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Systematic Review of Symptoms of Catatonia in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by disturbances in mood, motor function, behavior and speech. It is increasingly recognized in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), although its identification remains challenging due to the overlapping clinical features of the two conditions. Shared characteristics, such as echophenomena, mannerisms, social indifference and repetitive behaviors can obscure accurate diagnosis. Although reports suggest a significant prevalence of catatonia among individuals with ASD, the condition remains poorly understood and frequently under recognized, leading to substantial diagnostic and treatment challenges. A systematic review was conducted to characterize the symptoms of catatonia in individuals with ASD. The literature search included peer-reviewed journal articles published in English from 1980 onward, focusing on studies examining co-occurring catatonia and ASD. A qualitative framework analysis was implemented to evaluate 45 peer-reviewed studies, with findings interpreted in relation to, and extending beyond, the diagnostic criteria for catatonia outlined in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision (ICD-11). The objective was to identify symptom patterns extending beyond current diagnostic frameworks and to support improved clinical recognition and diagnostic precision in ASD populations. The review identified six primary symptom clusters associated with catatonia in individuals with ASD: (1) psychomotor activity, (2) speech disturbances, (3) changes in behavior/skills/functions, (4) mental health symptoms, (5) physiological symptoms, and (6) symptoms related to arousal and awareness. Notably, several symptoms observed within these clusters are not currently included in the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for catatonia. These additional symptoms include tics, motor compliance, incoherent speech, self-injury, impaired cognition, and appetite changes, suggesting a broader clinical presentation of catatonia in ASD populations than is presently captured in existing diagnostic frameworks. The findings of this review highlight the significance of enhancing clinicians' awareness and understanding of how catatonia manifests in individuals with ASD. Most notably, six symptom clusters, psychomotor changes, speech disturbances, behavioral and functional regression, affective and psychiatric symptoms, physiological symptoms, and arousal/awareness disturbances, were observed. Several symptoms identified in this review are not included in the current diagnostic criteria, and their recognition may facilitate in earlier identification and timely intervention, potentially preventing the severe consequences of untreated catatonia in this population.

Humans↗

Tai Chi Chuan practice in community-dwelling persons after stroke.

Eighteen community-dwelling first-stroke survivors, aged 45 to 65, underwent following examinations: Romberg's Test, standing on the unaffected leg, Emory Fractional Ambulation Profile, the Berg Balance Test, the Timed 'Up and Go' Test and the Duke Health Profile. They were then randomly divided into two matched groups of 9 subjects each. The study group (SG) received Tai Chi exercises and the control group (CG) physiotherapy exercises focused on improvement of balance, both groups for 1 h twice weekly for 12 weeks. On completion of exercises, SG subjects showed improvement in social and general functioning whereas CG subjects showed improvement in balance and speed of walking. It is concluded that there are potential and no adverse effects in Tai Chi practice in stroke survivors.

Aged↗

NEAT: a domain duplicated in genes near the components of a putative Fe3+ siderophore transporter from Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Iron uptake from the host is essential for bacteria that infect animals. To find potential targets for drugs active against pathogenic bacteria, we have searched all completely sequenced genomes of pathogenic bacteria for genes relevant for iron transport. RESULTS: We identified a protein domain that appears in variable copy number in bacterial genes that are usually in the vicinity of a putative Fe3+ siderophore transporter. Accordingly, we have denoted this domain NEAT for 'near transporter'. Most of the bacterial species containing this domain are pathogenic. Sequence features indicate that the domain is anchored to the extracellular side of the membrane. The domain seems to be under high selective pressure for rapid independent duplications that are typical of sequences involved in signaling and binding. CONCLUSIONS: The NEAT domain might be functionally related to iron transport. The taxonomic specificity of this domain and its predicted extracellular position could make it an interesting target for designing new drugs against some highly pathogenic bacteria.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Psychoeducational interventions for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for impaired functioning in most areas related to school success. Despite the benefits of psychostimulants and other medications to alleviate problem behaviors associated with ADHD, these therapies are unable to completely ameliorate behavior problems for all children with this disorder. Additionally, whereas pharmacologic therapies do impact behavioral functioning they have not been shown to improve academic achievement. Therefore, attention needs to be directed toward psychoeducational interventions and their ability to increase the successful functioning of children with ADHD. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the most prominent and empirically validated classroom intervention strategies for children with ADHD. Additionally, this article discusses the importance of choosing psychoeducational interventions based on functional assessment data. Finally, this article describes progress monitoring strategies that should be used to determine the efficacy of intervention strategies.

