In the framework of increasing attention towards autism-related conditions, a growing number of studies have recently investigated the prevalence and features of sub-threshold Autistic Traits (ATs) among adults. ATs span across the general population, being more pronounced in several clinical groups of patients affected by psychiatric disorders. Moreover, ATs seem to be associated with specific personality features in non-clinical population, implying both a higher vulnerability towards psychopathology and extraordinary talents in specific fields. In this framework, the DSM-5’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presentations may be considered as the tip of an iceberg that features several possible clinical and non-clinical phenotypes. Globally, the autism spectrum may be considered as a trans-nosographic dimension, which may not only represent the starting point for the development of different psychopathological trajectories but also underlie non-psychopathological personality traits. These different trajectories might be shaped by the specific localization and severity of the neurodevelopmental alteration and by its interaction with the environment and lifetime events. In this wider framework, autistic-like neurodevelopmental alterations may be considered as a general vulnerability factor for different kinds of psychiatric disorders, but also the neurobiological basis for the development of extraordinary abilities, eventually underlying the concept of geniality. Moreover, according to recent literature, we hypothesize that ATs may also be involved in the functioning of human mind, featuring the peculiar sense of “otherness” which can be found, with different grades of intensity, in every human being.

Background: This study was aimed at comparing the quality of life, body image, and perceived social support in women with breast cancer surgery. Patients and Methods: Patients receiving breast-conserving surgery (BCS) (n = 72), mastectomy alone (n = 44), and mastectomy with breast reconstruction (n = 41) were evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the EORTC Breast Cancer Module (QLQ-BR23), the Body Image Scale (BIS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The results indicated that the BCS group had a better body image compared with the other 2 groups and better role functioning compared with the mastectomy-alone group. In the reconstruction group, body image correlated with perceived social support, especially from family and significant others. Conclusion: These results suggest that a positive perception of a supportive social network can help women with breast reconstruction to better cope with the psychological effects of surgery on their body image.

Abstract In the last decade, increasing literature focused on camouflaging as a strategy adopted to cope with social environment by patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A better understanding of this phenomenon may shed more light on cognitive mechanisms and coping strategies of patients in the autism continuum, eventually leading to reconsider some previous “dogmas” in this field, such as the gender discrepancy in ASD diagnosis. Moreover, shared features can be observed in the camouflaging strategies adopted among the general population, among patients of the autism spectrum, and among patients with different kinds of psychiatric disorders, further challenging our perspectives. Camouflaging behaviors might be considered as a transdiagnostic element, closely associated with the continuous distribution of the autism spectrum among the general and the clinical population.

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2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used herbicides due to its relatively moderate toxicity and to its biodegradability in the soil. In toxic concentrations, 2,4-D displays strong neurotoxicity, partly due to generation of free radicals. Since melatonin has remarkable antioxidant properties, the objective of this study was to assess to what extent it was effective in preventing the 2,4-D effect on redox balance of rat cerebellar granule cells (CGC) in vitro. Cellular viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), Mn-SOD, selenium-glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) and catalase (CAT) were measured in CGC exposed to 2,4-D and/or melatonin for 48 h. In CGC cultures exposed to 2,4-D, cell viability, GSH levels and CAT activity decreased significantly whereas ROS generation and Se-GPx activities were augmented. Except for Se-GPx activity, all these changes were counteracted by the concomitant addition of 0.1 or 0.5 mM melatonin. In addition, incubation of CGC with melatonin alone resulted in augmentation of cell viability, GSH levels and Se-GPx activity. RNS generation and SOD activity remained unaffected by either treatment. Since melatonin was able to counteract most of redox changes produced by 2,4-D in CGC in culture, the experimental evidence reported further support the efficacy of melatonin to act as a neuroprotector.