Aspects Of Adaptive Behavior Research Articles

Attention and neurodevelopment in young children who are HIV-exposed uninfected

ABSTRACT Children HIV-exposed, uninfected (CHEU) are at risk for compromised developmental outcomes. Attention is important for behavioural, cognitive and academic skills, yet has not been thoroughly investigated compared to children HIV-unexposed uninfected (CHUU). Fifty-five CHEU and 51 CHUU children were recruited at 5.5 years of age. Measures of inattention (IA), hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) and total scores were collected using the parent-reported ADHD-Rating-Scale-IV. Measures of intelligence, visuomotor skills, academics and adaptive functioning were obtained. Analyses of between-group differences were performed as were correlational and multiple regression models, accounting for maternal education, employment and delivery type. Few children met clinical cut-offs for probable ADHD (3.6% CHEU, 2.0% CHUU), and no group differences in measures of IA, HI and combined scores were found. CHEU scored significantly lower than CHUU on intelligence, visuomotor function, academic skills and aspects of adaptive behaviour, though within age expectations. Lower Full-Scale IQ and Processing Speed were associated with higher IA in CHEU and lower adaptive functioning with higher IA in CHUU. Across both groups, children of unemployed mothers had more HI symptoms. CHEU were not at increased risk for attention difficulties at 5.5 years of age. Maternal employment status highlights the contribution of sociodemographic factors in shaping behaviour and neurodevelopment.

The Differential Impact of a Response\u2019s Effectiveness and its Monetary Value on Response-Selection

While known reinforcers of behavior are outcomes that are valuable to the organism, recent research has demonstrated that the mere occurrence of an own-response effect can also reinforce responding. In this paper we begin investigating whether these two types of reinforcement occur via the same mechanism. To this end, we modified two different tasks, previously established to capture the influence of a response’s effectiveness on the speed of motor-responses (indexed here by participants’ reaction times). Specifically, in six experiments we manipulated both a response’s ‘pure’ effectiveness and its outcome value (e.g., substantial versus negligible monetary reward) and measured the influence of both on the speed of responding. The findings strongly suggest that post action selection, responding is influenced only by pure effectiveness, as assessed by the motor system; thus, at these stages responding is not sensitive to abstract representations of the value of a response (e.g., monetary value). We discuss the benefit of distinguishing between these two necessary aspects of adaptive behavior namely, fine-tuning of motor-control and striving for desired outcomes. Finally, we embed the findings in the recently proposed Control-based response selection (CBRS) framework and elaborate on its potential for understanding motor-learning processes in developing infants.

Longitudinal development of cognitive, visuomotor and adaptive behavior skills in HIV uninfected children, aged 3–5 years of age, exposed pre- and perinatally to anti-retroviral medications

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children older than 3 years of age born to HIV infected mother but who are HIV-uninfected (HEU), and who have been exposed in utero and early in life to HIV and to antiretroviral medications (ARVs). We conducted a longitudinal study of cognitive, visuomotor and adaptive function of HEU children, who were assessed at two ages, 3.5 and 5.5 years. Sixty-four children (33 female) were assessed. In comparison with population norms for their age, at 3.5 years of age they had scores significantly below age expectations on aspects of adaptive behavior, but at age 5.5 years, their scores did not significantly diverge from the population norms on any of the measures. Verbal intelligence was lower at age 5.5 than at age 3.5 years, although there were also improvements in some features of adaptive behavior. Exposure to PI-based ARVs (compared to NNRTIs) was associated with higher Performance IQ, visuomotor and communication scores at age 5.5 years. Birth, early growth, and sociodemographic variables were predictive of outcomes. This study is important in tracking the trajectory of neurocognitive development across the pre-school and early school age years. The findings suggest that the full impact of early ARV exposure may not be evident until a considerable period of development has occurred. The results raise the possibility of negative effects of early ARV exposure on neurodevelopment that emerge over time, and reiterate the importance of sociodemographic and early health variables for optimal development.

