Metabolomic profiles in Jamaican children with and without autism spectrum disorder.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a wide range of behavioral and cognitive impairments. While genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to its etiology, the underlying metabolic perturbations associated with ASD which can potentially connect genetic and environmental factors, remain poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a metabolomic case-control study and performed a comprehensive analysis to identify significant alterations in metabolite profiles between children with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls. Objective: To elucidate potential metabolomic signatures associated with ASD in children and identify specific metabolites that may serve as biomarkers for the disorder. Methods: We conducted metabolomic profiling on plasma samples from participants in the second phase of Epidemiological Research on Autism in Jamaica (ERAJ-2), which was a 1:1 age (±6 months)-and sex-matched cohort of 200 children with ASD and 200 TD controls (2-8 years old). Using high-throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques, we performed a targeted metabolite analysis, encompassing amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and other key metabolic compounds. After quality control and imputation of missing values, we performed univariable and multivariable analysis using normalized metabolites while adjusting for covariates, age, sex, socioeconomic status, and child's parish of birth. Results: Our findings revealed unique metabolic patterns in children with ASD for four metabolites compared to TD controls. Notably, three of these metabolites were fatty acids, including myristoleic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, and octadecenoic acid. Additionally, the amino acid sarcosine exhibited a significant association with ASD. Conclusions: These findings highlight the role of metabolites in the etiology of ASD and suggest opportunities for the development of targeted interventions.

What is a Good Mother of Children with Autism? A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between the U.S. and Japan.

This study compared the characteristics of 'good mothers' of children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) as perceived by mothers of children with ASD in two countries-the U.S. and Japan. Grounded in the theory of culturally-influenced construal of the self, we hypothesized that U.S. mothers would prioritize fostering self-reliance and advocating for their child's well-being while Japanese mothers would prioritize maintaining close and harmonious relationships with their child. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 52 U.S. and 51 Japanese mothers of children with ASD about the characteristics of a good mother of a child with ASD (GMA) and characteristics of a good mother in general (GMG) and compared the frequencies of 'good mother' categories emerging from thematic analysis. Mothers of children with ASD in both countries viewed guiding children as the most important characteristic for both GMG and GMA. As hypothesized, U.S mothers tended to emphasize a mother's active role in advocating for her children, getting her child services and intervention, and educating herself about ASD. In contrast, Japanese mothers tended to value a mother's ability to accept her child, know her child well, and provide adequate support for her child based on a child-oriented perspective. The mother's role of advocating for her child and educating herself emerged more frequently in responses regarding GMA than GMG in the U.S. sample. The study revealed cultural differences in characterization of GMA, suggesting that more indirect models of instruction may be effective for different cultural groups.

Factors associated with blood mercury concentrations and their interactions with three glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1): an exposure assessment study of typically developing Jamaican children.

BACKGROUND: Jamaican soil is abundant in heavy metals including mercury (Hg). Due to availability and ease of access, fish is a traditional dietary component in Jamaica and a significant source of Hg exposure. Mercury is a xenobiotic and known neuro-toxicant that affects children's neurodevelopment. Human glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes, including GSTT1, GSTM1, and GSTP1, affect Hg conjugation and elimination mechanisms. METHODS: In this exposure assessment study we used data from 375 typically developing (TD) 2-8-year-old Jamaican children to explore the association between environmental Hg exposure, GST genes, and their interaction effects on blood Hg concentrations (BHgCs). We used multivariable general linear models (GLMs). RESULTS: We identified the child's age, consumption of saltwater fish, canned fish (sardine, mackerel), string beans, grain, and starches (pasta, macaroni, noodles) as the environmental factors significantly associated with BHgCs (all P < 0.05). A significant interaction between consumption of canned fish (sardine, mackerel) and GSTP1 in relation to BHgC using either a co-dominant or recessive genetic model (overall interaction P = 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively) indicated that consumption of canned fish (sardine, mackerel) was significantly associated with higher mean BHgC only among children with the GSTP1 Ile105Val, Ile/Ile [Ratio of mean Hg (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.09, 2.32), P = 0.02] and Ile/Val [Ratio of mean Hg (95% CI) = 1.46 (1.12, 1.91), P = 0.01] genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Since this is the first study from Jamaica to report these findings, replication in other populations is recommended.

