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Review Article
Biological and Clinical Subtypes in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Recent Advances in Phenotypic and Genetic Classification
Vicente Martinez Cardenas*
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
159-165
Received:
2 October 2025
Accepted:
13 October 2025
Published:
30 October 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by substantial phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The recent application of person-centered computational models has allowed the identification of novel clinical subtypes with distinct genetic underpinnings. Objective: To review recent literature on the classification of ASD subtypes through integrative approaches combining clinical, phenotypic, and genomic data, with emphasis on diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. Methods: A narrative review of articles published between 2018 and 2024 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using search terms such as “autism subtypes,” “phenotypic clustering,” “genetic architecture in ASD,” and “precision medicine in autism.” Eligible studies included original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results: Recent studies have identified at least four robust clinical-biological ASD subtypes using finite mixture modeling and person-centered analyses: (1) social and behavioral challenges, (2) mixed ASD with developmental delay, (3) moderate challenges, and (4) broadly affected subtype. Each group presents distinctive patterns in symptoms, comorbidities, developmental trajectories, and genetic architecture. Both de novo mutations and inherited variants play key roles in molecular differentiation among subtypes. Conclusions: The identification of more homogeneous subgroups within the autism spectrum represents a crucial step toward personalized medicine in ASD. Emerging clinical tools derived from these classifications may enhance prognosis prediction and guide tailored interventions.
Abstract: Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by substantial phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The recent application of person-centered computational models has allowed the identification of novel clinical subtypes with distinct genetic underpinnings. Objective: To review recent literature on the ...
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Research Article
Exploring the Barriers to Accessing Formal Education by Children in the Alleged Witches’ Camps in Ghana
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
166-175
Received:
26 September 2025
Accepted:
15 October 2025
Published:
7 November 2025
Abstract: This study explored the barriers to accessing formal education by children in witch camps in Ghana. This is an area neglected by both research and policy in Ghana. This study was conducted in the Gambaga Witches Camp, one of the oldest and most notorious witch camps in Africa. The study employed socio-anthropological methods of data, including interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observations. Data were gathered from various categories of respondents, such as children in the witches’ camp, the alleged witches, the custodians of the witch camp, headteachers and teachers, Ghana Education Services Municipal Directorate officers, the East Mamprusi Municipal Assembly officer, the Presbyterian Church in Gambaga, Islamic Clerics, NGOs and members of the community in which the camp is located. The study found that the children are in the camp to serve their mothers or grandmothers who have been accused of witchcraft and brought to the camp. The study further found that for those children who are attending school, their education is seriously challenged by poor conditions at the camp, poverty, isolation and depression. At the school level, they face abuse from their colleagues, such as name-calling and stigmatisation, unprovoked attacks, and isolation. This situation makes the school environment unattractive, intimidating, and unfriendly to children coming from the witches’ camp. Children in the witches’ camp frequently avoid school, resulting in frequent absenteeism, tardiness, and poor academic performance. The paper recommends that the government take measures to improve the conditions at the camp. Other students and teachers must be educated to see children from the witches’ camp as victims of circumstances, and must not be discriminated against. They must be supported, encouraged, and fully integrated into the school system.
Abstract: This study explored the barriers to accessing formal education by children in witch camps in Ghana. This is an area neglected by both research and policy in Ghana. This study was conducted in the Gambaga Witches Camp, one of the oldest and most notorious witch camps in Africa. The study employed socio-anthropological methods of data, including inte...
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Research Article
Morphological and Biochemical Study of Four Species of the Genus Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae) from the State of Punjab, India
Rai Singh Dhillon*
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
176-182
Received:
24 September 2025
Accepted:
25 October 2025
Published:
11 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.frontiers.20250504.13
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Abstract: Four Heliotropium species viz. H.bacciferum, H.currasavicum, H.ellipticum and H.strigosum were documented from Malwa region of Punjab, India during the years 2019-2021. Different morphological parameters were examined for identification. For screening of Phytochemicals of four species of the genus Heliotropium, two parts of plant (inflorescence and rest of plant) were selected. Extracts of each plant parts were prepared in water, ethanol and hexane and examined twenty one phytochemicals (Alkaloids, Amino acids, Anthocyanin, Betaxanthin, Carbohydrates, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Gums and mucilage, Oxalate, Phenols, Phlobatannins, Proteins, Quinones, Reducing sugars, Resin, Saponins, Starch, Steroids, Tannins and Terpenoids) were studied. Present study will be useful for taxonomists, botanists, ethnobotanists etc. in identification of Heliotropium species and information about important biochemicals will be useful for pharmaceutical departments.
