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Desktop dust has been studied as a source of food allergen, but not as a source of potential aeroallergen exposure. Thirty-six wiped samples from desktop surfaces were collected from preschools and schools. Samples were analyzed for detectable levels of common aeroallergens including Alternaria, cockroach, dog, dust mite, cat, mouse, and rat allergens by immunoassay. Mouse allergen was the most prevalent, detectable in 97.2% of samples. Cat allergen was detectable in 80.6% of samples, and dog allergen was detectable in 77.8% of samples. Other allergens were not as prevalent. Mouse was the only allergen that was highly correlated with settled floor dust collected from the same rooms ( r = 0.721, P < 0.001). This is the first study to detect aeroallergens on desktop surfaces by using moist wipes. Allergens for mouse, cat, and dog were highly detectable in wipes with mouse desktop surface levels correlating with levels in vacuumed floor dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Genetic variation in the β-2 adrenergic receptor gene ( ADRB2) has been implicated in asthma severity and control with conflicting results. Epigenetic variation in the ADRB2 may play an important role in asthma phenotype. Objective We aimed to evaluate whether DNA methylation of ADRB2 is associated with asthma phenotypes in inner-city school-aged children. Methods Multiple CpG sites in the promoter region of ADRB2 gene were analysed in 177 children enrolled in the School Inner-City Asthma Study. Blood- or saliva-derived DNA was measured by bisulphite-polymerase chain reaction pyrosequencing assay. Average percentage DNA methylation across the sites was evaluated for association with asthma severity (report of dyspnoea, night-time symptoms, rescue medication use, and baseline spirometry) and morbidity (school absences and unscheduled healthcare visits). Three clades composed of highly correlated methylation sites within the methylated segment of ADRB2 were further analysed. Results Methylation of individual sites generally ranged from 0% to 6% with average percentage methylation across sites of 2.4%. Univariate analyses strongly favoured the association of higher percentage methylation with lower asthma severity measured by report of dyspnoea. Furthermore, there was a non-significant trend towards less rescue medication use, night-time symptoms, school absences, activity limitation due to asthma, and improved lung function measurements with increased methylation. Multivariate analysis demonstrated methylation of ADRB2 gene significantly associated with less dyspnoea (odds ratio ( OR) 0.2, 95% confidence interval ( CI), 0.1-0.6, P = 0.002). Each of the three clades of methylation sites showed a strong, but not statistically significant, effect on decreased dyspnoea. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance DNA methylation in the ADRB2 gene is associated with decreased asthma symptom severity, suggesting a role for methylation in asthma phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biederman J, Petty CR, O'Connor KB, Hyder LL, Faraone SV. Predictors of persistence in girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: results from an 11-year controlled follow-up study. Objective: This study sought to examine the age-dependent persistence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its predictors in a large sample of girls with and without ADHD followed prospectively for 11 years into young adulthood. Method: Participants were girls with ( N = 96) and without ( N = 91) ADHD and were 6-17 years old at the baseline assessment (mean age, 11 years) and 15-30 years old at the follow-up assessment (mean: 22 years). Participants were comprehensively and blindly assessed with structured diagnostic interviews and assessments of cognitive, social, school, and family functioning. Results: At the 11-year follow-up, 33.3% met full criteria for ADHD, 29.2% showed partial persistence of the disorder, 10.4% had impaired functioning, and 4.2% were remitted but treated (77.1% of the sample). Predictors of persistence were psychiatric comorbidity, family history of psychopathology, and family and school functioning at baseline. Conclusion: These long-term, prospective, follow-up findings extend to girls findings that ADHD is persistent over the long term and can be predicted from psychosocial adversity and psychiatric comorbidity ascertained 11 years earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although individuals with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) commonly exhibit deficits in executive functions that greatly increase the morbidity of the disorder, all available information on the subject is cross sectional. Method: Males ( n = 85) 9–22 years with ADHD followed over 7 years into young adulthood were assessed on measures of sustained attention/vigilance, planning and organization, response inhibition, set shifting and categorization, selective attention and visual scanning, verbal and visual learning, and memory. A binary definition of executive function deficits (EFDs) was defined based on a subject manifesting at least two abnormal tests 1.5 standard deviations from controls. Results: The majority of subjects maintained EFDs over time (kappa: 0.41, P < 0.001; sensitivity: 55%, specificity: 85%, positive predictive value: 69%, and negative predictive value: 75%). Conclusion: Considering the morbidity of EFDs, these findings stress the importance of their early recognition for prevention and early intervention strategies. EFDs are stable over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If K is a set in n-dimensional Euclidean space En, n ≥ 2, with a non-empty interior, then a point p of the interior of K is called a pseudo centre of K provided each two-dimensional flat through p intersects K in a section centrally symmetric about some point, not necessarily coinciding with p. A pseudo centre p of K is called a false centre if K is not centrally symmetric about p. Rogers [5] showed that a convex body (compact convex set with interior points) with a pseudo centre necessarily has a true centre of symmetry. But, as each interior point of an ellipsoid is a pseudo centre, the true centre need not necessarily coincide with the pseudo centre. Rogers conjectured that, for n ≥ 3, a convex body K with a false centre is necessarily an ellipsoid. In this paper we prove this conjecture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on the research findings that suggest children taking medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are no more susceptible to substance abuse compared to those who do not take medications. Base on the study, there are no differences between subjects that received stimulant therapy and those who do not have it on measures of substance abuse. Furthermore, it also includes studies which find familial links on ADHD and psychoactive substance use disorder.

