Health

Facing Methodological Challenges, ASD Researchers Emphasize Biological Insights

Published

4 years ago

July 4, 2021

Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities, yet widely misunderstood, both by medical professionals and the community at large. This is part of the reason many individuals with the condition do not receive a correct diagnosis until later in life, and too often fail to get appropriate support.

Such extreme variables make researching the condition difficult, as well. For example, from an insurance perspective, autism support is often limited to early behavioral interventions for children, occupational, speech, and physical therapy. In some cases, carriers allow coverage for talk therapy-style care for adults.

Unfortunately, in terms of research into these targeted interventions, methodological issues have left scientists with few answers and a lot of conflicting information.

Quality, Bias, and Other Concerns

In a meta-analysis of various early intervention studies, researchers uncovered numerous cases of bias, poor methodology, and other obstacles. These included studies that based their results on parental reports, those that exhibited a high risk of bias because the intervention provider was gauging treatment effectiveness, and still more.

Early intervention certainly seems to yield some benefit, but there are many different kinds of support available, practitioner skill varies, and other factors pose challenges to study, not to mention expensive, unreliable tools for families.

Emphasizing Basic Research

Instead of focusing on more variable and often subjective matters like early intervention therapies, researchers are instead turning their attention to basic research, an approach that looks at foundational biological mechanisms to understand bodily processes. This is critical, given that research supported by the Brain Research Foundation established a new baseline case prevalence of 2.64% of the population.

That’s more than the incidence of epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, and ovarian cancer, among many other conditions. Nearly everyone knows someone who’s autistic.

As part of the focus on basic research, scientists have been examining the impact certain genes associated with autism spectrum disorders may have on brain development. One, known as Cullin 3, is regarded as a high-risk gene that can lead to a number of neurological deficits, including poor coordination, as well as certain social and cognitive impairments associated with autism.

This seems to be linked to changes in brain cell migration during development. In turn, that compels certain cells, which should be part of higher-level functions, to remain stuck in other regions of the brain.

Gender Bias, Gender Differences

For many years, autistic women have been pointing to diagnostic bias as a key reason why many girls and women have been overlooked. The diagnostic standards, patients and other advocates have argued, are modeled on a particular subset of boys, which likely led to serious gaps in understanding and support.

Although there is strong evidence for this, it may not be the only issue in play, though. Other research suggests that autism actually develops differently in boys and girls – in a more strictly biological sense.

One of the most marked distinctions the new research has turned up is that, during social interactions, the differences in brain activity between autistic and non-autistic girls is not the same as the differences seen in autistic and non-autistic boys. Girls also showed a greater number of gene variants that may affect the development of the brain known as the striatum, also not seen in boys.

In some senses, these are almost distinct conditions, which makes this one of the interesting challenges with regard to study of multi-genic conditions.

We are still years away from a clear understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie autism, but the better the condition’s processes are understood, the more targeted interventions and supports can be. Like so much other scientific research, this could be the start of a long journey with much more to discover.

Health

Global Clients on Dentzz Dental: Reviews Show Why It’s a Top Choice for Dental Implants

Published

6 days ago

January 29, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Dentzz Dental

Byline: Nicholas R. Eastman

The dental implant market has witnessed significant growth, with patients increasingly seeking international options for affordable and high-quality care. Among these, Dentzz Dental has garnered attention as a popular destination for dental tourism, attracting clients from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Patients often cite substantial cost savings, cutting-edge technology, and efficient treatment timelines as factors influencing their decision to travel.

According to market reports, the global dental implant market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 9.8 percent through 2030, fueled by technological advancements and rising demand among patients over 50. For many, procedures that are cost-prohibitive in Western countries have become accessible through clinics like Dentzz, which combine affordability with internationally recognized standards.

Patient Reviews Highlight Cost and Quality Advantages

Patient reviews, mainly from Australia, where over 30,000 Dentzz clients originate, provide valuable insight into the clinic’s appeal. Many highlight savings of approximately 40 percent compared to procedures performed domestically. Treatments such as full-mouth reconstructions, which cost upwards of $80,000 in Australia, are offered at significantly lower rates.

“Cost is a major factor, but patients are also looking for consistency in outcomes and access to advanced technology,” says Shantanu Jaradi, CEO of Dentzz Dental. “We have managed to strike that balance by offering international quality standards at competitive prices.”

Reviews also emphasize the comprehensive consultation process offered at Dentzz, which helps patients make informed decisions. Many mention the clarity and transparency in communication as critical in building trust and confidence, especially for individuals traveling long distances.

Technology and Streamlined Timelines Draw International Clients

Patient feedback reflects that technological advancements play a central role in Dentzz’s offerings. The clinic utilizes equipment from the U.S., U.K., and Germany, including 3D CT scanners and CAD/CAM systems. These tools support precision diagnostics and treatment planning, reducing the risk of complications in complex procedures like dental implants and smile makeovers.

Another factor that resonates with international patients is Dentzz’s ability to complete procedures within 10 to 12 days. Reviews consistently highlight this efficiency, particularly for working professionals who cannot afford extended time away from home. This streamlined approach has become essential in making dental tourism viable for clients globally.

“Our treatment protocols are designed to minimize patient inconvenience without compromising the quality of care,” Jaradi explains. “This has been particularly valuable for patients traveling from abroad.”

Long-Term Care and Patient Satisfaction

A standout feature frequently mentioned in reviews is Dentzz’s long-term care policies, including a 20-year warranty program. This offering, rare in the dental tourism sector, provides peace of mind to patients concerned about potential complications after returning home.

Many international clients praise the clinic’s post-treatment care system, which includes follow-ups and communication channels for addressing concerns remotely. This emphasis on long-term support has contributed to high patient satisfaction rates, reflected in Google reviews and independent health surveys.

Dentzz has been ranked Mumbai’s leading dental provider by the Times of India health surveys for seven consecutive years. Similar accolades have been earned in Delhi, where the clinic has held the top position for three years. These rankings, supported by an annual revenue growth of 30 percent, underline the clinic’s growing prominence in the sector.

Expanding Patient Demographics and Global Reach

Recent data reveals a growing base of patients beyond Dentzz’s traditional Australian clientele. Clients from the U.S., U.K., Africa, and the Middle East now represent a significant share of the clinic’s international patient pool. Many of these individuals are over 50 and seek solutions for complex dental issues such as tooth loss and deteriorating oral health.

Patient reviews suggest that Dentzz’s demographic expansion is linked to its ability to address the specific needs of older patients, offering advanced implantology and full-mouth reconstructions. These treatments are often unaffordable in Western healthcare systems, making Dentzz an attractive alternative.

“Patients are looking for reliability, affordability, and a global standard of care,” Jaradi observes. “This combination has allowed us to cater to a more diverse clientele.”

Reviews as a Guide for Future Service Delivery

Dentzz values patient feedback as a means of refining its operations. Reviews consistently highlight strengths such as advanced technology, efficiency, and long-term care but also point out areas for improvement, such as wait times during peak seasons. The clinic has used this feedback to enhance scheduling and resource allocation.

Dentzz continues to position itself as a key player in the dental tourism industry by adapting to the needs and preferences of its international clients. The focus on maintaining high-quality care while expanding its global reach underscores its relevance in a competitive market.