scholarly journals Kefir Ameliorates Specific Physiological and Behavioural Impairments in a Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcel van de Wouw ◽  
Giulia MD Vig ◽  
Joshua M Lyte ◽  
Marcus Boehme ◽  
Andreu Gual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Mesenteric Lymph Nodes ◽  
Repetitive Behaviour ◽  
Behavioural Phenotype ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is one of the most severe developmental disorders, affecting on average 1 in 150 children worldwide. There are limited treatment options for ASD symptoms and there is therefore a great need for more effective strategies to improve quality of life in ASD subjects. The gut microbiome has recently emerged as a therapeutic target in ASD. A novel modulator of the gut microbiome, the traditionally fermented milk drink kefir, has recently been shown to modulate the microbiota and decrease repetitive behaviour, one of the hallmarks of ASD. As such, we hypothesised that kefir could ameliorate the behavioural phenotype of ASD in the animal model of ASD; the BTBR T + Itpr3 tf /J mouse strain. Adult mice were administered either kefir (UK4) or milk control for 3 weeks as treatment lead-in, after which they were assessed for their behavioural phenotype using a battery of tests. In addition, we assessed systemic immunity by flow cytometry. We found that kefir decreased repetitive behaviour. Furthermore, kefir prolonged stress-induced increases in corticosterone 60 minutes post-stress, which was accompanied by an ameliorated innate immune response as measured by LY6C hi monocyte levels. Furthermore, kefir increased the levels of anti-inflammatory Treg cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. Altogether, our data show that kefir modulates peripheral immunity in an anti-inflammatory manner and can ameliorate specific ASD behavioural dysfunctions, indicating that kefir supplementation might prove a viable strategy in improving quality of life in ASD subjects.

scholarly journals Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Developmental Disorders

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina M. Schoemaker ◽  
Suzanne Houwen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Coordination Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Lower Hrqol

Abstract Purpose of Review (1) To give an overview of what is currently known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in three common and co-occurring developmental disorders: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and (2) to provide directions for future research. Recent Findings HRQoL is compromised in all three developmental disorders, affecting various domains of HRQoL. However, some domains are more affected than others depending on the nature of the core deficits of the disorder. Overall, parents’ rate HRQoL of their children lower than the children themselves. Children with ASD and ADHD with co-occurring disorders have lower HRQoL compared to those with singular disorders. Future studies in DCD are needed to investigate the effect of co-occurring disorder in this population. Summary Children with developmental disorders have lower HRQoL than typically developing children. Future research should focus on the effects of co-occurring disorders on HRQoL and on protective factors that may increase HRQoL. HRQoL should be a part of clinical assessment, as it reveals the areas in life children are struggling with that could be targeted during intervention.

scholarly journals Predictors of Quality of Life Among an International Sample of Mothers of Children 12 and Under With Corpus Callosum Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peggy Henninger ◽  
Donna M. L. Heretick
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Corpus Callosum ◽  
Pervasive Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Double Abcx Model ◽  
Double Abcx ◽  
Abcx Model

Previous research supports application of the Double ABCX model of family adaptation of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders. This is the first study to consider processes of adaptation among parents of children with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, an international sample of 266 mothers of children, aged 12 or under, with ACC completed an online survey. Parental reports of stress, resources, coping, and sense of coherence were evaluated as predictors of four subdimensions of parental quality of life for 178 mothers. In general, findings support the Double ABCX model as a viable approach to understanding processes that are related to quality of life among this group of mothers.

scholarly journals Editorial S.I: Early Identification in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Present and Future, and Advances in Early Identification

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roald A. Øien ◽  
Giacomo Vivanti ◽  
Diana L. Robins
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Early Identification ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Access To Services ◽  
Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Care Costs

AbstractEarly identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered by most scholars and clinicians to be a feasible and useful step for improving the wellbeing of individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Arguments supporting early detection efforts include the benefit of earlier access to services providing autism-specific evidence-based interventions (Vivanti et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(7), 2441–2449, 2016; Zwaigenbaum et al., Pediatrics, 136(Suppl), S10–S40, 2015), and its potential to mitigate or even prevent the challenges associated with ASD symptoms, reduce care costs, and improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals with ASD (Constantino et al., Pediatrics, 146(3), e20193629, 2020; Jacobson et al., Behavioral Interventions, 13(4), 201–226, 1998; Jacobson and Mulick, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(6), 585–593, 2000). Nevertheless, controversies and challenges in this field exist.

