Photodynamic control of bioactivity in a nanofiber matrix.

Self-assembling peptide materials have been used extensively to mimic natural extracellular matrices (ECMs) by presenting bioactive epitopes on a synthetic matrix. Although this approach can facilitate a desired response from cells grown in the matrix, it lacks the capacity for spatial or temporal regulation of the presented signals. We describe here a photoresponsive, synthetic ECM using a supramolecular platform composed of peptide amphiphiles (PAs) that self-assemble into cylindrical nanofibers.

Nanostructure-templated control of drug release from peptide amphiphile nanofiber gels.

High aspect ratio peptide nanofibers have potential as biodegradable vehicles for drug delivery. We report here the synthesis of four self-assembling peptide amphiphiles (PAs) containing a lysine ε-amine-derivatized hydrazide that was systematically placed at different positions along the backbone of the peptide sequence C(16)V(2)A(2)E(2) (where C(16) = palmitic acid). Hydrazones were formed from each hydrazide by condensation with the solvatochromic dye 6-propionyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene (Prodan), which is typically used to probe cell membranes.

An examination of specific daily living skills deficits in adults with profound intellectual disabilities.

While some researchers have investigated daily living skills deficits in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) as a whole, research on specific daily living skills in a profound ID population is limited. Two hundred and four adults with profound ID residing in two large developmental centers in the southeast portion of the United States were studied. Data were collected on these individuals' daily living skills, utilizing the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS).

The moderating effects of intellectual development on core symptoms of autism and PDD-NOS in toddlers and infants.

Little research has been conducted on whether deficits in developmental functioning affect the range of core symptoms for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study represents a first attempt to determine whether developmental level has an effect on the expression of ASD symptoms in infants and toddlers. Eight hundred and fifty-three infants were evaluated with respect to the nature and extent of their ASD symptoms and developmental functioning.

Treatments for the challenging behaviours of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Objective: To provide an overview and critical assessment of common problems and best evidence practice in treatments for the challenging behaviours (CBs) of adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs).

Method: Commonly observed problems that present obstacles to successful treatment plans are discussed, followed by an analysis of available research on the efficacy of behavioural and pharmacological therapies.

Results: Behavioural and pharmacological interventions are most commonly used when addressing CBs in people with IDs.

The effect of DSM-5 criteria on the developmental quotient in toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Objective: To determine the effect of the changing fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) criteria on the developmental profiles of children diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: This study examines the effect of DSM-5 changes on impairment profiles of a population of 2054 at-risk toddlers aged 17-36 months using the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Second Edition.

Results: Toddlers diagnosed with an ASD according to the DSM-5 were found to represent a more impaired population compared to those who qualified for a diagnosis of an ASD based on the DSM-IV-TR, but not the DSM-5.

Examination and validation of a measure of anxiety specific to children with autism spectrum disorders.

Objective: Investigated the use of a combined scale (Worry/Depressed and Avoidant scales) from the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children (ASD-CC) as a measure of anxiety. Alternative methods of measuring anxiety were examined using the ASD-CC in an ASD population.

Methods: Participants included 147 children, age 2-16 years, evincing a mixture of behavior problems.

Externalizing and tantrum behaviours in children with ASD and ADHD compared to children with ADHD.

Objective: Compare rates of externalizing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms to children with ADHD.

Method: Parents/caregivers of 85 children with ASD and/or ADHD were surveyed about their children's behaviours using the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Children and the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Behaviour Problem for Children.

Results: Specific main effects analyses were then conducted.

Evidence-based behavioral treatment of dog phobia with young children: two case examples.

Specific phobias are among the most common anxiety disorders, especially in children. Unfortunately, a paucity of literature exists regarding the treatment of specific phobia in young children, despite the knowledge that traditional techniques (i.e.

Assessment of the relationship between diagnoses of ASD and caregiver symptom endorsement in adults diagnosed with intellectual disability.

Individuals diagnosed with an intellectual disability (ID) share overlapping traits with those diagnosed with both ID and an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if caregivers' reports of symptoms of ASD are of value (i.e.

A comparison of diagnostic criteria on the Autism Spectrum Disorder Observation for Children (ASD-OC).

Background: The Autism Spectrum Disorder Observation for Children (ASD-OC) is a new observation scale used to assess autistic symptomatology. As the publication of the fifth edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is approaching, exploring the effect of the changing DSM criteria has begun to occur.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare severity of autistic impairment in children diagnosed with either the DSM-IV-TR or the DSM-5.

Factor structure of the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters-II (MESSY-II).

The importance of social skills in development is a well studied area of research, and deficits in these skills can have implications long into adulthood. Therefore, assessment tools must be able to aid clinicians in identifying areas of weaknesses to target in treatment. The purpose of the current paper was to investigate the factor structure of a well researched measure of social skills, the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY), which has recently been re-normed to update its psychometric properties.

Controlled release of dexamethasone from peptide nanofiber gels to modulate inflammatory response.

New biomaterials that have the ability to locally suppress an immune response could have broad therapeutic use in the treatment of diseases characterized by acute or chronic inflammation or as a strategy to facilitate improved efficacy in cell or tissue transplantation. We report here on the preparation of a modular peptide amphiphile (PA) capable of releasing an anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone (Dex), by conjugation via a labile hydrazone linkage. This molecule self-assembled in water into long supramolecular nanofibers when mixed with a similar PA lacking the drug conjugate, and the addition of calcium salt to screen electrostatic repulsion between nanofibers promoted gel formation.

How does relaxing the algorithm for autism affect DSM-V prevalence rates?

Although it is still unclear what causes autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), over time researchers and clinicians have become more precise with detecting and diagnosing ASD. Many diagnoses, however, are based on the criteria established within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); thus, any change in these diagnostic criteria can have a great effect upon children with ASD and their families. It is predicted that the prevalence of ASD diagnoses will dramatically decrease with the adoption of the proposed DSM-5 criteria in 2013.

A Peptide-Based Material for Therapeutic Carbon Monoxide Delivery.

We report on the preparation of the first material for therapeutic delivery of CO. A peptide amphiphile was synthesized with a covalently attached ruthenium tricarbonyl. Self-assembled nanofiber gels containing this peptide spontaneously released CO with prolonged release kinetics compared to soluble CO donors.