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Background: Although much is known about cognitive dysfunction in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), few studies have examined the pathophysiology of disordered motor circuitry. We explored differences in neurometabolite levels and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-derived corticomotor representations among children with ADHD and typically developing children. Methods: We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) protocols to measure excitatory (glutamate + glutamine [Glx]) and inhibitory ([gamma]-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) neurometabolite levels in the dominant primary motor cortex (M1) and the supplementary motor area (SMA) in children with ADHD and typically developing children. We used robotic neuronavigated TMS to measure corticospinal excitability and create corticomotor maps. Results: We collected data from 26 medication-free children with ADHD (aged 7-16 years) and 25 typically developing children (11-16 years). Children with ADHD had lower M1 Glx (p = 0.044, d = 0.6); their mean resting motor threshold was lower (p = 0.029, d = 0.8); their map area was smaller (p = 0.044, d = 0.7); and their hotspot density was higher (p = 0.008, d = 0.9). M1 GABA levels were associated with motor map area (p = 0.036). Limitations: Some TMS data were lost because the threshold of some children exceeded 100% of the machine output. The relatively large MRS voxel required to obtain sufficient signal- to-noise ratio and reliably measure GABA levels encompassed tissue beyond the M1, making this measure less anatomically specific. Conclusion: The neurochemistry and neurophysiology of key nodes in the motor network may be altered in children with ADHD, and the differences appear to be related to each other. These findings suggest potentially novel neuropharmacological and neuromodulatory targets for ADHD., Introduction Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity and motor hyperactivity. (1) It negatively affects individuals' performance at school and at home. (2) ADHD is [...]

Purpose: This study assessed physical activity (PA) and body composition of ambulatory children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and their typically developing peers. Methods: Participants included youth with CP (ages 8–18 y and Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–III) and their typically developing peers. Outcomes included PA (actigraphy) and fat/lean mass index (FMI/LMI; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Statistical analyses included linear mixed effects models with Bonferroni adjustment. Fixed effects were study group (CP and typically developing); random effects were participant clusters (sex and age). Exploratory analyses included association of body composition and PA, GMFCS level, and CP involvement (unilateral and bilateral). Results: Seventy-eight participants (CP: n = 40, girls: n = 29; GMFCS I: n = 20; GMFCS II: n = 14; GMFCS III: n = 6) met inclusion criteria. Individuals with CP had lower moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; β = −12.5; 98.3% confidence interval, −22.6 to −2.5 min; P =.004) and lower LMI (β = −1.1; 97.5% confidence interval, −2.1 to −0.0 kg/m2; P =.020). Exploratory analyses indicated increased LMI with greater MVPA (P =.001), reduced MVPA for GMFCS II (P =.005) and III (P =.001), increased sedentary time for GMFCS III (P =.006), and greater fat mass index with unilateral motor impairment (P =.026). Conclusions: The findings contribute to the knowledge base of increasing MVPA and LMI deficits with the greater functional impact of CP. Associations of increasing LMI with greater MVPA support efforts targeting enhanced PA participation to promote independent mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood-onset Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare, heterogeneous disease with limited diagnostic markers. Our objective was to identify and classify all candidates for biomarkers of TA diagnosis in children reported in the literature. A systematic literature review (PRISMA) of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Wiley Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrias.gov, and WHO ICTRP for articles related to TA in the pediatric age group between January 2000 and August 2023 was performed. Data on demographics, clinical features, laboratory measurements, diagnostic imaging, and genetic analysis were extracted. We identified 2026 potential articles, of which 52 studies (81% case series) met inclusion criteria. A total of 1067 TA patients were included with a peak onset between 10 and 15 years. Childhood-onset TA predominantly presented with cardiovascular, constitutional, and neurological symptoms. Laboratory parameters exhibited a low sensitivity and specificity. Imaging predominantly revealed involvement of the abdominal aorta and renal arteries, with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) being the preferred imaging modality. Our review confirms the heterogeneous presentation of childhood-onset TA, posing significant challenges to recognition and timely diagnosis. Collaborative, multinational efforts are essential to better understand the natural course of childhood-onset TA and to identify accurate biomarkers to enhance diagnosis and disease management, ultimately improving patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intensive manual therapy is important for improving lifelong upper limb motor outcomes for infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy. This play-based therapy is delivered by caregivers who are coached by occupational therapists. However, access to this therapy is very limited for Canadian children with cerebral palsy younger than two years old. This project aims to first identify barriers and facilitators and then design implementation strategies to support early intensive manual therapy delivery for infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy across Canada. Methods: A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design will be used with four consecutive phases. The updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research will guide the study. Quantitative data will be collected from a survey in Phase One. Participants will be recruited from three groups: (1) Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy six years old and younger who are eligible for manual therapy; (2) occupational therapists who treat children with cerebral palsy; and (3) healthcare administrators or people responsible for managing pediatric occupational therapy programs. In Phase Two, quantitative data from the survey will be used to map to implementation strategies known to be effective at addressing the identified modifiable barriers and facilitators. Phase Three will collect qualitative data from semi-structured interviews for the purpose of explaining Phase One quantitative findings in greater depth, and for understanding the appropriateness of strategies identified in Phase Two. The participant recruitment strategy and interview guide content for Phase Three will be informed by results of Phase One. Phase Four will use a modified nominal group technique to refine and prioritize an implementation strategy toolbox. Results will be widely disseminated to knowledge users to provide them with tailorable strategies to increase delivery of early intensive manual interventions. Discussion: This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators to implementation of early intensive manual therapy for young children with cerebral palsy in Canada. A toolbox of evidence-based and tailorable implementation strategies will be disseminated nationally to support uptake of early intensive manual therapy into clinical practice for young children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]