Comparison of rural and urban children according to adaptive behaviour and home environment

The present study was carried out in Hisar district of Haryana state. The sample consisted 100 girls between the age group of 7-8 years and their parents (both mother and father). Hence, the total sample for the study was 300 (100 girls and 200 parents) from both location. Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (Bradley and Caldwell, 1984) and Vineland Adaptive Behaviour scale (Sparrow et al ., 1984) were used to assess home environment and behaviour of the children, respectively. Results revealed areawise significant differences for all aspects of home environment namely, Responsivity (Z= 2.90 * ) Encouragement of maturity (Z=3.47 * ), Emotional climate (Z= 3.66 * ), Learning material and opportunities (Z= 5.50 * ), Enrichment (Z=6.51 * ), Family companionship (Z=6.38 * ), Family integration (Z=3.22 * ), and Physical environment (Z=5.26 * ). Results further revealed that significant differences between respondents of rural and urban areas in aspects of adaptive behaviour namely, Communication domain, Daily living skill domain and Motor skill domain. It was observed that urban respondents performed better than rural respondents in all aspects of adaptive behaviour.

Sex differences in autism spectrum disorders: does sex moderate the pathway from clinical symptoms to adaptive behavior?

We explored sex differences in diagnostic categories, clinical symptoms and adaptive behavior of persons with autism spectrum disorders, as well as sex-specific correlations of clinical and adaptive caracteristics. The study involved 108 patients (83 males, 6.73 ± 4.33 years old) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Assessment included ADI-R and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale II. Males were more often diagnosed with typical autism. There were no sex differences in the autistic symptoms, while females showed better functioning in Daily living skills, without reaching statistically significant difference (p = 0.062). We have found different associations of autistic symptoms with different aspects of adaptive behavior in males and females. Social reciprocity in females correlated with social domain of adaptive behavior, in a positive direction. Our findings have shown that although there are no sex differences in autistic symptoms, females tend to be somewhat more functional, and are also less frequently diagnosed with typical autism. Our results have also shown that sex might moderate the way clinical symptoms are expressed in adaptive behavior. Social reciprocity might be the core feature regarding sex differences in ASD. Our findings might have diagnostic and therapeutical implications, pointing out to the need for individualized, sex-specific treatment in this group of disorders.

The role of Ca2+-stimulated adenylyl cyclases in bidirectional synaptic plasticity and brain function

The activity-dependent neuronal modification is important for many aspects of adaptive behavior and brain development. Very often, neurological disorders are associated with the alteration of neural signaling pathways that are required for activity-triggered cellular events. Mounting evidence has implicated the role of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-ERK1/2-cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) cascade in numerous brain functions such as learning and memory. Ca2+-stimulated type 1 and type 8 adenylyl cyclases (AC1 and AC8) are unique enzymes that couple activity-dependent calcium influx to the activation of cAMP signaling. Here, we summarize some direct evidence to support that Ca2+-stimulated cAMP signaling regulates molecular and cellular substrates of neuronal adaptation. Specifically, the function of AC1 and AC8 in synaptic functions, such as long-term potentiation, long-term depression, and depotentiation, has been examined by using genetic deletion and overexpression approaches. Consistent with the current hypothesis, the Ca2+-stimulated cAMP production through AC1 and AC8 is required for the activity-dependent activation of the ERK1/2-CREB cascade. We further describe the phenotypes of AC1/AC8 mutant mice in memory formation and other adaptive brain functions. The findings may suggest Ca2+-stimulated AC as therapeutic target for the treatment of mental retardation, pain, addiction, anxiety, depression, and neurodegeneration.

Psychosocial, cognitive, and motor functioning in patients with suspected Sotos syndrome: a comparison between patients with and without NSD1 gene alterations

The aim of this study was to investigate psychosocial, cognitive, and motor functioning in patients clinically suspected of Sotos syndrome and to examine differences between patients with deletions or mutations of the gene encoding nuclear SET domain-containing protein 1 (NSD1; the major cause of the syndrome) and those without such alterations. Twenty-nine participants (21 males, 8 females) clinically suspected of Sotos syndrome (mean age 11y 10mo [SD 10y 11mo], range 1y 10mo–48y 5mo) were divided into an NSD1 mutation group (n= 12; 8 males, 4 females) and an NSD1 non-mutation group (n= 17; 13 males, 4 females). Intelligence, behaviour problems, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, temperament, adaptive behaviour, and motor functioning were assessed with an extensive test battery. Scores were compared with those of control groups, and scores of the two subgroups were compared with each other. The mean IQ in the 21 individuals tested was 76 (SD 16; range 47–105). High rates of behaviour problems were found and patients lagged 1y 7mo to 2y 7mo behind in aspects of adaptive behaviour. In comparison with a control group of patients with a learning disability*, motor functioning was better. NSD1 mutation compared with NSD1 non-mutation patients showed easier temperament, and fewer NSD1 mutation patients scored in the clinical range for‘total behaviour problems’(3/11 vs 13/17),‘internalizing behaviour’(2/11 vs 11/17), and ADHD (0/9 vs 4/15).