Executive Function in Autism: Association with ADHD and ASD Symptoms.

There is substantial comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and there are well-documented executive functioning (EF) deficits in both populations. An important question concerns whether EF deficits in children with ASD are related to severity of ASD, ADHD, or both. We examined ADHD and ASD symptoms in relation to ratings of EF in the home and classroom. The sample comprised 64 children (55 males) diagnosed with ASD (mean age = 9.26 years; mean FSIQ = 92). Analyses indicated that parent and teacher ratings of EF (except Shift and Emotional Control) were consistently related to ADHD symptom severity, but not to ASD severity. Thus, functioning in the domains of Shift and Emotional control appear relatively spared, whereas performance in all other EF was impaired in relation to ADHD symptoms.

Additive or Interactive Associations of Food Allergies with Glutathione S-Transferase Genes in Relation to ASD and ASD Severity in Jamaican Children.

To investigate additive and interactive associations of food allergies with three glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes in relation to ASD and ASD severity in Jamaican children. Using data from 344 1:1 age- and sex-matched ASD cases and typically developing controls, we assessed additive and interactive associations of food allergies with polymorphisms in GST genes (GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1) in relation to ASD by applying conditional logistic regression models, and in relation to ASD severity in ASD cases as measured by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition (ADOS-2) total and domains specific comparison scores (CSs) by fitting general linear models. Although food allergies and GST genes were not associated with ASD, ASD cases allergic to non-dairy food had higher mean ADOS-2 Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRB) CS (8.8 vs. 8.0, P = 0.04). In addition, allergy to dairy was associated with higher mean RRB CS only among ASD cases with GSTT1 DD genotype (9.9 vs. 7.8, P < 0.01, interaction P = 0.01), and GSTP1 Val/Val genotype under a recessive genetic model (9.8 vs. 7.8, P = 0.02, interaction P = 0.06). Our findings are consistent with the role for GST genes in ASD and food allergies, though require replication in other populations.

Interactions between Environmental Factors and Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Genes with Respect to Detectable Blood Aluminum Concentrations in Jamaican Children.

Aluminum (Al) is a metallic toxicant at high concentrations following natural or unnatural exposures. Dietary intake is considered as the main source of aluminum exposure in children. We used data from 366 typically developing (TD) children (ages 2−8 years) who participated as controls in an age- and sex-matched case−control study in Jamaica. We investigated additive and interactive associations among environmental factors and children's genotypes for glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1), in relation to having a detectable blood aluminum concentration (BAlC) of >5.0 µg/L, using multivariable logistic regression models. Findings from interactive models revealed that the odds of having a detectable BAlC was significantly higher among children who ate string beans (p ≤ 0.01), whereas about 40% lower odds of having a detectable BAlC was observed in children with higher parental education level, (p = 0.02). A significant interaction between consumption of saltwater fish and GSTP1 in relation to having a detectable BAlC using either co-dominant or dominant genetic models (overall interaction p = 0.02 for both models) indicated that consumption of saltwater fish was associated with higher odds of having a detectable BAlC only among children with the GSTP1 Ile105Val Ile/Ile genotype using either co-dominant or dominant models [OR (95% CI) = 2.73 (1.07, 6.96), p = 0.04; and OR (95% CI) = 2.74 (1.08, 6.99), p = 0.03]. Since this is the first study from Jamaica that reports such findings, replication in other populations is warranted.

Severity of Child Autistic Symptoms and Parenting Stress in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Japan and USA: Cross-Cultural Differences.

