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Ottenhoff MJ, Dijkhuizen S, Ypelaar ACH, de Oude NL, Koekkoek SKE, Wang SSH, De Zeeuw CI, Elgersma Y, Boele HJ. Cerebellum-dependent associative learning is not impaired in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19041. [PMID: 36351971 PMCID: PMC9646701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) experience a high degree of motor problems. The cerebellum plays a pivotal role in motor functioning and the NF1 gene is highly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. However, it is not well understood to what extent NF1 affects cerebellar functioning and how this relates to NF1 motor functioning. Therefore, we subjected global Nf1+/- mice to a cerebellum-dependent associative learning task, called Pavlovian eyeblink conditioning. Additionally, we assessed general motor function and muscle strength in Nf1+/- mice. To our surprise, we found that Nf1+/- mice showed a moderately increased learning rate of conditioned eyeblink responses, as well as improved accuracy in the adaptive timing of the eyeblink responses. Locomotion, balance, general motor function, and muscle strength were not affected in Nf1+/- mice. Together, our results support the view that cerebellar function in Nf1+/- mice is unimpaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Ottenhoff
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015GD, The Netherlands
| | - S Dijkhuizen
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A C H Ypelaar
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N L de Oude
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S K E Koekkoek
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S S-H Wang
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - C I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Y Elgersma
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015GD, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H J Boele
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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3
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Del Castillo A, Dekarchuk M, Inker T, Hussey M, Walsh KS. Understanding the Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) experience and the priorities of individuals with NF1 and their caregivers for cognitive and social-emotional research. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:268-277. [PMID: 35964345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient engagement is increasingly recognized as a valuable, essential aspect of Neurofibromatosis research given the unique experiences and morbidities associated with the diagnosis. Engaging patients and families can enhance the relevance, methodology, and feasibility of clinical trials. METHODS A REDCap survey ascertaining information on NF-related morbidities, priorities, and interests in cognitive and social-emotional research, and willingness to participate in research was dispensed to 4,565 individuals consented to the Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF) Registry with NF1. This included children and adults with NF1 and parents/caregivers of children with NF1. RESULTS 525 individuals fully completed the survey: 295 parents/caregivers (Mage child = 10.12, range = 3-24), 194 adults with NF1 (Mage = 45.73, range = 19-81), and 36 children with NF1 (Mage = 12.61, range = 10-17). Less than 10% of respondents have participated in cognitive research, while 42.4-49.5% indicated having sought opportunities for cognitive research. Most (79.4-82.4%) respondents reported that cognitive research is very/extremely important, with learning/academics and emotional functioning were priorities. Willingness to participate in research aligned with areas of importance. CONCLUSION Analysis highlights that most survey respondents believe cognitive and social-emotional research is very important, but a relatively small number have participated. This finding may highlight poor dissemination of information of research opportunities to the broader NF community and limitations to access based on geography or other factors. Respondents indicate that learning/academic problems and emotional challenges to be research priorities. Continuing to engage patients and families with NF is expected to enhance the value and engagement in cognitive research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Del Castillo
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Marina Dekarchuk
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Tess Inker
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Maureen Hussey
- Children's Tumor Foundation, 132 E. 43rd St, Suite 418, New York, NY, 10017, USA.
| | - Karin S Walsh
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; The George Washington University School of Medicine, 2300 I St NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
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Klein-Tasman BP, Lee K, Thompson HL, Janusz J, Payne JM, Pardej S, de Blank P, Kennedy T, Janke KM, Castillo AD, Walsh KS. Recommendations for Measurement of Attention Outcomes in Preschoolers With Neurofibromatosis. Neurology 2021; 97:S81-S90. [PMID: 34230206 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk for attention problems. While most research has been conducted with school-aged cohorts, preschool-aged children offer a novel developmental window for clinical studies, with the promise that treatments implemented earlier in the developmental trajectory may most effectively modify risk for later difficulties. Designing research studies around the youngest children with NF1 can result in intervention earlier in the developmental cascade associated with NF1 gene abnormalities. Furthermore, clinical trials for medications targeting physical and psychological aspects of NF1 often include individuals spanning a wide age range, including preschool-aged children. In a prior report, the REiNS Neurocognitive Subcommittee made recommendations regarding performance-based and observer-rated measures of attention for use in clinical trials and highlighted the need for separate consideration of assessment methods for young children. The observer-rated Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-Preschool version is recommended as a primary outcome measure. The NIH Toolbox Flanker, Dimensional Change Card Sort, and List Sort Working Memory tasks and Digits Forward from the Differential Ability Scales-2nd Edition (performance-based measures) are recommended as secondary outcome measures. Specific methodologic recommendations for inclusion of preschoolers in clinical trials research are also offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonita P Klein-Tasman
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Kristin Lee
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Heather L Thompson
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jennifer Janusz
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jonathan M Payne
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sara Pardej
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Peter de Blank
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Tess Kennedy
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kelly M Janke
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Allison Del Castillo
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
| | - Karin S Walsh
- From the Department of Psychology (B.P.K.-T., K.L., S.P.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (H.L.T.), California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado School of Medicine (J.J.), Aurora; Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics (J.M.P.), University of Melbourne, Australia; University of Cincinnati Medical Center (P.d.B.), OH; Children's National Hospital (T.K., A.d.C., K.S.W.), Gilbert NF Institute, Washington, DC; and Division of Oncology (K.M.J.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA
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Guerrera S, Menghini D, Napoli E, Di Vara S, Valeri G, Vicari S. Assessment of Psychopathological Comorbidities in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Child Behavior Checklist. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:535. [PMID: 31404318 PMCID: PMC6676343 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by psychiatric and behavioral comorbidities. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) provides valid and well-established measures of emotional, behavioral, and social problems in children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to verify whether emotional, behavioral, and social problems were modulated by ASD symptom severity, cognitive development, gender, and age by analyzing the CBCL in a large group of children and adolescents with ASD. The results show that around 30% of participants with ASD exhibited internalizing problems and only 6% externalizing problems, with males exhibiting more internalizing problems than females. No correlation was found between CBCL scores and indices of ASD severity. However, higher CBCL Total Problems scores were found in older children and in children with lower cognitive abilities. The detection of behavioral and emotional problems allows children with ASD to undergo specific and individualized treatment that takes into account their psychopathological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Guerrera
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Napoli
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Vara
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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