Vojta and Bobath combined treatment for high risk infants with brain damage at early period

Background In the process of early screening and interventions to high risk infants with brain damage, the occasion and choosing methods of interventions and the combined application of different interventions are still at the exploratory phase. Objective To observe the efficacy of early intervention using Vojta and Bobath combined treatment in high risk infants with brain damage, and investigate the effect of early rehabilitation on the prognosis. Design A randomized controlled comparative observation. Setting Daqing Oil Field General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province. Participants Eighty-four high risk infants younger than 1 year were selected from the Department of Pediatrics, Daqing Oil Field General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province from October 2005 to October 2006, including 52 boys (62%) and 32 girls (38%). The treatment started at the age of 0–3 months in 11 cases (13%), 4–6 months in 28 cases (33%), 7–9 months in 35 cases (42%), and 10–12 months in 10 cases (12%). Infants with at least two of the followings were enrolled, including 7 Vojta abnormal postural reflexes, slow or disorder of motor development, increase of muscular tension, postural abnormality, primary reflection residual and CT/MRI abnormalities. Informed consents were obtained from their guardians. The 84 infants were randomly divided into treatment group ( n =42) and control group ( n =42). Methods All the children were intravenously injected with cerebroprotein hydrolysate injection or cattle encephalon glycoside and ignotin injection, 10 times as a course for 2–5 courses; Besides, the infants in the treatment group also received early rehabilitative training of Vojta and Bobath combined treatment, once a day, 40 minutes per time, 5 times a week followed by a 2-day rest, 1 month as a course, and totally 2–5 courses. The Vojta method was to facilitate the automatic regulation by reflexlocomotion. Bobath method was to inhibit abnormal posture but facilitate the normal one, thus it is also called neurodevelopmental therapy realized by reflex inhibition and facilitation. The rehabilitation was evaluated clinically using Gesell Development Schedules (GDS) after the courses when the infants were 1 year old. GDS included five aspects of adaptive behavior, gross motor, refine motor, speech, individual-social behavior. The developmental quotient (DQ) could be calculated according to their development. DQ=developmental age/actual age×100, < 85 points was taken as abnormal; The higher the DQ value, the better the development. ? Evaluation of efficacy: Cured: Developmental order reached normal or generally normal, abnormal posture disappeared, muscular tension ameliorated, symmetric limbs' motor function, free movement, normal intelligence, powerful reaction, and clear speech. Significant effect: Developmental order tended to normal, abnormal posture disappeared incompletely, muscular tension ameliorated incompletely, transient pause in the flexion and extension of limbs, good reaction, and improved intelligence. Effective: Developmental order improved to a certain degree, muscular tension ameliorated, limbs' motor function and posture improved as compared with before treatment, but still under control, intelligence improved a little. Invalid: No obvious changes before and after treatment. Total significant effective rate=(cured cases+cases of significant effect)/total cases×100%. ? The enumeration data and measurement data were compared with chi-square test and t test respectively. Main outcome measures Clinical efficacy and GDS results at 1 year old in both groups. Resutls All the 84 infants were involved in the analysis of results. ▪ Efficacy: The total significant effective rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (93%, 74%, χ 2=4.2, P < 0.05). ▪ Results of GDS evaluation: The DQ values of individual intercourse and social adaptation in the treatment group (93.57±11.23, 95.13±9.32) were higher than those in the control group (88.27±10.18, 90.10±10.67, t =2.267, 2.301, P < 0.05); The DQ values of gross motor, fine motor and speech in the treatment group (90.78±10.20, 98.63±9.23, 93.69±11.31) were higher than those in the control group (84.32±11.33, 87.80±8.61, 85.52±10.61, t =2.746, 5.560, 2.746, P < 0.01). The interventional effects on each functional area were significant, especially the gross motor, fine motor and speech. Conclusion The Vojta and Bobath combined treatment on the basis of drug therapy can improve the general developments of abilities in motor, intelligence, social intercourse, social adaptation and speech of high risk infants with brain damage, also can improve the curative efficacy.

