Strong evidence supports a role for protein degradation in fear memory formation. However, these data have been largely done in only male animals. Here, we found that following contextual fear conditioning, females, but not males, had increased levels of proteasome activity and K48 polyubiquitin protein targeting in the dorsal hippocampus, the…

While accumulating literature is demonstrating the role of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in predicting emotional-behavioural difficulties in adults of at risk populations, only few studies have focused on the possible association between the methylation status of the DAT promoter and the psychopathological risk of mothers, fathers and children in…

The interplay of genetic and environmental factors behind cognitive development has preoccupied multiple fields of science and sparked heated debates over the decades. Here we tested the hypothesis that developmental genes rely heavily on cognitive challenges - as opposed to natural maturation. Starting with a polygenic score (cogPGS) that…

The creation and evaluation of known evolutionary histories and the implementation of student investigatory experiences on evolution are difficult endeavors that have only recently been feasible. The research presented in this dissertation is related in their shared use of digital evolution with Avidians as a model study system, both to conduct…

This study is a two-iteration design-based research project that investigated how youths' science learning and socio-emotional attitudes toward science were influenced by a summer camp with a personal genetics approach. A multidisciplinary team developed a 2-week camp curriculum that included personal DNA tests, family genealogy projects, and…

This study investigated the association between autism and self-reported eating problems and the influence of gender on the association, in a sample of adolescent and adult twins (N = 192). Autistic traits and autism diagnosis were associated with both total and specific eating problems, including selective eating and sensory sensitivity during…

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by delays including a severe expressive language delay, motor concerns, ataxia, epilepsy, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems, and characteristic behaviors, including a happy demeanor, hyperactivity, and excitability. The syndrome is one of the first neurodevelopmental…

This study analyzed narratives of male and female adolescents with fragile X syndrome (FXS). The impact of structural language, cognition and autism symptomatology on narrative skills and the association between narratives and literacy were examined. Narratives from 32 adolescents with FXS (24 males, 8 females) were analyzed for macrostructure.…

Background: The present study investigated decision-making in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) using the Soochow Gambling Task (SGT). The objective was to assess whether adults with PWS have impaired hot executive functions and whether the deficit is specific to PWS or linked to intellectual disabilities. Method: The SGT performance of 26…

Learning progressions (LPs) serve as frameworks for understanding the level of complexity of students' ideas within a domain. Multifaceted LPs contain multiple interrelated constructs where increased knowledge in one construct may increase knowledge of a separate construct. While it is challenging to identify and test these contingencies between…

Lack of motivation of students is a major concern for the instructors and administration in universities, and it is in their interest to address these issues in the most effective and efficient way. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed-method study is to examine the predictive power of the learning environment on student academic…

Background: Despite work on the self-identities of people with intellectual disabilities, research has yet to describe the self-perceptions of people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The perspectives of those with PWS are also important for rapidly evolving clinical trials aimed at treating symptoms of PWS. Method: Twenty-one young people with…

Background: Educational attainment is connected to many important life outcomes, and the previous research has already focused on identifying its genetic and environmental components. However, most of these studies used twin data only and did not incorporate information from other family members. Twin studies typically decompose the phenotypic…

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which genetic factors play key roles. Limited research has been conducted on genetic testing of children with autism spectrum disorder in low middle-income countries. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatric neurology clinics of three university hospitals in…

Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality and readability of web-based information on familial hypercholesterolaemia. Design, setting and methods: Internet searches using the terms 'familial hypercholesterolemia', 'hypercholesterolemia', 'inherited high cholesterol', 'hereditary high cholesterol' and 'inherited high LDL' were conducted…