1. {{International society for autism research news}}. {Autism Res};2011 (Aug);4(4):315.
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2. {{Novel mutations in autism highlight the importance of genetic and environmental contexts in studies of humanneurodevelopment}}. {Clin Genet};2011 (Aug 5)
Exome sequencing in sporadic autism spectrum disorders identifies severe de novo mutations. O’Roak BJ et al, Nature Genetics, 2011 Jun;43(6):585-9. Epub 2011 May 15.
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3. Banji D, Banji OJ, Abbagoni S, Hayath MS, Kambam S, Chiluka VL. {{Amelioration of behavioral aberrations and oxidative markers by green tea extract in valproate induced autism in animals}}. {Brain Res};2011 (Jul 5)
Exposure to toxicants prenatally and postnatally could have deleterious consequences on the offspring. Postnatal exposure to valproate in mice pups is capable of inducing experimental autism resulting in neurobehavioral aberrations. Consumption of green tea has been associated with neuronal protection against the impact of toxicants. We investigated the role of green tea extract in reversing cardinal behavioral changes and aberrations in oxidative stress induced by valproate exposure. Young mice of both genders received a single dose of valproate (400mg/kg subcutaneously) on postnatal day 14 followed by a daily dose of green tea extract (75 and 300mg/kg) orally up to postnatal day 40. Mice pups were subjected to behavioral testing to assess motor co-ordination, nociceptive response, locomotion, anxiety, exploratory activity and cognition on various postnatal days up to postnatal day 40. At the end of behavioral testing, blood was withdrawn from the retro orbital plexus for the estimation of lipid peroxides. Animals were sacrificed on postnatal day 41 and whole brain was subjected to histopathological examination. Our studies revealed a significant improvement in behavioral assessments particularly with 300mg/kg of green tea extract. Formation of markers of oxidative stress was reduced at both dose levels. Histological findings confirm the neuroprotective effect of green tea at a dose of 300mg/kg. In conclusion it can be stated that green tea exerts neuronal cytoprotective action possibly due to anti-oxidant action and could be efficacious in the management of autism.
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4. Crespi B. {{Autism and cancer risk}}. {Autism Res};2011 (Aug);4(4):302-310.
A literature review was conducted on the genetic and developmental bases of autism in relation to genes and pathways associated with cancer risk. Convergent lines of evidence from four types of analysis: (1) recent theoretical studies on the causes of autism, (2) epidemiological studies, (3) genetic analyses linking autism with mutations in tumor suppressor genes and other cancer-associated genes and pathways, and (4) contrasts with schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease indicate that autism may involve altered cancer risk. This evidence should motivate further epidemiological studies, and it provides useful insights into the nature of the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors underlying the etiologies of autism, other neurological conditions, and carcinogenesis. Autism Res2011,4:302-310. (c) 2011 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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5. Farmer C, Lecavalier L, Yu S, Eugene Arnold L, McDougle CJ, Scahill L, Handen B, Johnson CR, Stigler KA, Bearss K, Swiezy NB, Aman MG. {{Predictors and Moderators of Parent Training Efficacy in a Sample of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Serious Behavioral Problems}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (Aug 6)
The Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology-Autism Network reported additional benefit when adding parent training (PT) to antipsychotic medication in children with autism spectrum disorders and serious behavior problems. The intent-to-treat analyses were rerun with putative predictors and moderators. The Home Situations Questionnaire (HSQ) and the Hyperactivity/Noncompliance subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist were used as outcome measures. Candidate predictors and moderators included 21 demographics and baseline measures of behavior. Higher baseline HSQ scores predicted greater improvement on the HSQ regardless of treatment assignment, but no other predictors of outcome were observed. None of the variables measured in this study moderated response to PT. Antipsychotic medication plus PT appears to be equally effective for children with a wide range of demographic and behavioral characteristics.
