scholarly journals Nutritional Intervention with Dried Bonito Broth for the Amelioration of Aggressive Behaviors in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Dioxins in Vietnam: A Pilot Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1455
Author(s):  
Muneko Nishijo ◽  
Tai The Pham ◽  
Ngoc Thao Pham ◽  
Hai Thai Thu Duong ◽  
Ngoc Nghi Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Nutritional Intervention ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Dioxin Exposure ◽  
Covert Aggression

Dioxins have been suggested to induce inflammation in the intestine and brain and to induce neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), partly due to deficits in parvalbumin-positive neurons in the brain that are sensitive to inflammatory stress. Previously, we reported ADHD traits with increased aggressiveness in children with prenatal exposure to dioxins in Vietnam, whereas dried bonito broth (DBB) has been reported to suppress inflammation and inhibit aggressive behavior in animal and human studies. In the present study, we investigated the association between dioxin exposure and the prevalence of children with highly aggressive behaviors (Study 1), as well as the effects of DBB on the prevalence of children with highly aggressive behaviors (Study 2). Methods: In Study 1, we investigated the effects of dioxin exposure on the prevalence of children with high aggression scores, which were assessed using the Children’s Scale of Hostility and Aggression: Reactive/Proactive (C-SHARP) in dioxin-contaminated areas. The data were analyzed using a logistic regression model after adjusting for confounding factors. In Study 2, we performed nutritional intervention by administering DBB for 60 days to ameliorate the aggressiveness of children with high scores on the C-SHARP aggression scale. The effects of DBB were assessed by comparing the prevalence of children with high C-SHARP scores between the pre- and post-intervention examinations. Results: In Study 1, only the prevalence of children with high covert aggression was significantly increased with an increase in dioxin exposure. In Study 2, in the full ingestion (>80% of goal ingestion volume) group, the prevalence of children with high covert aggression associated with dioxin exposure was significantly lower in the post-ingestion examination compared with in the pre-ingestion examination. However, in other ingestion (<20% and 20–79%) groups and a reference (no intervention) group, no difference in the prevalence of children with high covert aggression was found between the examinations before and after the same experimental period. Conclusions: The findings suggest that DBB ingestion may ameliorate children’s aggressive behavior, which is associated with perinatal dioxin exposure.

scholarly journals A video self modeling intervention to modify aggressive behaviors in students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kate M. Sadler
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Replacement Behavior ◽  
Video Self Modeling

This study evaluated the efficacy of a video self-modeling and functional behavior assessment intervention on a traditionally under-represented population. Students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID) are prone to higher rates of aggressive behavior that can be resistant to treatment. Under the frameworks of Behaviorism and Social Cognitive Theory an intervention was developed to decrease aggressive behaviors and increase self-regulated behavior. A multiple baseline design across stimulus conditions with inter-subject replication was conducted to explore the effects of the intervention. Data was collected on both the rate of aggressive behaviors and the use of a replacement behavior which fostered socially appropriate self-regulation. The data indicate that both participants demonstrated a decrease in aggressive behavior immediately following intervention across all stimulus conditions. Data collected on the replacement behavior indicated a change from baseline to intervention but results differed across participants.

Outcomes in a Group of 7–8-Year-Old Children in a Developmental-Based Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s304-s304
Author(s):  
M.T. Sindelar ◽  
N. Furland
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Social Responsiveness ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects

Healthy parent-child interaction is essential for child development. Parents play a central role in the acquisition of social and communicative skills, both in typical and atypical children. Increased support for parent-mediated intervention in autism has been demonstrated. Developmental approaches for ASD are based in establishing strong interpersonal relationships through natural play to foster developmental capacities. This work reports outcomes from an intensive approach based on a developmental, individual difference, home-based intervention program with children with severe ASD. Parents were trained with DIR approach by a specialist. An individual intensive rehabilitation program was set up for each child and implemented at school, home and rehabilitation center. The intervention program also focused on semi-structured activities to promote problem solving, and meliorate sensory dysfunction. Standardized scales were administered pre– and post-intervention, with ABC). The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and Vineland Adaptive Behaviours Scales.ResultsBefore initiating the intervention all children presented severe difficulties in communication, social interaction, lack of language, and gestures of communication, auto– and hetero-aggressive behaviors. After 6 months, children showed significant changes in mean scores for emotional functioning, communication, and daily living skills and diminution of aggressive behaviors. The present results provide strong support for the effectiveness of a developmental-based intervention, specifically in the domains of social skills behavior, social responsiveness, in a group of children with severe autism. These results highlight the positive effects of a rehabilitative approach that works in harmony with the family, school and professional team.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Investigating the effectiveness of parent-implemented shared book reading intervention for preschoolers with ASD