The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between parenting stress and autistic symptom severity in the U.S. and Japan. Fifty-two U.S. and 51 Japanese mothers of children aged 2-12 with autism completed measures of parenting stress and child characteristics, including the parenting stress index (PSI), the social communication questionnaire (SCQ), and social responsiveness scale-2 (SRS-2). There was a nonlinear relationship between the child's autistic symptom severity and parenting stress in both countries. We also found some cultural differences: in the parent domain, the relationships between children's SCQ scores and PSI scores differed significantly between the U.S. and Japan. Our findings suggest that autistic severity symptom scores may reflect cross-cultural differences in parenting beliefs, views toward autism, and response styles for evaluating children's behavior. The findings also suggest that parents need support regardless of the child's autism severity, including those with mild to moderate symptoms. Expanding on this line of research and understanding cultural influences on parenting stress may help service providers and agencies offer more culturally sensitive services, parent-education courses, and intervention programs.

Detoxification Role of Metabolic Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Genes in Blood Lead Concentrations of Jamaican Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Glutathione S-transferases (GST) are involved in the detoxification of exogenous chemicals including lead (Pb). Using data from 344 pairs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases and age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls (2−8 years old) from Jamaica, we investigated the interaction between three GST genes and ASD status as determinants of blood Pb concentrations (BPbCs). We found that ASD cases had lower geometric mean BPbCs than TD children (1.74 vs. 2.27 µg/dL, p < 0.01). Using a co-dominant genetic model, ASD cases with the Ile/Val genotype for the GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism had lower GM BPbCs than TD controls, after adjusting for a known interaction between GSTP1 and GSTT1, child's parish, socioeconomic status, consumption of lettuce, fried plantains, and canned fish (Ile/Val: 1.78 vs. 2.13 µg/dL, p = 0.03). Similarly, among carriers of the I/I or I/D (I*) genotype for GSTT1 and GSTM1, ASD cases had lower adjusted GM BPbCs than TD controls (GSTT1 I*: 1.61 vs. 1.91 µg/dL, p = 0.01; GSTM1 I*: 1.71 vs. 2.04 µg/dL, p = 0.01). Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms in GST genes may influence detoxification of Pb by the enzymes they encode in Jamaican children with and without ASD.

Additive and Interactive Associations of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors with the Genotypes of Three Glutathione S-Transferase Genes in Relation to the Blood Arsenic Concentrations of Children in Jamaica.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid that has been classified as a xenobiotic with toxic effects on human beings, especially on children. Since the soil in Jamaica contains As, dietary intake is considered the main source of As exposure in Jamaicans. In addition, glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes, including GSTT1, GSTP1, and GSTM1, play an important role in the metabolism of xenobiotics including As in humans. Using data from 375 typically developing children (2-8 years) in Jamaica, we investigated the environmental and sociodemographic factors, as well as their possible interactions with the children's genotype for GST genes in relation to having a detectable level of blood As concentration (i.e., >1.3 µg/L). Using multivariable logistic regression, we have identified environmental factors significantly associated with blood As concentrations that include a child's age, parental education levels, and the consumption of saltwater fish, cabbage, broad beans, and avocado (all p < 0.01). Based on the multivariable analysis including gene x environment interactions, we found that among children with the Ile/Ile genotype for GSTP1 Ile105Val, children who consumed avocado had higher odds of having a detectable blood As concentration compared to children who did not eat avocado.

Correlation between concentrations of four heavy metals in cord blood and childhood blood of Jamaican children.

This study investigated whether the concentrations of four metals [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al)] are correlated in cord blood and childhood blood samples from Jamaican children. Cord blood samples were obtained from 21 pregnant women enrolled in the second Jamaican Birth Cohort Study from July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011, and blood samples were drawn from their children who participated in a follow up study when the children were 4-8 years old. Correlations were assessed by the Pearson or the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The mean ages of children at the childhood visit and their mother at the child's birth were 5.5 years and 29.8 years, respectively. About 47.6% of children were male. Statistically significant correlations between cord blood and childhood blood concentrations of Pb (rSpearman =0.45; P = 0.04) and Mn (rPearson=0.48; P = 0.03) were found, and these remained significant when adjusted for the child's sex, age, or both. For Al and Hg, rSpearman=0.29 and 0.08, respectively, but the correlations were not statistically significant (both P ≥ 0.20). A significant correlation between cord blood and childhood blood Pb concentrations for children 4-8 years old has not been previously reported.