Adolescent↗

Preadolescent girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: I. Background characteristics, comorbidity, cognitive and social functioning, and parenting practices.

This study investigated a diverse sample of girls (6-12 years of age) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), combined type (n = 93) and inattentive type (n = 47), plus age- and ethnicity-matched comparison girls (n = 88), who participated in research summer programs. Speech and language problems, grade retention, and adoption characterized the ADHD sample; documented abuse characterized the combined type. Girls with ADHD showed dysfunction in terms of externalizing and internalizing behaviors and comorbidities, cognitive and academic performance, authoritarian parenting, and peer status. The inattentive type was more socially isolated but less rejected by peers than the combined type. ADHD-related impairment was independent of age and disruptive comorbidity. Further examination of processes related to psychopathology and competencies in girls with ADHD is needed.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗

Major review: ocular sighting dominance: a review and a study of athletic proficiency and eye-hand dominance in a collegiate baseball team.

PURPOSE REVIEW: Laterality preference in sensory and motor functions of symmetrically disposed organisms have been studied for centuries. The relation between handedness and the eyes and vision (ocular sighting dominance) has been a focal point despite their physiologic dissimilarity. STUDY: To examine a college varsity baseball team for handedness and ocular sighting dominance to determine if their patterns of eye-hand dominance differed from the normal population and/or contributed to their individual relative success compared to their peers. Specifically: whether crossed eye- hand dominance favors the batter and uncrossed eye-hand dominance favors the pitcher. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty five UF varsity players were examined. All were male. Their visual acuity, stereoscopic vision, ocular motility and ocular sighting dominance were determined, the last by a pointing test which allowed the diagnosis of a central form of ocular dominance, but was not per se affected by handedness. Handedness was determined by preferred arm for throwing or hitting. No subject was ambidextrous. A control population was established consisting of the first 100 consecutive adults seen by the first author in the UF Eye Center with 20/20 vision O.U. and a normal eye exam. RESULTS: The control group displayed eye-hand dominance patterns similar to those previously reported in the literature for the general population. In the experimental group of baseball players, the incidence of conventionally predominant (in normals) ipsilateral or uncrossed eye-hand dominance was much lower (39%) than the normal control population (65%). The incidence of contralateral or crossed eye- hand dominance was 35%, twice that of the normal control population (18%) (p<0.01). The incidence of central ocular dominance with right or left handedness was 26% or 50% higher than a normal control population (17%) (p<0.25). With regard to individual performance, those players with central ocular dominance, whether right or left handed, were the most successful players in both pitching and batting. Pitchers who were uncrossed eye-hand dominant were distinctly more successful than crossed. Batters who were crossed eye-hand dominant were slightly more successful than uncrossed. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of eye-hand dominance appears related to athletic proficiency for baseball. Warning: Note well: This information may be useful in career guidance but does not justify or medically indicate attempts to alter ocular sighting dominance or eye-hand dominance patterns as these are determined probably genetically or at such an early age that they cannot be successfully altered later. Attempts to so alter them are historically fraught with irremediable psychological or physical injury to the subject, including permanent incapacitating double vision.

Adult↗

The use of recombinant activated coagulation factor VII for spine surgery.