2021 ◽  
pp. 026565902199552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marleen F. Westerveld ◽  
Rachelle Wicks ◽  
Jessica Paynter
Keyword(s):  
Reading Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Book Reading ◽  
Shared Book Reading ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Increased Risk

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of persistent language and literacy difficulties. This study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week parent-implemented shared book reading intervention designed to change parent and child book reading behaviours. Sixteen parents and their preschoolers on the autism spectrum participated. Nine parents were randomly allocated to receive the shared book reading intervention first. The intervention used a coaching model and comprised a training session, four home visits, and four follow-up phone calls. Parents completed a shared book reading video with their child prior to the intervention, immediately post-intervention and eight weeks after the intervention was completed. Following intervention, there was a significant increase in the intervention group parents’ use of book-related vocabulary and their explicit teaching of story structure, compared to the waitlist control group. Compared to the control group, there was a significant increase in children’s verbal participation (number of utterances and number of different words). However, these effects disappeared when the significant increase in reading duration following the intervention was taken into account. All improvements were maintained over time. Our results highlight the feasibility of a parent-implemented shared book reading intervention for encouraging early language skills in children on the spectrum in a naturalistic setting that is part of many family routines.

scholarly journals Nutritional Intervention Improves Nutrition Outcomes in Stomach and Colon Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Finding from a Quasi-Experiment in Vietnam

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 843
Author(s):  
Le Thi Huong ◽  
Duong Thi Phuong ◽  
Dang Kim Anh ◽  
Phung Lam Toi ◽  
Nguyen Le Tuan Anh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Nutritional Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
And Control ◽  
Quasi Experiment

Background: Evidence on the effects of nutritional interventions on gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy is not well documented. This study aims to assess the effects of nutritional intervention in patients diagnosed with stomach and colon cancer receiving chemotherapy in Vietnam. Methods: A quasi-experiment with intervention and control groups for pre- and post-intervention was carried out in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in a university hospital in Vietnam. Patients in the intervention group were provided nutritional counseling, personalized specific dietary advice, and received oral nutrition supplements (ONSs) while patients in the control group only received nutrition counseling. Results: The weight in the intervention and control group after 2 months increased significantly by 1.4 ± 2.6 kg and 0.4 ± 2.3 kg, respectively. Muscle mass increased by 1.2 ± 4.1 cm in the intervention group, while those in the control group decreased by 0.55 ± 2.77 cm. There was no statistical significance between two groups after intervention in terms of Mid–Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and percentage of fat. The percentage of malnutrition based on the Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) declined after the intervention in both groups. According to the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) using the propensity score matching and DiD method, participants receiving the intervention were more likely to have a higher score of weight (Coef = 0.84; 95%CI = 0.47; 2.16) and muscle mass (Coef = 1.08; 95%CI = 0.09; 2.06) between pre- and post-intervention. By contrast, the PG-SGA scores on treated participants were more likely to decrease after the intervention (Coef = −1.28; 95%CI = −4.39; −0.84). After matching, being female, living in rural areas, or having stomach cancer were still positively related to being moderately/severely malnourished by the PG-SGA, and these findings were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The nutritional interventions had a positive effect on weight gain, muscle mass, and reduced malnutrition. Further studies with a longer follow-up duration are needed to confirm the effects of the intervention.

scholarly journals A Dance Movement Psychotherapy Intervention for the Wellbeing of Children With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Intervention Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supritha Aithal ◽  
Vicky Karkou ◽  
Stergios Makris ◽  
Themis Karaminis ◽  
Joanne Powell
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Dance Movement ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Social ◽  
And Control

BackgroundSustaining the wellbeing for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be highly demanding. Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP), a form of psychotherapy with a non-verbal character, may present as a relevant intervention option for this group of children.MethodsA protocol-based group DMP intervention was developed and implemented in two special educational needs schools in the North West of England. We aimed to investigate the effects of DMP on children with ASD using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Twenty-six children aged between 8 and 13 years (mean age = 10.65 years) with ASD were randomly allocated to DMP and a control group with standard care, following a crossover research design.ResultsResults showed no significant carryover or period effects for either the SCQ or SDQ (p &gt; 0.05). A significant intervention effect was found only for SCQ (p = 0.005) but not for SDQ (p &gt; 0.05). ANCOVAs were performed on the data before the crossover to test for differences in SCQ and SDQ scores between the DMP intervention and control groups while controlling for pre-intervention scores. Those in the DMP intervention group presented significantly lower SCQ scores following the intervention period than those in the control group (p = 0.001). No significant differences in post-intervention SDQ scores were found between DMP intervention and control groups (p = 0.2). However, minimal clinically important differences (MCID) were reached for both SCQ and SDQ measures before crossover for those in the DMP intervention group. Moreover, repeated measures ANOVAs performed on SCQ and SDQ measures following crossover were significant, with the change in both SCQ (p = 0.001) and SDQ (p = 0.009) pre-and post-intervention being significantly greater for those in the DMP intervention than the control group.ConclusionThe pilot DMP intervention has shown promising results on the social and emotional wellbeing of children with ASD irrespective of whether they preferred verbal or non-verbal mode of communication. Limitations and appropriateness of the research methods implemented in this study for their use in a large RCT are discussed in detail. Overall, our findings highlight the value of creative therapies for improving the lives of young vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Health education through mass media announcements by loudspeakers about malaria care: prevention and practice among people living in a malaria endemic area of northern Myanmar

