Supplier-origin gut microbiomes affect host body weight and select autism-related behaviors.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex human neurodiversities increasing in prevalence within the human population. In search of therapeutics to improve quality-of-life for ASD patients, the gut microbiome (GM) has become a promising target as a growing body of work supports roles for the complex community of microorganisms in influencing host behavior via the gut-brain-axis. However, whether naturally-occurring microbial diversity within the host GM affects these behaviors is often overlooked.

Case Report: A Comprehensive Early Childhood Mental Health Evaluation for Children in the Foster Care System.

Background: Children in the foster care system often have a host of prenatal and postnatal risk factors that can compromise development including disruptions in important attachment relationships. We argue that to effectively address this complex history and inform specific recommendations for intervention, it is important for an Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) evaluation to include both an assessment of the caregiver-child relationship status and neurodevelopment.

Case Presentation: We describe an ECMH evaluation for a 21-month-old girl who was referred to a multidisciplinary birth to three specialty clinic for difficulties separating from her preadoptive mother, indiscriminate friendliness, and emotional and behavioral dysregulation.

Pharmacists' perceptions of artificial intelligence: A national survey.

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing and evolving field impacting pharmacy research, education, and professional practice. The development and adaptation of AI technologies have the potential to radically shape the future of the pharmacy profession. However, it remains unclear how aware pharmacists are of these technologies or their perceptions regarding current and future utilization.

Fetal programming by the parental microbiome of offspring behavior, and DNA methylation and gene expression within the hippocampus.

Background: The microorganisms colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of animals, collectively referred to as the gut microbiome, affect numerous host behaviors dependent on the central nervous system (CNS). Studies comparing germ-free mice to normally colonized mice have demonstrated influences of the microbiome on anxiety-related behaviors, voluntary activity, and gene expression in the CNS. Additionally, there is epidemiologic evidence supporting an intergenerational influence of the maternal microbiome on neurodevelopment of offspring and behavior later in life.