1. Carbone MG, Tripodi B, Matarese I, Bellini A, Rizzato R, Tagliarini C, Della Rocca F, Dominicis F, Maremmani I, Perugi G, Maremmani AGI. Factors Associated with Reduced Clinical Response in Adult ADHD: The Role of Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med. 2026; 15(7).

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adulthood is frequently associated with complex psychiatric comorbidity, including high rates of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), which may influence treatment outcomes. Although pharmacological treatments are effective for core ADHD symptoms, real-world response remains heterogeneous, and the contribution of specific substance-related and neurodevelopmental factors to treatment response is not fully understood. Methods: This retrospective observational study examined a real-world cohort of 67 adults with ADHD treated pharmacologically in a specialized outpatient setting. ADHD was diagnosed according to DSM-5-TR criteria using the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was recorded based on documented pre-existing specialist diagnoses and confirmed clinically at baseline. Psychiatric comorbidities and substance use disorders, including alcohol and cannabis use disorders, were assessed according to DSM-5-TR criteria. Clinical response was defined using the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I; responders = scores 1-3). Exploratory binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify clinical factors associated with treatment response. Given the limited sample size, revised multivariable models were specified parsimoniously on the basis of a priori clinical relevance. Results: At follow-up, 48 of 67 patients (71.6%) met criteria for clinical response. In revised parsimonious multivariable models, alcohol use disorder (OR ≈ 0.08-0.10, p = 0.010-0.026) and cannabis use disorder (OR ≈ 0.20-0.24, p = 0.014-0.028) were consistently associated with reduced odds of clinical response. Autism spectrum disorder showed a descriptive trend toward lower response rates but did not retain statistical significance after adjustment (p ≈ 0.11-0.15). Conclusions: In adults with ADHD treated in routine clinical practice, alcohol and cannabis use disorders were associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving clinically meaningful improvement under routine pharmacological care, whereas autism spectrum disorder showed a trend toward lower response that was not stable enough to support firm conclusions. These findings should be considered exploratory given the retrospective design, limited sample size, and lack of systematic treatment exposure measures.

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2. Chan MX, Hoh CY, Teh YY, Toh XY, Ismail NAS. Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children. Nutrients. 2026; 18(7).

Background/Objectives: Increasing evidence implicates the microbiome-gut-brain axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) pathophysiology, prompting interest in probiotics as a therapeutic strategy, although findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of probiotic supplementation on core ASD symptoms, examine the outcome measures used, and provide insights into optimal probiotic interventions. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, ProQuest, and Wiley Online Library were searched for studies published between January 2015 and July 2025. Randomized, non-randomized, and open-label clinical studies evaluating oral probiotic supplementation in children and adolescents with ASD were included. Outcomes assessed core symptom domains using validated instruments. Study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment (RoB 2 and ROBINS-I) were performed independently by multiple reviewers. Due to methodological heterogeneity, the findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Fourteen studies involving 924 children and adolescents with ASD across seven countries or regions were included, of which ten were randomized controlled trials. Eight studies reported significant improvement in core ASD symptoms, predominantly within the social and communication domain. The most frequently used assessment tools were the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation for at least three months was consistently associated with improvement in social behavior. Conclusions: L. reuteri supplementation possibly improves social and communication function in children with ASD. However, there is limited high-quality evidence on this. Evidence for other core domains remains limited and inconsistent, highlighting the need for well-designed, multicenter trials using standardized outcome measures and strain-specific hypotheses.

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3. Dimitriou D, Madhesh A. Editorial: Exploring factors to optimise quality of life in developmental disabilities in Arab countries. Res Dev Disabil. 2026: 105289.

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4. Freitag CM, Tebartz van Elst L. [Autism spectrum disorders-Transition from adolescence into adulthood]. Nervenarzt. 2026.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with a prevalence of approximately 0.7%. People with ASD show characteristic social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, routine-like and inflexible behavior, special interests and altered perception. ASD manifest in the first decade of life and usually persist throughout life. Like most other neurodevelopmental disorders, they are therefore inevitably not only a topic of child and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy (CAPPP) but also of adult psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy (APPP); however, the transition from adolescence into adulthood poses a particular challenge for affected individuals, their caregivers, as well as for professionals in the healthcare and social welfare systems. Key aspects of the transition period include the treatment of comorbid mental, cognitive and language disorders as well as social legislation and healthcare aspects. This article depicts these aspects from the perspective of CAPPP and APPP.

