Convergent Validity Between the Motor Domain of PediaTracTM and Ages and Stages in Term and Preterm Infants at 2, 4, 6, and 9 Months of Age

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the convergent validity of the Motor domain (MOT) of PediaTracTM v3.0, an online developmental tracking instrument based on caregiver reports, with fine and gross motor domains (ASQ-FM and ASQ-GM) of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) in infants between 2- and 9 months of age. Participants were caregivers of 571 infants born term or preterm (gestational age <37 weeks) enrolled in a multi-site psychometric study of PediaTracTM. Findings revealed significant correlations between MOT and ASQ-3 scores at 2, 4, 6, and 9 months across time periods, term-preterm status, and biological sex. A significantly higher percentage of infants born preterm, compared with those born at term, was identified as a moderate or high risk on both the ASQ-3 and PediaTrac. Future investigations are warranted to further examine the psychometric properties of the MOT domain, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value.

The human Y and inactive X chromosomes similarly modulate autosomal gene expression

Somatic cells of human males and females have 45 chromosomes in common, including the "active" X chromosome. In males the 46th chromosome is a Y; in females it is an "inactive" X (Xi). Through linear modeling of autosomal gene expression in cells from individuals with zero to three Xi and zero to four Y chromosomes, we found that Xi and Y impact autosomal expression broadly and with remarkably similar effects. Studying sex chromosome structural anomalies, promoters of Xi- and Y-responsive genes, and CRISPR inhibition, we traced part of this shared effect to homologous transcription factors-ZFX and ZFY-encoded by Chr X and Y. This demonstrates sex-shared mechanisms by which Xi and Y modulate autosomal expression. Combined with earlier analyses of sex-linked gene expression, our studies show that 21% of all genes expressed in lymphoblastoid cells or fibroblasts change expression significantly in response to Xi or Y chromosomes.

An Updated Characterization of Childhood Selective Mutism: Exploring Clinical Features, Treatment Utilization, and School Services

Selective mutism (SM) is a severe but understudied childhood anxiety disorder. Most epidemiological research on SM was conducted decades ago and is limited by small sample sizes. This study analyzes parent-reported clinical data from 230 children with diagnosed and suspected SM to provide current information about the presentation of this disorder. Overall, anxiety and social anxiety symptoms were elevated. Gender ratio, comorbidities and family history of psychopathology were generally aligned with previous research. However, age of onset and diagnosis were both earlier than previously reported, with an average delay of 2 years between onset and diagnosis. The majority of children received therapy and school accommodations for their SM, yet there was large variability in types of interventions. This is the largest survey of children with SM conducted primarily within the US and it constitutes the first systematic inquiry into interventions and accommodations received within clinical and school settings.

The human Y and inactive X chromosomes similarly modulate autosomal gene expression

Somatic cells of human males and females have 45 chromosomes in common, including the "active" X chromosome. In males the 46th chromosome is a Y; in females it is an "inactive" X (Xi). Through linear modeling of autosomal gene expression in cells from individuals with zero to three Xi and zero to four Y chromosomes, we found that Xi and Y impact autosomal expression broadly and with remarkably similar effects. Studying sex-chromosome structural anomalies, promoters of Xi- and Y-responsive genes, and CRISPR inhibition, we traced part of this shared effect to homologous transcription factors - ZFX and ZFY - encoded by Chr X and Y. This demonstrates sex-shared mechanisms by which Xi and Y modulate autosomal expression. Combined with earlier analyses of sex-linked gene expression, our studies show that 21% of all genes expressed in lymphoblastoid cells or fibroblasts change expression significantly in response to Xi or Y chromosomes.

Motor networks in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review on EEG studies

Motor disturbance and altered motor networks are commonly reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been suggested that electroencephalogram (EEG) can be used to provide exquisite temporal resolution for understanding motor control processes in ASD. However, the variability of study design and EEG approaches can impact our interpretation. Here, we conducted a systematic review on recent 11 EEG studies that involve motor observation and/or execution tasks and evaluated how these findings help us understand motor difficulties in ASD. Three behavior paradigms with different EEG analytic methods were demonstrated. The main findings were quite mixed: children with ASD did not always show disrupted neuronal activity during motor observation. Additionally, they might have intact ability for movement execution but have more difficulties in neuronal modulation during movement preparation. We would like to promote discussions on how methodological selections of behavioral tasks and data analytic approaches impact our interpretation of motor deficits in ASD. Future EEG research addressing the inconsistency across methodological approaches is necessary to help us understand neurophysiological mechanism of motor abnormalities in ASD.