Concentrations of Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, Manganese, and Aluminum in the Blood of Pakistani Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Associated Factors.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with early onset in utero or childhood. Environmental exposure to six metals (Pb, Hg, As, Cd, Mn, Al) is believed to be associated with ASD directly or interactively with genes. Objective: To assess the association of ASD among Pakistani children with the six metals and genotype frequencies of three GST genes (GSTP1, GSTM1, GSTT1). METHODS: We enrolled 30 ASD cases, age 2-12 years old, and 30 age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls in Karachi, Pakistan. We assessed associations of ASD status with various factors using Conditional Logistic Regression models. We also used General Linear Models to assess possible interaction of blood Mn and Pb concentrations with the three GST genes in relation to ASD status. RESULTS: The unadjusted difference between ASD and TD groups in terms of geometric mean blood Pb concentrations was marginally significant (p = 0.05), but for Al concentrations, the adjusted difference was marginally significant (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting six blood metal concentrations of Pakistani children with ASD. Estimates provided for possible interactions of GST genes with Mn and Pb in relation to ASD status are valuable for designing future similar studies.

Associations of Metabolic Genes (GSTT1, GSTP1, GSTM1) and Blood Mercury Concentrations Differ in Jamaican Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We investigated interactive roles of three metabolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTP1, GSTT1, and GSTM1) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) status in relation to blood Hg concentrations (BHC) of Jamaican children. We used data from 266 children (2-8 years) with ASD and their 1:1 age- and sex-matched typically developing (TD) controls. After adjusting General Linear Models for child's age, socioeconomic status, consumption of leafy vegetables, fried plantain, canned fish, and the interaction between GSTP1 and GSTT1, we found significant interactions between GSTP1 and ASD status in relation to BHC either in a co-dominant or dominant genetic model for GSTP1(P < 0.001, P = 0.007, respectively). In the co-dominant model for the Ile105Val GSTP1 polymorphism, geometric mean (GM) BHC in ASD cases with genotype Ile/Ile were significantly higher than in cases with the Ile/Val genotype (0.73 vs. 0.48 µg/L, P = 0.01). In contrast, in TD controls with the Ile/Val genotype GM BHC were significantly higher than in those with the Ile/Ile genotype (0.72 vs. 0.49 µg/L, P = 0.03) or the Val/Val genotype (0.72 vs. 0.51 µg/L, P = 0.04). Although our findings are consistent with the role of GSTP1 in detoxification of Hg, replication in other populations is warranted.

ADHD severity as a predictor of cognitive task performance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a number of studies have begun to explore the nature of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this study, we examined the relationship between both symptoms of ADHD and symptoms of ASD on cognitive task performance in a sample of higher-functioning children and adolescents with ASD. Participants completed cognitive tasks tapping aspects of attention, impulsivity/inhibition, and immediate memory. AIMS: We hypothesized that children with ASD who had higher levels of ADHD symptom severity would be at higher risk for poorer sustained attention and selective attention, greater impulsivity/disinhibition, and weaker memory. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The sample included 92 children (73 males) diagnosed with ASD (Mean Age = 9.41 years; Mean Full Scale IQ = 84.2). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Using regression analyses, more severe ADHD symptomatology was found to be significantly related to weaker performance on tasks measuring attention, immediate memory, and response inhibition. In contrast, increasing severity of ASD symptomatology was not associated with higher risk of poorer performance on any of the cognitive tasks assessed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest that children with ASD who have more severe ADHD symptoms are at higher risk for impairments in tasks assessing attention, immediate memory, and response inhibition-similar to ADHD-related impairments seen in the general pediatric population. As such, clinicians should assess various aspects of cognition in pediatric patients with ASD in order to facilitate optimal interventional and educational planning.