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pyae Linn Aung ◽  
Tepanata Pumpaibool ◽  
Than Naing Soe ◽  
Jessica Burgess ◽  
Lynette J. Menezes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intervention Group ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Transmission Season ◽  
Baseline Knowledge ◽  
Peak Transmission

Abstract Background Interventions to raise community awareness about malaria prevention and treatment have used various approaches with little evidence on their efficacy. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of loudspeaker announcements regarding malaria care and prevention practices among people living in the malaria endemic villages of Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. Methods Four villages among the most malaria-burdened areas were randomly selected: two villages were assigned as the intervention group, and two as the control. Prior to the peak transmission season of malaria in June 2018, a baseline questionnaire was administered to 270 participants from randomly selected households in the control and intervention villages. The loudspeaker announcements broadcasted health messages on malaria care and prevention practices regularly at 7:00 pm every other day. The same questionnaire was administered at 6-month post intervention to both groups. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and the t-test were utilized to assess differences between and within groups. Results Participants across the control and intervention groups showed similar socio-economic characteristics; the baseline knowledge, attitude and practice mean scores were not significantly different between the groups. Six months after the intervention, improvements in scores were observed at p-value < 0.001 in both groups, however; the increase was greater among the intervention group. The declining trend of malaria was also noticed during the study period. In addition, more than 75% of people expressed positive opinions of the intervention. Conclusions The loudspeaker intervention was found to be feasible and effective, as shown by the significant improvement in scores related to prevention and care-seeking practices for malaria as well as reduced malaria morbidity. Expanding the intervention to a larger population in this endemic region and evaluating its long-term effectiveness are essential in addition to replicating this in other low-resource malaria endemic regions.

scholarly journals Sensory Processing and Aggressive Behavior in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Frank van den Boogert ◽  
Bram Sizoo ◽  
Pascalle Spaan ◽  
Sharon Tolstra ◽  
Yvonne H. A. Bouman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Aggressive Behavior ◽  
Sensory Processing ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
Sensory Sensitivity ◽  
Aggression Questionnaire ◽  
Adults With Asd

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be accompanied by aggressive behavior and is associated with sensory processing difficulties. The present study aims to investigate the direct association between sensory processing and aggressive behavior in adults with ASD. A total of 101 Dutch adult participants with ASD, treated in outpatient or inpatient facilities, completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and the Aggression Questionnaire—Short Form (AQ-SF). Results revealed that sensory processing difficulties are associated with more aggressive behavior (f2=0.25), more proactive (f2=0.19) and reactive aggression (f2=0.27), more physical (f2=0.08) and verbal aggression (f2=0.13), and more anger (f2=0.20) and hostility (f2=0.12). Evidence was found for an interaction of the neurological threshold and behavioral response on total aggression and hostility. Participants with higher scores in comparison to the norm group in sensory sensitivity had the highest risk of aggressive behavior. In conclusion, clinical practice may benefit from applying detailed diagnostics on sensory processing difficulties when treating aggressive behavior in adults with ASD.

scholarly journals Effect of “Spatially Separated Speech in Noise Training” on speech perception in noise in children with bimodal fitting

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Younes Lotfi ◽  
Mahdieh Hasanalifard ◽  
Abdollah Moossavi ◽  
Enayatollah Bakhshi ◽  
Mohammad Ajalloueyan
Keyword(s):  
Speech Perception ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Interventional Study ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Speech Perception In Noise ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Recognition Ability