A-217 Convergent Validity Between the Motor Domains of Pediatractm, and the Ages And Stages Questionnaire – 3rd Edition (ASQ-3)

Objective: PediaTracTM is a web-based tool for tracking infant/toddler development (Lajiness-O’Neill et al., 2021). This study evaluated convergent validity between PediaTracTM Motor domain and motor domains of Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3, Squires & Phillips, 2009).

Method: Participants were 515 term and preterm (&lt; 37 weeks gestation) infant/caregiver dyads in a multi-site validation study of PediaTracTM. Data from 2-, 4-, 6-, and 9-month waves on PediaTracTM and ASQ-3 were included (age corrected for pre-term).

Results: At 2-months, PediaTracTM and ASQ-3 fine motor were moderately correlated in term (r(299) = 0.46, p &lt; 0.001) and preterm (r(216) = 0.30, p &lt; 0.001) infants. Similar relationships were found at 4-months (r(291) = 0.36, p &lt; 0.001 and r(211) = 0.41, p &lt; 0.001, respectively) and 9-months (r(271) = 0.30, p &lt; 0.001 and r(180) = 0.44, p &lt; 0.001, respectively). At 2-months, gross motor assessments were moderately correlated in term (r(299) = 0.48, p &lt; 0.001) and preterm (r(216) = 0.45, p &lt; 0.001) infants. At 4-months, moderate correlations were found. Strongest associations were at 9-months in term (r(271) = 0.63, p &lt; 0.001) and preterm (r(180) = 0.68, p &lt; 0.001) infants. Similar relationships were not found at 6-months (-0.06 &lt; r &lt; 0.08).

Conclusion(s): This study supports convergent validity for the PediaTracTM Motor domain at multiple time points. The lack of association at 6-months may stem from the known lack of sensitivity to motor delays in the ASQ-3 in infancy highlighting the need for further validation of PediaTracTM Motor with direct assessments at each time point.

Speech and language development in children with 49,XXXXY syndrome

49,XXXXY is the rarest X and Y chromosomal variation and is frequently characterized by expressive and receptive language dysfunction, low muscle tonus, and intellectual deficits. Due to the low incidence of this disorder, comprehensive studies analyzing the specific aspects of the speech and language phenotype in these boys have been uncommon. This is the first in-depth investigation of the speech and language profiles in a large cohort of boys with 49,XXXXY. Based on the clinical judgment of speech and language pathologists, there was an increased incidence (91.8%) of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), which has not been previously described in this disorder. In preschool boys, some significant differences were demonstrated between boys who received early hormonal treatment (n = 16) and untreated boys (n = 4) on the language scales (p = .047) on the Bayley Scales of Infants and Toddlers, as well as significant differences between treated (n = 13) and untreated boys (n = 8) on the Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test (p = .008). No significant differences between treatment groups were found in school age children, however, treated groups demonstrated less discrepancies between expressive and receptive language. More research and larger samples are needed to determine the extent of the impact of testosterone treatment on boys with 49,XXXXY. This study identifies CAS as a potential explanation for the significant expressive language dysfunction and subsequent behavioral dysfunction. These findings may assist in facilitating more targeted treatment and improved outcomes for boys with 49,XXXXY.

Neurocognitive development and capabilities in boys with 49,XXXXY syndrome

49,XXXXY was previously associated with profound to severe intellectual deficits. However, prior research papers on the cognitive profiles of this population were confounded by small samples sizes, wide age spreads, and incomplete histories of testosterone replacement therapy. This study is the first comprehensive, international investigation of the neurocognitive aspects of 49,XXXXY, and the potential effects of biological treatment on this profile. Sixty-seven boys from infancy to 11 years of age were enrolled in this longitudinal study, with the majority of boys postnatally diagnosed though chromosomal analysis. These boys received a comprehensive neurocognitive evaluation tailored to specific language-based deficits and cognitive challenges. Results revealed higher neurocognitive capacities, both verbally and nonverbally, than previously reported in this disorder. Infant boys with 49,XXXXY who received early hormonal therapy (EHT) had significantly higher scores on the cognitive domain of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development than untreated infants (p = .013). In addition, treated school-aged participants had significantly better scaled scores than untreated boys in form completion (p = .042), a task that requires deductive reasoning, on nonverbal testing on the Leiter International Performance Scales. This study indicates greater cognitive capacities with a wide range of abilities in the child with 49,XXXXY, thus warranting further investigation to identify and understand the critical influences on the etiology and the variability of those capacities.