Global vascular surgeons' experience, stressors, and coping during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented challenges for health care systems globally. We designed and administered a global survey to examine the effects of COVID-19 on vascular surgeons and explore the COVID-19-related stressors faced, coping strategies used, and support structures available. METHODS: The Pandemic Practice, Anxiety, Coping, and Support Survey for Vascular Surgeons was an anonymous cross-sectional survey sponsored by the Society for Vascular Surgery Wellness Task Force. The survey analysis evaluated the effects of COVID-19-related stressors on vascular surgeons measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. The 28-item Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory was used to assess the active and avoidant coping strategies. Survey data were collected using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) from April 14, 2020 to April 24, 2020 inclusive. Additional qualitative data were collected using open-ended questions. Univariable and multivariable analyses of the factors associated with the anxiety levels and qualitative analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 1609 survey responses (70.5% male; 82.5% vascular surgeons in practice) from 58 countries (43.4% from United States; 43.4% from Brazil) were eligible for analysis. Some degree of anxiety was reported by 54.5% of the respondents, and 23.3% reported moderate or severe anxiety. Most respondents (∼60%) reported using active coping strategies and the avoidant coping strategy of "self-distraction," and 20% used other avoidant coping strategies. Multivariable analysis identified the following factors as significantly associated with increased self-reported anxiety levels: staying in a separate room at home or staying at the hospital or a hotel after work (odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.79), donning and doffing personal protective equipment (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.41-2.33), worry about potential adverse patient outcomes due to care delay (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.16-1.87), and financial concerns (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.49-2.42). The factors significantly associated with decreased self-reported anxiety levels were hospital support (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.91) and the use of positive reframing as an active coping strategy (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Vascular surgeons globally have been experiencing multiple COVID-19-related stressors during this devastating crisis. These findings have highlighted the continued need for hospital systems to support their vascular surgeons and the importance of national societies to continue to invest in peer-support programs as paramount to promoting the well-being of vascular surgeons during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interaction of Blood Manganese Concentrations with GSTT1 in Relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jamaican Children.

Using data from 266 age- and sex-matched pairs of Jamaican children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) controls (2-8 years), we investigated whether glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) modifies the association between blood manganese concentrations (BMC) and ASD. After adjusting conditional logistic regression models for socioeconomic status and the interaction between GSTT1 and GSTP1 (glutathione S-transferase pi 1), using a recessive genetic model for GSTT1 and either a co-dominant or dominant model for GSTP1, the interaction between GSTT1 and BMC was significant (P = 0.02, P = 0.01, respectively). Compared to controls, ASD cases with GSTT1-DD genotype had 4.33 and 4.34 times higher odds of BMC > 12 vs. ≤ 8.3 µg/L, respectively. Replication in other populations is warranted.

Interaction between a Mixture of Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, Manganese, Aluminum) and GSTP1, GSTT1, and GSTM1 in Relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to many environmental chemicals, including metals, often does not occur in isolation, hence requires assessment of the associations between exposure to mixtures of chemicals and human health. OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations of a metal mixture of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), additively or interactively with each of three glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTP1, GSTT1, and GSTM1). METHOD: Using data from 266 case-control pairs of Jamaican children (2-8 years old), we fitted negative and positive generalized weighted quantile sum (gWQS) regression models to assess the aforementioned associations. RESULTS: Based on additive and interactive negative gWQS models adjusted for maternal age, parental education, child's parish, and seafood consumption, we found inverse associations of the overall mixture score with ASD [MOR (95% CI): 0.70 (0.49, 0.99); P < 0.05) and [MOR (95%CI): 0.46 (0.25, 0.84); P = 0.01], respectively. In an unadjusted negative gWQS model, we found a marginally significant interaction between GSTP1 and a mixture of three metals (Pb, Hg, and Mn) (P = 0.07) while the association was no longer significant after adjustment for the same covariates (P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in diet between ASD and control groups may play a role in the inverse associations we found. The possible interactive association between Mn and GSTP1 in ASD based on gWQS is consistent with our previous reports. However, possible interaction of GSTP1 with Pb and Hg in ASD requires further investigation and replication.

