• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.168-177
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• 2019

Dysregulation of excitatory neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacological inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is widely used to model neurobehavioral pathologies and underlying mechanisms. There is ample evidence that overstimulation of NMDA-dependent neurotransmission may induce neurobehavioral abnormalities, such as repetitive behaviors and hypersensitization to nociception and cognitive disruption, pharmacological modeling using NMDA has been limited due to the induction of neurotoxicity and blood brain barrier breakdown, especially in young animals. In this study, we examined the effects of intraperitoneal NMDA-administration on nociceptive and repetitive behaviors in ICR mice. Intraperitoneal injection of NMDA induced repetitive grooming and tail biting/licking behaviors in a dose- and age-dependent manner. Nociceptive and repetitive behaviors were more prominent in juvenile mice than adult mice. We did not observe extensive blood brain barrier breakdown or neuronal cell death after peritoneal injection of NMDA, indicating limited neurotoxic effects despite a significant increase in NMDA concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid. These findings suggest that the observed behavioral changes were not mediated by general NMDA toxicity. In the hot plate test, we found that the latency of paw licking and jumping decreased in the NMDA-exposed mice especially in the 75 mg/kg group, suggesting increased nociceptive sensitivity in NMDA-treated animals. Repetitive behaviors and increased pain sensitivity are often comorbid in psychiatric disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder). Therefore, the behavioral characteristics of intraperitoneal NMDA-administered mice described herein may be valuable for studying the mechanisms underlying relevant disorders and screening candidate therapeutic molecules.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.85-89
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• 2022

Background: There is evidence of a relationship between prenatal excess androgen exposure and central nervous developmental problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the offspring of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Purpose: Here we aimed to use a meta-analysis to investigate whether the offspring of mothers with PCOS are at an increased chance of developing ADHD. Methods: Three main English databases were searched for articles published through December 2020. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Study heterogeneity was determined using I² statistics and publication bias was assessed using Begg and Egger tests. The results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and relative ratio (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Results: Six articles (3 cohort and 3 case-control studies; 401,413 total ADHD cases) met the study criteria. Maternal PCOS was associated with an increased risk of ADHD in the offspring based on OR and RR (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.27-1.57) and (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.35-1.51), respectively. There was no heterogeneity among the included articles based on OR (I²=0.0%, P=0.588) and RR (I²=0.0%, P=0.878). Conclusion: Our study showed that maternal PCOS is a risk factor for ADHD. Therefore, screening their offspring for ADHD should be considered part of the comprehensive clinical care of women with PCOS.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.105-110
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• 2022

The microdeletion syndrome of chromosome 2p15p16.1 (MIM: 612513) is an extremely rare contiguous gene deletion syndrome. Microdeletions of varying sizes in the 2p15-16.1 region are associated with developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonia, and craniofacial dysmorphism. Previous studies have identified two critical regions: the proximal 2p15 and distal 2p16.1 regions. BCL11A, PAPOLG, and REL genes play crucial roles in patients with 2p16.1 microdeletion. To our knowledge, only 39 patients have been reported as having 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome. Here, we present another patient with 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome. A nine-month-old boy was referred to our clinic for the psychomotor delay, facial dysmorphism, and congenital hypothyroidism. During his follow-up visits, he was diagnosed with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, abnormal behavior, hypotonia, microcephaly, and abnormal electroencephalography. Using a chromosomal microarray for genetic analysis, a novel, de novo, 622 kb microdeletion of 2p16.1 was identified as one of the critical regions of the 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome. This is the first case of its kind in Korea. We have discussed our case and literature reviews to clarify the relationship between the genes involved and clinical phenotypes in 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.235-245
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• 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze public and researcher interests in suicide and related illnesses and acupuncture and acupressure treatment using Google Trends and some electronic databases. Methods: Search results for keywords "suicide," "acupuncture," "acupressure," and several illnesses related to suicide were analyzed in Google Trends from January 2004 to June 2023. Illnesses included anxiety, depression (including major depressive disorder), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorder (including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), substance use disorder, autism spectrum disorder, personality disorder (including borderline person- ality disorder), and chronic pain. Search results were extracted using relative search volume (RSV) scores between 0 and 100. Search terms were also searched in online databases, including PubMed, CNKI, and OASIS, to estimate the number of related studies, and descriptive analysis was conducted. Results: Google Trends analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the RSVs of "suicide and depression," "acupuncture and chronic pain," and "acupressure and PTSD." The electronic database search results produced numerous studies published on "suicide and depression," "acupuncture and depression," and "acupressure and anxiety." High interest in "suicide and depression," "acupuncture and chronic pain," and "acupressure and anxiety" was seen among the public and researchers. Interest in "suicide and chronic pain," "acupuncture and eating disorder," and "acupressure and PTSD" was higher in the public than among researchers, while "anxiety and suicide" and "anxiety and acu- puncture" showed opposite trends. Conclusions: The results of this research enable an understanding of public and researcher interest in suicide, acupuncture, acupressure, and suicide-related illnesses. The results also provide a basis for fu- ture research and examining public health implications in Korean medicine.

