a significantly decreased volume of several brain structures including the striatum (and more specifically the caudate nucleus), hippocampus and thalamus as well as decreased precentral gyrus cortical thickness. We observe a significant correlation between caudate nucleus volume reduction and motor impairment severity quantified by kinematic parameter of precision grip. As basal ganglia are known to regulate sensorimotor processing and are involved in the control of precision gripping, the combined decrease in cortical thickness of primary motor cortex and basal ganglia volume in ARX dup24 patients is very likely the anatomical substrate of this developmental form of LKA.

Drug development for neurodevelopmental disorders: lessons learned from fragile X syndrome.

Neurodevelopmental disorders such as fragile X syndrome (FXS) result in lifelong cognitive and behavioural deficits and represent a major public health burden. FXS is the most frequent monogenic form of intellectual disability and autism, and the underlying pathophysiology linked to its causal gene, FMR1, has been the focus of intense research. Key alterations in synaptic function thought to underlie this neurodevelopmental disorder have been characterized and rescued in animal models of FXS using genetic and pharmacological approaches. These robust preclinical findings have led to the implementation of the most comprehensive drug development programme undertaken thus far for a genetically defined neurodevelopmental disorder, including phase IIb trials of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonists and a phase III trial of a GABAB receptor agonist. However, none of the trials has been able to unambiguously demonstrate efficacy, and they have also highlighted the extent of the knowledge gaps in drug development for FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In this Review, we examine potential issues in the previous studies and future directions for preclinical and clinical trials. FXS is at the forefront of efforts to develop drugs for neurodevelopmental disorders, and lessons learned in the process will also be important for such disorders.

Long-term follow-up in 12 children with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: confirmation of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in all cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). STUDY DESIGN: This study was a review of 12 children (sex ratio = 1) including family history, mutation analysis, and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Five children were under age 3 years when PAVM was diagnosed. Presentations included pulmonary symptoms (n = 8), cerebral abscess (n = 2), and transient ischemic attack (TIA) (n = 1); 1 patient was asymptomatic. Nine of the 12 children (75%) had a family history of PAVM. The diagnosis of HHT was confirmed in all cases. A mutation in ENG was found in 9 of the 10 children available for testing. No mutation in ACVRL1 was found. During long-term follow-up (mean, 16 years), the following complications occurred: TIA (n = 2), hemoptysis (n = 2), and cerebral abscess (n = 2). Nine children experienced recurrence of PAVM. The children with no recurrence were those without a family history of PAVM. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of HHT should be considered in a child with an apparently isolated PAVM. Because serious complications may occur at any age, we recommend screening for PAVM and long-term follow-up in children from families with HHT, especially those with an ENG mutation.

Asperger syndrome and early-onset schizophrenia associated with a novel MECP2 deleterious missense variant.

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) deleterious variants, which are responsible for Rett syndrome in girls, are involved in a wide spectrum of developmental disabilities in males. A neuropsychiatric phenotype without intellectual disability is uncommon in patients with MECP2 deleterious variants. We report on two dizygotic twins with an MECP2-related psychiatric disorder without intellectual disability. Neuropsychological and psychiatric phenotype assessments were performed, and a genetic analysis was carried out. Both patients fulfilled the Pervasive Developmental Disorder criteria on Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Asperger syndrome criteria on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV). One patient developed early-onset schizophrenia (DSM-IV criteria) with two acute psychotic episodes, the latest one following corticosteroids and sodium valproate intake, with major hyperammonemia. A novel MECP2 gene transversion c.491 G>T [p.(Ser164Ile)] was found in both twins. Pathogenicity of this variant was considered on the basis of strong clinical and molecular data. The underlying molecular basis of neuropsychiatric disorders may have important consequences on genetic counseling and therapeutic strategies.

Certainty of genuine treatment increases drug responses among intellectually disabled patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the placebo component of treatment responses in patients with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: A statistical meta-analysis comparing bias-corrected effect sizes (Hedges g) of drug responses in open-label vs placebo-controlled clinical trials was performed, as these trial types represent different certainty of receiving genuine treatment (100% vs 50%). Studies in fragile X, Down, Prader-Willi, and Williams syndrome published before June 2015 were considered. RESULTS: Seventeen open-label trials (n = 261, 65% male; mean age 23.6 years; mean trial duration 38 weeks) and 22 placebo-controlled trials (n = 721, 62% male; mean age 17.1 years; mean trial duration 35 weeks) were included. The overall effect size from pre to post treatment in open-label studies was g = 0.602 (p = 0.001). The effect of trial type was statistically significant (p = 0.001), and revealed higher effect sizes in studies with 100% likelihood of getting active drug, compared to both the drug and placebo arm of placebo-controlled trials. We thus provide evidence for genuine placebo effects, not explainable by natural history or regression toward the mean, among patients with ID. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that clinical trials in patients with severe cognitive deficits are influenced by the certainty of receiving genuine medication, and open-label design should thus not be used to evaluate the effect of pharmacologic treatments in ID, as the results will be biased by an enhanced placebo component.

