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The present study focussed on a specific type of rare genetic condition: chromosome 14 deletions. Children with this genetic condition often show developmental delays and brain and neurological problems, although the type and severity of symptoms varies depending on the size and location of the deleted genetic material. The specific aim of the present study was to describe the developmental trajectories of language skills in a group of children with linear 14q deletions. Four children with an interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 14 were followed for 1 year. Data collected from psychomotor and linguistic assessments highlight a large individual variability. Considering the children's genetic and clinical conditions, findings revealed that the size of the deleted area is not related to outcome. However, the developmental trajectories of language development are deeply influenced by the presence of clinical conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders. (Contains 2 tables and 5 figures.)

In the present work, a study was carried out with the aim of enhancing the performance of electrochemical biosensors based on Co3O4:Fe2O3 heterojunctions. Specifically, the redox behavior of screen–printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) modified with Co3O4:Fe2O3 (0.5 wt%:x wt%) nanocomposites, where x ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 wt%, was examined in detail. The hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized using the sol-gel auto-combustion method. Several characterization methods were performed to investigate the morphology, microstructure, and surface area of the pure Co3O4, pure Fe2O3, and the synthesized Co3O4:Fe2O3 nanocomposites. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests, the electrochemical behavior of the modified electrodes toward the dopamine (DA) molecules was investigated. The modified Co3O4:Fe2O3, (0.5 wt%, x = 0.4 wt%)/SPCE resulted in a sensor with the best electrochemical performance toward DA. A high linear relationship between DA concentrations and the faradic current variation (ipa (μA) = 0.0736 + 0.1031 CDA (μA) and R2 = 0.99) was found in the range of 10–100 μM. The sensitivity value was computed to be 0.604 µA µM−1cm−2 and the limit of detection (LOD) 0.24 µM. Based on the characterization and electrochemical results, it can be suggested that the formation of Co3O4:Fe2O3 heterostructures provides a large specific surface area, an increased number of electroactive sites at the metal oxide interface and a p–n heterojunction, thus ensuring a remarkable enhancement in the electrochemical response towards DA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CeFeO3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by using a fast microwave-thermal treatment method in the presence of PVP at temperatures ranging from 500 to 700 °C. The nanopowders synthesized have been characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM). Nanopowders synthesized present different crystallite sizes, ranging from 30 to 60 nm, and a weak ferromagnetic behavior which increase with the calcination temperature. The optical band gap of the CeFeO3 nanopowders was obtained by UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis) measurements and resulted to decrease with the calcination temperature. The photocatalytic activity of CeFeO3 nanopowders was tested in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light (400 nm < λ < 700 nm). The higher photoactivity toward MB degradation under visible light of CeFeO3 sample obtained at the lower calcination temperature was attributed to its smaller particle size. Subsequently, CeFeO3/GO nanocomposite was prepared and investigated. The observed photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized CeFeO3/GO was 97% after 25 min which showed excellent photocatalytic activity. The combination of CeFeO3 nanoparticles with graphene oxide could be a way to develop a novel potential photocatalyst toward highly efficient degradation of organic dyes under visible light radiation. Highlights: CeFeO3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by using a fast microwave-thermal treatment method. The nanopowders synthesized have been investigated by different characterization techniques. The photocatalytic activity of CeFeO3 nanopowders was tested in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light. The observed photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized CeFeO3/GO was 99% that showed extraordinary photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability and is also linked to other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. FXS is caused by a triplet expansion that inhibits expression of the FMR1 gene; the gene product, FMRP, regulates mRNA metabolism in the brain and thus controls the expression of key molecules involved in receptor signaling and spine morphology. While there is no definitive cure for FXS, the understanding of FMRP function has paved the way for rational treatment designs that could potentially reverse many of the neurobiological changes observed in FXS. Additionally, behavioral, pharmacological, and cognitive interventions can raise the quality of life for both patients and their families., Genetics of fragile X Fragile X syndrome (FXS), an X-linked condition first described by Martin and Bell (1), is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability (ID). Estimates report that [...]