Hyperactive behaviour in Angelman syndrome: the association with sleep problems and age of epilepsy onset.

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems are common in many neurodevelopmental disorders, but little is known about how sleep is related to behavioural symptoms in Angelman syndrome (AS) or other genetic disorders. Hyperactive behaviour, sleep problems and epilepsy seem to be more common in AS than in other genetic conditions associated with severe intellectual disability. We hypothesised that both more sleep problems and earlier onset of epileptic seizures would predict more symptoms of hyperactivity. Hence, the aim of the project was to explore the association between hyperactive behaviour, sleep problems and age of epilepsy onset in individuals with AS. METHOD: All known parents/guardians (n = 115) of individuals with AS in Norway were invited to participate in this descriptive correlational study. Fifty-six individuals (49%) responded, and 42 people (25 male and 17 female; mean age 18.5 years, range 2-57 years) with genetically verified AS were included. Scores for 'hyperactivity' and 'sleep problems' were derived from questionnaire data. Information on epilepsy was obtained from medical records. RESULTS: 'Hyperactivity' was positively correlated with 'total sleep problems' (r = 0.46, P = 0.002) and negatively correlated with 'age of epilepsy onset' (r = -0.47, P = 0.01). 'Age of epilepsy onset' was not correlated with 'total sleep problems'. An overall multiple regression model with 'hyperactivity' as the dependent variable and 'age of epilepsy onset' and 'total sleep problems' as covariates was significant (R2  = 0.39, F = 8.16, P = 0.002). Hence, hyperactivity in AS could be predicted from both age of epilepsy onset and current sleep problems. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep problems may increase hyperactivity symptoms in individuals with AS. The association between hyperactivity and sleep problems in AS indicates that both should be investigated together as part of routine clinical assessment and intervention for either area of difficulty. Younger age of epilepsy onset was associated with more hyperactivity in AS, which may be related to encephalopathic effects of seizures and epilepsy.

Correction to 'A doubly anharmonic oscillator in an induced electric dipole system'.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2017.0881.].

A doubly anharmonic oscillator in an induced electric dipole system.

The behaviour of the interaction of the induced electric dipole moment of an atom with a uniform magnetic field and a non-uniform electric field are investigated in a rotating reference frame. An interesting aspect of this interaction is that it gives rise to an analogue of a spinless particle subject to the doubly anharmonic oscillator. Then, it is shown that analytical solutions to the Schrödinger equation can be obtained. Another point raised is that the quantum effects on the induced electric dipole moment can be observed if the uniform magnetic field possesses a discrete set of values.

Age and gender-related differences in emotional and behavioural problems and autistic features in children and adolescents with Down syndrome: a survey-based study of 674 individuals.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated an increased risk of autism, behavioural and emotional problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in individuals with Down syndrome. METHOD: In a large-scale survey-based study, we examined the rates of these problems and their relationship to age and gender, in a sample of 674 individuals (4-18 years) with Down syndrome. The relationship with IQ level was also explored in a subsample (n = 175). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Social Communication Questionnaire were used to assess behavioural and emotional problems and autism traits. RESULTS: On the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, peer problems were the most frequently reported difficulty (48% > cut-off), followed by hyperactivity/inattention (34% > cut-off). On the Social Communication Questionnaire, 37% scored at or above cut-off (≥15) for autism spectrum disorder; 17% were at or above the suggested cut-off (≥22) for autism. Little association between age and behavioural or emotional problems or with severity of autistic symptomatology was found. However, peer problems were more common in adolescents than in junior school children (P < 0.001); Hyperactivity/inattention was less prevalent among adolescents (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High rates of autistic features, emotional and behavioural problems are documented. These problems are related to age, gender and degree of intellectual disability.

Rotating effects on the Landau quantization for an atom with a magnetic quadrupole moment.

Based on the single particle approximation [Dmitriev et al., Phys. Rev. C 50, 2358 (1994) and C.-C. Chen, Phys. Rev. A 51, 2611 (1995)], the Landau quantization associated with an atom with a magnetic quadrupole moment is introduced, and then, rotating effects on this analogue of the Landau quantization is investigated. It is shown that rotating effects can modify the cyclotron frequency and breaks the degeneracy of the analogue of the Landau levels.

[Percutaneous drainage of the gallbladder in acute cholecystitis]. / Perkutan galleblaeredrenasje ved akutt kolecystitt.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy has replaced surgical treatment for acute cholecystitis in surgical high-risk and critically ill patients. We wished to assess the procedures performed at Lillehammer County Hospital. We report 32 drainages performed in the last three years. Clinical records and radiological reports were reviewed retrospectively. Technical problems and complications during and after the procedure were recorded. In spite of relatively few procedures per radiologist, all were initially successful. No serious complications related to the procedure were encountered. Dislocation of the catheter occurred in 5 out of 32 drainages. This corresponds well to earlier reports. We conclude that percutaneous cholecystostomy in acute cholecystitis is a safe procedure in this group of high-risk patients at our hospital.