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6. Ghuman JK, Leone SL, Lecavalier L, Landa RJ. {{The screen for social interaction (SSI): A screening measure for autism spectrum disorders in preschoolers}}. {Res Dev Disabil};2011 (Aug 5)
We report on the preliminary validity and utility of the Ghuman-Folstein Screen for Social Interaction (SSI), a measure of social interaction that can serve to screen for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in clinical samples of young high-risk children. Caregivers of 350 children (176 younger participants, ages 24-42 months, mean age=34.1 months; and 174 older participants, ages 43 to 61 months, mean age=52.4 months) with ASDs, non-ASD developmental and/or psychiatric disorders, or without developmental concerns completed the SSI. A series of analyses resulted in shortened versions of the SSI: a 26-item SSI-Younger (SSI-Y) and a 21-item SSI-Older (SSI-O) version. The SSI-Y and SSI-O showed moderate convergence with ASD diagnostic measures and significantly differentiated ASD and non-ASD clinical groups. Sensitivity and specificity values for discriminating ASD and non-ASD clinical participants were 0.87 and 0.71, respectively for the SSI-Y and 0.81 and 0.70, respectively for the SSI-O. Scoring recommendations were made based on the ROC results.
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7. Kannikeswaran N, Chen X, Sethuraman U. {{Utility of endtidal carbon dioxide monitoring in detection of hypoxia during sedation for brain magnetic resonance imaging in children with developmental disabilities}}. {Paediatr Anaesth};2011 (Aug 9)
Background: We have shown previously that children with developmental disabilities have three times higher incidence of sedation-related hypoxia when compared with normal children. Objectives: Our objectives were to describe the changes in endtidal carbon dioxide (ETCO(2) ) values and the utility of ETCO(2) monitoring in earlier identification of hypoxia during sedation for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with developmental disabilities. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of a convenience sample of 150 children with developmental disabilities aged 1-10 years who received intravenous sedation for brain MRI. Children were sedated and monitored according to the institution’s sedation protocol. We recorded ETCO(2) levels, hypoxia, and adverse events during sedation. Hypoxia was defined as SpO(2) < 93%. A change in ETCO(2) level >/= 10 mm Hg from presedation baseline, an intra-sedation >/= 50 mm Hg, and loss of capnographic waveform were considered as significant ETCO(2) abnormalities. Results: Of the children, 80.7% (121/150) were sedated with a combination of pentobarbital and fentanyl. ETCO(2) abnormalities were noted in 42.6% (64/150) of sedation encounters. Hypoxia occurred in 18% (27/150) of subjects. ETCO(2) abnormalities were documented in 19(70%) patients with hypoxia before changes in pulse oximetry were noted. ETCO(2) changes were noted a mean of 4.38 +/- 1.89 min prior to occurrence of hypoxia. Conclusions: ETCO(2) abnormalities and hypoxia occur commonly during sedation in children with developmental disabilities. ETCO(2) monitoring is useful in early recognition of impending hypoxia during sedation in children with developmental disabilities.
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8. Lugnegard T, Hallerback MU, Gillberg C. {{Personality disorders and autism spectrum disorders: what are the connections?}}. {Compr Psychiatry};2011 (Aug 5)
BACKGROUND: The relationship between autism spectrum disorders/pervasive developmental disorders and personality disorders is not completely clear, although both concepts imply lifelong impairment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of possible personality disorders in a group of young adults with Asperger syndrome. METHOD: Fifty-four young adults with a clinical diagnosis of Asperger syndrome were assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II disorders to evaluate the presence of a concomitant personality disorder and completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient to measure level of autistic features. Autism spectrum diagnosis was confirmed by Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders with a collateral informant. RESULTS: Approximately half of the study group fulfilled criteria for a personality disorder, all belonging to cluster A or C. There was a significant difference across sex: men with Asperger syndrome meeting personality disorder criteria much more often than women with Asperger syndrome (65% vs 32%). Participants fulfilling criteria for a personality disorder showed more marked autistic features according to the Autism Spectrum Quotient. CONCLUSIONS: There is a considerable overlap in symptoms between Asperger syndrome and certain personality disorders. Similarities and differences of the two concepts are discussed in the framework of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classification system.