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5. Galai T, Goldberg Y, Ziv A, Kalamitzky N, Shemer K, Braiman N, Cohen S, Moran-Lev H. Unique feeding profiles in children with pediatric feeding disorder and comorbid autism spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort study. Eur J Pediatr. 2026; 185(5).

To compare the clinical characteristics, sociodemographic factors and feeding profiles of children aged 0-60 months diagnosed with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) with and without comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in order to characterize features unique to each diagnosis. This retrospective comparative study included all children aged 0-60 months diagnosed with PFD between 2020 and 2023 at a tertiary pediatric center. Participants were categorized into 2 groups: those with comorbid ASD (ASD-PFD group) and those without ASD (PFD-only group), reflecting children diagnosed with ASD by age 5 years within the available follow-up. Clinical, demographic, perinatal and feeding-related data were extracted from medical records and analyzed. Among 141 participants, 47 were in the ASD-PFD group and 94 in the PFD-only group. The ASD-PFD group had a higher proportion of males (52.6% vs. 34.4%, P = 0.03) and cesarean deliveries (38% vs 23%, P = 0.03). These children were born to parents with lower educational attainment (P < 0.05) and presented (10 vs. 5 months) and were diagnosed (14 vs. 9 months) with PFD at older ages (P = 0.05). Nutritional dysfunction was more prevalent (55.6% vs 26.6%), whereas psychosocial dysfunction was less common (8.3% vs. 29.8%) in the ASD-PFD group (P = 0.007). Multivariable analysis identified male sex, cesarean delivery, and lower parental educational status as independent predictors of ASD, whereas psychosocial feeding dysfunction was inversely associated with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: Children with coexisting PFD and ASD exhibit a distinct profile characterized by later diagnosis and a predominance of nutritional over psychosocial feeding dysfunction, highlighting the importance of early recognition and tailored multidisciplinary care. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). • Most studies focus on older children; data on infants and toddlers are limited. WHAT IS NEW: • Infants and toddlers with ASD and PFD show distinct profiles: later presentation and diagnosis, more nutritional and less psychosocial dysfunction. • In one-third, PFD preceded ASD diagnosis, highlighting feeding issues as early markers. • Lower parental education and higher cesarean rates were more common in ASD-PFD cases.

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6. Grawe ES, Bear CE, O’Brien MF, Storey J, Wang L, Clayton BA. Improving Perioperative Care of Adult Patients With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Anesth Analg. 2026; 142(5): 1019-22.

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7. Israel A, Mimouni FB, Vinker S, Mendlovic J. Prematurity and autism: a dose-response relationship across gestational age. J Perinatol. 2026.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk varies with gestational age at birth. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children born between 2011 and 2023. ASD was identified using ICD-10 codes. Each ASD case (n = 1861) was matched to ten controls using exact and propensity-score matching on sex, birth year, maternal age, ethnic sector, socioeconomic status, and region. Gestational age was grouped into clinically relevant categories, and associations with ASD were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test and conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: ASD risk increased progressively with prematurity. Compared with term birth (37-42 weeks), adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were 1.37 (1.10-1.71) at 36 weeks, 1.67 (1.30-2.15) at 34-35 weeks, 2.14 (1.43-3.18) at 32-33 weeks, 2.95 (1.89-4.59) at 28-31 weeks, and 4.37 (2.26-8.44) below 28 weeks. CONCLUSION: Earlier gestational age is associated with increased ASD risk in a dose-response manner.

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8. Leblay Y, Felix MS, Roux JC, Panayotis N. From Gene to Hope: Rett Syndrome and the Rise of Molecular Therapies. Mol Diagn Ther. 2026.