Group therapy for university students with autism spectrum disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S631-S631
Author(s):  
Y. Furuhashi ◽  
F. Shusuke
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Group Therapy ◽  
University Students ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Spectrum Disorders

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction and imagination. These symptoms are present in the early developmental period, but may not be fully obvious until social demands exceed the child's limited capacities. In spite of its early presenting, this condition is not diagnosed until adult stage. In Japan, many patients with ASD were diagnosed after entering university, however, few treatment options are available. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of group therapy in university students with ASD.MethodsA one-group, pre-intervention-post-intervention design was adapted for this study. All patients with ASD were recruited from Shizuoka University. The group therapy programs consisted of cognitive behavioral therapy and recreational activity. Outcome measures were Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition, Quality of Life Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.ResultsThere were 14 participants, 7 males and 7 females. Their ages were from 19-years-old to 23-years-old. All participants had over 80% of attendance in the six-month group therapy.ConclusionsThese preliminary results suggest that the group therapy can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety for some students with ASD. More research is needed to draw more sturdy conclusions, especially with respect to improvements in quality of life.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital ischaemia - pharmacologic approach and alternative treatment options

VASA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Linnemann ◽  
Matthias Erbe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽  
Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Skin Ulcers ◽  
Digital Ischaemia

Abstract. The primary goal of therapy is to reduce the frequency and intensity of Raynaud’s attacks and to minimize the related morbidity rather than to cure the underlying condition. Treatment strategies depend on whether Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is primary or secondary. All patients should be instructed about general measures to maintain body warmth and to avoid triggers of RP attacks. Pharmacologic intervention can be useful for patients with severe and frequent RP episodes that impair the patient’s quality of life. Calcium channel blockers are currently the most prescribed and studied medications for this purpose. There has been limited evidence for the efficacy of alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, angiotensin receptor blockers, topical nitrates or fluoxetine to treat RP. The intravenously administered prostacyclin analogue iloprost can reduce the frequency and severity of RP attacks and is considered a second-line therapy in patients with markedly impaired quality of life, critical digital ischaemia and skin ulcers who are at risk for substantial tissue loss and amputation. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil) can also improve RP symptoms and ulcer healing whereas endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (e.g., bosentan) are mainly considered treatment options in secondary prevention for patients with digital skin ulcers related to systemic sclerosis. However, their use in clinical practice has been limited by their high cost. Antiplatelet therapy with low-dose aspirin is recommended for all patients who suffer from secondary RP due to ischaemia caused by structural vessel damage. Anticoagulant therapy can be considered during the acute phase of digital ischaemia in patients with suspected vascular occlusive disease attributed to the occurrence of new thromboses. In patients with critical digital ischaemia, consideration should be given to hospitalisation, optimisation of medical treatment in accordance with the underlying disease and evaluation for a secondary, possibly reversible process that is causing or aggravating the clinical symptoms.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Parent Reported Quality of Life Pre and Post Vision Therapy in a Population with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 195-207
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Behavior ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Visual Behavior ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Vision Therapy

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is characterized in part by atypical behavior in the communication, social, and visual domains. Success in vision therapy is judged not only by changes in optometric findings, but through improvement in quality of life involving communication, social behavior and visual behavior. It would therefore be beneficial to have a validated questionnaire to assess parent reported quality of life pre and post vision therapy specific to patients with autism spectrum disorder. To our knowledge, a questionnaire of this nature has not been previously published in the literature. Methods: Questionnaire items were generated through surveying medical literature based on symptoms in three different categories: visual behavior, social behavior and communication. A pool of 34 questions was developed initially and then with thorough discussion with other experts, a 20-point questionnaire was developed with each item reflected in the construct concept. A draft of 20 questions was then sent to 10 subject experts with clinical experience in the field for more than 20 years, to review the pooled items. Validity and reliability was established prior to assessing the psychometric properties of the ASD/QOL-VT. Prospective observational study was conducted for a duration of 18 months. The study included individuals undergoing vision therapy in the age range of 3 to 15 years who had been diagnosed with ASD. The questionnaire was administered to parents of these children prior to the start of vision therapy. All subjects completed a minimum of 60 vision therapy sessions. The questionnaire was readministered after completing 60 sessions of vision therapy. Results: Cronbach’s alpha value for this questionnaire was 0.93, which reflected very good internal consistency. Factorial analysis yielded four factors with an Eigen value exceeding 1.0 which accounted for 68% variation in the model. The Cronbach alpha value for subscales identified by factorial analysis is 0.97 indicating excellent internal reliability. The mean pre vision therapy social behavior, communication and visual behavior score was 12.0±3.21, 17.07±4.57 and 26.97±6.41 respectively. The mean post vision therapy scores for social behavior, communication and visual behavior was 8.27±4.16, 11.33±5.27 and 17.93±6.52 respectively. On paired t test, the mean difference in score was statistically significant with P<0.001 in all three subcategories. Conclusions: Our study presents the development of a valid and reliable parent questionnaire, the ASD/QOL-VT, that judges communication, social behavior, and visual behavior in autism. Results of the study conducted indicate that vision therapy can result in significant improvements in the quality of life of patients with ASD as judged by their parents. This is evidenced by statistically significant changes in psychometric properties of the ASD/QOL-VT in social behavior, communication and visual behavior.

