Latent profiles of autism symptoms in children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is associated with elevated rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism symptomatology. To better characterise heterogeneity in ASD symptomatology in DS, profiles of caregiver-reported ASD symptoms were modelled for children and adolescents with DS. METHODS: Participants (n = 125) were recruited through several multi-site research studies on cognition and language in DS. Using the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2; Constantino and Gruber 2012), two latent profile analyses (LPA) were performed, one on the broad composite scores of social communication and interaction and restricted interests and repetitive behaviour, and a second on the four social dimensions of social communication, social motivation, social awareness, and social cognition. RESULTS: A three-profile model was the best fit for both analyses, with each analysis yielding a low ASD symptom profile, an elevated or mixed ASD symptom profile and a high ASD symptom profile. Associations were observed between profile probability scores and IQ, the number of co-occurring biomedical conditions reported, sex, and SRS-2 form. CONCLUSIONS: Characterising heterogeneity in ASD symptom profiles can inform more personalised supports in this population, and implications for potential therapeutic approaches for individuals with DS are discussed.

Survey of patient perception of pre-analytical requirements for blood testing in the UK and RoI.

BACKGROUND: A patient survey developed by the Pre-Analytical Phase Special Interest Group of the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (ACB-PA-SIG) was conducted during November and December 2019. The survey aimed to determine the quality of information provided to patients in preparation for their blood test(s). In addition, the ACB-PA-SIG provide a number of recommendations, which, if adopted, may yield higher quality test results and improve patient management. METHODS: The survey was distributed at phlebotomy suites in two Hospitals: Ipswich Hospital (United Kingdom [UK]), and Cork University Hospital (Republic of Ireland [RoI]). RESULTS: Overall, 235 survey responses were received from the two sites. A total of 103 respondents received no information about preparing for their blood test and 92 had been told they did not need to fast. None of the patients surveyed had been instructed to fast for 12 h. Twenty-two patients had been told to avoid certain foods, drinks or medication, 14 were told to avoid strenuous activity and 41 respondents had been informed of the need to avoid alcohol/smoking prior to their blood test. Overall, only approximately 78 felt well informed about the blood taking process. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this survey, the ACB-PA-SIG conclude that: (1) clinicians should provide clear written information to patients regarding pre-analytical requirements; and (2) effective communication between laboratories and General Practitioners is required to disseminate information. In this paper, the ACB-PA-SIG provide a list of pre-analytical recommendations to standardize and improve practice across the UK and RoI.

Changes in temperament over time in young children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays: a follow-up comparison study.

BACKGROUND: Although in the last decade some research has emerged on temperament in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this research has primarily focused on the differences between children with ASD and their typically developing peers rather than the stability or change in temperament in this population. Thus, the goal of this study was to examine temperament over time in children with ASD, developmental delays (DD) and typical development (TD). Temperament differences were also compared among the three groups. METHODS: To accomplish this, parents rated children's temperament at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2) using the Carey Temperament Scales (CTS). RESULTS: Results from the study showed that at T1, parents of children with ASD rated their children as more withdrawn (i.e. approach), and emotionally negative (i.e. mood), and less distractible and adaptable than parents of children with TD and DD. Also, children with ASD were rated as more intense and children with DD as less distractible than their TD peers. Similarly, at T2, children with ASD were rated more withdrawn, and emotionally negative, and less persistent, rhythmic, adaptable and distractible than children with TD and DD. Also, children with ASD were rated as more active than their DD peers. Regarding stability, parent ratings of temperament appeared stable over time in the TD group, but ratings varied substantially in the ASD or DD groups. That is, for the ASD group, activity and approach at T1 were significantly associated with their corresponding dimensions at T2. However, for the TD group, rhythmicity, approach, intensity and mood at T1 were significantly associated with those dimensions at T2. No associations were found in the DD group. Regarding change, parents reported change in rhythmicity, persistence and threshold between T1 and T2 in the ASD group. Similarly, parents reported change in rhythmicity, approach and threshold between T1 and T2 in the DD group. Lastly, parents of TD children reported change in adaptability, persistence and distractibility between T1 and T2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are novel in that children with ASD appear to have less stable temperament profile and different change patterns than children with TD or DD. Similar to previous research, children with ASD were described by their parents as experiencing more temperamental difficulties.

Neuromagnetic Beta-Band Oscillations during Motor Imitation in Youth with Autism.