• Journal of Creative Information Culture
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.329-343
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• 2019

This study designed, developed and evaluated an application to improve the social skills of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders(ASD) based on the stage of the ADDIE model. The design stage aimed to factor in the characteristics and needs of students with ASD, and created guide maps and story boards accordingly. In the development stage, the application was made through a total of fourteen processes and four official tests. In the evaluation stage, heuristic usability evaluation was conducted on 10 teachers based on the their experience of using the application in the implementation stage. The results of the evaluation were all close to 'very good' in the areas of educational value, content implementation technology, content information and convenience. Finally, the application was fully developed after reflecting the corrections in accordance with the result of the usability evaluation. It is expected that this study have a role in invigorating the development of special educational software content.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.135-145
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• 2023

Antibiotics are frequently administered during pregnancy. Although necessary to address acute infections, their use facilitates antibiotic resistance. Other associations have also been found with the use of antibiotics, such as perturbations of gut bacteria, delays in microbial maturation, and increased risks of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Little is known about how the prenatal and perinatal administration of antibiotics to mothers affects the clinical outcomes of their offspring. A literature search was conducted of the Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed engines. The retrieved articles were reviewed by two authors and verified for relevance. The primary outcome was the effect of pre- and perinatal maternal antibiotic use on clinical outcomes. Thirty-one relevant studies were included in the meta-analysis. Various aspects are discussed, including infections, allergies, obesity, and psychosocial factors. In animal studies, antibiotic intake during pregnancy has been suggested to cause long-term alterations in immune regulation. In humans, associations have been found between antibiotic intake during pregnancy and different types of infections and an increased risk of pediatric infection-related hospitalization. A dose-dependent positive association between pre- and perinatal antibiotic use and asthma severity has been reported in animal and human studies, while positive associations with atopic dermatitis and eczema were reported by human studies. Multiple associations were identified between antibiotic intake and psychological problems in animal studies; however, relevant data from human studies are limited. However, one study reported a positive association with autism spectrum disorders. Multiple animal and human studies reported a positive association between pre- and perinatal antibiotic use by mothers and diseases in their offspring. Our findings have potentially significant clinical relevance, particularly considering the implications for health during infancy and later in life as well as the related economic burden.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1109-1117
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• 2023

Tongue acupuncture is not only a body acupuncture treatment for the tongue but also a new microacupuncture treatment. Tongue acupuncture is a very promising treatment from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. According to several studies, Guan's tongue acupuncture and tri-tongue acupuncture are frequently used. Tongue acupuncture can be used for dysphagia, dysarthria, aphasia, insomnia, autism spectrum disorder, burning mouth syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.59-73
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• 2023

Objective : To examine changes in participation patterns of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in play activities during COVID-19 by reviewing relevant literature. Methods : This scoping review was conducted via five steps. we created a research question and searched for relevant literature published in English through CINAHL, PubMed, ERIC, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Google search engine. After selecting the literature based on inclusion criteria, data were charted based on 10 items (i.e., author name, journal name, publication year, nation, authors' majors, research method, participant' age and gender as well as quantitative and qualitative results of study). The results were analyzed using descriptive numerical and thematic analyses. Results : After reviewing 437 articles and 152 websites, six articles were included. Theses articles were conducted by experts from various fields and countries. Five themes were highlighted in selected articles: COVID-19 resulted in (1) decreased time of outdoor play, (2) increased play time on screen, (3) increased time spent with family, (4) increased sensory difficulties, and (5) recommendations for services for children with disabilities and during COVID-19. Conclusion : This study suggests telerehabilitation programs about parental behavior strategies in order to solve difficulties in which children with ASD may experience when participating in play activities during disasters. Study results can be used as fundamental evidence to emphasize importance of play activities and to systematize role of occupational therapists and service guidelines for supporting play activities of children with disabilities in disasters.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.46-50
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• 2013

Developmental disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions originating in childhood that involve serious impairments in different areas. These disorders comprise language disorders, learning disorders, motor disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Midazolam is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class developed by Hoffmann-La Roche in the 1970s. The drug is used for treatment of acute seizures, moderate to severe insomnia, and for inducing sedation and amnesia before medical procedures. It possesses profoundly potent anxiolytic, amnestic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, skeletal muscle relaxant, and sedative properties. The anterograde amnesia property of midazolam is useful for premedication before surgery to inhibit unpleasant memories. This article presents a case report including caries treatment of a 8-year-old male patient with developmental disorders using oral midazolam premedication as an alternative method of behavior management prior to general anesthesia.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.173-179
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• 2013

In-utero exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has been known as a potent inducer of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), not only in humans, but also in animals. In addition to the defects in communication and social interaction as well as repetitive behaviors, ASD patients usually suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) problems. However, the exact mechanism underlying these disorders is not known. In this study, we examined the gross GI tract structure and GI motility in a VPA animal model of ASD. On embryonic day 12 (E12), 4 pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subcutaneously injected with VPA (400 mg/kg) in the treatment group, and with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) in the control group; the resulting male offspring were analyzed at 4 weeks of age. VPA exposure decreased the thickness of tunica mucosa and tunica muscularis in the stomach and ileum. Other regions such as duodenum, jejunum, and colon did not show a significant difference. In high-resolution microscopic observation, atrophy of the parietal and chief cells in the stomach and absorptive cells in the ileum was observed. In addition, decreased staining of the epithelial cells was observed in the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained ileum section. Furthermore, decreased motility in GI tract was also observed in rat offspring prenatally exposed to VPA. However, the mechanism underlying GI tract defects in VPA animal model as well as the association between abnormal GI structure and function with ASD is yet to be clearly understood. Nevertheless, the results from the present study suggest that this VPA ASD model undergoes abnormal changes in the GI structure and function, which in turn could provide beneficial clues pertaining to the pathophysiological relevance of GI complications and ASD phenotypes.