Predictors of the Quality of Life of Informal Carers of Adults on the Autism Spectrum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisse T. Sonido ◽  
Ye In Hwang ◽  
Preeyaporn Srasuebkul ◽  
Julian N. Trollor ◽  
Samuel R. C. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Informal Carers

scholarly journals Stromal Vascular Fraction for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Regenerative Engineering

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinedu C. Ude ◽  
Shiv Shah ◽  
Kenneth S. Ogueri ◽  
Lakshmi S. Nair ◽  
Cato T. Laurencin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Stromal Vascular Fraction ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽  
Clinical Patient ◽  
Inflammatory Proteins ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Purpose The knee joint is prone to osteoarthritis (OA) due to its anatomical position, and several reports have implicated the imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes within the joint as the main culprit, thus leading to investigations towards attenuation of these inflammatory signals for OA treatment. In this review, we have explored clinical evidence supporting the use of stromal vascular fraction (SVF), known for its anti-inflammatory characteristics for the treatment of OA. Methods Searches were made on PubMed, PMC, and Google Scholar with the keywords “adipose fraction knee regeneration, and stromal vascular fraction knee regeneration, and limiting searches within 2017–2020. Results Frequently found interventions include cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), SVF, and the micronized/microfragmented adipose tissue-stromal vascular fraction (MAT-SVF). Clinical data reported that joints treated with SVF provided a better quality of life to patients. Currently, MAT-SVF obtained and administered at the point of care is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but more studies including manufacturing validation, safety, and proof of pharmacological activity are needed for SVF. The mechanism of action of MAT-SVF is also not fully understood. However, the current hypothesis indicates a direct adherence and integration with the degenerative host tissue, and/or trophic effects resulting from the secretome of constituent cells. Conclusion Our review of the literature on stromal vascular fraction and related therapy use has found evidence of efficacy in results. More research and clinical patient follow-up are needed to determine the proper place of these therapies in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Lay Summary Reports have implicated the increased inflammatory proteins within the joints as the main cause of osteoarthritis (OA). This has attracted interest towards addressing these inflammatory proteins as a way of treatment for OA. The concentrated cell-packed portion of the adipose product stromal vascular fraction (SVF) from liposuction or other methods possesses anti-inflammatory effects and has been acclaimed to heal OA. Thus, we searched for clinical evidence supporting their use, for OA treatment through examining the literature. Data from various hospitals support that joints treated with SVF provided a better quality of life to patients. Currently, there is at least one version of these products that are obtained and given back to patients during a single clinic visit, approved by the FDA.

scholarly journals MP-AzeFlu in Moderate-to-Severe Allergic Rhinitis: A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Ludger Klimek ◽  
William E. Berger ◽  
Jean Bousquet ◽  
Paul K. Keith ◽  
Peter Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Fluticasone Propionate ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Symptomatic Disease ◽  
Intranasal Corticosteroids ◽  
Need For Treatment ◽  
Ocular Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Complex

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is prevalent, and many patients present with moderate-to-severe symptomatic disease. The majority of patients are not satisfied with their AR treatment, despite the use of concurrent medications. These gaps underscore the need for treatment with more effective options for moderate-to-severe AR. The authors’ objective was to review systematically the efficacy and safety of MP-AzeFlu for the treatment of AR. The primary outcomes studied were nasal, ocular, and total symptoms. Other outcomes included time to onset and of AR control, quality of life, and safety. Searches of PubMed and Cochrane databases were conducted on May 14, 2020, with no date restrictions, to identify publications reporting data on MP-AzeFlu. Clinical studies of any phase were included. Studies were excluded if they were not in English, were review articles, did not discuss the safety and efficacy of MP-AzeFlu for AR symptoms. Treatment of AR with MP-AzeFlu results in effective, sustained relief of nasal and ocular symptoms, and faster onset and time to control compared with intranasal azelastine or fluticasone propionate. Long-term use of MP-AzeFlu was safe, with benefits in children, adults, and adults aged ≥65 years. Other treatment options, including fluticasone propionate and azelastine alone or the combination of intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamine, do not provide the same level of efficacy as MP-AzeFlu in terms of rapid and sustained relief of the entire AR symptom complex. Furthermore, MP-AzeFlu significantly improves patient quality of life. MP-AzeFlu is a currently available combination that may satisfy all these patient needs and expectations.

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