Rett syndrome is a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in MECP2, a gene critical for neuronal function, chromatin organization, and synaptic plasticity. After a period of apparently normal early development, individuals with Rett syndrome experience rapid regression followed by lifelong neurological impairment. Notably, preclinical studies have shown that restoration of MeCP2 expression can reverse established symptoms in adult mice, positioning Rett syndrome as a promising target for molecular therapies. However, MECP2 is extremely dosage sensitive and both insufficient and excessive expression are harmful, creating a narrow therapeutic window and a major challenge for treatment design. This review examines the evolving landscape of gene- and RNA-based therapies for Rett syndrome, with a focus on strategies that enable precise MeCP2 replacement, dosage control, and widespread central nervous system delivery. We discuss clinical-stage adeno-associated virus gene replacement programs, including TSHA-102 and NGN-401, highlighting their vector designs, regulatory elements, delivery approaches, and emerging clinical data. Advances in adeno-associated virus capsid engineering and vector optimization aimed at improving neuronal targeting while minimizing peripheral exposure and immune toxicity are also reviewed. Beyond gene supplementation, we explore approaches that restore endogenous MECP2 regulation, such as reactivation of the inactive X chromosome, as well as DNA and RNA editing strategies. Collectively, these advances reflect a shift toward precision-regulated therapies for Rett syndrome that may provide a model for treating other dosage-sensitive neurodevelopmental disorders.

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9. Li Q, Shi Y, Li X, Yang Y, Zhang X, Xu L, Ma Z, Wang J, Fan L, Wu L. Correction: Li et al. Proteomic-Based Approach Reveals the Involvement of Apolipoprotein A-I in Related Phenotypes of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the BTBR Mouse Model. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 15290. Int J Mol Sci. 2026; 27(7).

In the original publication […].

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10. Liu J, Sun X, Yuan P, Qin Y, Wu W, Fan Y, Zhang Y, Zou L, Ren C, Li S. Clinical response and risk factors of fecal microbiota transplantation in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pediatr. 2026; 185(5).

The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical response and incidence of adverse events (AEs) following fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in children, across various diseases, populations, and treatment protocols. A systematic search was conducted across eight major Chinese and English databases, identifying 47 studies up to August 28, 2025, for inclusion. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Single-arm rates were pooled via meta-analysis employing the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, followed by extensive subgroup comparisons to identify influencing factors. FMT demonstrated efficacy in pediatric recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although a higher incidence of AEs was observed in children with IBD. Subgroup analyses revealed that the use of donor feces from relatives or friends was associated with a higher clinical response rate in rCDI. The presence of comorbidities such as IBD diminished the response rate in rCDI patients. Younger age in rCDI and IBD patients showed a trend towards higher clinical response rates, though this did not reach statistical significance. No statistically or clinically significant differences were found in other subgroup comparisons. Meta-regression suggested IBD to be a risk factor for FMT-related AEs. CONCLUSION: This study innovatively delineates the efficacy-safety profile of pediatric FMT and outlines a pathway for optimizing individualized treatment regimens, providing crucial evidence-based guidance for clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42024614196). WHAT IS KNOWN: • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) demonstrates preliminary therapeutic potential in several pediatric diseases. • Existing evidence remains fragmented, with limited systematic data on factors modifying efficacy and safety in children. WHAT IS NEW: • The study revealed FMT’s high efficacy across rCDI, IBD, and ASD, and identified IBD as a risk factor for elevated FMT-related adverse events in pediatric patients. • Notably, related/friend donors improved rCDI response rates, while comorbidities like IBD reduced rCDI treatment efficacy.

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11. Osaki T, Delepine C, Osako Y, Kranz D, Levin A, Nelson C, Fagiolini M, Sur M. Early differential impact of MeCP2 mutations on functional networks in Rett syndrome patient-derived human cortical organoids. Nat Commun. 2026.

Human cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells can recapture early developmental processes and reveal changes involving neurodevelopmental disorders. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are associated with Rett syndrome, and disease severity varies depending on the location and type of mutation. Here, we focused on neuronal activity in Rett syndrome patient-derived organoids, analyzing two types of MECP2 mutations-a missense mutation (R306C) and a truncating mutation (V247X)-using calcium imaging with three-photon microscopy. Compared to isogenic controls, we found abnormal neuronal activity in Rett organoids and altered network function based on graph theoretic analyses, with V247X mutations impacting functional responses and connectivity more severely than R306C mutations. These changes paralleled EEG data obtained from patients with comparable mutations. Labeling >/>DLX promoter-driven inhibitory neurons demonstrated differences in activity and functional connectivity of inhibitory and excitatory neurons in the two types of mutations. Transcriptomic analyses revealed HDAC2-associated impairment in R306C organoids and decreased GABA(A) receptor expression in excitatory neurons in V247X organoids. These findings demonstrate mutation-specific mechanisms of vulnerability in Rett syndrome and suggest targeted strategies for their treatment.

