The clinical and molecular genetic features of idiopathic infantile periodic alternating nystagmus

PubMed Central

Thomas, Mervyn G.; Crosier, Moira; Lindsay, Susan; Kumar, Anil; Thomas, Shery; Araki, Masasuke; Talbot, Chris J.; McLean, Rebecca J.; Surendran, Mylvaganam; Taylor, Katie; Leroy, Bart P.; Moore, Anthony T.; Hunter, David G.; Hertle, Richard W.; Tarpey, Patrick; Langmann, Andrea; Lindner, Susanne; Brandner, Martina

2011-01-01

Periodic alternating nystagmus consists of involuntary oscillations of the eyes with cyclical changes of nystagmus direction. It can occur during infancy (e.g. idiopathic infantile periodic alternating nystagmus) or later in life. Acquired forms are often associated with cerebellar dysfunction arising due to instability of the optokinetic-vestibular systems. Idiopathic infantile periodic alternating nystagmus can be familial or occur in isolation; however, very little is known about the clinical characteristics, genetic aetiology and neural substrates involved. Five loci (NYS1-5) have been identified for idiopathic infantile nystagmus; three are autosomal (NYS2, NYS3 and NYS4) and two are X-chromosomal (NYS1 and NYS5). We previously identified the FRMD7 gene on chromosome Xq26 (NYS1 locus); mutations of FRMD7 are causative of idiopathic infantile nystagmus influencing neuronal outgrowth and development. It is unclear whether the periodic alternating nystagmus phenotype is linked to NYS1, NYS5 (Xp11.4-p11.3) or a separate locus. From a cohort of 31 X-linked families and 14 singletons (70 patients) with idiopathic infantile nystagmus we identified 10 families and one singleton (21 patients) with periodic alternating nystagmus of which we describe clinical phenotype, genetic aetiology and neural substrates involved. Periodic alternating nystagmus was not detected clinically but only on eye movement recordings. The cycle duration varied from 90 to 280 s. Optokinetic reflex was not detectable horizontally. Mutations of the FRMD7 gene were found in all 10 families and the singleton (including three novel mutations). Periodic alternating nystagmus was predominantly associated with missense mutations within the FERM domain. There was significant sibship clustering of the phenotype although in some families not all affected members had periodic alternating nystagmus. In situ hybridization studies during mid-late human embryonic stages in normal tissue showed restricted

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked thrombocytopenia

MedlinePlus

... Facebook Twitter Home Health Conditions X-linked thrombocytopenia X-linked thrombocytopenia Printable PDF Open All Close All ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked thrombocytopenia is a bleeding disorder that primarily ...

A Mutation in the Rett Syndrome Gene, MECP2, Causes X-Linked Mental Retardation and Progressive Spasticity in Males

PubMed Central

Meloni, Ilaria; Bruttini, Mirella; Longo, Ilaria; Mari, Francesca; Rizzolio, Flavio; D’Adamo, Patrizia; Denvriendt, Koenraad; Fryns, Jean-Pierre; Toniolo, Daniela; Renieri, Alessandra

2000-01-01

Heterozygous mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene cause Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder of young females. Only one male presenting an MECP2 mutation has been reported; he survived only to age 1 year, suggesting that mutations in MECP2 are male lethal. Here we report a three-generation family in which two affected males showed severe mental retardation and progressive spasticity, previously mapped in Xq27.2-qter. Two obligate carrier females showed either normal or borderline intelligence, simulating an X-linked recessive trait. The two males and the two obligate carrier females presented a mutation in the MECP2 gene, demonstrating that, in males, MECP2 can be responsible for severe mental retardation associated with neurological disorders. PMID:10986043

Phenotype-genotype correlation in potential female carriers of X-linked developmental cataract (Nance-Horan syndrome).

PubMed

Khan, Arif O; Aldahmesh, Mohammed A; Mohamed, Jawahir Y; Alkuraya, Fowzan S

2012-06-01

To correlate clinical examination with underlying genotype in asymptomatic females who are potential carriers of X-linked developmental cataract (Nance-Horan syndrome). An ophthalmologist blind to the pedigree performed comprehensive ophthalmic examination for 16 available family members (two affected and six asymptomatic females, five affected and three asymptomatic males). Facial features were also noted. Venous blood was collected for sequencing of the gene NHS. All seven affected family members had congenital or infantile cataract and facial dysmorphism (long face, bulbous nose, abnormal dentition). The six asymptomatic females ranged in age from 4-35 years old. Four had posterior Y-suture centered lens opacities; these four also exhibited the facial dysmorphism of the seven affected family members. The fifth asymptomatic girl had scattered fine punctate lens opacities (not centered on the Y-suture) while the sixth had clear lenses, and neither exhibited the facial dysmorphism. A novel NHS mutation (p.Lys744AsnfsX15 [c.2232delG]) was found in the seven patients with congenital or infantile cataract. This mutation was also present in the four asymptomatic girls with Y-centered lens opacities but not in the other two asymptomatic girls or in the three asymptomatic males (who had clear lenses). Lens opacities centered around the posterior Y-suture in the context of certain facial features were sensitive and specific clinical signs of carrier status for NHS mutation in asymptomatic females. Lens opacities that did not have this characteristic morphology in a suspected female carrier were not a carrier sign, even in the context of her affected family members.

