An ecological study shows increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in children living in a heavily polluted area

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: July 26, 2024

The burden of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing worldwide with genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors being possibly responsible for the observed epidemiological figures. In setting exposure, city Taranto, in Southern Italy, represents an interesting case study as it hosts well inside one biggest steel plants Europe. This a cross-sectional ecological carried out year 2020 province Taranto designed to estimate ASD municipalities Statte, classified high risk areas (Contaminated Site National Interest—SIN), compared other 27 same province. Differences have been evaluated using Chi Square Test. Children aged 6–11 years identified SIN had statistically significant higher prevalence than children (9.58 vs. 6.66/1000 respectively, p = 0.002). No difference was 12–18 group (3.41 2.54/1000, 0.12). findings this are suggestive association between urban residential proximity industrial facilities emitting air pollutants prevalence.

Language: Английский

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The emerging role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 14

Published: Jan. 24, 2025

Language: Английский

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis Based on Attentional Feature Fusion Using NasNetMobile and DeiT Networks

Electronics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 14(9), P. 1822 - 1822

Published: April 29, 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interactions, communication, and behavior. Prompt precise diagnosis essential for prompt support intervention. In this study, deep learning-based framework diagnosing ASD using facial images has been proposed. The methodology begins with logarithmic transformation image pre-processing, enhancing contrast making subtle features more distinguishable. Next, feature extraction performed NasNetMobile DeiT networks, where captures high-level abstract patterns, the network focuses on fine-grained characteristics relevant to identification. extracted are then fused attentional fusion, which adaptively assigns importance most discriminative features, ensuring an optimal representation. Finally, classification conducted bagging vector machine (SVM) classifier employing polynomial kernel, generalization robustness. Experimental results validate effectiveness of proposed approach, achieving 95.77% recall, 95.67% precision, 95.66% F1-score, accuracy, demonstrating its strong potential assisting in through analysis.

Language: Английский

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Exposure to Antibiotics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Could Probiotics Modulate the Gut–Brain Axis?

Antibiotics, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 11(12), P. 1767 - 1767

Published: Dec. 7, 2022

In order to develop properly, the brain requires intricate interconnection of genetic factors and pre-and postnatal environmental events. The gut-brain axis has recently raised considerable interest for its involvement in regulating development functioning brain. Consequently, alterations gut microbiota composition, due antibiotic administration, could favor onset neurodevelopmental disorders. Literature data suggest that modulation is often altered individuals affected by It been shown animal studies metabolites released an imbalanced axis, leads function deficits social behavior. Here, we report potential effects before after birth, relation risk developing We also review role probiotics treating gastrointestinal disorders associated with dysbiosis their possible effect ameliorating disorder symptoms.

Language: Английский

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Decoding the genetic landscape of autism: A comprehensive review

World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 13(3)

Published: Aug. 29, 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and genetic underpinnings. Recent advancements in epigenetic research have provided insights into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ASD, influencing both diagnosis therapeutic strategies.

Language: Английский

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Thioredoxin 1 and Thioredoxin Reductase 1 Redox System Is Dysregulated in Neutrophils of Subjects with Autism: In Vitro Effects of Environmental Toxicant, Methylmercury

Toxics, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(9), P. 739 - 739

Published: Aug. 29, 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental in children that results abnormal communicative and verbal behaviors. Exposure to heavy metals plays significant role the pathogenesis or progression of ASD. Mercury compounds pose risk for development ASD as are more exposed environmental toxicants. Increased concentration mercury has been detected different body fluids/tissues children, which suggests an association between exposure Thioredoxin1 (Trx1) thioredoxin reductase1 (TrxR1) redox system crucial detoxification oxidants generated immune cells. However, effect methylmercury Nrf2 activator sulforaphane on Trx1/TrxR1 antioxidant neutrophils subjects not studied previously. Therefore, this study examined expression, TrxR activity, nitrotyrosine, ROS TDC subjects. Our shows protein expression dysregulated compared group. Further, treatment significantly inhibits activity both groups. Inhibition by associated with upregulation Trx1 but neutrophils. Furthermore, have exaggerated production after methylmercury, much greater magnitude than Sulforaphane reversed methylmercury-induced effects through Nrf2-mediated induction system. These observations suggest toxicant may elevate systemic oxidative inflammation due subjects, play

Language: Английский

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A snapshot on introspection of autism spectrum disorder

Molecular Biology Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 51(1)

Published: May 5, 2024

Language: Английский

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Improving Functional Abilities in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Non-Invasive REAC Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization Treatments: A PEDI-CAT Study

Journal of Personalized Medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(5), P. 792 - 792

Published: May 5, 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as radioelectric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology, have gained attention for their potential to improve the endogenous bioelectric activity (EBA) neurobiological processes underlying ASD. Neuro Postural Optimization (NPO) Psycho Physical (NPPO) treatments are non-invasive painless utilize REAC technology shown promising results in improving symptoms of This study aimed evaluate effects NPO NPPO on functional abilities children adolescents with ASD using Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT). The consisted 27 who underwent single session followed by 18 sessions treatment over period one week. showed significant improvements children's adolescents' across all domains PEDI-CAT. These findings suggest may be effective

Language: Английский

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Expression analysis of microRNAs as candidate biomarkers in Iranian children with autism spectrum disorder

Journal of Neurorestoratology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12(1), P. 100096 - 100096

Published: Jan. 26, 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite its biological underpinnings, ASD yet diagnosed based on behavioral assessments . The importance of early detection supported by large body evidence. Early diagnosis can facilitate more effective interventions, reducing the socioeconomic costs and improving quality life both children with their families. This study aims to investigate expression patterns ASD-related microRNAs (miRNAs) in Iranian compared matched neurotypical controls, identify candidate miRNA biomarkers. Validation miRNAs was performed using qRT-PCR method plasma samples from 20 unaffected individuals. Differentially expressed were identified relative quantification analysis. Then, diagnostic potential each assessed receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve Based statistical bioinformatics analyses, eight recommended as Furthermore, differential five these miRNAs—miR-146a-5p, miR-338-3p, miR-181b-5p, let-7a-5p, miR-140-3p—was confirmed experimentally (p-value < 0.05) t-test. miR-140-3p not further detected significant Mann–Whitney test. sensitivity, specificity, area under ROC calculated for validated fell ranges 75%–91%, 66.67%–83.33%, 74%–90%, respectively. revealed panel high-confidence differentially miRNAs, which requires investigation larger sample sizes other validation tests. These findings could be step forward field biomarker discovery.

Language: Английский

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Effect of Enriched Environment on Cerebellum and Social Behavior of Valproic Zebrafish

Published: March 27, 2024

The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been linked to both genetic and epigenetic factors. Among the factors, exposure valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic mood-modulating drug, shown induce characteristic traits ASD when exposed during embryogenesis. Conversely, in animal models, Enriched Environment (EE) demonstrated positive behavioral neural effects, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment pharmacological approaches central nervous system disorders. In this study, we utilized zebrafish model characteristics induced by VPA hypothesized that sensory stimulation through EE could ameliorate neuroanatomical features associated with ASD. To test hypothesis, assessed social behavior, cerebellar volume, Purkinje cell populations via histology immunohistochemistry after exposing fish EE. results revealed exhibited deficits, reduced cortex decrease c-Fos-positive cells layer. contrast, VPA-exposed treated showed increased socialization, augmented elevation cells. These findings suggest alterations may be ameliorated treatment, highlighting therapeutic impact conditions related

Language: Английский

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