Optimising motor learning in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy: a pilot study

Background: The average age for the diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) is 19 months. Recent neuroplasticity literature suggests that intensive, task-specific intervention ought to commence as early as possible and in an enriched environment, during the critical period of neural development. Active motor interventions are effective in some populations, however the effects of active motor interventions on the motor outcomes of infants with CP have not been researched thoroughly, but pilot work is promising. The aim of this study was to determine the short- term effects of “GAME”; a new and novel goal-oriented activity-based, environmental enrichment therapy programme on the motor development of infants at high risk of CP and test study procedures for a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Methods: Pragmatic 2-group pilot RCT to assess motor outcomes, goal attainment, parent well-being and home environment quality, after 12-weeks of GAME intervention versus standard care. GAME included: creation of movement environments to elicit motor behaviours; parent training in motor learning and task analysis; frequent practice of motor tasks using a programme that was individualised to the child, was varied and focused on self-initiated movement. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. Results: Thirteen infants were consented, randomised, treated and completed the study. At study conclusion, the GAME group (n = 6) demonstrated an advantage in Total Motor Quotient of 8.05 points on the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2) compared to the standard care group (n = 7) (p \u3c .001). No significant differences existed between groups on any other measure. Conclusions: GAME appears to offer a promising and feasible new motor intervention for CP, with favourable short-term motor outcomes. A pressing need exists for an adequately powered RCT with long-term end points, to determine if GAME may advance these children’s motor trajectory

Enhancement of CO₂ Uptake and Selectivity in a Metal–Organic Framework by the Incorporation of Thiophene Functionality

The complex [Zn₂(tdc)₂dabco] (H₂tdc = thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid; dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclooctane) shows a remarkable increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) uptake and CO₂/dinitrogen (N₂) selectivity compared to the nonthiophene analogue [Zn₂(bdc)₂dabco] (H₂bdc = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid; terephthalic acid). CO₂ adsorption at 1 bar for [Zn₂(tdc)₂dabco] is 67.4 cm³·g^–1 (13.2 wt %) at 298 K and 153 cm³·g^–1 (30.0 wt %) at 273 K. For [Zn₂(bdc)₂dabco], the equivalent values are 46 cm³·g^–1 (9.0 wt %) and 122 cm³·g^–1 (23.9 wt %), respectively. The isosteric heat of adsorption for CO₂ in [Zn₂(tdc)₂dabco] at zero coverage is low (23.65 kJ·mol^–1), ensuring facile regeneration of the porous material. Enhancement by the thiophene group on the separation of CO₂/N₂ gas mixtures has been confirmed by both ideal adsorbate solution theory calculations and dynamic breakthrough experiments. The preferred binding sites of adsorbed CO₂ in [Zn₂(tdc)₂dabco] have been unambiguously determined by in situ single-crystal diffraction studies on CO₂-loaded [Zn₂(tdc)₂dabco], coupled with quantum-chemical calculations. These studies unveil the role of the thiophene moieties in the specific CO₂ binding via an induced dipole interaction between CO₂ and the sulfur center, confirming that an enhanced CO₂ capacity in [Zn₂(tdc)₂dabco] is achieved without the presence of open metal sites. The experimental data and theoretical insight suggest a viable strategy for improvement of the adsorption properties of already known materials through the incorporation of sulfur-based heterocycles within their porous structures