This article focuses on our current understanding of the role of activated coagulation factor VII (FVIIa) in coagulation, the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa), and thoughts regarding the use of rFVIIa in spine surgery. rFVIIa is approved in many countries (including the European Union and the USA) for patients with hemophilia and inhibitors (antibodies) to coagulation factors VIII or IX. High circulating concentrations of FVIIa, achieved by exogenous administration, initiate hemostasis by combining with tissue factor at the site of injury, producing thrombin, activating platelets and coagulation factors II, IX and X, thus providing for the full thrombin burst that is essential for hemostasis. This "bypass" therapy has led some clinicians to use rFVIIa "off-label" for disorders of hemostasis other than hemophilia. Based on clinical experience, case reports and limited information from clinical trials, rFVIIa may be efficacious in states of decreased concentration of coagulation factors, thrombocytopenia, and at least some states of altered platelet function. The former two can occur intra-operatively during spinal surgery as a consequence of substantial blood loss and normal consumption. Preliminary reports have indicated that rFVIIa does not increase the perioperative incidence of thromboembolic events. However, full reports from large clinical trials regarding the efficacy and safety of rFVIIa in settings other than hemophilia have yet to appear in peer-reviewed publications. Until adequate data demonstrating safety and efficacy are fully reported, it would seem appropriate to reserve the use of rFVIIa in spinal surgery to those instances where conventional therapy cannot provide adequate hemostasis, and "rescue" therapy is required.

Blood Coagulation↗

Self-concept, motivation, and competence among preschoolers from maltreating and comparison families.

Maltreated children are at risk for impaired cognitive and school functioning. In this study, the role that home environment, self-concept, and mastery motivation play in this relation was investigated. Thirty-six preschool children and their mothers, representing three family backgrounds (12 low-income maltreating, 12 low-income comparison, 12 middle-income comparison), were assessed in a preschool/home study. Children from maltreating families scored lower than their peers on several measures of cognitive and physical competence and on ratings of motivation. At the same time, these children significantly overrated their physical competence, and self-ratings of competence and acceptance tended to be higher (and less realistic) than those of their low-income peers. An overall difference in developmental quality of the home environment of maltreating families was largely accounted for by socioeconomic status (SES), but the tendency of these homes to be less clean and safe remained significant even after SES was controlled. Various aspects of the home environment were associated with superior task performance, but not with motivation or self-perceptions. Whereas the general home environment may affect competence, relationship factors implicated in maltreatment may be more important in shaping self-concept and motivation.

Achievement↗

Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with and without intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: There have been very few population-based studies of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents with and without intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: Secondary analysis of the 1999 Office for National Statistics survey of the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents in Great Britain was performed. This survey collected information on a multistage, stratified, random sample of 10 438 children between 5 and 15 years of age across 475 postcode sectors in England, Scotland and Wales. RESULTS: The prevalence of any diagnosed ICD-10 disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety disorder, hyperkinesis and pervasive developmental disorders were significantly greater among children with ID than among their non-ID peers. There were no statistically significant differences between children with and without ID with regard to the prevalence of depressive disorders, eating disorders or psychosis. Factors associated with an increased risk of psychopathology among children and adolescents with ID included age, gender, social deprivation, family composition, number of potentially stressful life events, the mental health of the child's primary carer, family functioning and child management practices. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with ID are at significantly increased risk of certain forms of psychiatric disorder. Careful consideration of the social and economic adversity facing such families will be necessary to ensure that support services are responsive to both the needs of child as well as the needs of the family in which they are living.

Adolescent↗

A study of children's concepts of their internal bodies: a comparison of children with and without congenital heart disease.

This study examined the following: (1) the knowledge children with and without congenital heart disease have about their internal bodies, (2) the relationship of this knowledge with age, disease severity, and previous health care experiences, and (3) how the differences between beliefs about the interior body and the value assigned to specific body parts differed between children with congenital heart disease and their unaffected peers. One hundred participants, 50 with cardiac disease and 50 comparisons, between 5 and 15 years of age, completed the inside the Body Test; the severity of the conditions of the children with cardiac problems was evaluated with the Permanent Impairment Evaluation Guide. Results indicated that there were no differences between the 2 groups on knowledge of body parts, body-part function, nor the values that were assigned. Implications for practice are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Memory and blood pressure in the aged.