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy

MedlinePlus

... Twitter Home Health Conditions X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy Printable PDF Open All Close ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy is a form of heart ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked myotubular myopathy

MedlinePlus

... Twitter Home Health Conditions X-linked myotubular myopathy X-linked myotubular myopathy Printable PDF Open All Close ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked myotubular myopathy is a condition that primarily ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked sideroblastic anemia

MedlinePlus

... Twitter Home Health Conditions X-linked sideroblastic anemia X-linked sideroblastic anemia Printable PDF Open All Close ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked sideroblastic anemia is an inherited disorder that ...

Icebox, a recessive X-linked mutation in Drosophila causing low sexual receptivity.

PubMed

Kerr, C; Ringo, J; Dowse, H; Johnson, E

1997-11-01

The X-linked recessive mutation icebox (ibx; 1-23, 7F1) of Drosophila melanogaster lowers the sexual receptivity of females. The probability of mating with mature wild-type males is reduced in ibx homozygotes, and the frequency of rejection behavior (rate per minute) towards courting males is increased. ibx fails to complement In(1)RA35, which is a lethal allele of Neuroglian (Nrg, which encodes a transmembrane protein found in embryonic tissues including the nervous system) due to a breakpoint in that gene; however, both l(1)B4 and l(1)VA142, other lethal mutations of Nrg, do complement ibx. 12-h ibx embryos exhibit a normal pattern of staining for the Neuroglian-specific antibody, Mab BP104. Males and females mutant for ibx have normal egg-to-adult survival and appear normal in several "general" behavioral traits including olfaction, phototaxis, locomotor activity, and heartbeat. ibx males court normally, and are successful in mating. These characteristics suggest that ibx does not cause sensory or motor defects. Ovarian growth and sperm storage are wild-type in ibx/ibx females. Treatment with the JH analog methoprene increases the receptivity of ibx/ibx females.

Mapping the x-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skare, J.C.; Milunsky, A.; Byron, K.S.

1987-04-01

The X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome is triggered by Epstein-Barr virus infection and results in fatal mononucleosis, immunodeficiency, and lymphoproliferative disorders. This study shows that the mutation responsible for X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome is genetically linked to a restriction fragment length polymorphism detected with the DXS42 probe (from Xq24-q27). The most likely recombination frequency between the loci is 4%, and the associated logarithm of the odds is 5.26. Haplotype analysis using flanking restriction fragment length polymorphism markers indicates that the locus for X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome is distal to probe DXS42 but proximal to probe DXS99 (from Xq26-q27). It is now possible to predictmore » which members of a family with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome are carrier females and to diagnose the syndrome prenatally.« less

DefenseLink.mil - Special Report - Soldiers Train with Non-lethal Weapons

Science.gov Websites

Training 10th Mountain Division soldiers feel the effects of a Taser during non-lethal weapons training Nov soldiers feel the effects of a Taser during non-lethal weapons training Nov. 19, 2008, at Fort Drum, N.Y situation can be resolved without lethal measures, Army Staff Sgt. Eric Johnson said during training and

Infantile bilateral glaucoma in a child with ectodermal dysplasia.

PubMed

Callea, Michele; Vinciguerra, Agatino; Willoughby, Colin E; Deroma, Laura; Clarich, Gabriella

2013-01-01

Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare disease which affects at least two ectodermal-derived structures such as hair, nails, skin, sweat glands and teeth. Approximately 200 different conditions have been classified as an ectodermal dysplasia and X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XHED) represents the commonest form. Clinically, XHED is characterized by hypotrichosis, hypohidrosis and hypodontia. A variety of ocular manifestations have been reported in XHED, the most common being dryness of eyes due to tear deficiency and instability of the film secondary to the absence of meibomian gland function. Here we report a child with the distinctive clinical features of XHED confirmed with molecular diagnosis who presented with infantile bilateral glaucoma, in addition to the classical ocular involvement in XHED.

The hazards of honey: infantile botulism

PubMed Central

Smith, Jennifer K; Burns, Sarah; Cunningham, Steve; Freeman, Julie; McLellan, Ailsa; McWilliam, Kenneth

2010-01-01

Infantile botulism is a rare cause of neuromuscular weakness resulting from ingestion of Clostridium botulinum—an anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus found universally in soil. The only definite food source known to cause infantile botulism is honey; previously, links to formula milk have been postulated but not definitely sourced. We present an interesting case report of a 2-month-old infant with this rare condition, including the diagnostic difficulties that ensued. A brief overview of the condition follows. This is the first case in the UK in which C botulinum was successfully isolated from both the patient and the suspected source—a jar of honey. The importance of food labelling as a public health message is highlighted. PMID:22778374

The Male-Specific Lethal-One (Msl-1) Gene of Drosophila Melanogaster Encodes a Novel Protein That Associates with the X Chromosome in Males

PubMed Central

Palmer, M. J.; Mergner, V. A.; Richman, R.; Manning, J. E.; Kuroda, M. I.; Lucchesi, J. C.