Biederman J, Petty CR, Spencer TJ, Woodworth KY, Bhide P, Zhu J, Faraone SV. Examining the nature of the comorbidity between pediatric attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Objective: This study sought to address the link between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth by providing a comprehensive comparison of clinical correlates of ADHD subjects with and without PTSD across multiple non-overlapping domains of functioning and familial patterns of transmission. Method: Participants were 271 youths with ADHD and 230 controls without ADHD of both sexes along with their siblings. Participants completed a large battery of measures designed to assess psychiatric comorbidity, psychosocial, educational, and cognitive parameters. Results: Post-traumatic stress disorder was significantly higher in ADHD probands vs. controls (5.2% vs. 1.7%, χ2(1) = 4.36, P = 0.04). Irrespective of the comorbidity with PTSD, ADHD subjects had similar ages at onset of ADHD, similar type and mean number of ADHD symptoms, and similar ADHD-associated impairments. PTSD in ADHD probands was significantly associated with a higher risk of psychiatric hospitalization, school impairment, poorer social functioning and higher prevalences of mood, conduct disorder, and anxiety disorders. The mean onset of PTSD (12.6 years) was significantly later than that of ADHD and comorbid disorders (all P < 0.05). Siblings of ADHD and ADHD + PTSD probands had higher prevalences of ADHD vs. siblings of controls (35% vs. 18%, z = 4.00, P < 0.001 and 67% vs. 18%, z = 4.02, P < 0.001 respectively) and siblings of ADHD+PTSD probands had a significantly higher prevalence of PTSD compared with the siblings of ADHD and control probands (20% vs. 3% and 3%, z = 2.99, P = 0.003 and z = 2.07, P = 0.04 respectively). Conclusion: Findings indicate that the comorbidity with PTSD in ADHD leads to greater clinical severity as regards psychiatric comorbidity and psychosocial dysfunction. ADHD is equally familial in the presence of PTSD in the proband indicating that their co-occurrence is not owing to diagnostic error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore paediatric trainees' experiences and perspectives regarding interactions and relationships between physicians and patients' parents., Methods: Email survey was sent to AAP Section of Pediatric Trainees members. Trainees were asked about 40 interactions with parents as well as perceived benefits/risks and potential influences. Analysis of associations between variables and perspectives/experiences used chi-square and Fisher exact., Results: Three hundred and seventy surveys were completed. Respondents participated in a median of nine interactions (IQR 7-13; range 0-37): 99.7% participated in at least one; 52% in 5-10; 41% in >10. 50% reported refusing to participate in at least one interaction following parental request; 8% refused 5-10; 1% refused >10. Electronic communication/social media domain had highest refusals and most interactions respondents believed should never be allowed. 94% agreed that interactions may be beneficial to providers: 75% identified at least one benefit; 86% one risk. Respondents who are parents or female reported increased interactions., Conclusion: A variety of interactions with patient's parents are common amongst paediatric trainees, who identify risks and benefits. Disagreements relative to acceptability of certain interactions points to the need for additional research. A reflective educational approach, rather than a prescriptive one, may help trainees better manage these relationships., (©2018 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: This study conducted spectroscopic analyses using proton (1H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (at 4 Tesla) in a sample of adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), before and after treatment with extended release methylphenidate (OROS MPH), as compared to a sample of healthy comparators., Aims: The main aim of this study is to use 1H MRS to measure differences in brain biochemistry between adolescents with and without ADHD, and to assess changes in cerebral biochemistry, before and after stimulant treatment in ADHD youth., Results: Subjects with ADHD were medically healthy adolescents treated in an open label fashion with OROS MPH (mean dose: 54 mg/day; 0.90 mg/kg/day). Subjects with ADHD were scanned before and after OROS MPH treatment. Healthy comparators were scanned once. Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy studies were performed on a 4.0 T Varian Unity/Inova MR scanner; proton spectra were acquired from the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC). Data were analyzed using MANOVA and repeated measurement ANOVA. Higher metabolite ratios (Glutamate/myo-inositol, Glutamine/myo-inositol, Glutamate + Glutamine/myo-inositol) were observed in the ACC in untreated ADHD subjects as compared to controls, and to treated ADHD youth; these group differences did not reach the a priori threshold for statistical significance., Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest the presence of glutamatergic abnormalities in adolescents with ADHD, which may normalize with MPH treatment. Larger sample, controlled studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings., (© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of atomoxetine hydrochloride (ATX) in the treatment of adults with atypical manifestations of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (not otherwise specified [NOS]). We hypothesized that treatment with ATX will be safe and efficacious for the treatment of adults with ADHD-NOS. This was a 6-week, open-label, prospective treatment study of ATX monotherapy in 45 adult patients with ADHD-NOS assessed using standardized instruments for diagnosis and a robust oral daily dose of up to 1.2 mg/kg/day or 120 mg/day. Symptom severity was assessed with the adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Report Scale (AISRS) and Clinical Global Impression Scale. Treatment with ATX at an average daily dose of 78.7 +/- 27.8 mg was associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in ADHD symptoms relative to baseline as assessed through the (AISRS) (-12.1 +/- 8.4; P < 0.001). Using a categorical definition of response (CGI-I much or very much improved), a majority (N = 29; 64%) of subjects were rated as improved at study endpoint. Treatment with ATX was relatively well tolerated. These open-label results suggest that ATX may be safe and effective in the treatment of adults meeting criteria for ADHD-NOS and support the need for further controlled clinical trials of ATX in this population.