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12. Pancheva R, Dzhogova M, Dimitrov L, Nikolova M, Mihaylova G, Panayotova V, Dobreva DA, Peycheva K, Galunska B, Merdzhanova A. Vitamin B12 Deficiency in the Diagnostic Work-Up of Global Developmental Delay: A Treatable and Time-Sensitive Condition. Nutrients. 2026; 18(7).

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a recognized but frequently under-integrated cause of global developmental delay (GDD) in infancy and early childhood. Early diagnosis is critical because neurological impairment may be partially or completely reversible with timely treatment. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in the diagnostic evaluation of GDD, with a focus on clinical phenotype, risk factors, biomarkers, treatment outcomes, and practical integration into contemporary diagnostic algorithms. Methods: A structured, non-systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science was performed to identify clinical studies, case series, reviews, and guideline documents addressing pediatric vitamin B12 deficiency and neurodevelopmental delay. Results: Vitamin B12 deficiency in early childhood is most commonly associated with maternal deficiency and exclusive breastfeeding without adequate supplementation. Evidence from recent clinical and observational studies indicates that vitamin B12 deficiency may present with nonspecific neurological symptoms, including developmental regression, hypotonia, and feeding difficulties. Incorporating vitamin B12 assessment-using serum vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine-into early diagnostic algorithms for GDD may facilitate timely identification of a treatable cause of neurodevelopmental impairment. The proposed diagnostic framework emphasizes early biochemical evaluation in infants with unexplained developmental delay, thereby supporting prompt treatment during a critical window of neurological reversibility. Conclusions: Targeted assessment of vitamin B12 status in children with GDD, together with evaluation of maternal status, represents a clinically relevant approach to identifying a potentially preventable and treatable cause of neurodevelopmental impairment. Integration of functional biomarkers into diagnostic pathways and the development of pediatric-specific reference standards are key priorities for future research and clinical practice.

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13. Sako I, Maekawa T, Iijima H, Ishiguro A. Delayed diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction in early adolescence in a patient with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. BMJ Case Rep. 2026; 19(4).

Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is a recognised anomaly frequently associated with Down syndrome (DS). While complete obstruction is typically diagnosed in the neonatal period, incomplete obstruction may present with milder, non-specific symptoms, often delaying diagnosis.We report a boy in early adolescence with DS and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in whom CDO was diagnosed in adolescence. Since early childhood, his eating behaviour was restricted to finely chopped foods, initially interpreted as a behavioural feature related to DS and ASD. This likely masked gastrointestinal symptoms and contributed to the delayed recognition of CDO. It is also possible that subclinical duodenal obstruction became symptomatic as food intake increased during puberty.This case highlights the importance of considering incomplete CDO in children with DS, especially those with ASD, when persistent feeding difficulties are present-particularly if attributed solely to developmental or sensory issues.

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14. Shwetha KS, Deepak G, Chaitra SP, Raghavendra CK, Singh B. Spatial structure based deep feature fusion network for autism spectrum disorder classification. Sci Rep. 2026.

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15. Tatli İ Y, Çankaya Ö, Afşar E. Measuring Potential: Psychometric Evaluation of the Performance Skills Questionnaire for Turkish Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Child Care Health Dev. 2026; 52(3): e70274.

BACKGROUND: Due to the limited availability of validated assessment tools for evaluating performance skills in children with developmental disabilities, this study investigated the psychometric properties of the Performance Skills Questionnaire (PSQ). METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved parents of children with and without developmental disabilities to evaluate the instrument’s psychometric properties. The translation and adaptation process followed international guidelines. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA/CFA) were conducted with children with developmental disabilities for construct validity. Known-group validity was assessed by comparing PSQ scores between children with developmental disabilities and typically developing children. Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative fit index and Tucker-Lewis index were used. Cronbach’s alpha (α) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The study included 178 children; the mean age was 12.29 ± 3.63 years for those with developmental disabilities and 11.79 ± 3.45 years for typically developing peers. EFA supported both three-factor and five-factor structures. CFA demonstrated acceptable model fit (RMSEA = 0.084). PSQ scores differed significantly between children with developmental disabilities and typically developing children (p < 0.05). All subdomains showed excellent internal consistency in both models (α = 0.916-0.968) except for communication skills in the five-factor model (α = 0.861). Test-retest reliability was excellent across all subdomains in both models (ICC = 0.922-0.956), except for the communication skills-2 subdomain in the five-factor model (ICC = 0.861). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that PSQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing performance skills in Turkish children with developmental disabilities. Although both factor structures were supported, the five-factor model may offer additional advantages for a more detailed evaluation of performance skills and for exploring alternative conceptual perspectives.