1993-01-01

male-specific lethal-one (msl-1) is one of four genes that are required for dosage compensation in Drosophila males. To determine the molecular basis of msl-1 regulation of dosage compensation, we have cloned the gene and characterized its products. The predicted msl-1 protein (MSL-1) has no significant similarity to proteins in the current data bases but contains an acidic N terminus characteristic of proteins involved in transcription and chromatin modeling. We present evidence that the msl-1 protein is associated with hundreds of sites along the length of the X chromosome in male, but not in female, nuclei. Our findings support the hypothesis that msl-1 plays a direct role in increasing the level of X-linked gene transcription in male nuclei. PMID:8325488

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency

MedlinePlus

... Facebook Twitter Home Health Conditions X-linked SCID X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency Printable PDF Open All ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an inherited ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita

MedlinePlus

... Home Health Conditions X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita Printable PDF Open All ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita is a disorder that ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked chondrodysplasia punctata 1

MedlinePlus

... Home Health Conditions X-linked chondrodysplasia punctata 1 X-linked chondrodysplasia punctata 1 Printable PDF Open All ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked chondrodysplasia punctata 1 is a disorder of ...

Recurrent Somatic PDGFRB Mutations in Sporadic Infantile/Solitary Adult Myofibromas But Not in Angioleiomyomas and Myopericytomas.

PubMed

Agaimy, Abbas; Bieg, Matthias; Michal, Michael; Geddert, Helene; Märkl, Bruno; Seitz, Jan; Moskalev, Evgeny A; Schlesner, Matthias; Metzler, Markus; Hartmann, Arndt; Wiemann, Stefan; Michal, Michal; Mentzel, Thomas; Haller, Florian

2017-02-01

Infantile myofibroma (MF) is an uncommon benign myofibroblastic tumor of infancy and childhood. Solitary adult MF shares similar features with infantile MF. The lesions occur in 3 clinicopathologic settings: solitary, multicentric, and generalized and can be either sporadic or familial. Traditionally, infantile MF has been included in the spectrum of infantile hemangiopericytoma. The recent World Health Organization classification listed MF, angioleiomyoma, and myopericytoma under the general heading of perivascular tumors in the sense of a morphologic spectrum of perivascular myoid cell neoplasms. Although activating germline PDGFRB mutations have recently been linked to familial infantile MF, the molecular pathogenesis of sporadic infantile and adult solitary MF remained unclear. In this study, we analyzed 25 solitary MFs without evidence of familial disease (9 infantile and 16 adult MFs) to address the question whether somatic PDGFRB mutations might be responsible for the sporadic form of the disease. Given the presumed histogenetic link of MF to myopericytoma and angioleiomyoma, we additionally analyzed a control group of 6 myopericytomas and 9 angioleiomyomas for PDGFRB mutations. We detected PDGFRB mutations in 6/8 (75%) analyzable infantile and in 11/16 (69%) adult MFs but in none of the angioleiomyomas or myopericytomas. In 2 infantile MFs, additional sequencing of the germline confirmed the somatic nature of PDGFRB mutations. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting apparently somatic recurrent PDGFRB mutations as molecular driver events in the majority of sporadic infantile and adult solitary MFs. Our results suggest molecular distinctness of MF as compared with angioleiomyoma/myopericytoma. Investigation of more cases including those with atypical and worrisome features, as well as other mimickers in the heterogenous morphologic spectrum of MF, is mandatory for validating the potential diagnostic value of PDGFRB mutation testing as a possible

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked congenital stationary night blindness

MedlinePlus

... Health Conditions X-linked congenital stationary night blindness X-linked congenital stationary night blindness Printable PDF Open ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked congenital stationary night blindness is a disorder ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia

MedlinePlus

... Health Conditions X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia Printable PDF Open ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia (XLAG) is a ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked sideroblastic anemia and ataxia

MedlinePlus

... Health Conditions X-linked sideroblastic anemia and ataxia X-linked sideroblastic anemia and ataxia Printable PDF Open ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked sideroblastic anemia and ataxia is a rare ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked intellectual disability, Siderius type

MedlinePlus

... Health Conditions X-linked intellectual disability, Siderius type X-linked intellectual disability, Siderius type Printable PDF Open ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked intellectual disability, Siderius type is a condition ...

Cln1 gene disruption in mice reveals a common pathogenic link between two of the most lethal childhood neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders.

PubMed

Chandra, Goutam; Bagh, Maria B; Peng, Shiyong; Saha, Arjun; Sarkar, Chinmoy; Moralle, Matthew; Zhang, Zhongjian; Mukherjee, Anil B

2015-10-01

Neurodegeneration is a devastating manifestation in the majority of >50 lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are the most common childhood neurodegenerative LSDs. Mutations in 13 different genes (called CLNs) underlie various types of NCLs, of which the infantile NCL (INCL) and congenital NCL (CNCL) are the most lethal. Although inactivating mutations in the CLN1 gene encoding palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) cause INCL, those in the CLN10 gene encoding cathepsin D (CD) underlie CNCL. PPT1 is a lysosomal thioesterase that cleaves the thioester linkage in S-acylated proteins required for their degradation by lysosomal hydrolases like CD. Thus, PPT1 deficiency causes lysosomal accumulation of these lipidated proteins (major constituents of ceroid) leading to INCL. We sought to determine whether there is a common pathogenic link between INCL and CNCL. Using biochemical, histological and confocal microscopic analyses of brain tissues and cells from Cln1(-/-) mice that mimic INCL, we uncovered that Cln10/CD is overexpressed. Although synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, the CD-precursor protein (pro-CD) is transported through endosome to the lysosome where it is proteolytically processed to enzymatically active-CD. We found that despite Cln10 overexpression, the maturation of pro-CD to enzymatically active-CD in lysosome was disrupted. This defect impaired lysosomal degradative function causing accumulation of undegraded cargo in lysosome leading to INCL. Notably, treatment of intact Cln1(-/-) mice as well as cultured brain cells derived from these animals with a thioesterase-mimetic small molecule, N-tert-butyl-hydroxylamine, ameliorated the CD-processing defect. Our findings are significant in that they define a pathway in which Cln1 mutations disrupt the maturation of a major degradative enzyme in lysosome contributing to neuropathology in INCL and suggest that lysosomal CD deficiency is a common pathogenic link

