Xia-Gibbs Syndrome: A Review of Literature

Establishment of iPSC lines and zebrafish with loss-of-function AHDC1 variants: models for Xia-Gibbs syndrome

Xia-Gibbs syndrome (XGS) is a syndromic form of intellectual disability caused by heterozygous AHDC1 variants, but the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this syndrome are still unclear. In this manuscript, we describe the development of two different functional models: three induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines with different loss-of-function (LoF) AHDC1 variants, derived by reprogramming peripheral blood mononuclear cells from XGS patients, and a zebrafish strain with a LoF variant in the ortholog gene (ahdc1) obtained through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing. The three iPSC lines showed expression of pluripotency factors (SOX2, SSEA-4, OCT3/4, and NANOG). To verify the capacity of iPSC to differentiate into the three germ layers, we obtained embryoid bodies (EBs), induced their differentiation, and confirmed the mRNA expression of ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal markers using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard. The iPSC lines were also approved for the following quality tests: chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), mycoplasma testing, and short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profiling. The zebrafish model has an insertion of four base pairs in the ahdc1 gene, is fertile, and breeding between heterozygous and wild-type (WT) animals generated offspring in a genotypic proportion in agreement with Mendelian law. The established iPSC and zebrafish lines were deposited on the hpscreg.eu and zfin.org platforms, respectively. These biological models are the first for XGS and will be used in future studies that investigate the pathophysiology of this syndrome, unraveling its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Effect of cognitive behavioral therapy program on mental health status among medical student in Palestine during COVID pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound psychological influence on everyone in society, and the impact it had on students, particularly medical students, cannot be underestimated. The main purpose of this study is to (1) determine the prevalence of mental disorders among medical students and their associated factors, and (2) examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy on mental health problems among medical students.

METHODS

Between March and May 2021, we conducted a randomized controlled study on two phases among medical students at An-Najah National University. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and the Arabic version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We also used the MEDAS tool to assess their Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence. In the second phase, sixty-six students were recruited and assigned randomly to control and intervention groups. Intervention impact was assessed using 12-item General Health Questionnaire at two-time points; baseline, and 8 weeks post-intervention. The interventional model used was cognitive behavioral therapy, and the control group received no treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 329 students were included in the analysis of the first phase of the study. Approximately 28% of students had mental health problems. We found a significant relationship between good mental health status with a higher level of physical activity level, longer sleeping hours, and shorter entertainment time (p < 0.05). In the second phase of the study, a total of 91 students were included. Overall, using the CBT program showed a significant improvement in the outcome measures. At 8 weeks post-intervention, students had lower scores on total GHQ-12, depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

These findings propose that adequate attention must be paid to the mental health of medical students and that CBT programs can be used for the management of mental health problems among medical students.

Effect of Dance Movement Therapy on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: A Pre-post Intervention Study

Introduction

Dance movement therapy (DMT) is a movement-based psychosocial intervention that incorporates the therapeutic components of dance movements and group psychotherapy. DMT, also known as creative movement therapy (CMT) is a psychotherapy used as a complementary therapy in cancer care. It helps in enhancing mood, emotions, self-expression and helps to rebuild self-confidence. Besides, it allows the patients to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses as well as helps to improve physical capabilities.

Methods

By simple random sampling method, 30 breast cancer patients were recruited at Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, Maharashtra, India. The participants were in the age range of 30-60 years based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre-intervention scores of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) were taken using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) scale and intervention was given for 45 minutes each day for 5 days a week, over a span of 2 weeks. Thereafter, post-intervention assessment was done and the scores were noted. Pre-intervention and post-intervention scores were compared using paired t-test.

Results

The mean and standard deviation (SD) of pre- and post-BFI scores derived by using paired t-test was 73.76 (8.6) and 69.33 (9.8), respectively, with a p-value of < 0.001, which is highly significant.

Conclusion

The results of the present study revealed that DMT seems to be effective in reducing some amount of CRF in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Besides, it turned out to be an engaging, entertaining and cost-effective approach. The investigation showed that DMT appears to be beneficial in reducing the side effects of radiation therapy such as pain, stress, anxiety and fear, giving a psychotherapeutic relief but did not completely remove the persistent fatigue experienced by the breast cancer patients. Thus, further investigation with long-term follow-up is recommended.

A Rare and Unusual Case of Trisomy 10p with Terminal 14q Deletion: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Trisomy 10p is a rare entity to be diagnosed and so is terminal 14q deletion. The total number of trisomy 10p cases reported to date is estimated to be in double digits. The number of terminal 14q deletion cases that have been reported in the literature is even lesser than that of trisomy 10p. Simultaneous occurrence of these genetic aberrations is, therefore, extremely rare. Herein, we document a case of a 14-month-old female diagnosed with trisomy 10p and terminal 14q deletion, who presented with an inability to sit without support and had difficulty in holding her neck. She had no means of independent indoor mobility, which was further limiting her development by exploration. Clinical features included hypotonia, developmental delay, extraneous movements of the head and tongue, intellectual impairment, and facial dysmorphism. She could maintain tripod sitting for less than a minute. Physiotherapy intervention was based on principles of neurodevelopmental treatment and sensory integration. After nine months of physiotherapy intervention, her total gross motor function measure (GMFM) score improved from 11% to 40%. The functional gains were maintained with a home exercise program, after almost one year of discontinuation of institution-based physiotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the management of a child with the diagnosis of trisomy 10p along with terminal 14q deletion. Further research on the role of early intervention to maximize functional potential in rare genetic conditions is warranted.

Focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder in Xia-Gibbs Syndrome: Description of a Female with High Functioning Autism and Literature Review

Background: Xia–Gibbs syndrome (XGS) is a rare disorder caused by de novo mutations in the AT-Hook DNA binding motif Containing 1 (AHDC1) gene, which is characterised by a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including global developmental delay, intellectual disability, structural abnormalities of the brain, global hypotonia, feeding problems, sleep difficulties and apnoea, facial dysmorphisms, and short stature. Methods: Here, we report on a girl patient who shows a peculiar cognitive and behavioural profile including high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability and provide information on her developmental trajectory with the aim of expanding knowledge of the XGS clinical spectrum. On the basis of the current clinical case and the literature review, we also attempt to deepen understanding of behavioural and psychiatric manifestations associated with XGS. Results: In addition to the patient we described, a considerable rate of individuals with XGS display autistic symptoms or have been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder. Moreover, the analysis of the few psychopathological profiles of patients with XGS described in the literature shows a frequent presence of aggressive and self-injurious behaviours that could be either an expression of autistic functioning or an additional symptom of the ASD evolution. A careful investigation of the abovementioned symptoms is therefore required, since they could represent a “red flag” for ASD.