Effects of Extended-Release Methylphenidate Treatment on Cognitive Task Performance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of four doses of psychostimulant medication, combining extended-release methylphenidate (ER-MPH) in the morning with immediate-release MPH (IR-MPH) in the afternoon, on cognitive task performance. Method: The sample comprised 24 children (19 boys and 5 girls) who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-R and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and had significant symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This sample consisted of elementary school-age, community-based children (mean chronological age = 8.8 years, SD = 1.7; mean intelligence quotient = 85; SD = 16.8). Effects of placebo and three dose levels of ER-MPH (containing 0.21, 0.35, and 0.48 mg/kg equivalent of IR-MPH) on cognitive task performance were compared using a within-subject, crossover, placebo-controlled design. Each of the four MPH dosing regimens (placebo, low-dose MPH, medium-dose MPH, and high-dose MPH) was administered for 1 week; the dosing order was counterbalanced across children. Results: MPH treatment was associated with significant performance gains on cognitive tasks tapping sustained attention, selective attention, and impulsivity/inhibition. Dose/response was generally linear in the dose range studied, with no evidence of deterioration in performance at higher MPH doses in the dose range studied. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that MPH formulations are associated with significant improvements on cognitive task performance in children with ASD and ADHD.

Association of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jamaican Children.

BACKGROUND: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine (OC) pesticides are suspected to play a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations of PCBs and OC pesticides with ASD in Jamaican children and explore possible interaction between PCBs or OC pesticides with glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1) in relation to ASD. METHODS: Participants included n=169 age- and sex-matched case-control pairs of Jamaican children 2-8 years old. Socioeconomic status and food frequency data were self-reported by the parents/guardians. Blood from each participant was analyzed for 100 PCB congeners and 17 OC pesticides and genotyped for three GST genes. PCBs and OC pesticides concentrations below the limit of detection (LoD) were replaced with (LoD/√2). We used conditional logistic regression (CLR) models to assess associations of PCBs and OC pesticides with ASD, individually or interactively with GST genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1). RESULTS: We found inverse associations of PCB-153 [adjusted MOR (95% CI) = 0.44 (0.23-0.86)] and PCB-180 [adjusted MOR (95% CI) = 0.52 (0.28-0.95)] with ASD. When adjusted for covariates in a CLR the interaction between GSTM1 and PCB-153 became significant (P < 0.01). DISCUSSION: Differences in diet between ASD and typically developing control groups may play a role in the observed findings of lower concentrations of PCB-153 and PCB-180 in individuals with ASD than in controls. Considering the limited sample size and high proportion of concentrations below the LoD, these results should be interpreted with caution but warrant further investigation into associations of PCBs and OC pesticides with ASD.

Assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Intellectually Able Adults with the Personality Assessment Inventory: Normative Data and a Novel Supplemental Indicator.

Differential diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among intellectually-able adults often presents a clinical challenge, particularly when individuals present in crisis without diagnostic history. The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) is a multiscale personality and psychopathology instrument utilized across clinical settings, but to date there are no published normative data for use of the PAI with adults with ASD. This study provides normative PAI data for adults diagnosed with ASD, with effect size comparisons to the PAI clinical standardization sample and an inpatient sample. Additionally, a discriminant function was developed and cross-validated for identification of ASD-like symptomatology in a clinical population, which demonstrates promise as a screening tool to aid in the identification of individuals in need of specialized ASD assessment.

Perinatal Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jamaican Children.

Mode of delivery, preterm birth, and low birth weight (LBW) are hypothesized to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the offspring. Using data from 343 ASD cases (2-8 years) and their age- and sex-matched typically developing controls in Jamaica we investigated these hypotheses. Our statistical analyses revealed that the parish of residence could modify the association between cesarean delivery and ASD, with a difference found in this relationship in Kingston parish [matched odds ratio (MOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 2.30 (1.17-4.53)] and other parishes [MOR (95% CI) 0.87 (0.48-1.59)]. Although the associations of LBW and preterm birth with ASD were not significant, we observed a significant interaction between LBW and the household socioeconomic status. These findings require replication.