A novel mutation in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene associated with a severe Rett phenotype.

PubMed

Sprovieri, T; Conforti, F L; Fiumara, A; Mazzei, R; Ungaro, C; Citrigno, L; Muglia, M; Arena, A; Quattrone, A

2009-02-15

Mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene have recently been reported in patients with severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset seizures, infantile spasms, severe psychomotor impairment and very recently, in patients with Rett syndrome (RTT)-like phenotype. Although the involvement of CDKL5 in specific biological pathways and its neurodevelopmental role have not been completely elucidated, the CDKL5 appears to be physiologically related to the MECP2 gene. Here we report on the clinical and CDKL5 molecular investigation in a very unusual RTT case, with severe, early-neurological involvement in which we have shown in a previous report, a novel P388S MECP2 mutation [Conforti et al. (2003); Am J Med Genet A 117A: 184-187]. The patient has had severe psychomotor delay since the first month of life and infantile spasms since age 5 months. Moreover, at age 5 years the patient suddenly presented with renal failure. The severe pattern of symptoms in our patient, similar to a CDKL5 phenotype, prompted us to perform an analysis of the CDKL5, which revealed a novel missense mutation never previously described. The X-inactivation assay was non-informative. In conclusion, this report reinforces the observation that the CDKL5 phenotype overlaps with RTT and that CDKL5 analysis is recommended in patients with a seizure disorder commencing during the first months of life.

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked hyper IgM syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Home Health Conditions X-linked hyper IgM syndrome X-linked hyper IgM syndrome Printable PDF Open All ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked hyper IgM syndrome is a condition that ...

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism

MedlinePlus

... X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism syndrome (XDP): clinical and molecular genetic analysis. Brain Pathol. 1992 Oct;2(4):287-95. Review. Citation on PubMed Kaji R, Goto S, Tamiya G, Ando S, Makino S, Lee LV. Molecular dissection and anatomical basis of dystonia: X-linked ...

Infantile spasms.

PubMed

Hrachovy, Richard A; Frost, James D

2013-01-01

Infantile spasms are a unique disorder of infancy and early childhood. The average age at onset of infantile spasms is 6 months and the average incidence of the disorder is approximately 0.31 per 1000 live births. Approximately one-quarter of patients will spontaneously stop having spasms within 1 year of onset. There are three main types of epileptic spasms: flexor, extensor, and mixed flexor-extensor. Spasms frequently occur in clusters and commonly occur upon arousal from sleep. The motor spasms are frequently confused with other normal and abnormal infant behaviors. Typically, the interictal EEG reveals hypsarrhythmia or one of its variants. A variety of ictal EEG patterns may be seen, the most common of which is a generalized slow-wave transient followed by an attenuation of the background activity in all regions. The primary treatment objective is to improve the EEG and stop the spasms as soon as possible and to avoid prolonged treatment durations with any form of therapy. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence that medical or surgical treatment of infantile spasms significantly alters long-term outcome. Although the pathophysiological mechanism underlying infantile spasms is unknown, several animal models of infantile spasms have been developed in recent years. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification of lethal cluster of genes in the yeast transcription network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rho, K.; Jeong, H.; Kahng, B.

2006-05-01

Identification of essential or lethal genes would be one of the ultimate goals in drug designs. Here we introduce an in silico method to select the cluster with a high population of lethal genes, called lethal cluster, through microarray assay. We construct a gene transcription network based on the microarray expression level. Links are added one by one in the descending order of the Pearson correlation coefficients between two genes. As the link density p increases, two meaningful link densities pm and ps are observed. At pm, which is smaller than the percolation threshold, the number of disconnected clusters is maximum, and the lethal genes are highly concentrated in a certain cluster that needs to be identified. Thus the deletion of all genes in that cluster could efficiently lead to a lethal inviable mutant. This lethal cluster can be identified by an in silico method. As p increases further beyond the percolation threshold, the power law behavior in the degree distribution of a giant cluster appears at ps. We measure the degree of each gene at ps. With the information pertaining to the degrees of each gene at ps, we return to the point pm and calculate the mean degree of genes of each cluster. We find that the lethal cluster has the largest mean degree.

X linked neonatal centronuclear/myotubular myopathy: evidence for linkage to Xq28 DNA marker loci.

