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Zeitschrift Fur Kinder- Und... Jul 2023Pathological Demand Avoidance: Current State of Research and Critical Discussion Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) describes children who obsessively avoid any demand... (Review)
Review
Pathological Demand Avoidance: Current State of Research and Critical Discussion Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) describes children who obsessively avoid any demand to a clinically relevant extent and is presently the subject of controversial discussion. Their behavior may be interpreted as an attempt to reduce anxiety by establishing security and predictability through rigid control of the environment as well as the demands and expectations of others. The symptoms are described in the context of autism spectrum disorder. This article reviews the current state of research and discusses the questionable validity of pathological demand avoidance as an independent diagnostic entity. It also addresses the impact of the behavior profile on development and treatment. This paper concludes that PDA is not a diagnostic entity nor a subtype of autism; rather, it is a behavior profile that can be associated with adverse illness progression and unfavorable outcomes. PDA is one feature in a complex model. We must consider not only the patient's characteristics but also those of the caregiver and their psychopathology. The reactions of the interaction partners as well as the treatment decisions play a key role play for the affected individuals. Substantial research is needed concerning the occurrence of the behavior profile PDA in diverse disorders, treatment options, and treatment responses.
Topics: Child; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Child Behavior Disorders; Anxiety; Autistic Disorder
PubMed: 36892327
DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000927 -
Nature Aug 2023In addition to its canonical function of protection from pathogens, the immune system can also alter behaviour. The scope and mechanisms of behavioural modifications by...
In addition to its canonical function of protection from pathogens, the immune system can also alter behaviour. The scope and mechanisms of behavioural modifications by the immune system are not yet well understood. Here, using mouse models of food allergy, we show that allergic sensitization drives antigen-specific avoidance behaviour. Allergen ingestion activates brain areas involved in the response to aversive stimuli, including the nucleus of tractus solitarius, parabrachial nucleus and central amygdala. Allergen avoidance requires immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and mast cells but precedes the development of gut allergic inflammation. The ability of allergen-specific IgE and mast cells to promote avoidance requires cysteinyl leukotrienes and growth and differentiation factor 15. Finally, a comparison of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse strains revealed a strong effect of the genetic background on the avoidance behaviour. These findings thus point to antigen-specific behavioural modifications that probably evolved to promote niche selection to avoid unfavourable environments.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Allergens; Avoidance Learning; Central Amygdaloid Nucleus; Disease Models, Animal; Food Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Intestines; Mast Cells; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Parabrachial Nucleus; Solitary Nucleus
PubMed: 37437602
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06362-4 -
Medicine Apr 2024Protein powders, including those containing herbal and dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and other natural or synthetic ingredients, can be associated with...
Protein powders, including those containing herbal and dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and other natural or synthetic ingredients, can be associated with hepatotoxicity. Protein supplements are often mislabeled and deceptive in their contents. In this self-funded transparent study, we extensively analyzed popular protein supplements in India to identify potential hepatotoxic substances based on industrial standards. All products underwent extensive analysis, including total protein content, fungal aflatoxin detection, pesticide residue estimation, heavy metal quantification, steroid detection, and complete organic and inorganic profiling, according to industry standards. Most protein supplements did not meet the labeled and advertised protein content, while certain brands surpassed the stated levels, raising concerns about potential "protein/amino-spiking." In addition, the major brands contained detectable fungal toxins and pesticide residues. Furthermore, many major formulations contained harmful heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, and some featured hepatoxic herbal extracts, particularly green tea extract, turmeric, Garcinia cambogia, and Ashwagandha. Indian-made products were inferior to those manufactured by multinational companies. The presence of various potentially toxic compounds, such as cycloheptatriene, benzene derivatives, toluene, and isopropyl alcohol, within a nonstandardized and unregulated diverse ingredient mix added to the overall concern. We demonstrate that the protein-based herbal and dietary supplement industry requires stringent scrutiny, regulation, and basic safety studies before being marketed. Manufacturers must consider reducing "ingredient complexities" of their protein powders to prevent adverse interactions between herbal and nonherbal components in consumers. Manufacturers must avoid using known toxic ingredients to reduce the avoidable disease burden within the public community.
Topics: Humans; Metals, Heavy; Arsenic; Dietary Supplements; Vitamins; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38579036
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037724 -
ELife Oct 2023The larvae of an annelid worm use nitric oxide signalling to activate the neural pathways needed to swim away from the harmful ultraviolet light of the sun.
The larvae of an annelid worm use nitric oxide signalling to activate the neural pathways needed to swim away from the harmful ultraviolet light of the sun.
Topics: Animals; Polychaeta; Ultraviolet Rays; Annelida; Larva; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 37850625
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.92535