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Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are the most common pediatric diagnoses in the United States. In this perspective article, we propose that a diverse set of motor impairments are present in children and adults with ASDs. Specifically, we will discuss evidence related to gross motor, fine motor, postural control, and imitation/praxis impairments. Moreover, we propose that early motor delays within the first 2 years of life may contribute to the social impairments of children with ASDs; therefore, it is important to address motor impairments through timely assessments and effective interventions. Lastly, we acknowledge the limitations of the evidence currently available and suggest clinical implications for motor assessment and interventions in children with ASDs. In terms of assessment, we believe that comprehensive motor evaluations are warranted for children with ASDs and infants at risk for ASDs. In terms of interventions, there is an urgent need to develop novel embodied interventions grounded in movement and motor learning principles for children with autism.

Atypical motor behaviors are common among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, little is known about onset and functional implications of differences in early motor development among infants later diagnosed with ASD. Two prospective experiments were conducted to investigate motor skills among 6-month-olds at increased risk (high risk) for ASD (N₁ = 129; N₂ = 46). Infants were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and during toy play. Across both experiments, high-risk infants exhibited less mature object manipulation in a highly structured (MSEL) context and reduced grasping activity in an unstructured (free-play) context than infants with no family history of ASD. Longitudinal assessments suggest that between 6 and 10 months, grasping activity increases in high-risk infants.

Retrospective studies indicate 2 major classes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) onset: early and later, after a period of relatively healthy development. This prospective, longitudinal study examined social, language, and motor trajectories in 235 children with and without a sibling with autism, ages 6–36 months. Children were grouped as: ASD identified by 14 months, ASD identified after 14 months, and no ASD. Despite groups' initial similar developmental level at 6 months, ASD groups exhibited atypical trajectories thereafter. Impairment from 14 to 24 months was greater in the Early-ASD than the Later-ASD group, but comparable at 36 months. Developmental plateau and regression occurred in some children with ASD, regardless of timing of ASD diagnosis. Findings indicate a preclinical phase of varying duration for ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly prevalent and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition, characterized by social communicative differences, and a combination of repetitive behaviors, focused interests, and sensory sensitivities. Early speech and language delays are characteristic of young autistic children and are one of the first concerns reported by parents; often before their child’s second birthday. Elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying these delays has the potential to improve early detection and intervention efforts. To fill this gap, this systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on early neurobiological correlates and predictors of speech and language development across different neuroimaging modalities in infants with and without a family history of autism [at an elevated (EL infants) and low likelihood (LL infants) for developing autism, respectively]. A comprehensive, systematic review identified 24 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2023, utilizing structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 2), functional MRI (fMRI; n = 4), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS; n = 4), and electroencephalography (EEG; n = 14). Three main themes in results emerged: compared to LL infants, EL infants exhibited (1) atypical language-related neural lateralization; (2) alterations in structural and functional connectivity; and (3) mixed profiles of neural sensitivity to speech and non-speech stimuli, with some differences detected as early as 6 weeks of age. These findings suggest that neuroimaging techniques may be sensitive to early indicators of speech and language delays well before overt behavioral delays emerge. Future research should aim to harmonize experimental paradigms both within and across neuroimaging modalities and additionally address the feasibility, acceptability, and scalability of implementing such methodologies in non-academic, community-based settings.

Discernment of possible sex-based variations in presentations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms is limited by smaller female samples with ASD and confounds with ASD ascertainment. A large national cohort of individuals with autism, SPARK, allowed parent report data to be leveraged to examine whether intrinsic child characteristics and extrinsic factors differentially impact males and females with ASD. Small but consistent sex differences in individuals with ASD emerged related to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with different markers for males and females. Language concerns in males may make discernment of ASD more straightforward, while early motor concerns in females may hamper diagnosis as such delays are not identified within traditional ASD diagnostic criteria.

Cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a tropical plant that is used as fresh food, processed food, or raw material for the preparation of flours with high nutritional value. However, cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides, such as linamarin and lotaustralin, that can trigger severe toxic effects and some neurological disorders, including motor impairment, cognitive deterioration, and symptoms that characterize tropical ataxic neuropathy and spastic epidemic paraparesis (Konzo). These alterations that are associated with the consumption of cassava or its derivatives have been reported in both humans and experimental animals. The present review discusses and integrates preclinical and clinical evidence that indicates the toxic and neurological effects of cassava and its derivatives by affecting metabolic processes and the central nervous system. An exhaustive review of the literature was performed using specialized databases that focused on the toxic and neurological effects of the consumption of cassava and its derivatives. We sought to provide structured information that will contribute to understanding the undesirable effects of some foods and preventing health problems in vulnerable populations who consume these vegetables. Cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides that contribute to the development of neurological disorders when they are ingested inappropriately or for prolonged periods of time. Such high consumption can affect neurochemical and neurophysiological processes in particular brain structures and affect peripheral metabolic processes that impact wellness. Although some vegetables have high nutritional value and ameliorate food deficits in vulnerable populations, they can also predispose individuals to the development of neurological diseases.