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16. Treccarichi S, Vinci M, Virgillito M, Musumeci A, Bruno F, Papa C, Galati Rando R, Marano P, Greco D, Fallea A, Brancato D, Calì S, Garcia G, Federico C, Saccone S, Calì F. Unraveling the Genetic and Molecular Architecture of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Clinical Genetics and Genomic Diagnostics. Int J Mol Sci. 2026; 27(7).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that occurs in early childhood, characterized by a broad range of clinical manifestations and impairments in social communication. It represents one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 1% of the general population. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD arises from different genetic causes, including chromosomal abnormalities, copy number variants (CNVs), and single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), which may occur as de novo or inherited events. Moreover, the polygenic and multifactorial nature of ASD, together with epigenetic regulation and environmental influences, contributes substantially to its complex genetic architecture. Molecular diagnosis remains challenging and relies on multiple genomic approaches, such as array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), whole-exome sequencing (WES), and whole-genome sequencing (WGS); however, the diagnostic yields of these methods remain limited, reflecting the complexity of ASD’s genetic architecture. Notably, ASD-associated genes converge on key biological pathways, particularly those involved in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, synaptic function, and neuronal signaling. These include well-established risk genes such as CHD8, ADNP, ARID1B, SHANK3, SYNGAP1, SCN2A, GRIN2B, FOXP1, and DYRK1A, among others. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genetic basis of ASD, highlighting key aspects of its complex genetic architecture. By integrating evidence from major clinical and research databases, it provides a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms, supporting improved diagnosis and future research and therapeutic strategies.

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17. Vartian R, Sansone A, Batani G, Parmeggiani A, Grossi E, Marini M, Catania VD, Lima M, Ghezzo A, Panisi C, Angotti M, Abruzzo PM, Serpe C, Vignini A, Spyratou E, Efstathoupoulos EP, Chatgilialoglu C, Ferreri C. AI-based autism identification from hyperspectral imaging detection of oxidative stress in pediatric red blood cells. Commun Med (Lond). 2026.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in many pathologies, yet the non-invasive, label-free, and cost-effective detection remains a challenge. This study evaluates Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) combined with AI to detect OS by identifying changes in red blood cell (RBC) membranes. METHODS: An OS model for the HSI procedure is established by treating EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) to induce stress without cell lysis. Membrane fatty acid composition (lipidome) is analysed via gas chromatography, while HSI in dark-field microscopy captures spectral signatures and their distributions in healthy and insulted RBC. The HSI methodology is then applied to RBC samples from 31 neurotypical (NT) children and 27 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a condition linked to OS. A deep learning algorithm is used to classify the clinical samples based on the identified OS signatures. RESULTS: Here, we show that significant spectral distribution differences are present in OS-exposed RBCs, which correlate with membrane lipidome remodelling. Notably, the OS-induced spectral differences in the H(2)O(2) model mirror those observed between the ASD and NT groups. The AI-assisted analysis successfully classifies the pediatric cohort, achieving 93.2% accuracy in identifying ASD subjects. CONCLUSIONS: HSI, guided by OS-specific modeling and integrated with AI, provides a robust, scalable method for membrane diagnostics. This approach offers a promising pathway for personalized medicine and the non-invasive monitoring of oxidative stress-related conditions. Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance that occurs in some cells within the body. It is linked to various diseases, yet it remains challenging to detect early. Methods based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI), a technique that captures imaging data beyond the human visual spectrum, offers a cost-effective, non-invasive, and precise measurement of damage to cells occurring as a result of oxidative stress. We used HSI on a single drop of blood to examine red blood cell membranes. We found that cells exposed to OS could be distinguished from healthy cells using HSI. We used this method on blood samples from children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children with ASD could be identified with over 93% accuracy through AI analysis. This AI-aided HSI approach represents a promising clinical tool that could enable earlier intervention before cellular damage leads to severe health conditions. eng Lipinutragen company, born as a spin-off of the National Council of Research (CNR), but declares absence of financial and non-financial competing interests. All other authors declare no financial or non-financial competing interests.