Children with ASD often exhibit early difficulties with action imitation, possibly due to low-level sensory or motor impairments. Impaired cortical rhythms have been demonstrated in adults with ASD during motor imitation. While those oscillations reflect an age-dependent process, they have not been fully investigated in youth with ASD. We collected magnetoencephalography data to examine patterns of oscillatory activity in the mu (8-13 Hz) and beta frequency (15-30 Hz) range in 14 adolescents with and 14 adolescents without ASD during a fine motor imitation task. Typically developing adolescents exhibited adult-like patterns of motor signals, e.g., event-related beta and mu desynchronization (ERD) before and during the movement and a postmovement beta rebound (PMBR) after the movement. In contrast, those with ASD exhibited stronger beta and mu-ERD and reduced PMBR. Behavioral performance was similar between groups despite differences in motor cortical oscillations. Finally, we observed age-related increases in PBMR and beta-ERD in the typically developing children, but this correlation was not present in the autism group. These results suggest reduced inhibitory drive in cortical rhythms in youth with autism during intact motor imitation. Furthermore, impairments in motor brain signals in autism may not be due to delayed brain development. In the context of the excitation-inhibition imbalance perspectives of autism, we offer new insights into altered organization of neurophysiological networks.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) in bipolar disorder: preliminary evaluation of immediate effects on between-episode functioning.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder is highly recurrent and rates of comorbidity are high. Studies have pointed to anxiety comorbidity as one factor associated with risk of suicide attempts and poor overall outcome. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of a new psychological treatment (Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy: MBCT) for people with bipolar disorder focusing on between-episode anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS: The study used data from a pilot randomized trial of MBCT for people with bipolar disorder in remission, focusing on between-episode anxiety and depressive symptoms. Immediate effects of MBCT versus waitlist on levels of anxiety and depression were compared between unipolar and bipolar participants. RESULTS: The results suggest that MBCT led to improved immediate outcomes in terms of anxiety which were specific to the bipolar group. Both bipolar and unipolar participants allocated to MBCT showed reductions in residual depressive symptoms relative to those allocated to the waitlist condition. LIMITATIONS: Analyses were based on a small sample, limiting power. Additionally the study recruited participants with suicidal ideation or behaviour so the findings cannot immediately be generalized to individuals without these symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The study, although preliminary, suggests an immediate effect of MBCT on anxiety and depressive symptoms among bipolar participants with suicidal ideation or behaviour, and indicates that further research into the use of MBCT with bipolar patients may be warranted.

Effects of active non-smoking programmes on smoking behaviour in oral precancer patients.

Smoking is the commonest risk factor for oral cancer and precancer. The objective of this study was to characterize smoking behaviour and attitude in a cohort of oral precancer patients in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and to determine changes in behaviour during diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Twenty-seven consecutive, smoking patients with dysplastic oral lesions were recruited to the study and a detailed smoking history obtained, quantifying types and numbers of cigarettes smoked, length of smoking history, and changes in smoking behaviour during treatment episodes and long-term follow-up. All patients underwent an interventional management protocol comprising risk-factor education, histopathological diagnosis by incisional biopsy and laser excision of lesions. Patients were followed up for 5 years. Whilst there was a significant decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked at patients' most recent follow-up compared with initial presentation (p<0.001), 74% continued to smoke. Patients received advice from a smoking cessation adviser on support available to them from the local NHS (National Health Service) Stop Smoking services. Six out of 10 patients who set a 'quit date' and attended a programme had quit at the 4-week follow-up but only 5 remained non-smokers. Smoking remains a considerable problem in oral precancer patients even after interventional treatment, with the risk of further precancerous lesions and malignant transformation.

A preliminary study of screening for risk of autism in children with fragile X syndrome: testing two risk cut-offs for the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers.

OBJECTIVE: Risk criteria for the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) and modified risk criteria (i.e. the Denver Criteria) were compared in a group of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and autism. METHOD: Participants were 17 children aged 2-4 years with DNA confirmation of FXS. Four children had autism and 13 children did not. RESULTS: Preliminary findings regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the CHAT for detecting risk for autism in children with FXS are as follows: using the original CHAT risk criteria, sensitivity and specificity were 50% and 100%, respectively; and using the Denver Criteria, sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The CHAT and the Denver Criteria resulted in preliminary findings suggesting high levels of sensitivity to autism in children with FXS.

Emotional responsivity in children with autism, children with other developmental disabilities, and children with typical development.