PubMed

Thomas, N S; Williams, H; Cole, G; Roberts, K; Clarke, A; Liechti-Gallati, S; Braga, S; Gerber, A; Meier, C; Moser, H

1990-05-01

We have studied the inheritance of several polymorphic Xq27/28 DNA marker loci in two three generation families with the X linked neonatal lethal form of centronuclear/myotubular myopathy (XL MTM). We found complete linkage of XLMTM to all four informative Xq28 markers analysed, with GCP/RCP (Z = 3.876, theta = 0.00), with DXS15 (Z = 3.737, theta = 0.00), with DXS52 (Z = 2.709, theta = 0.00), and with F8C (Z = 1.020, theta = 0.00). In the absence of any observable recombination, we are unable to sublocalise the XLMTM locus further within the Xq28 region. This evidence for an Xq28 localisation may allow us to carry out useful genetic counselling within such families.

Centrosome Linker-induced Tetraploid Segregation Errors Link Rhabdoid Phenotypes and Lethal Colorectal Cancers.

PubMed

Remo, Andrea; Manfrin, Erminia; Parcesepe, Pietro; Ferrarini, Alberto; Han, Hye Seung; Ugnius, Mickys; Laudanna, Carmelo; Simbolo, Michele; Malanga, Donatella; Mendes Oliveira, Duarte; Baritono, Elisabetta; Colangelo, Tommaso; Sabatino, Lina; Giuliani, Jacopo; Molinari, Enrico; Garonzi, Marianna; Xumerle, Luciano; Delledonne, Massimo; Giordano, Guido; Ghimenton, Claudio; Lonardo, Fortunato; D'angelo, Fulvio; Grillo, Federica; Mastracci, Luca; Viglietto, Giuseppe; Ceccarelli, Michele; Colantuoni, Vittorio; Scarpa, Aldo; Pancione, Massimo

2018-05-21

Centrosome anomalies contribute to tumorigenesis but it remains unclear how they are generated in lethal cancer phenotypes. Here, it is demonstrated that human microsatellite instable (MSI) and BRAF(V600E) mutant colorectal cancers with a lethal rhabdoid phenotype are characterized by inactivation of centrosomal functions. A splice site mutation that causes an unbalanced dosage of rootletin (CROCC), a centrosomal-linker component required for centrosome cohesion and separation at the chromosome 1p36.13 locus, resulted in abnormally shaped centrosomes in rhabdoid cells from human colon tissues. Notably, deleterious deletions at 1p36.13 were recurrent in a subgroup of BRAF(V600E) mutant and microsatellite stable (MSS) rhabdoid colorectal cancers but not in classical colorectal cancer or pediatric rhabdoid tumors. Interfering with CROCC expression in near-diploid BRAF(V600E) mutant/MSI colon cancer cells disrupts bipolar mitotic spindle architecture, promotes tetraploid segregation errors resulting in a highly aggressive rhabdoid-like phenotype in vitro. Restoring near-wild-type levels of CROCC in a metastatic model harboring 1p36.13 deletion results in correction of centrosome segregation errors and cell death, revealing a mechanism of tolerance to mitotic errors and tetraploidization promoted by deleterious 1p36.13 loss. Accordingly, cancer cells lacking 1p36.13 display far greater sensitivity to centrosome spindle pole stabilizing agents in vitro. These data shed light on a previously unknown link between centrosome cohesion defects and lethal cancer phenotypes providing new insight into pathways underlying genome instability. Mis-segregation of chromosomes is a prominent feature of chromosome instability and intra-tumoral heterogeneity recurrent in metastatic tumors for which the molecular basis is unknown. The present study provides insight into the mechanism by which defects in rootletin, a centrosome linker component causes tetraploid segregation errors and

Genetics Home Reference: alpha thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome

MedlinePlus

... thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome Alpha thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome Printable PDF Open All ... view the expand/collapse boxes. Description Alpha thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability syndrome is an inherited disorder ...

FARVATX: Family-Based Rare Variant Association Test for X-Linked Genes.

PubMed

Choi, Sungkyoung; Lee, Sungyoung; Qiao, Dandi; Hardin, Megan; Cho, Michael H; Silverman, Edwin K; Park, Taesung; Won, Sungho

2016-09-01

Although the X chromosome has many genes that are functionally related to human diseases, the complicated biological properties of the X chromosome have prevented efficient genetic association analyses, and only a few significantly associated X-linked variants have been reported for complex traits. For instance, dosage compensation of X-linked genes is often achieved via the inactivation of one allele in each X-linked variant in females; however, some X-linked variants can escape this X chromosome inactivation. Efficient genetic analyses cannot be conducted without prior knowledge about the gene expression process of X-linked variants, and misspecified information can lead to power loss. In this report, we propose new statistical methods for rare X-linked variant genetic association analysis of dichotomous phenotypes with family-based samples. The proposed methods are computationally efficient and can complete X-linked analyses within a few hours. Simulation studies demonstrate the statistical efficiency of the proposed methods, which were then applied to rare-variant association analysis of the X chromosome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some promising significant X-linked genes were identified, illustrating the practical importance of the proposed methods. © 2016 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

FARVATX: FAmily-based Rare Variant Association Test for X-linked genes

PubMed Central

Choi, Sungkyoung; Lee, Sungyoung; Qiao, Dandi; Hardin, Megan; Cho, Michael H.; Silverman, Edwin K; Park, Taesung; Won, Sungho