Memory loss, as measured by the Wechsler Memory scale was examined as a function of diastolic blood pressure during a 6.5-year follow-up period among individuals initially tested in their 60's. On the initial testing, memory was not related to blood pressure. At the end of the follow-up period, the hypertensives showed greater impairment in memory for nonverbal material involving time limits and a psychomotor component than did their age peers with normotensive and borderline elevations of blood pressure. The hypertensives' poor performance, however, was found only on specific sub-task items and appeared not to be influenced by item difficulty alone but rather by other performance factors such as difficulty in deciding what to do, understanding test instructions, or state anxiety associated with the testing situation. Memory for highly meaningful verbal material was not related to blood pressure.

Aged↗

Prevalence of cigarette smoking among rural adolescents in the United States.

Results are reported from a national U.S. study of cigarette smoking carried out from 1996 to 2000 involving 68,270 adolescents. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to model smoking as a function of grade, gender, region, and community size (rurality). Significant effects were found for rurality, region, grade, and gender. The highest levels of smoking were found for rural adolescents, and adolescents living in the South. Males smoked more than females in all regions except the West, where the reverse was true. Given that rural adolescents smoke more "heavily" than do their nonrural peers, researchers must devote more attention to understanding the factors that underlie smoking initiation in rural youth.

Adolescent↗

Disqualifying family communication and childhood social competence as predictors of offspring's mental health and hospitalization. A 10- to 14-year longitudinal study of children at risk of psychopathology.

Forty-nine families from the University of Rochester Child and Family Study were followed up 10 to 14 years after initial assessment. Two inclusion criteria were applied: at least one of the parents had been hospitalized for a functional psychiatric disorder before initial assessment and, second, the male index offspring should be 18 years or older at follow-up. Initial measures included observationally based coding of the family's level of disqualifying communication toward the index offspring, index child's scores on the Child Manifest Anxiety Scale, and ratings of the index child's social competence carried out by peers, teachers, and parents. Offspring outcome was measured by the Mental Health Inventory, Global Assessment Scale (GAS), and hospitalization for psychiatric disorder. The results showed that every measure of offspring outcome was predicted by the amount of disqualification directed to the offspring from the other family members. In addition, GAS score and mental health were predicted by the offspring's competence as a child. Family disqualification, childhood competence, and socioeconomic status accounted for 63% of the variance in adult GAS scores.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of a vegetable-based (soya) and an animal-based low-protein diet in predialysis chronic renal failure patients.

There is some experimental evidence to suggest that progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) is slower on diets based on soya protein than on diets based on animal protein. We have compared the effect of a soya-based vegetarian low-protein diet (VPD) and an animal-based low-protein diet (APD) in 15 patients with CRF. 15 patients with CRF (51Cr-EDTA-measured glomerular filtration rate 15-50 ml/min/1.73 m2) were studied. In a randomized crossover trial, the patients were given each diet (each containing 0.75 g protein and 32 kcal per kilogram body weight) for a 6-month period. Nine patients completed the trial, 2 others dropped out because they could not tolerate the VPD, 3 because of unrelated medical complications, and 1 for technical reasons. The caloric intake was higher and the protein, phosphate and essential amino acid intake lower on the VPD than on the APD. The compliance with the suggested caloric intake was better with the VPD than with the APD (97 vs. 88% of recommended intake), as was the compliance with the suggested protein intake (94 vs. 112% of recommended intake) and with the suggested phosphate intake (102 vs. 116%). The mean glomerular filtration rate, as judged by 51Cr-EDTA, was similar after 6 months on each diet and remained unchanged throughout the entire year of the study. The rate of fall of glomerular filtration, as measured by the slope of 1/serum creatinine was slowed by 73% during the 1-year study period as compared with the prestudy period. Nutritional status (as measured by body mass index, midarm circumference, and lean body mass and percent body fat), serum transferrin, cholesterol and albumin, and total lymphocyte count were similar on the two diets. The serum albumin level on both diets, however, was significantly higher on the two diets than during the prediet period. Blood urea nitrogen, urine urea nitrogen, protein catabolic rate, and 24-hour urine creatinine and phosphate were lower on the VPD than on the APD. The 24-hour protein excretion was similar on the two diets. The two low-protein diets resulted in a slowing in the progression of CRF. A VPD is well tolerated in CRF and is associated with lower protein and phosphate intakes and a higher caloric intake than an APD and may, therefore, be used as a safe alternative or partial substitute for the usual APD in CRF.

