Association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The paucity of evidence regarding the safety of gestational antipsychotic exposure has led to treatment discontinuation in pregnant women with severe mental health conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the current evidence on the association between gestational antipsychotic exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children (Study protocol registered in PROSPERO:CRD42022311354). Five studies included in our meta-analysis with around 8.6 million pregnancy episodes in nine different countries/regions. Results from our meta-analysis indicate that the heightened risks of ASD and ADHD in children gestationally exposed to antipsychotics appear to be attributable to maternal characteristics, rather than having a causal relationship with the antipsychotic exposure during pregnancy. The results underscore the importance of meticulously monitoring the neurodevelopment of children born to mothers with mental illnesses, which can facilitate early interventions and provide requisite support.

Automation of dideoxynucleotide DNA sequencing reactions using a robotic workstation

We report here a system for automation of the dideoxynucleotide DNA sequencing method. The system consists of a Beckman Biomek 1000 robotic workstation which has been modified by the addition of a thin heater/cooler block directly on the instrument table. The heater/cooler block, which is regulated by a user-specified program integrated into the Biomek software, facilitates the use of both single- and double-stranded DNA sequencing procedures. Using this system, we are able to perform 24 sets of dideoxynucleotide DNA sequencing reactions in approximately 45 min. The reactions are performed in 96-well microtiter plates, using a prepared reagent pack which includes primer, enzyme, nucleotide mixes and radioactive label. Using standard gel electrophoresis technology, we are able to resolve over 500 nucleotides per sequencing reaction in about 5 h. Currently, we are able to perform three runs of 24 samples each, with subsequent gel analysis per 8-h period. Excluding autoradiography, this represents a daily data output of 36,000 base pairs.