An International Clinical Study of Ability and Disability in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the WHO-ICF Framework.

This is the fourth international preparatory study designed to develop International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, and Children and Youth version, ICF-CY) Core Sets for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Examine functioning of individuals diagnosed with ASD as documented by the ICF-CY in a variety of clinical settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 11 units from 10 countries. Clinical investigators assessed functioning of 122 individuals with ASD using the ICF-CY checklist. In total, 139 ICF-CY categories were identified: 64 activities and participation, 40 body functions and 35 environmental factors. The study results reinforce the heterogeneity of ASD, as evidenced by the many functional and contextual domains impacting on ASD from a clinical perspective.

An international clinical study of ability and disability in ADHD using the WHO-ICF framework.

This is the fourth and final study designed to develop International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, and children and youth version, ICF-CY) core sets for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To investigate aspects of functioning and environment of individuals with ADHD as documented by the ICF-CY in clinical practice settings. An international cross-sectional multi-centre study was applied, involving nine units from eight countries: Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Taiwan. Clinicians and clinical researchers rated the functioning level of 112 children, adolescents and adults with ADHD using the extended ICF-CY checklist version 2.1a. The ratings were based on a variety of information sources, such as medical records, medical history, clinical observations, clinical questionnaires, psychometric tests and structured interviews with participants and family members. In total, 113 ICF-CY categories were identified, of which 50 were related to the activities and participation, 33 to environmental factors and 30 to body functions. The clinical study also yielded strengths related to ADHD, which included temperament and personality functions and recreation and leisure. The study findings endorse the complex nature of ADHD, as evidenced by the many functional and contextual domains impacted in ADHD. ICF-CY based tools can serve as foundation for capturing various functional profiles and environmental facilitators and barriers. The international nature of the ICF-CY makes it possible to develop user-friendly tools that can be applied globally and in multiple settings, ranging from clinical services and policy-making to education and research.

Influência clínica do uso de probióticos como adjuvantes no tratamento da periodontite crônica / Clinical influence of the use of probiotics as adjuvants in the treatment of Chronic Periodontitis

Os probióticos consistem em organismos vivos que, quando administrados em quantidades adequadas, conferem saúde e benefício para o hospedeiro. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência clínica do uso de probióticos como adjuvantes no tratamento da Periodontite Crônica (PC). Foi realizada uma busca no PubMed e, ao final da análise de artigos encontrados, 7 estudos foram selecionados e seus dados apresentados por meio de uma tabela, na qual estão descritos os resultados entre grupo-teste: raspagem e alisamento radicular (RAR) associado ao uso de probiótico e grupo-controle. Os parâmetros clínicos periodontais índice gengival (IG), índice de placa (IP), índice de sangramento gengival (ISG), nível de inserção clínico (NIC), profundidade de bolsa à sondagem (PBS) e sangramento à sondagem (SS), demonstraram valores favoráveis em ambos os grupos ao final da terapia periodontal; porém, em alguns trabalhos, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos que justificassem o uso do probiótico. Os autores realizaram suas pesquisas com diferentes espécies probióticas, baseados em suas propriedades de regulação da resposta imune, controle da inflamação, ação direta e indireta sobre periodonto patógenos. O Lactobacillus reuteri demonstrou melhores resultados clínicos comparado aos demais probióticos ­ Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Streptococcus oralis KJ3, Streptococcus uberis KJ2, e Streptococcus rattus − em todos os resultados apresentados. O uso de probióticos é um assunto atual na periodontia e ainda não há consenso entre os pesquisadores sobre sua forma de administração. Novos estudos são necessários para compreender melhor a ação destes microrganismos como adjuvantes ao tratamento periodontal. (AU)

Probiotics consist on living organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health and benefits to the host. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical influence of the use of probiotics as adjuvants in the treatment of Chronic Periodontitis (CP). A search conducted on PubMed and the results analyzed and 7studies were selected and their data presented through a table, which describes the results between the test group: scaling and root planning (SRP) associated to the use of probiotic and control group. Periodontal parameters including gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), clinical attachment level (CAL), periodontal probing depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) have shown favorable results in both groups at the end of periodontal therapy, however, in some studies no significant differences were found between groups that justified the use of the probiotic. Authors carried out their researches administering different probiotic species, based on their properties of immune response regulation, inflammation control, direct and indirect actions on periodontal pathogens. Lactobacillus reuteri showed better clinical results compared to the other probiotics − Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Streptococcus oralis KJ3, Streptococcus uberis KJ2, and Streptococcus rattus− in all the presented results. The use of probiotics is a current issue in periodontics and there is still no consensus among researchers on its administration. New studies seem necessary for better understanding on the action of these microorganisms as adjuvants to periodontal treatment. (AU)