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18. Vasconcelos Q, de Freitas RF, Freitas MC, de Andrade IP, Brandão CB, Nascimento CE, Neves KR, Magalhães PS, Filho VB, Oliveira GL, de Moura MAM, Aragão GF. Cannabinoid-based interventions for behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of safety and effectiveness. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2026: 111697.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) lacks effective options for core symptoms. Cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD) and combined CBD:Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) formulations, are of interest, but clinical evidence is heterogeneous. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cannabinoid-based interventions for behavioral outcomes in children and adolescents with ASD. METHODS: Six databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, PsycINFO) were searched from February 2024 to June 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 (randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (non-RCTs); certainty was evaluated with GRADE. RESULTS: Twelve studies (4 RCTs, 8 non-RCTs) were included; six ongoing trials were identified. Most interventions used full-spectrum extracts with high CBD:THC ratios (often 20:1), with titration up to ~10 mg/kg/day; doses varied across studies. Responder rates for global improvement vs placebo (49% vs 21%) and greater improvement in social communication. No between-group differences were observed for sleep or overall symptom severity, and repetitive behaviors showed a non-significant trend toward improvement. Non-RCTs studies suggested benefits but had high risk of bias and very low certainty. Adverse events were mostly mild and non-serious (e.g., somnolence, appetite changes, sleep problems, irritability); no treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence remains limited. A whole-plant 20:1 extract improved global clinical impression and social communication in one RCT, whereas other standardized outcomes were null. Current data support only cautious, adjunctive use under medical supervision. Larger, well-designed RCTs using validated outcomes are needed to clarify efficacy, optimal formulations, and long-term safety. PROSPERO registration: CRD42024508518.

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19. Wells DA, Jaber D, Dey S, VanZant JS, Carson RA, Klem ML, Sharghi S, Seese RR. The prevalence of autism in cerebellar malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurodev Disord. 2026.

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20. Wen J. Divergent Trajectories of Youth Mental Health in Emerging Economies: A Global Burden of Disease Analysis of Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders in BRICS Nations (1990-2030). Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2026; 19: 598402.

PURPOSE: Adolescent mental wellbeing in newly industrializing regions represents a pivotal yet underexplored frontier in public health. The BRICS bloc-encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa-confronts a distinct « double burden » of disease amidst accelerated socioeconomic stratification. This investigation quantified the disease burden and delineated forecasting trajectories for anxiety disorders and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) within the 5-24 age cohort across these nations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using data derived from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, the study evaluated Age-standardized rates (ASR) of prevalence alongside disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Temporal evolution from 1990 through 2021 was gauged via Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC). Future burden dynamics up to 2030 were extrapolated employing linear regression models rooted in historical epidemiological patterns. RESULTS: In 2021, Brazil registered the highest age-standardized anxiety prevalence (7661.9 per 100,000), whereas the Russian Federation dominated in ASD prevalence (996.2 per 100,000). A pronounced divergence in temporal trends emerged: India witnessed the steepest surge in anxiety prevalence (EAPC = +0.91%, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.35), contrasting sharply with China, which exhibited a significant secular decline (EAPC = -0.26%). Projections indicate that anxiety rates in Brazil and India may remain elevated through 2030. ASD prevalence remained relatively stable across nations, with cross-national variations likely reflecting differences in diagnostic capacity and awareness rather than true epidemiological shifts. Demographic stratification corroborated a female preponderance in anxiety, identifying young adulthood (20-24 years) as the critical risk window. CONCLUSION: The escalating anxiety trajectory in India, paralleled by persistent high burdens in Brazil, is associated with rapid urbanization and multifactorial societal stressors that may amplify youth mental vulnerabilities. Projections to 2030 should be interpreted as scenario-based estimates rather than definitive predictions, given the inherent uncertainty of linear extrapolation. Tailored, culturally specific interventions targeting young adults and addressing within-country disparities are warranted. Many young people in emerging economies experience mental health challenges such as anxiety and autism spectrum conditions, yet we know little about how these patterns differ across countries. Understanding these differences matters because targeted support can only be designed when the specific needs of young people in each country are clear. This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease study to track how anxiety and autism spectrum conditions affected young people aged 5–24 in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa from 1990 to 2021. We found that anxiety is rising sharply among young people in Brazil and India, while it has decreased in China. Differences in autism rates across countries likely reflect how well each country identifies and diagnoses autism rather than true differences in how many young people are affected. If current trends continue, the number of young people experiencing anxiety in Brazil and India may remain high through 2030. For young people and their families, this means that countries like Brazil and India need to invest more in accessible mental health services, particularly for those in the 20–24 age group who are most affected. These results call for each country to develop support systems that respond to the unique challenges their young people face. eng.