Adult↗

[Practical role of functional MRI in neurosurgery].

INTRODUCTION: Since its description in the early 1990's, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used first for research purposes, and after in clinical applications in the field of neurosurgery. The purpose of this article was to critically review the literature on fMRI to achieve a better understanding of the usefulness of fMRI in brain surgery for tumors, epilepsy surgery, and radiosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical literature databases containing peer-review articles dating from 1990 were queried for key words related to fMRI. RESULTS: On 3,065 references scanned for relevance, 256 articles with direct or indirect relationships between fMRI and neurosurgery were analyzed. DISCUSSION: fMRI can be useful in the selection of patients for whom a surgical resection is attempted and could aid in the decision-making whether to operate on a patient who has been previously considered inoperable. fMRI is a useful tool in the decisional scheme of treatment of low-grade astrocytomas or arteriovenous malformations in the rolandic area in intact or slightly impaired patients. fMRI can be repeated in selected patients with slow growing brain tumors or congenital lesions such as AVM to study cortical reorganization phenomena. In epilepsy surgery, the Wada-test could be substituted by fMRI to determine the hemispheric dominance of language. The choice of standardized tasks and a better understanding of analysis problems in the treatment of fMRI images must be achieved before drawing more accurate conclusions on fMRI and brain tumors.

Brain Diseases↗

Helping the burned child to adapt.

Adaptation in burned children is multifaceted and complex due not only to etiologic variables but also to age-specific developmental issues and the level of family development. Parental and peer support are identified in the literature as major contributors to higher levels of self-esteem and adaptation. The potential for these levels of adaptation is complicated by the number of burn-injured children residing in chaotic, dysfunctional families with limited ability to support psychosocial rehabilitation. Various interventions are presented as methods of addressing the social/emotional needs of higher-functioning patients and families.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

DESEMO seats for young children with cerebral palsy.

Twelve children with cerebral palsy ages 18 months to eight years received custom-molded DESEMO seats. All had markedly abnormal motor function manifested in spastic, athetoid, or mixed patterns of movement. None sat independently or were expected to gain such function. Three had minimal head control, and the remaining nine had fair head control. All were inadequately positioned in commercially available seats. The custom-molded DESEMO seat was clinically evaluated with regard to its ability to produce overall relaxation, assist head control, enhance feeding, improve upper extremity function, and prevent deformities. Also assessed were parents' acceptance of the device, cost, cosmesis, convenience, and its capacity to accommodate growth. Seven children utilized the seat as an insert for a motorized wheelchair. The secure positioning provided by this device permitted operation of a standard hand operated joystick control. Two seats were used as floor sitters, allowing the children to participate in peer group activities. Feeding improved dramatically with two children, as evidenced by weight gain and decreased feeding time. Three children with kyphotic spinal deformities showed no improvement or progression of their curves despite the seating device. The positioning device assisted head control for 10 children but failed to enhance head control in the remaining two. The overall cost of the device, including orthotist and physical therapist time, is $640.00 (1985). The average growth potential of the seat is six to nine months.

Adolescent↗

Youngsters who persistently do not attend school.

5% of the children attending psychiatric clinics in the UK have difficulties with school attendance and these stem from difficulties which are predominantly social (truancy) or predominantly psychological or dynamic (school refusal). Adolescents who display school refusal are three times more likely to develop neurotic difficulties in adult life, especially if marked family difficulties are persistent. Up to 20% of the senior school pupils may truant in a 2-week period and teachers report these youngsters to be more aggressive and to show more neurotic symptoms then the regular school attenders. Their peers choose them significantly less often as friends, and the marked differences in the rate of absence between schools seems related to school philosophy and the degree of school involvement in the community. Truancy can be influenced by greater vigilance in the school and by legal intervention. Although absence from school in itself does not seem to adversely influence the youngsters' adult functioning, if it is associated with conduct problems and educational retardation, long-term difficulties are common.

Absenteeism↗