Homocysteine is an amino acid, which plays several important roles in human physiology. A wide range of disorders, including neuropsychiatric disorders and autism, are associated with increased homocysteine levels in biological fluids. Various B vitamins: B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and B9 (folic acid) are required as co-factors by the enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism. Therefore, monitoring of homocysteine levels in body fluids of autistic children can provide information on genetic and physiological diseases, improper lifestyle (including dietary habits), as well as a variety of pathological conditions. This review presents information on homocysteine metabolism, determination of homocysteine in biological fluids, and shows abnormalities in the levels of homocysteine in the body fluids of autistic children.

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The remarkable effect of the preparation procedure on the catalytic activity of CoBEA zeolites in the Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, Elsevier, 2015, 211, pp.9-18. AbstractThis work deals with the investigation of the influence of the preparation procedure and Co content on the activity of CoBEA zeolite in Fischer -Tropsch synthesis. For this purpose the Co-containing zeolites were prepared by a conventional wet impregnation (Co x AlBEA series) and a two-step postsynthesis method (Co x SiBEA series). Calcination at 500 °C, for 3h in air and then reduction at 500 °C in flow of 95 % H 2 -5 % Ar stream of as prepared Co x AlBEA and Co x SiBEA zeolites led to obtain Red-C-Co x AlBEA and Red-C-Co x SiBEA catalysts with different properties in Fischer -Tropsch reaction. The most active catalysts were Red-C-Co 10 SiBEA and Red-C-Co 20 SiBEA with high CO conversion of 90 -95 % and selectivity towards liquid products of 85 % containing C 7 -C 18 n-alkanes, isoalkanes and small amount of olefins. In the case of Red-C-Co x AlBEA catalysts the CO conversion was of 68 % and selectivity towards liquid products of 57 %. The identified liquid products were mainly C 7 -C 16 n-alkanes. Moreover, Red-C-Co x SiBEA catalysts demonstrated better stability and resistance to coke formation than Red-C-Co x AlBEA ones. It is probably related to higher dispersion of cobalt nanoparticles in Red-C-Co x SiBEA than in Red-C-Co x AlBEA catalysts and absence of strong Brønsted acidic sites in the former after removal of aluminium in the first step of two-step postsynthesis preparation procedure.

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a set of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite extensive ASD research lasting more than 60 years, its causes are still unknown. Without indicating the etiology, its development cannot be stopped. Over the years, both the definition and diagnostic criteria have developed. The number of ASD incidence is rising. The economical aspect should also be highlighted. This disorder presents particular challenges to affected children, their parents and physicians. The research of ASD, physician activities, policy making and raising the level of awareness must be coordinated. Special attention should be paid to the problem among adults with ASD.