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training on the ability of speech perception in noise among bimodal fitting users. The assumption was that the rehabilitation can enhance spatial hearing and hence speech in noise perception. This study was an interventional study, with a pre/post-design. Speech recognition ability was assessed with the specific tests. After performing the rehabilitation stages in the intervention group, the speech tests were again implemented, and by comparing the pre- and post-intervention data, the effect of auditory training on the speech abilities was assessed. Twenty-four children of 8–12 years who had undergone cochlear implantation and continuously used bimodal fitting were investigated in two groups of control and intervention. Results The results showed a significant difference between the groups in different speech tests after the intervention, which indicated that the intervention group have improved more than the control group. Conclusion It can be concluded that “Spatially separated speech in noise” auditory training can improve the speech perception in noise in bimodal fitting users. In general, this rehabilitation method is useful for enhancing the speech in noise perception ability.

scholarly journals Effects and Responsiveness of a Multicomponent Intervention on Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Leptin in Overweight/Obese Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7267
Author(s):  
Leticia Borfe ◽  
Caroline Brand ◽  
Letícia Schneiders ◽  
Jorge Mota ◽  
Claudia Cavaglieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Interleukin 10 ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Obese Adolescents ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Multicomponent Program

Physical exercise reduces the biochemical markers of obesity, but the effects of multicomponent interventions on these markers should be explored. The present study aimed to elucidate how overweight/obese adolescents respond to a multicomponent program approach on body composition, physical fitness, and inflammatory markers, using a quasi-experimental study with 33 overweight/obesity adolescents (control group (CG) = 16; intervention group (IG) = 17). The intervention consisted of 24 weeks with physical exercises and nutritional and psychological guidance. Both groups were evaluated at the pre/post-intervention moments on body mass index (BMI); body fat (%Fat); waist circumference (WC); waist/hip ratio (WHR); waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF); abdominal strength, flexibility; leptin; interleukin 6; interleukin 10; and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Mixed-analysis of variance and generalized estimation equations were used for statistical analysis. There was an interaction effect between groups and time on %Fat (p = 0.002), WC (p = 0.023), WHR (p < 0.001), WHtR (p = 0.035), CRF (p = 0.050), and leptin (p = 0.026). Adolescents were classified as 82.4% responders for %Fat, 70.6% for WC, 88.2% for WHR, and 70.6% for CRF. Further, there was an association between changes in %Fat (p = 0.033), WC (p = 0.032), and WHR (p = 0.033) between responders and non-responders with CRF in the IG. There was a positive effect on body composition, physical fitness, and leptin. In addition, reductions in body composition parameters were explained by CRF improvements.

scholarly journals Modified CBT for social anxiety and social functioning in young adults with autism spectrum disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R. Bemmer ◽  
Kelsie A. Boulton ◽  
Emma E. Thomas ◽  
Ben Larke ◽  
Suncica Lah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Young Adults With Asd

Abstract Background There is a strong research imperative to investigate effective treatment options for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Elevated social anxiety, difficulties with social functioning and poor mental health have all been identified as core treatment targets for this group. While theoretical models posit a strong bidirectionality between social anxiety and ASD social functioning deficits, few interventions have targeted both domains concurrently. Of the two group interventions previously conducted with adolescents and adults with ASD, significant results have only been observed in either social anxiety or social functioning, and have not generalised to changes in overall mood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit, tolerability and acceptability of a group cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) intervention in young adults with ASD. Primary treatment outcomes were social anxiety symptoms and social functioning difficulties; secondary outcomes were self-reported mood and overall distress. Method Ten groups of participants completed an eight-week, modified group CBT intervention targeting both social anxiety and social functioning, that included social skills training, exposure tasks and behavioural experiment components. Seventy-eight adolescents and young adults with ASD, without intellectual impairment, aged between 16 and 38 (M = 22.77; SD = 5.31), were recruited from the community, Headspace centres and the Autism Clinic for Translational Research at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Outcomes (social anxiety, social functioning and mood) were measured pre- and post-intervention via self-report questionnaires (administered either online or through the return of hard-copy booklets), and participants were invited to provide anonymous feedback on the intervention (at the mid-point and end of the intervention). Results Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures in response to the intervention. Specifically, social anxiety symptoms decreased (p < .001), and specific subdomains of social functioning improved post-intervention, particularly in social motivation (p = .032) and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours (p = .025). Self-reported symptom improvements also generalised to mood (depression, anxiety and stress; p < .05). All improvements demonstrated small effect sizes. Participant feedback was positive and indicated strong satisfaction with the program. Limitations The absence of a control group and follow-up measures, reliance on self-report instruments as outcome measures and the exclusion of those with intellectual disability represent significant limitations to this study. Conclusions These findings indicate that a group CBT intervention appears to be a beneficial intervention for self-reported social anxiety, social functioning and overall mental health in adolescents and young adults with ASD. The stand-alone nature of the intervention combined with positive participant feedback indicates it was well tolerated, has potential clinical utility and warrants further study in a randomised-controlled, follow-up design.

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