Twenty six children with autism, 24 children with developmental disabilities, and 15 typically developing children participated in tasks in which an adult displayed emotions. Child focus of attention, change in facial tone (i.e., hedonic tone), and latency to changes in tone were measured and summary scores of emotional contagion were created. Group differences existed in the ratio of episodes that resulted in emotional contagion. Correlations existed between measures of emotional contagion, measures of joint attention, and indices of severity of autism. Children with autism demonstrated muted changes in affect, but these responses occurred much less frequently than in comparison groups. The findings suggest directions for early identification and early treatment of autism.

Smoking cessation as a dental intervention--views of the profession.

OBJECTIVE: To undertake a questionnaire-based survey to determine the attitudes and activities of dental professionals in primary care in the Northern Deanery of the UK in relation to providing smoking cessation advice. METHODS: Questionnaires for dentists, hygienists and dental nurses were sent to hygienists to distribute to other members of the team. The information collected included: smoking status of the professionals and the practice; roles of the dental team in giving smoking cessation advice; levels of training received; and potential barriers to giving this brief intervention. RESULTS: Over 90% of practices were smoke-free environments and significantly more dental nurses (23%) were smokers compared to dentists (10%) and hygienists (7%) (p<0.01). The majority of dentists and hygienists enquired about smoking status of their patients and all three groups believed that hygienists and dentists should offer brief smoking cessation advice. Potential barriers to delivering smoking cessation advice were identified: lack of remuneration; lack of time; and lack of training. CONCLUSION: Dental teams in primary care are aware of the importance of offering smoking cessation advice and, with further training and appropriate remuneration, could guide many of their patients who smoke to successful quit attempts.

The effect of smoking on periodontal treatment response: a review of clinical evidence.

BACKGROUND: Smoking has been identified as a significant risk factor for periodontal diseases and is regarded as being responsible for incomplete or delayed healing in patients following treatment. AIM AND METHOD: The aim of this conventional review was to review, collate and tabulate the relative effectiveness of treatments of chronic periodontitis in smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers. OBSERVATIONS: The majority of clinical trials show significantly greater reductions in probing depths and bleeding on probing, and significantly greater gain of clinical attachment following non-surgical and surgical treatments in non-smokers compared with smokers. This benefit is also seen at class I and II furcation sites and in patients prescribed systemic or local antimicrobial treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Data from epidemiological, cross-sectional and case-control studies strongly suggest that quitting smoking is beneficial to patients following periodontal treatments. The periodontal status of ex-smokers following treatment suggests that quitting the habit is beneficial although there are only limited data from long-term longitudinal clinical trials to demonstrate unequivocally the periodontal benefit of quitting smoking.

Patterns of adaptive behavior in very young children with autism.

The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were used to investigate patterns of adaptive behavior in children with autism who were under 36 months of age. Subjects were 30 children with autism and 30 children with developmental delay matched on CA and MA. Relative to controls, the autistic group demonstrated weaker socialization and communication skills and greater discrepancies between adaptive behavior and MA. Different patterns of relations between adaptive behavior domains and cognitive and language skills were obtained for the two groups. Preliminary support for the utility of adaptive behavior profiles in identifying subgroups of children with autism is provided. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for early diagnosis of autism.

Can autism be diagnosed accurately in children under 3 years?

This study investigated the reliability and stability of an autism diagnosis in children under 3 years of age who received independent diagnostic evaluations from two clinicians during two consecutive yearly evaluations. Strong evidence for the reliability and stability of the diagnosis was obtained. Diagnostic agreement between clinicians was higher for the broader discrimination of autism spectrum vs. no autism spectrum than for the more specific discrimination of autism vs. PDD-NOS. The diagnosis of autism at age 2 was more stable than the diagnosis of PDD-NOS at the same age. Social deficits and delays in spoken language were the most prominent DSM-IV characteristics evidenced by very young children with autism.

Nonverbal communication in two- and three-year-old children with autism.

The forms, functions, and complexity of nonverbal communication used by very young children with autism were investigated. Fourteen children with autism were matched to 14 children with developmental delays and/or language impairments on the basis of CA, MA, and expressive vocabulary. Subjects participated in a structured communication assessment consisting of 16 situations designed to elicit requesting or commenting behavior. Children with autism requested more often and commented less often than controls. Autistic children were less likely to point, show objects, or use eye gaze to communicate, but were more likely to directly manipulate the examiner's hand. The autistic group also used less complex combinations of behaviors to communicate. Implications for early identification and intervention are discussed.

IUDs: current perspectives.

