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A researcher is investigating the genetic biomarkers of adult subjects with autism. The research study involves a single blood draw (about one teaspoon of blood) and then genetic analysis of the specimen. How should the researcher inform prospective subjects about the potential risks of harm of this genetic research study

User Phylax
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The correct answer is autism

Autism - official technical name: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - is a health condition characterized by a deficit in social communication (socialization and verbal and non-verbal communication) and behavior (restricted interest and repetitive movements). There is not only one, but many subtypes of the disorder. So comprehensive that the term “spectrum” is used, due to the various levels of impairment - there are people with other diseases and associated conditions (comorbidities), such as intellectual disability and epilepsy, to independent people with common lives, some of whom do not even know they are autistic. , because they were never diagnosed.

The causes of autism increasingly point to genetics. Confirming recent previous studies, a scientific paper from 2019 demonstrated that genetic factors are the most important in determining causes (estimated between 97% and 99%, with 81% being hereditary - and linked to more than 900 genes), in addition to environmental factors ( 1% to 3%), which are still controversial, may also be associated, such as, for example, advanced paternal age or the use of valproic acid in pregnancy. There are currently 913 genes already mapped and implicated as risk factors for the disorder - 102 genes being the main ones.

User Dave Edelhart
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