A Novel Analog Reasoning Paradigm: New Insights in Intellectually Disabled Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intellectual Disability (ID) is characterized by deficits in intellectual functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgment, and learning. As new avenues are emerging for treatment of genetically determined ID (such as Down's syndrome or Fragile X syndrome), it is necessary to identify objective reliable and sensitive outcome measures for use in clinical trials. OBJECTIVE: We developed a novel visual analogical reasoning paradigm, inspired by the Progressive Raven's Matrices, but appropriate for Intellectually Disabled patients. This new paradigm assesses reasoning and inhibition abilities in ID patients. METHODS: We performed behavioural analyses for this task (with a reaction time and error rate analysis, Study 1) in 96 healthy controls (adults and typically developed children older than 4) and 41 genetically determined ID patients (Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome and ARX mutated patients). In order to establish and quantify the cognitive strategies used to solve the task, we also performed an eye-tracking analysis (Study 2). RESULTS: Down syndrome, ARX and Fragile X patients were significantly slower and made significantly more errors than chronological age-matched healthy controls. The effect of inhibition on error rate was greater than the matrix complexity effect in ID patients, opposite to findings in adult healthy controls. Interestingly, ID patients were more impaired by inhibition than mental age-matched healthy controls, but not by the matrix complexity. Eye-tracking analysis made it possible to identify the strategy used by the participants to solve the task. Adult healthy controls used a matrix-based strategy, whereas ID patients used a response-based strategy. Furthermore, etiologic-specific reasoning differences were evidenced between ID patients groups. CONCLUSION: We suggest that this paradigm, appropriate for ID patients and developmental populations as well as adult healthy controls, provides an objective and quantitative assessment of visual analogical reasoning and cognitive inhibition, enabling testing for the effect of pharmacological or behavioural intervention in these specific populations.

Placebo Responses in Genetically Determined Intellectual Disability: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Genetically determined Intellectual Disability (ID) is an intractable condition that involves severe impairment of mental abilities such as learning, reasoning and predicting the future. As of today, little is known about the placebo response in patients with ID. OBJECTIVE: To determine if placebo response exists in patients with genetically determined ID. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: We searched Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycINFO to find all placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in patients with genetically determined ID, published up to April 2013, focusing on core ID symptoms. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two investigators extracted outcome data independently. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Bias-corrected standardized mean difference (Hedge's g) was computed for each outcome measure, using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. A priori defined patient sub-groups were analyzed using a mixed-effect model. The relationship between pre-defined continuous variable moderators (age, IQ, year of publication and trial duration) and effect size was analyzed using meta-regression. RESULTS: Twenty-two placebo-controlled double-blind RCTs met the inclusion criteria (n = 721, mean age = 17.1 years, 62% men, mean trial duration = 35 weeks). There was a significant overall placebo response from pre- to post-treatment in patients with ID (g = 0.468, p = 0.002), both for "subjective outcomes" (a third-person's evaluation of the patient) (g = 0.563, p = 0.022) and "objective outcomes" (direct evaluation of the patient's abilities) (g = 0.434, p = 0.036). Individuals with higher IQ had higher response to placebo (p = 0.02) and no placebo response was observed in ID patients with comorbid dementia. A significant effect of age (p = 0.02) was found, indicating higher placebo responses in treatment of younger patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Results suggest that patients with genetically determined ID improve in the placebo arm of RCTs. Several mechanisms may contribute to placebo effects in ID, including expectancy, implicit learning and "placebo-by-proxy" induced by clinicians/family members. As the condition is refractory, there is little risk that improvements are explained by spontaneous remission. While new avenues for treatment of genetically determined ID are emerging, our results demonstrate how contextual factors can affect clinical outcomes and emphasize the importance of being vigilant on the role of placebos when testing novel treatments in ID.

Neural correlates of non-verbal social interactions: a dual-EEG study.

Successful non-verbal social interaction between human beings requires dynamic and efficient encoding of others' gestures. Our study aimed at identifying neural markers of social interaction and goal variations in a non-verbal task. For this, we recorded simultaneously the electroencephalogram from two participants (dual-EEG), an actor and an observer, and their arm/hand kinematics in a real face-to-face paradigm. The observer watched "biological actions" performed by the human actor and "non-biological actions" performed by a robot. All actions occurred within an interactive or non-interactive context depending on whether the observer had to perform a complementary action or not (e.g., the actor presents a saucer and the observer either places the corresponding cup or does nothing). We analysed the EEG signals of both participants (i.e., beta (~20 Hz) oscillations as an index of cortical motor activity and motor related potentials (MRPs)). We identified markers of social interactions by synchronising EEG to the onset of the actor's movement. Movement kinematics did not differ in the two context conditions and the MRPs of the actor were similar in the two conditions. For the observer, however, an observation-related MRP was measured in all conditions but was more negative in the interactive context over fronto-central electrodes. Moreover, this feature was specific to biological actions. Concurrently, the suppression of beta oscillations was observed in the actor's EEG and the observer's EEG rapidly after the onset of the actor's movement. Critically, this suppression was stronger in the interactive than in the non-interactive context despite the fact that movement kinematics did not differ in the two context conditions. For the observer, this modulation was observed independently of whether the actor was a human or a robot. Our results suggest that acting in a social context induced analogous modulations of motor and sensorimotor regions in observer and actor. Sharing a common goal during an interaction seems thus to evoke a common representation of the global action that includes both actor and observer movements.