Neochloris oleoabundans (= Ettlia oleoabundans ) is a green microalga that has great potential for the production of biodiesel. To achieve economically viable processes for the production of biodiesel from microalgae, the use of wastewater is highly recommended. However, there are no reports on the cultivation of N. oleoabundans utilizing anaerobic digestates of vinasse or stillage, which is a highly polluting wastewater from the alcohol industry. A first group of experiments was conducted, aiming to establish the optimal culture conditions of N. oleoabundans (UTEX 1185) using anaerobic effluents of vinasse (AEV) in bubble columns incubated under controlled conditions. The highest culture density was obtained in a medium containing 6 % of such effluents with a daily addition of sodium bicarbonate (1 g L −1 ). The total lipid content varied from 17.7 to 38.5 % for a range of 2 to 8 % of AEV with added sodium bicarbonate. A second group of experiments using 6 % AEV + sodium bicarbonate and flat plate photobioreactor-incubated outdoors was performed. An increase of 62 % in cell density compared to the value registered in Bold’s basal medium (BBM) was observed. Furthermore, a high ammonium–nitrogen removal (85.2 %) and a high flocculation efficiency (42 % after 30 min) indicate that dual-purpose systems aimed at producing high densities of lipid-enriched biomass of this green microalga are feasible. The uses of supplemental bicarbonate and organic waste as a source of nutrients are very important factors that contribute to reducing the cost of production.

Thermal manifestations are commonly found in central Mexico as result of the volcanic activity originating from the formation of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt during the Quaternary. The Rancho Nuevo hot spring is one of them that has not been described before with a discharge temperature near 92 °C. The goal of the present study is to provide geothermal characteristics of thermal manifestations at Rancho Nuevo location based on geochemical and mineralogical results to explain deep-subsurface processes that occurred in the geothermal system. The presence of kaolinite, montmorillonite, opal, zeolite, barite, pyrite, and stibnite in altered soil sediments or around the hot springs identified by the techniques used in the present study, confirms the presence of hydrothermal activity. In addition, based on the X-ray diffraction, calcite precipitates at the surface of the thermal springs. This mineral association reflects deep geothermal processes and is eventually deposited in shallow zones. Fluid mixing processes and variations in redox conditions are suggested by mineral association and isotopic sulfur data. Finally, based on the physicochemical data provided by the water samples and the discharge conditions of the springs, stability diagrams were constructed for pyrite, barite, and zeolites using the Geochemist’s Work Bench program to corroborate these data with the mineralogical results. The mineralogical results and distribution, as well as the N-S trend of mineral associations suggest interaction processes between geothermal fluid and rocks of the stratigraphic sequence, and active major faults, enabling the upward flow of deep geothermal fluids. The approach to the conceptual model of the Rancho Nuevo geothermal prospect reveals an attractive potential for the exploration of a viable geothermal resource in central Mexico.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by qualitative impairments in the development of social and communication skills, often accompanied by stereotyped and restricted patterns of interests and behaviors. ASDs are usually diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 6 years, but, as Rebecca Landa discusses in this Review, there is increasing evidence that a diagnosis can be made in the second year of life in some children. She argues that early diagnosis and intervention are likely to lead to improved outcomes in children with ASDs. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a class of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by qualitative impairments in social functioning and communication, often accompanied by repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests. The term 'ASD' encompasses autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and Asperger's syndrome. ASDs show etiologic heterogeneity, and there is no definitive medical test or cure for these conditions. Around 1 in 150 children have an ASD, with males being affected three to four times more frequently than females. The age at diagnosis of ASD ranges from 3 to 6 years, but there is increasing evidence that diagnosis in the second year of life is possible in some children. Early diagnosis will lead to earlier behavior-based intervention, which is associated with improvements in core areas, such as social functioning and communication. Early detection of—and intervention to treat—ASD is crucial because it is likely to lead to an improved outcome. Key Points Early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include infrequent social orienting, infrequent initiation of social engagement, poorly sustained and coordinated engagement with others, a limited variety of gestures and other forms of communication, and repetitive motor behaviors Development of siblings of children with ASDs and other groups at high risk of ASDs should be followed closely from 6 months of age onwards Diagnosis of ASDs becomes possible at 14 months of age, but the diagnosis might be unstable in up to a third of children diagnosed before 30 months of age Young children with ASDs show improved social, communication, language, play and cognitive functioning when they are enrolled in a developmentally appropriate intensive intervention

Objective:To evaluate potential markers of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in infants under 3 months of age presenting with fever of unknown origin.Material and methods:We retrospectively studied all infants under 3 months of age seen in the emergency department between January 2004 and December 2006 for a febrile syndrome with no identifiable focus. Clinical data, procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP) and leucocyte count were evaluated for their ability to discriminate between SBI and non-SBI; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for the laboratory markers and analysis was performed by multivariate logistic regression.Results:The sample comprised 347 patients (23.63% with SBI). Mean PCT, CRP, leucocyte and neutrophil count were significantly higher in the group with SBI unlike the other criteria studied. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for PCT was 0.77 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.81) and 0.79 for CRP (95% CI 0.75 to 0.84); both these variables were stronger predictors than leucocyte count (0.67, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.73). In the 15 infants with more invasive bacterial infections (sepsis, bacteraemia, bacterial meningitis), the diagnostic value of PCT (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.88) was higher than CRP (AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.73). In infants who had been febrile for under 12 h, the differences between PCT, CRP and leucocyte count were statistically significant in both SBI and non-SBI groups, with increasing predictive value of PCT and decreasing value of CRP.Conclusions:PCT, CRP, and leucocyte count have intrinsic predictive value for SBI in febrile infants under 3 months of age. The diagnostic value of PCT is greater than CRP for more invasive bacterial infections and for fever of short duration.