2017 Review: Progress in Using Human Stem Cells in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders are a set of heterogeneous and enigmatic neurodevelopmental pathologies that arise from a variety of triggers.  In spite of outstanding scientific achievements in the study of the pathologies associated with autism and autism spectrum disorders, as of 2017 these developmental disorders are still without a curative treatment option.  This analysis reviews the therapeutic characteristics of stem cells and how they can provide clinical application and novel treatment options for autism spectrum disorders.  This review integrates a concise evaluation of all stem cell types utilized in autism research and treatment and associates the efficacy, safety, and tolerability findings of the most current stem cell-autism spectrum disorder treatments.  Concluding data outlines budgetary and funding rates associated with stem cell-autism spectrum disorder research (2012-2017) and concludes with avenues for novel research and treatment options. 

A new icriodontid conodont cluster with specific mesowear supports an alternative apparatus motion model for Icriodontidae

Increasing numbers of conodont discoveries with soft tissue preservation, natural assemblages and fused clusters of the hard tissue have strengthened the hypothesis regarding the function and mechanism of the conodont feeding apparatus. Exceptional fossil preservation serves as a solid basis for modern reconstructions of the conodont apparatus illustrating the complex interplay of the single apparatus elements. Reliable published models concern the ozarkodinid apparatus of Pennsylvanian and Early Triassic conodonts. Recognition of microwear and mammal-like occlusion, especially of platform elements belonging to individuals of the genus Idiognathodus, allows rotational closure to be interpreted as the crushing mechanism of ozarkodinid platform (P1) elements. Here we describe a new icriodontid conodont cluster of Caudicriodus woschmidti that consists of one pair of icriodontan (I) and 10 pairs of coniform (C1\ue2\u80\u935) elements, with I elements being preserved in interlocking position. The special kind of element arrangement within the fused cluster provides new insights into icriodontid apparatus reconstruction and notation of elements. However, orientation of coniform elements is limited to a certain degree by possible preservational bias. Four possible apparatus models are introduced and discussed. Recognition of specific wear on denticle tips of one of the icriodontan elements forms the basis for an alternative hypothesis of apparatus motion. Analysis of tip wear suggests a horizontal, slightly elliptical motion of opposed, antagonistically operating I elements. This is supported by similar tip wear from much better preserved, but isolated, elements of Middle Devonian icriodontids. More detailed interpretation of the masticatory movement will allow enhanced understanding of anatomical specifications, diet and palaeobiology of different euconodont groups

Miospores, the Lemurata and Triangulatus levels and their faunal indices near the Eifelian/Givetian boundary in the Eifel (F.R.G.)

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