Evidence of intrauterine growth restriction and growth hormone deficiency in 49,XXXXY syndrome

49,XXXXY is an X and Y chromosome variation that occurs in 1:85,000 to 1:100,000 live male births. Previous case studies have described boys with this disorder to be shorter than average when compared with boys with only one extra chromosome and with the mean stature in a small cohort reported to range from the seventh to 33rd percentile. The origin behind the possible differences in height between boys with 47,XXY and 49,XXXXY is currently unknown, however one study hypothesized that it was due to a difference in the expression of the SHOX gene. This study reports on the anthropometric measurements of 84 boys with 49,XXXXY. Forty-five percent of children with 49,XXXXY were found to be below the third percentile in height at the time of evaluation. In addition, 7.14% of the cohort were diagnosed and given treatment for growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The analysis of this cohort demonstrates that the below average heights seen throughout childhood in this population potentially begins prenatally and suggests that boys with 49,XXXXY may be at a higher risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and GHD. Future research is needed to investigate the etiology of the poor growth in boys with 49,XXXXY and evaluate the incidence of GHD and IUGR in this population.

Musculoskeletal abnormalities in a large international cohort of boys with 49,XXXXY

49,XXXXY is the rarest X and Y chromosomal variation, with an incidence of 1 in 80,000-100,000 live male births and has been associated with numerous musculoskeletal abnormalities. Data was collected from an international cohort of boys with 49,XXXXY over 10 years. Children were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a pediatric orthopedist, a neurogeneticist, a neurodevelopmentalist, and two physical therapists. Increased rates of torticollis (32.4%), hamstring tightness (42%), radioulnar synostosis (67.6%), pes planus (65.2%), and other foot abnormalities (86.9%) were observed. Several anomalies increased with age, specifically hamstring tightness, kyphosis, and scoliosis. The elucidation of the orthopedic profile of this population is necessary in order to provide healthcare providers with current medical information. This research further supports the necessity for the comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment of boys with 49,XXXXY.

Behavioral phenotype of 49,XXXXY syndrome: Presence of anxiety-related symptoms and intact social awareness

49,XXXXY is a rare X and Y chromosome variation that occurs in 1:85,000 to 1:100,000 live male births and is notable for variable motor, speech, and behavioral deficits. Case studies have described boys with this disorder as shy, impulsive, and aggressive with low frustration tolerances; however, previous studies have been limited due to cohort size. This study reports on the largest cohort of boys with 49,XXXXY to date with an emphasis on the prevalence of anxiety-related symptoms and sociability from preschool to adolescence. The Child Behavior Checklist, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, 2nd edition, and Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd edition were completed by parents on a cohort of 69. The cohort demonstrated deficits in social cognition and communication beginning in preschool, however, presented with consistent social awareness and motivation for social activities not previously appreciated in this disorder. In addition, signs of anxiety presented during preschool years and increased in severity with age, particularly in internalizing problems. Boys with 49,XXXXY presented with wide behavioral variability across all ages and domains. Further research into the potential influences of culture, birth order, biological treatment, and frequency of services is needed to better define the behavioral phenotype of children with this disorder.

Update On The Clinical Perspectives And Care Of The Child With 47,XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome)

47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome [KS]) is the most common sex chromosomal aneuploidy (1:660), yet, despite this, only 25% of the males are ever diagnosed. Males with 47,XXY present with characteristic symptoms throughout their lifetime with typical physical and neurodevelopmental manifestations focused in growth, cognitive development, endocrine function, and reproduction. Studies have demonstrated that optimal outcomes are dependent on early detection combined with consistent and targeted neurodevelopmental treatment throughout the lifespan. During infancy and into the preschool years, individuals with 47,XXY commonly face deficits in growth and development in the areas of early hormonal, motor, speech, and behavioral development. As they transition into school, the primary neurodevelopmental concerns include language difficulty, executive dysfunction, behavior, and learning and reading deficits. Adults with 47,XXY often present with taller than average height, low levels of fertility, azoospermia, and elevated gonadotropin levels. These presentations may persist from early childhood through adulthood but can be mitigated by appropriate interventions. Early neurodevelopmental and hormonal treatment has been shown to have a minimizing effect on the physical and neurodevelopmental manifestations in individuals with 47,XXY. With innovative and current research studies, the features common to the neurodevelopmental profile of 47,XXY have been further expanded and defined. Further research is necessary to elucidate and understand the relationship between the brain, behavior, and the phenotypic profile of 47,XXY.