2016-01-01

Although the X chromosome has many genes that are functionally related to human diseases, the complicated biological properties of the X chromosome have prevented efficient genetic association analyses, and only a few significantly associated X-linked variants have been reported for complex traits. For instance, dosage compensation of X-linked genes is often achieved via the inactivation of one allele in each X-linked variant in females; however, some X-linked variants can escape this X chromosome inactivation. Efficient genetic analyses cannot be conducted without prior knowledge about the gene expression process of X-linked variants, and misspecified information can lead to power loss. In this report, we propose new statistical methods for rare X-linked variant genetic association analysis of dichotomous phenotypes with family-based samples. The proposed methods are computationally efficient and can complete X-linked analyses within a few hours. Simulation studies demonstrate the statistical efficiency of the proposed methods, which were then applied to rare-variant association analysis of the X chromosome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some promising significant X-linked genes were identified, illustrating the practical importance of the proposed methods. PMID:27325607

Infantile botulism.

PubMed

Gay, C T; Marks, W A; Riley, H D; Bodensteiner, J B; Hamza, M; Noorani, P A; Bobele, G B

1988-04-01

We present the first two known cases of infantile botulism in Oklahoma. The first case was due to type B toxin; the second was due to type A toxin. Both cases demonstrate most of the classic features of what now appears to be the most common form of botulism. Infantile botulism is an underrecognized but reversible cause of hypotonia. In most cases, the prognosis is excellent with institution of appropriate supportive care. The recognition of cranial nerve palsies or a history of constipation should raise the suspicion of infantile botulism. Aminoglycoside antibiotics and other agents that may precipitate or exacerbate neuromuscular blockade should be used with extreme caution in hypotonic infants until the cause of the hypotonia is clearly identified.

X-linked congenital panhypopituitarism.

PubMed

Schimke, R N; Spaulding, J J; Hollowell, J G

1971-05-01

Two half brothers with panhypopituitary dwarfism are reported who have the same mother and different, unrelated fathers. The subject of hereditary panhypopituitarism is reviewed briefly. It is concluded that there are at least two forms of hereditary panhypopituitary dwarfism, one of which may be X-linked.

Craniofacioskeletal Syndrome: An X-Linked Dominant Disorder With Early Lethality in Males

PubMed Central

Stevenson, Roger E.; Brasington, Cam K.; Skinner, Cindy; Simensen, Richard J.; Spence, J. Edward; Kesler, Shelli; Reiss, Allan L.; Schwartz, Charles E.

2011-01-01

A syndrome with multisystem manifestations has been observed in three generations of a Caucasian family. The findings in seven females provide a composite clinical picture of microcephaly, short stature, small retroverted ears, full tip of the nose overhanging the columella, short philtrum, thin upper lip, soft tissue excrescences at the angle of the mouth, small mandible, small hands and feet with brachydactyly, finger V clinodactyly, flat feet, an excessive number of fingerprint arches, and mild impairment of cognitive function. Two males were more severely affected and died in the initial months of life. They showed intrauterine growth retardation, broad cranium with wide sutures and fontanelles, cardiac defects, small hands and feet with abnormal digital creases and small nails, and genital abnormalities. The affected males had low serum calcium in the neonatal period. Serum calcium, phosphorous, and parathormone levels in the females were normal. Radiographs showed cortical thickening of the long bones, underdevelopment of the frontal sinuses, narrow pelvis and hypoplasia of the middle phalanx of finger five. MRI of the brain showed slightly reduced brain volumes and an extra gyrus of the superior temporal region. X-inactivation studies showed near complete skewing in two affected females, but were not informative in three others. X-linkage as the mode of inheritance is proposed on the basis of different severity in males/females, complete skewing of X-inactivation in informative females, and a lod score (1.5) suggestive of linkage to markers in Xq26-q27. PMID:17853486

Phenotype-genotype correlations in X linked retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed Central

Kaplan, J; Pelet, A; Martin, C; Delrieu, O; Aymé, S; Bonneau, D; Briard, M L; Hanauer, A; Larget-Piet, L; Lefrançois, P

1992-01-01

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) represents a group of clinically heterogeneous retinal degenerations in which all modes of inheritance have been described. We have previously found two different clinical profiles in X linked RP as a function of age and mode of onset. The first clinical form has very early onset with severe myopia. The second form starts later with night blindness with mild myopia or none. At least two genes have been identified in X linked forms, namely RP2 (linked to DXS7, DXS255, and DXS14) and RP3 (linked to DXS84 and OTC) on the short arm of the X chromosome. In order to contribute to phenotype-genotype correlations in X linked RP, we tested the hypothesis that the two clinical profiles could be accounted for by the two different gene loci. The present study provides evidence for linkage of the clinical form with early myopia as the onset symptom with the RP2 gene (pairwise linkage to DXS255: Z = 3.13 at theta = 0), while the clinical form with later night blindness as the onset symptom is linked to the RP3 gene (pairwise linkage to OTC: Z = 4.16 at theta = 0). Images PMID:1357178

