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Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) arise from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and various environmental factors, leading to diverse and intricate conditions. Over recent decades, there has been a noticeable increase in autism prevalence. Thus, the main objective of this exploratory investigation is to evaluate the effects of heavy metal poisoning on the metabolic and nutritional profiles of 20 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Morocco. Based on the descriptive statistical methods and the chi-square (χ²) test, we analyzed the results of the study, which involved around 100 biological parameters conducted in the United States (Mosaic Diagnostics). The results revealed that variations in neurotransmitter production, dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth, elevated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxalate levels, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals among the children were connected to heavy metal poisoning and intoxication. These findings underscored the link between metabolic profiles and heavy metal poisoning, highlighting the need for individualized and multidisciplinary care approaches for children with ASD. Further research and controlled clinical trials are necessary to validate these interventions comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Middle Anisian has been palynologically characterized for the first time, at the whole Moroccan scale, in the High Atlas of Marrakech. The stratigraphic, tectonic and paleogeographic implications of this discovery are analysed. To cite this article: E.H. El Arabi et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A comparative study of the Middle Liassic series in the south western part of the Middle Atlas system leads to the definition of three new formations called Fellat 1, 2 and 3. They mainly involve gravity-flow deposits related to the breakup of the regional carbonate platform in a subsiding area, the Selloum Basin. The creation of this basin provides evidence for a rifting stage during the Carixian–Domerian interval, inducing the separation of the Selloum unit with respect to the Middle Atlasic trough and its possible connection with the High Atlasic sedimentary domain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Stratigraphic and structural analysis of the Triassic sedimentary basins of the High Atlas of Marrakech, in particular of the Ec¸ C¸our basin, indicates that the Proterozoic–Paleozoic block (“Massif Ancien”) formed a paleogeographic high during this period, with the basement block acting as an east–west trending horst, separating two large half-grabens to the north and to the south. The marginal half-grabens, which were filled by red beds essentially of continental origin, were most likely linked via transverse pathways.In the Ec¸ C¸our basin, the Triassic sedimentary deposits are subdivided into three formations of which the first two are continental and the third shows marine influences. Structurally, this area is characterized by two main (ENE–WSW and NNE–SSW) fault directions. The ENE–WSW trending faults, which include the major South Atlas fault, have an extended history of displacement during pre-Triassic Hercynian to Late Hercynian and during Triassic times. In contrast, the NNE–SSW-striking faults appear to have only a syndepositional Triassic history with, rarely, a late Hercynian heritage. This structural pattern is the result of a pure extensional regime during which synsedimentary normal faulting caused the assymmetry of the basin. This was reflected by high subsidence rates in the NE that progressively decrease to the NW towards the rising Proterozoic–Paleozoic massif of the High Atlas. During the tertiary Alpine–Atlasic orogeny, the ENE–WSW-striking normal faults were inverted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To decipher and improve the molecular diagnosis of Hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta in Morocco. Using whole exome sequencing, we analyzed two Moroccan families with Hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta. The 2 patients from the first family had dental anomalies and short stature syndrome, brachyolmia and nephrocalcinosis with difference in severity, while the proband of the second family had Hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta with a suspicion of brachyolmia. We identified two novel LTBP3 homozygous variants, the c.2495delT deletion (p.Phe832SerfsTer36) and the c.3716 G>A (p.Cys1239Tyr) missense variant, respectively. Molecular modelling and stability analyses of the missense variant disclosed a possible destabilization of the wild-type structure. Although LTBP3 variants were related to this phenotype in various populations, we report the first LTBP3 variants in the Moroccan population, in families with Hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta. • Novel LTBP3 variants in Moroccan patients with Hypoplastic Amelogenesis Imperfecta. • Two patients present a nephrocalcinosis in addition to HAI clinical phenotype. • The c.3716 G>A missense variant destabilizes LTBP3 wild-type structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]