Psychosocial, cognitive, and motor functioning in patients with suspected Sotos syndrome: a comparison between patients with and without NSD1 gene alterations

The aim of this study was to investigate psychosocial, cognitive, and motor functioning in patients clinically suspected of Sotos syndrome and to examine differences between patients with deletions or mutations of the gene encoding nuclear SET domain-containing protein 1 (NSD1; the major cause of the syndrome) and those without such alterations. Twenty-nine participants (21 males, 8 females) clinically suspected of Sotos syndrome (mean age 11y 10mo [SD 10y 11mo], range 1y 10mo-48y 5mo) were divided into an NSD1 mutation group (n=12; 8 males, 4 females) and an NSD1 non-mutation group (n=17; 13 males, 4 females). Intelligence, behaviour problems, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, temperament, adaptive behaviour, and motor functioning were assessed with an extensive test battery. Scores were compared with those of control groups, and scores of the two subgroups were compared with each other. The mean IQ in the 21 individuals tested was 76 (SD 16; range 47-105). High rates of behaviour problems were found and patients lagged 1y 7mo to 2y 7mo behind in aspects of adaptive behaviour. In comparison with a control group of patients with a learning disability, motor functioning was better. NSD1 mutation compared with NSD1 non-mutation patients showed easier temperament, and fewer NSD1 mutation patients scored in the clinical range for 'total behaviour problems' (3/11 vs 13/17), 'internalizing behaviour' (2/11 vs 11/17), and ADHD (0/9 vs 4/15).

The Elementary Nature of Purposive Behavior: Evolving Minimal Neural Structures that Display Intrinsic Intentionality

A study of the evolution of agency in artificial life was designed to access the potential emergence of purposiveness and intentionality as these attributes of behavior have been defined in psychology and philosophy. The study involved Darwinian evolution of mobile neural nets (autonomous agents) in terms of their adaptive weight patterning and structure (number of sensory, hidden, and memory units) that controlled movement. An agent was embedded in a 10 × 10 toroidal matrix along with “containers” that held benefit or harm if entered. Sensory exposure to content of a container was only briefly available at a distance so that adaptive response to a nearby container required use of relevant memory. The best 20% of each generation of agents, based on net benefit consumed during limited lifetime, were selected to parent the following generation. Purposiveness emerged for all selected agents by 300 generations. By 4000 generations, 90% passed a test of purposive intentionality based on Piaget's criteria for Stage IV object permanence in human infants. An additional test of these agents confirmed that the behavior of 67% of them was consistent with the philosophical criterion of intention being “about” the container's contents. Given that the evolved neural structure of more than half of the successful agents had only 1 hidden and 1 memory node, it is argued that, contrary to common assumption, purposive and intentional aspects of adaptive behavior require an evolution of minimal complexity of supportive neural structure.

The effect of neonatal hyperoxia on sexual arousal and emotionality in the male rat

Neonatal hyperoxia was studied as a method of provoking behavioural disturbances in animals because of its possible connection with adaptive deficiencies observed in premature human infants who had been exposed to excessive O 2 at birth. The sexual responsiveness and emotionality of adult rats was measured after they had been subjected to hyperoxia for 10 days after birth. These Ss were found to be less sexually responsive (longer mount latencies and smaller percentage of mounters) and more emotional (more defecation in the open field apparatus, larger adrenals, and smaller body weights) than untreated controls. Two other control groups of blinded and blinded plus O 2 treated Ss yielded comparable patterns to the O 2 group. These findings were interpreted to indicate that neonatal hyperoxia could be a potent influence on some aspects of adaptive behaviour and that at least one of its consequences was to establish long term stress factors which were apparently also introduced by the other treatments.