Sex-specific silencing of X-linked genes by Xist RNA

PubMed Central

Gayen, Srimonta; Maclary, Emily; Hinten, Michael; Kalantry, Sundeep

2016-01-01

X-inactive specific transcript (Xist) long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is thought to catalyze silencing of X-linked genes in cis during X-chromosome inactivation, which equalizes X-linked gene dosage between male and female mammals. To test the impact of Xist RNA on X-linked gene silencing, we ectopically induced endogenous Xist by ablating the antisense repressor Tsix in mice. We find that ectopic Xist RNA induction and subsequent X-linked gene silencing is sex specific in embryos and in differentiating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs). A higher frequency of XΔTsixY male cells displayed ectopic Xist RNA coating compared with XΔTsixX female cells. This increase reflected the inability of XΔTsixY cells to efficiently silence X-linked genes compared with XΔTsixX cells, despite equivalent Xist RNA induction and coating. Silencing of genes on both Xs resulted in significantly reduced proliferation and increased cell death in XΔTsixX female cells relative to XΔTsixY male cells. Thus, whereas Xist RNA can inactivate the X chromosome in females it may not do so in males. We further found comparable silencing in differentiating XΔTsixY and 39,XΔTsix (XΔTsixO) ESCs, excluding the Y chromosome and instead implicating the X-chromosome dose as the source of the sex-specific differences. Because XΔTsixX female embryonic epiblast cells and EpiSCs harbor an inactivated X chromosome prior to ectopic inactivation of the active XΔTsix X chromosome, we propose that the increased expression of one or more X-inactivation escapees activates Xist and, separately, helps trigger X-linked gene silencing. PMID:26739568

A Comparison of Selective Pressures in Plant X-Linked and Autosomal Genes

PubMed Central

Krasovec, Marc; Filatov, Dmitry A.

2018-01-01

Selection is expected to work differently in autosomal and X-linked genes because of their ploidy difference and the exposure of recessive X-linked mutations to haploid selection in males. However, it is not clear whether these expectations apply to recently evolved sex chromosomes, where many genes retain functional X- and Y-linked gametologs. We took advantage of the recently evolved sex chromosomes in the plant Silene latifolia and its closely related species to compare the selective pressures between hemizygous and non-hemizygous X-linked genes as well as between X-linked genes and autosomal genes. Our analysis, based on over 1000 genes, demonstrated that, similar to animals, X-linked genes in Silene evolve significantly faster than autosomal genes—the so-called faster-X effect. Contrary to expectations, faster-X divergence was detectable only for non-hemizygous X-linked genes. Our phylogeny-based analyses of selection revealed no evidence for faster adaptation in X-linked genes compared to autosomal genes. On the other hand, partial relaxation of purifying selection was apparent on the X-chromosome compared to the autosomes, consistent with a smaller genetic diversity in S. latifolia X-linked genes (πx = 0.016; πaut = 0.023). Thus, the faster-X divergence in S. latifolia appears to be a consequence of the smaller effective population size rather than of a faster adaptive evolution on the X-chromosome. We argue that this may be a general feature of “young” sex chromosomes, where the majority of X-linked genes are not hemizygous, preventing haploid selection in heterogametic sex. PMID:29751495

A Comparison of Selective Pressures in Plant X-Linked and Autosomal Genes.

PubMed

Krasovec, Marc; Nevado, Bruno; Filatov, Dmitry A

2018-05-03

Selection is expected to work differently in autosomal and X-linked genes because of their ploidy difference and the exposure of recessive X-linked mutations to haploid selection in males. However, it is not clear whether these expectations apply to recently evolved sex chromosomes, where many genes retain functional X- and Y-linked gametologs. We took advantage of the recently evolved sex chromosomes in the plant Silene latifolia and its closely related species to compare the selective pressures between hemizygous and non-hemizygous X-linked genes as well as between X-linked genes and autosomal genes. Our analysis, based on over 1000 genes, demonstrated that, similar to animals, X-linked genes in Silene evolve significantly faster than autosomal genes—the so-called faster-X effect. Contrary to expectations, faster-X divergence was detectable only for non-hemizygous X-linked genes. Our phylogeny-based analyses of selection revealed no evidence for faster adaptation in X-linked genes compared to autosomal genes. On the other hand, partial relaxation of purifying selection was apparent on the X-chromosome compared to the autosomes, consistent with a smaller genetic diversity in S. latifolia X-linked genes (π x = 0.016; π aut = 0.023). Thus, the faster-X divergence in S. latifolia appears to be a consequence of the smaller effective population size rather than of a faster adaptive evolution on the X-chromosome. We argue that this may be a general feature of “young” sex chromosomes, where the majority of X-linked genes are not hemizygous, preventing haploid selection in heterogametic sex.

Infantilism: Theoretical Construct and Operationalization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sabelnikova, Y. V.; Khmeleva, N. L.

2018-01-01

The aim of this article is to define and operationalize the construct of infantilism. The methods of theoretical research involve analysis and synthesis. Age and content criteria are analyzed for childhood and adulthood. Infantile traits in an adult are described. Results: The characteristics of adult infantilism in the modern world are defined,…

X-ray induced dominant lethal mutations in mature and immature oocytes of guinea-pigs and golden hamsters.

PubMed

Cox, B D; Lyon, M F

1975-06-01

The induction of dominant lethal mutations by doses of 100-400 rad X-rays in oocytes of the guinea-pig and golden hamster was studied using criteria of embryonic mortality. For both species higher yields were obtained from mature than from immature oocytes, in contrast to results for the mouse. Data on fertility indicated that in the golden hamster, as in the mouse, immature oocytes were more sensitive to killing by X-rays than mature oocytes but that the converse was true in the guinea-pig. The dose-response relationship for mutation to dominant lethals in pre-ovulatory oocytes of guinea-pig and golden hamsters was linear, both when based on pre- and post-implantation loss and when on post-implantation loss only. The rate per unit dose was higher for the golden hamster, and the old golden hamsters were possibly slightly more sensitive than young ones. The mutation rate data for mature oocytes of the mouse, using post-implantation loss alone, also fitted a linear dose-response relationship, except that the rate per unit dose was lower than for the other two species.

