ABSTRACT
Feeding difficulties are prevalent among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, the knowledge about the association between feeding-related early signs and child development remains limited. This review aimed to describe the signs and symptoms related to feeding during child development and to explore their relevance to the diagnosis of ASD. Specialists in nutrition and/or ASD conducted a search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Although studies in typically developing children demonstrate age-related variations in hunger and satiety cues, the literature about early feeding indicators in ASD is scarce. Challenges such as shortened breastfeeding duration, difficulties in introducing solid foods, and atypical mealtime behaviors are frequently observed in children with ASD. The eating difficulties experienced during childhood raise concerns for caregivers who base their feeding practices on their perceptions of food acceptance or refusal. Considering the observed associations between feeding difficulties and ASD, the importance of recognizing feeding-related signs according to developmental milestones is emphasized to alert medical professionals that deviation in the formation of feeding habits and skills could indicate the need for ASD diagnostic investigation.
ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that impairs communication, socialization, and behavior. The association of ASD with folic acid has been investigated due to the importance of this vitamin for neurological health. This study is an update of the publication 'Folic acid and autism: What do we know?' and aims to systematically review studies examining the relationship between folic acid and ASD. The search resulted in 2,389 studies on folic acid and ASD, which were selected by two reviewers based on their titles and abstracts. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were fully read. The 52 included studies involved 10,429 individuals diagnosed with ASD and assessed the intake of vitamin B6, folic acid, and vitamin B12; serum levels of these vitamins, homocysteine, and methionine; therapeutic interventions using folic acid; and the association between maternal exposure to this vitamin and the risk of ASD. The evidence of insufficient folic acid intake in most individuals with ASD remains consistent in this update. No association was found between maternal exposure to folic acid and the risk of ASD in their children. Despite observed improvements in communication, socialization, and behavior in individuals with ASD following folic acid interventions, it is crucial to consider the individuality and complexity of ASD. Given the relevance of the topic, there remains a need for more high-quality research and clinical trials characterized by rigorous methodological designs.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction: Chronic neck pain is associated with significant health costs and loss of productivity at work. Objective: to assess pain and disability in individuals with chronic neck pain. Methods: 31 volunteers with chronic neck pain, mean age 29, 65 years, were assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire in Brazilian version (Br-MPQ) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). The Br-MPQ analysis was performed based on the numerical values associated with the words selected to describe the experience of pain (Pain Rating Index - PRI), and present pain intensity (PPI). NDI was used to evaluate the influence of neck pain in performance of everyday tasks. Finally, we investigated the association between PPI and NDI. Results: PRI revealed that the most significant dimension was the sensory pain (70%), and the number of chosen words was 10 (2,62) out of 20 words. Mean PPI value was 1,23 (0,76) in five points; 40% of participants described pain intensity as moderate. NDI score was 9,77 (3,34), indicating mild disability. There was a positive association between disability and pain intensity (r = 0,36; p =0,046). Pain intensity and duration of pain were not associated. Conclusions: Findings of this study identified important information related to neck pain experienced by patients when suffering from chronic neck pain, moreover, the association between disability and pain intensity reinforces the importance of complementary investigation of these aspects to optimize function in them.
Resumo Introdução: A cervicalgia crônica está associada a importantes gastos em saúde e à perda de produtividade no trabalho. Objetivo: Avaliar aspectos de dor e incapacidade de indivíduos com cervicalgia crônica. Métodos: Trinta e um voluntários com cervicalgia crônica, com média de idade de 29, 65 anos, foram avaliados por meio do questionário de dor de McGill em versão brasileira-Br-MPQ (Br-MPQ) e pelo Índice de Incapacidade Relacionada ao Pescoço (NDI). A análise do Br-MPQ foi realizada baseando-se nos valores numéricos associados com as palavras de descrição da experiência da dor (Pain Rating Index - PRI), e na intensidade da dor presente (Present Pain Index - PPI). O NDI foi utilizado para avaliar a interferência da cervicalgia pelos participantes no desempenho de tarefas cotidianas. Finalmente, foi investigada a associação entre o PPI e o NDI. Resultados: A dimensão mais significativa de dor no PRI foi sensorial (70%), e número de descritores escolhidos para descrevê-la foi 10 (2,62) em 20. O valor médio do PPI de 1,23 (0,76) em cinco pontos; 40% dos participantes descreveram a intensidade de dor como moderada. A pontuação do NDI foi de 9,77 (3,34), indicando incapacidade leve. Houve associação positiva entre intensidade de dor e incapacidade (r=0,36; p=0,046); mas não entre intensidade e duração da dor. Conclusão: Os resultados identificaram características importantes diante da experiência de pacientes com cervicalgia crônica e, além disso, a associação entre incapacidade e dor observada reforça a importância da abordagem destes itens de maneira complementar destes fatores para favorecer a funcionalidade destes pacientes.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in the recruitment of the muscles longus colli (Lco) and sternocledomastoid (SCM) as measured by ultrasonography in patients with chronic neck pain before and immediately after a single cervical Maitland's posterior-anterior central mobilization technique. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, case-control research design study. Ultrasonographic images of Lco and SCM were taken in 31 patients with chronic neck pain and matched controls during the 5 phases of the craniocervical flexion test before and after a Maitland's posterior-anterior central mobilization session at the cervical spine. Changes in muscle thickness during the test were calculated to infer muscle recruitment. Separate analysis of variance models for each muscle was built. RESULTS: Both groups showed increases in Lco and SCM recruitment between phases (F = 7.95, P < .001; F = 21.29, P < .001), with patients with chronic neck pain demonstrating lesser increases for Lco changes in thickness compared with controls, mainly at phase 5 (-0.09, P = .004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03-0.15). After the mobilization, Lco recruitment increased more significantly in patients with chronic neck pain, and previous difference between groups in phase 5 was no longer significant (-0.07, P = .07; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.01). The SCM recruitment decreased in phase 1 for patients with chronic neck pain (P = .01; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.01). CONCLUSION: Cervical mobilization appeared to modulate neck muscles function by increasing deep muscle and reducing superficial muscles recruitment.