PIP: Intrauterine devices (IUDs) have been under much adverse media publicity and many product liability lawsuits have been filed since the mid-1970s, when reports of the association of the Dalkon Shield with septic abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) surfaced. Yet, worldwide, it is estimated that 70 million women are using IUDs (50 million in China). In Scandinavia they are the most popular form of contraception. An international meeting on the current status of IUDs in New York in 1992 concluded that the IUD is a safe and excellent method of contraception for many women. The newest devices, such as Copper TCu380A and the Multiload Cu375, are the most effective. The risk of PID compared with women using no contraception is elevated by a factor of 7.02 only within the first 20 days after IUD insertion. In Norway, where around 40% of women use IUDs, there has been no increase in subfertility rates compared with the US and UK. A large WHO multicenter study in 1989 found that IUD users were 50% less likely to experience ectopic pregnancy than women using no contraception (90% with Copper TCu 380A). The risk of spontaneous abortion is more than doubled and the risks of preterm delivery increased 10-13% with an IUD in situ; therefore, IUDs should be removed as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. If uterine perforation by the device is suspected, it should be located by ultrasound or x-ray and promptly removed. After contraceptive counselling, even experienced general practitioners can insert IUDs at any time during the menstrual cycle, after induced abortion, or complete spontaneous abortion. Heavy menstrual loss or dysmenorrhea are the most common reasons for removing IUDs. Partial or complete IUD expulsion by uterine contractions is most likely during the first 3 months after insertion. Infection should be suspected in any user who develops pelvic pain.^ieng

Conducting clinical research in the new NHS: the model of cancer. United Kingdom Coordinating Committee on Cancer Research.

The United Kingdom Coordinating Committee on Cancer Research represents the major organizations funding cancer research in the United Kingdom. The deliberations of a working party convened by the committee to evaluate recently expressed concerns that the changes in the NHS threaten research, especially clinical trials to evaluate new treatments, are reported. A survey of contributors to trials coordinated by the committee showed that half are now experiencing difficulties in continuing to participate in clinical trials. The two major problems identified were lack of time and of staff, especially for NHS staff in non-teaching hospitals. Recent changes in junior doctors' hours and proposed reductions in the length of time for training will exacerbate this. It is possible to identify the direct and indirect excess costs of conducting research in the NHS, but currently the mechanism does not exist to designate funds specifically for this purpose. Consultation with the regional directors of research and development confirmed that the service increment for teaching and research is not the solution for this. Proposals are made to secure future clinical research in the NHS, including finance, indemnity, the licensing of new drugs, the greater use of nurse counsellors, and the value of cancer registries.

Orgaran (Org 10172) or heparin for preventing venous thrombosis after elective surgery for malignant disease? A double-blind, randomised, multicentre comparison. ANZ-Organon Investigators' Group.

This double-blind, randomised, multicentre trial in 513 patients having elective surgery for intra-abdominal or intrathoracic malignancy compared the efficacy and safety of venous thrombosis (VT) prophylaxis using 750 anti-factor Xa units of Orgaran (a mixture of low molecular weight heparinoids) given subcutaneously (sc) twice-daily with that of twice-daily injections of 5,000 units standard heparin. The main study endpoints were the development of postoperative VT detected by 125I-fibrinogen leg scanning, and the onset of clinically significant venous thromboembolism or bleeding. "Intent to treat" analysis showed a statistically non-significant trend towards less VT during Orgaran prophylaxis (10.4%) than after heparin (14.9%) and there was no difference in bleeding complications between the two study groups. Results remained similar if only patients who completed the intended course of therapy ("compliant patients") were analysed. Other trials have shown that Orgaran prevents VT after hip surgery and stroke. We now show it is also safe and effective in patients having major surgery for cancer.

Advanced glycosylation end products in the mesenteric artery.

We measured advanced glycosylation end products in the mesenteric artery of 37 patients (ages 29-82 years), 34 of whom were nondiabetic. Samples of arterial tissue were obtained during bowel resectioning. Advanced glycosylation end products were measured as collagen-linked fluorescence (excitation wavelength 370 nm, emission wavelength 440 nm) after collagenase digestion of tissue samples. Mean fluorescence of the arterial samples was 15 U/mg (range 5.3-27). Collagen fluorescence correlated with patients' age (r = 0.57; P less than 0.001). No difference in the collagen-linked fluorescence was observed between men and women (P = 0.63), hypertensive and normotensive patients (P = 0.44), smokers and nonsmokers (P = -0.52), and patients with and without symptomatic coronary heart disease (P = 0.7). This study demonstrates, for the first time, the relationship between collagen-linked fluorescence and patients' age in human arterial tissue ex vivo.