Family and twin studies suggest that a range of neurocognitive traits index the inherited liability to ADHD; however, the utility of such measures as endophenotypes in molecular genetic studies remains largely untested. The current article examined whether the inclusion of neurocognitive measures in a genomewide linkage analysis of ADHD could aid in identifying QTL linked to the behavioral symptoms of the condition. Data were from an affected sibling pair linkage study of DSM-IV ADHD conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital. The sample included 1,212 individuals from 271 families. ADHD symptoms were assessed with the K-SADS-E. The neurocognitive battery included Wechsler Intelligence Scales subtests, the Stroop, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure, a working memory CPT, the CVLT and WRAT-III subscales. Evidence for linkage was assessed using a simulation-based method that combines information from univariate analyses into the equivalent of a multivariate test. After correction for multiple trait testing, a region on chromosome 3q13 showed suggestive linkage to all neurocognitive traits examined and inattention symptoms of ADHD. The second highest peak occurred on 22q12 but showed linkage to a single subscale of the WCST. In univariate analysis, this region retained criteria for suggestive linkage to this measure after correction for multiple trait testing. Our primary findings raise the possibility that one or more genes on 3q13 influence neurocognitive functions and behavioral symptoms of inattention. Overall, these data support the utility of neurocognitive traits as ADHD endophenotypes, but also highlight their limited genetic overlap with the disorder., (Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), a protein involved in presynaptic neurotransmitter release, is a candidate gene for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous investigators have reported association initially with two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs3746544, rs1051312) and their associated haplotypes. Subsequently, additional SNPs across the region were also reported to be associated with ADHD. We attempted to replicate these observations in a sample of 229 families with ADHD offspring by genotyping 61 SNPs spanning the region containing SNAP-25. A single SNP (rs3787283) which is in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs3746544 and rs1051312 (D' = 0.89-0.94) resulted in a nominally significant association (P = 0.002). When we pooled our data with those from prior studies, results were modestly significant for rs3746544 (P = 0.048) and rs6077690 (P = 0.031). As an attempt to determine if specific ADHD-related phenotypes may be more relevant to SNAP-25 than the categorical diagnosis, we carried out exploratory subgroup analysis in our ADHD sample according to co-morbid status. We found the strongest association result in the ADHD patients with co-morbid major depressive disorder (MDD). Six SNPs were nominally associated with the ADHD and co-morbid MDD cases (P = 0.012-0.045). Furthermore, a haplotype block located 11 kb 3' of the gene showed positive evidence for association with this phenotype (global P = 0.013). In conclusion, we report some evidence supporting the association of previously implicated SNPs (rs3746544, rs1051312) of SNAP-25 to ADHD. We further suggest that co-morbidity with MDD may enhance detection of the association between SNAP-25 and ADHD., (Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Diagnosing ADHD in adults is difficult when the diagnostician cannot establish an onset prior to the DSM-IV criterion of age seven or if the number of symptoms does not achieve the DSM threshold for diagnosis. These diagnostic issues are an even larger concern for clinicians faced with adults with substance use disorders (SUD). The present study compared four groups of adults: full ADHD subjects who met all DSM-IV criteria for childhood onset ADHD, late onset ADHD subjects who met all criteria except the age at onset criterion, subthreshold ADHD subjects who did not meet full symptom criteria, and non-ADHD subjects who did not meet any of the above criteria. Diagnoses were by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, and the Drug Use Severity Index (DUSI) was used for self-report of substance use. Cigarette and marijuana use was significantly greater in all ADHD groups relative to non-ADHD controls. Although usage rates of other drugs failed to reach significance, the ADHD groups were more likely to have used each drug (except alcohol) compared with the non-ADHD group. The late onset and full ADHD groups were more likely to have endorsed ever having a problem due to use of cigarettes, alcohol, or marijuana and reported more trouble resisting use of drugs or alcohol. The full ADHD group was more likely than the other groups to have reported "getting high" as their reason for using their preferred drug. Adults with ADHD have elevated rates of substance use and related impairment. Data about late onset ADHD provides further support for the idea that the DSM-IV age at onset criterion is too stringent. In contrast, subthreshold ADHD seems to be a milder form of the disorder, or perhaps a heterogeneous group of true ADHD cases and false positives.