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21. Yuwattana W, Poolcharoen C, Saeliw T, van Erp ML, Kanlayaprasit S, Vanwong N, Hu VW, Trairatvorakul P, Chonchaiya W, KA LC, Sarachana T. Integrated transcriptomic and clinical analysis of autism spectrum disorder reveals structured heterogeneity and links Methyl-CpG Binding Domain Protein 2 expression with symptom severity. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2026.

AIM: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains underexplored in Southeast Asia, with limited characterization of its molecular underpinnings and clinical heterogeneity. This study investigated transcriptomic variation and its relationship to clinical diversity in Thai children with ASD using integrated molecular and phenotypic analyses. METHOD: Peripheral blood transcriptomic profiling was performed in 150 ASD and 70 typically developing (TD) children to identify differentially expressed transcripts (DETs), followed by pathway enrichment, unsupervised molecular clustering, and integrative multiomics modeling. Clinical data from 200 ASD and 110 TD participants were analyzed in parallel to evaluate screening performance and derive phenotype-based subgroups. RESULTS: Differential expression analysis identified 1,407 DETs with significant enrichment of autism-associated genes. Pathway analysis consistently implicated dysregulation of protein-synthesis machinery. Unsupervised transcriptome-based clustering revealed three molecular subgroups characterized by translational, innate-immune, and interferon-associated signatures, which did not directly correspond to clinical severity, age, or cognitive level, indicating structured biological heterogeneity beyond symptom-based classification. Integration of transcriptomic and phenotypic data demonstrated moderate cross-domain correspondence. Among recurrent molecular signals, MBD2 showed consistent upregulation across subgroups and strong associations with social-interaction measures (r = 0.74). In parallel, clinical machine-learning models showed high within-cohort screening performance, while a refined 17-transcript panel achieved robust discriminative accuracy, supporting the complementary role of molecular features in ASD stratification. CONCLUSION: Transcriptomic stratification reveals biologically structured heterogeneity in ASD that is only partially reflected in clinical presentation, supporting a multilayered framework integrating molecular and phenotypic dimensions.

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22. Zhang LB, Wu YY, Qiu DJ, Li WB, Ye ZL. Child Neurology: Multiple Genetic Etiologies Causing Dandy-Walker Variant With Microcephaly, Epilepsy, and Global Developmental Delay. Neurology. 2026; 106(7): e214793.

Dandy-Walker syndrome is typically characterized by near-complete cerebellar vermis agenesis, enlarged posterior fossa, and dilated fourth ventricle. By contrast, Dandy-Walker variant (DWv) shows milder features, typically characterized by partial agenesis of the cerebellar vermis, mild enlargement of the posterior fossa, and variable dilation of the fourth ventricle. Both conditions are usually associated with normal or enlarged head circumference. We report a 16-month-old girl presenting with congenital microcephaly, frequent seizures, and severe global developmental delay. Brain MRI revealed findings consistent with DWv, which did not explain the severity of her clinical symptoms or her microcephaly. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed multiple regions of homozygosity on chromosome 11, indicating potential recessive inheritance; karyotype analysis and mitochondrial testing showed no clear etiology. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing identified a heterozygous variant (NM_021096.4:c.4891T>A/p.Phe1631Ile) in CACNA1I and a homozygous variant (NM_002335.4:c.1310C>T/p.Thr437Met) in LRP5. Variants in CACNA1I are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including epilepsy and developmental delay, while variants in LRP5 are linked to osteoporosis and microcephaly. Based on the clinical presentation and molecular findings, we hypothesize that both variants contributed to the patient’s complex phenotype. This case highlights that in patients with unusually severe or atypical manifestations, the possibility of multiple genetic pathogenic contributions should be considered, and comprehensive genomic evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

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