[The effectiveness of barrier methods of contraception with and without spermicide]. / Efficacite des methodes contraceptives vaginales mecaniques avec ou sans spermicide.

PIP: Research on the effectiveness of barrier contraceptives with or without spermicide is reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of spermicide use with barriers are assessed. A review of instructions in English provided by various Family Planning Associations on the use of barrier methods reveals numerous inconsistencies. A search of the literature indicates that very little comparative research has been conducted. 1 experimental study of a condom with spermicide incorporated in the lubricant yieided a pregnancy rate of 1/100 woman years. Recent studies of diaphragm use with spermicides have yielded pregnancy rates ranging from 1-19.4/100 woman years. A comparative study by Bocker which yielded pregnancy rates of 3% with the spermicide alone, 6% with the diaphragm alone, and 2% with spermicide and diaphragm has been the basis of subsequent recommendations for the use of spermicides with barriers despite criticism of its follow-up methodology and statistical basis. Studies of the use of condoms without spermicide have given pregnancy rates of .8-36/100 woman years. The advantages of spermicide use with barriers are believed to be that they provide extra protection in case of tearing or displacement and also protection against venereal diseases. Disadvantages include messiness, cost, unpleasant taste and odor, and greater risk of displacing the diaphragm. Insistence on the use of a spermicide with condoms is likely to discourage potential users, possibly resulting in higher pregnancy rates. Research is needed in several specific areas in order to improve instructions for barrier users. The survival of sperm in the vagina when the cervix is occluded, the optimal dose of spermicide that should be applied to barriers, the duration of stability and effectiveness of the spermicide once the barrier is in place, the risk of infection and toxic shock, and the tendency of spermicides within the barrier to liquify at midcycle, thus providing a possible indicator of ovulation, are among topics needing study. Until results of new research are available, it is recommended that condoms be regarded as effective without spermicide, that spermicide be used if desired, and that postcoital contraception be available in case of rupture or displacement. Likewise, cervical methods are effective without spermicide but spermicide may be used if desired and postcoital contraception should be available if the barrier is damaged or displaced during use. Barriers should be left in place a minimum of 3 hours after relations and can be used almost continuously after removal daily for washing, except during menstruation.^ieng

The effectiveness of barrier methods of contraception with and without spermicide.

This paper reviews trials of the effectiveness of barrier contraception with and without spermicide, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using spermicides with barriers. There is very little evidence to allow comparison of the effectiveness of barriers with and without spermicide. Little or no evidence could be found to support many of the instructions given to users of barrier contraception. The lack of scientific data on this subject has prompted us to recommend research in specific areas. Until the findings of such research are available, the information which has emerged from this review suggests that the recommendations issued to users of barrier contraception should be brought up-to-date.

PIP: This paper reviews trials of the effectiveness of barrier contraception with and without spermicide and recommends research in specific areas. Only 1 study of use of the condom with spermicide was found. The only comparative trial of the use of the diaphragm with and without spermicide has been criticized for its method of follow-up, but it has provided the basis for all subsequent recommendations that a spermicide be used with cervical barriers. Studies of the use of barriers without spermicide have given widely varying results, but the principal factor influencing failure is believed to be inconsistent use because of the messiness and inconvenience of spermicide usage. 10 pregnancies were reported in 997 users of a non-spermicide diaphragm between 1974-78. Spermicide is believed to provide extra protection if the diaphragm loses contact with the vaginal walls and if the condom leaks, breaks, or comes off. Disadvantages of spermicides include messiness, cost, genital irritation in some users, possible adverse effects of absorption by pregnant women, and possible damage to sperm and ova resulting in defective conceptions. Rimming of the diaphragm with contraceptive cream or jelly has been demonstrated to contribute to loss of correct placement. No evidence was found to support many of the recommendations issued by family planning authorities for the use of barriers. Research is needed on sperm survival in the vagina when the cervix is occluded, the sperm content of the pre-ejaculatory fluid, the optimal dose of spermicide to be placed on the cervical barrier, the length of time during which the spermicide is effective, the risk of infection and toxic shock, and liquefaction of spermicide inside the cervical barrier. Based on currently available knowledge, it is concluded that condoms and cervical barriers provide effective contraception without spermicides although they may be used if desired, and that post-coital contraception should be available in case of failure. The cervical barrier can probably be removed 3 hours after coitus without increasing pregnancy risk. Cervical barriers may be worn almost continuously in non-menstruating women. Rimming of the barrier with spermicide should be avoided, the amount of spermicide should be limited, and no additional spermicide need be used if the barrier is inserted in advance or if coitus is repeated.