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9. McConkie-Rosell A, Heise EM, Spiridigliozzi GA. {{Influence of Genetic Risk Information on Parental Role Identity in Adolescent Girls and Young Women from Families with Fragile X Syndrome}}. {J Genet Couns};2011 (Aug 9)
Using a multi-group cross-sectional design, we explored self-concept related to parental role salience and enactment in 53 young women (14 to 24 years) with knowledge they were either carriers, non-carriers, or could be a carrier of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Parental role salience included the participants’ desire « to be a mother » and the importance they placed on this role. Enactment focused on the participants’ views regarding ways to become a mother (reproductive options), parenting a child affected by FXS, and the development of partner relationships (marriage). Participants completed the FXS Adolescent Interview and the FX-Visual Analog Scale. Participants’ knowledge of their genetic risk status appears to have influenced both salience and enactment of the parental role, and the effect varied based on carrier status. For many, knowledge of genetic risk appears to have led to reappraisal, redefinition, and re-engagement with the goal of becoming a parent. This process was prominent in those who were carriers and less so in those who were at-risk, and it did not typically occur in those who were non-carriers. Findings offer valuable insight into the impact of genetic risk information on developing perceptions of the parental role and offer new directions for genetic counseling with adolescents and young women with a family history of FXS.
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10. Rahko JS, Paakki JJ, Starck TH, Nikkinen J, Pauls DL, Katsyri JV, Jansson-Verkasalo EM, Carter AS, Hurtig TM, Mattila ML, Jussila KK, Remes JJ, Kuusikko-Gauffin SA, Sams ME, Bolte S, Ebeling HE, Moilanen IK, Tervonen O, Kiviniemi V. {{Valence Scaling of Dynamic Facial Expressions is Altered in High-Functioning Subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders: an fMRI Study}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (Aug 6)
FMRI was performed with the dynamic facial expressions fear and happiness. This was done to detect differences in valence processing between 25 subjects with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and 27 typically developing controls. Valence scaling was abnormal in ASDs. Positive valence induces lower deactivation and abnormally strong activity in ASD in multiple regions. Negative valence increased deactivation in visual areas in subjects with ASDs. The most marked differences between valences focus on fronto-insular and temporal regions. This supports the idea that subjects with ASDs may have difficulty in passive processing of the salience and mirroring of expressions. When the valence scaling of brain activity fails, in contrast to controls, these areas activate and/or deactivate inappropriately during facial stimuli presented dynamically.
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11. Reichow B, Halpern JI, Steinhoff TB, Letsinger N, Naples A, Volkmar FR. {{Characteristics and Quality of Autism Websites}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (Aug 6)
The World Wide Web is a common method for obtaining information on autism spectrum disorders, however, there are no guidelines for finding websites with high quality. We conducted two studies examining the characteristics and/or quality of autism websites in 2009 and 2010. We found websites with a .gov top-level domain had a statistically significant association with high quality websites and websites offering a product or service and websites promoting a non-evidence-based practice had a statistically significant association with poor quality websites. Based on our work we concluded that online information should not replace the information consumers obtain from professionals. Further implications for practice, overview of study limitations and future directions are provided.
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12. Young RL, Posselt M. {{Using The Transporters DVD as a Learning Tool for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)}}. {J Autism Dev Disord};2011 (Aug 6)
Data from two groups of children who were randomly allocated to those groups showed that the ability of children with ASD to identify and label basic and complex facial expressions following a 3-week home based DVD intervention significantly improved when viewing The Transporters DVD. Improvements in emotion recognition appear related to the content of the DVD as participants in a control group who observed an alternate DVD showed no such improvement. Although social behaviour improved significantly as a result of watching The Transporters, a significant improvement in social behaviour was however, also observed in the Thomas the Tank Engine condition suggesting the unique content of The Transporters DVD was not pivotal to the improvement of social behaviour in general.