Abstract: Four Heliotropium species viz. H.bacciferum, H.currasavicum, H.ellipticum and H.strigosum were documented from Malwa region of Punjab, India during the years 2019-2021. Different morphological parameters were examined for identification. For screening of Phytochemicals of four species of the genus Heliotropium, two parts of plant (inflorescence and...
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Research Article
Work-Related Health Problems and Health Seeking Behaviour of Battery Technicians and Office Workers in Western Nigeria: A Comparative Study
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
183-192
Received:
5 November 2025
Accepted:
19 November 2025
Published:
17 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.frontiers.20250504.14
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Abstract: Battery technicians are exposed to work-related health risks, and their health-seeking behavior plays a critical role in determining health outcomes. This study assessed work-related health problems and health-seeking behaviors among battery technicians and office workers in Lagos State. A cross-sectional design was employed using multi-stage sampling and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20, and results were presented in tables. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine significance at p ≤ 0.05. Battery technicians reported significantly higher rates of memory loss, drowsiness, limb numbness, constipation, and easy fatigability, as well as skin itching, breathing difficulty, sneezing, and runny nose, compared to office workers. Conversely, cough was more common among office workers. Health-seeking behaviors also differed: battery technicians were more likely to rely on chemist shops and self-medication than formal health facilities, a difference that was statistically significant. Memory loss was positively associated with years of work among technicians, while limb numbness was negatively associated with daily working hours of office workers. Easy fatigability was inversely related to technicians’ monthly income, and skin redness was negatively associated with years of work. Sneezing showed mixed associations, being negatively related to technicians’ income and office workers’ years of service but positively associated with technicians’ years of work. These findings underscore the need for targeted occupational health education, regular training, and improved access to qualified healthcare services for battery technicians. Strengthening workplace safety and promoting healthier health-seeking behaviors are essential for safeguarding this vulnerable workforce.
Abstract: Battery technicians are exposed to work-related health risks, and their health-seeking behavior plays a critical role in determining health outcomes. This study assessed work-related health problems and health-seeking behaviors among battery technicians and office workers in Lagos State. A cross-sectional design was employed using multi-stage sampl...
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Research Article
Cross-Sectional Study of Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Associated Perceived Risks Among Non-Smoking Adults in Motor Parks in Lagos, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
193-204
Received:
8 November 2025
Accepted:
22 November 2025
Published:
17 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.frontiers.20250504.15
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Abstract: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure remains a critical global health threat, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually and classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogen with no safe level of exposure. In Nigeria, SHS contributes substantially to both communicable and non-communicable diseases despite the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) of 2015, which incorporates key provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC); however, enforcement gaps and limited public awareness continue to undermine its effectiveness. This study assessed the prevalence of SHS exposure and examined associations between socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of tobacco legislation, and perceived risks of SHS among 399 non-smoking adults recruited through systematic sampling in Ajah and Obalende motor parks in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State. Using a modified Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) questionnaire, data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 21, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The prevalence of SHS exposure was 54.6%, notably higher among middle-aged men, individuals with lower educational attainment, and frequent users of motor parks. Although 69.8% of respondents demonstrated good perceived risk of SHS - reflecting awareness of its respiratory, cardiovascular, and carcinogenic harms - knowledge of the NTCA was poor (44.2%), indicating that understanding of health risks has not translated into awareness of legal protections or compliance with smoke-free regulations. These findings underscore the high burden of SHS exposure in outdoor transport settings, exceeding previously reported indoor rates, and highlight the urgent need for strengthened enforcement of smoke-free laws, improved public education on tobacco legislation, and targeted interventions within motor parks to reduce SHS exposure and protect public health.
Abstract: Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure remains a critical global health threat, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually and classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogen with no safe level of exposure. In Nigeria, SHS contributes substantially to both communicable and non-communicable diseases despite the National Toba...
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