Macular hole in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Al-Swaina, Nayef; Nowilaty, Sawsan R

2013-10-01

An 18 year-old male with no antecedent of trauma, systemic syndrome or myopia was referred for surgical treatment of a full thickness macular hole in the left eye. A more careful inspection revealed discrete foveal cystic changes in the fellow eye and subtle peripheral depigmented retinal pigment epithelial changes in both eyes. A spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scan confirmed, in addition to the full thickness macular hole in the left eye, microcystic spaces in the nuclear layers of both retinae. The diagnosis of X-linked retinoschisis was confirmed with a full field electroretinogram displaying the typical negative ERG. Macular holes are uncommon in the young and those complicating X-linked retinoschisis are rare. This report highlights the importance of investigating the presence of a macular hole in a young patient and illustrates the clinical and SD-OCT clues beyond the foveal center which led to the correct diagnosis of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis.

X-linked dominant retinitis pigmentosa in an American family

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGuire, R.E.; Daiger, S.P.; Blanton, S.H.

1994-09-01

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetically heterogeneous disease with autosomal dominant (adRP), autosomal recessive and X-linked forms. At least 3 forms of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa have been reported: RP2 which maps to Xp11.4-p 11.23, RP3 which maps to Xp21.1 and RP6, which maps to Xp21.3-p21.1. The X-linked forms of retinitis pigmentosa are generally considered to be recessive as female carriers are not affected or are much less affected than males. Here we report a five generation American family with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa in which both males and females are significantly affected. The disease locus in this family appears to be distinctmore » from RP2 and RP3. The American family (UTAD054) presents with early-onset retinitis pigmentosa. The family appeared to fit an autosomal dominant pattern; however, linkage testing excluded all known adRP loci. Absence of male-to-male transmission in the pedigree suggested the possibility of X-linked dominant inheritance. Thus we tested six microsatellite markers that map to Xp (DXS987, DXS989, DXS993, DXS999, DXS1003 and DXS1110). Of these, DXS989 showed tight linkage with one allele (199) showing a 100% concordance with disease status. The odds favoring an X-linked dominant mode of inheritance in this family, versus autosomal dominant, are 10{sup 5}:1. In addition, recombinations for DXS999, and dXS1110, the two markers flanking DXS989, were observed in affected individuals. These data map the disease locus in this family to a 9 mb region on the X chromosome between Xp22.11 and Xp21.41. In addition, the recombinant individuals exclude close linkage to RP2 and RP3. The observance of high penetrance in females indicates that this family has X-linked dominant retinitis pigmentosa. We suggest that this mode of inheritance should be considered in other families with dominant retinitis pigmentosa but an absence of male-to-male transmission.« less

Role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of X-linked hypophosphatemia.

PubMed

Baum, Michel; Syal, Ashu; Quigley, Raymond; Seikaly, Mouin

2006-08-01

X-linked hypophosphatemia is an X-linked dominant disorder resulting from a mutation in the PHEX gene. PHEX stands for phosphate-regulating gene with endopeptidase activity, which is located on the X chromosome. Patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia have hypophosphatemia due to renal phosphate wasting and low or inappropriately normal levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The renal phosphate wasting is not intrinsic to the kidney but likely due to an increase in serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), and perhaps other phosphate-wasting peptides previously known as phosphatonins. Patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia have short stature, rickets, bone pain and dental abscesses. Current therapy is oral phosphate and vitamin D which effectively treats the rickets and bone pain but does not adequately improve short stature. In this review, we describe recent observations using Hyp mice; mice with the same mutation as patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia. We have recently found that Hyp mice have abnormal renal prostaglandin production, which may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Administration of FGF-23 in vivo results in phosphaturia and an increase in prostaglandin excretion, and FGF-23 increases proximal tubule prostaglandin production in vitro. In Hyp mice, indomethacin improves the phosphate transport defect in vitro and in vivo. Whether indomethacin has the same effect in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia is unknown.

Contemporary Medical and Surgical Management of X-linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets.

PubMed

Sharkey, Melinda S; Grunseich, Karl; Carpenter, Thomas O

2015-07-01

X-linked hypophosphatemia is an inheritable disorder of renal phosphate wasting that clinically manifests with rachitic bone pathology. X-linked hypophosphatemia is frequently misdiagnosed and mismanaged. Optimized medical therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. Even with ideal medical management, progressive bony deformity may develop in some children and adults. Medical treatment is paramount to the success of orthopaedic surgical procedures in both children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia. Successful correction of complex, multiapical bone deformities found in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia is possible with careful surgical planning and exacting surgical technique. Multiple methods of deformity correction are used, including acute and gradual correction. Treatment of some pediatric bony deformity with guided growth techniques may be possible. Copyright 2015 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with lethal cardiac valvular dystrophy in males carrying a novel splice mutation in FLNA.

PubMed

Ritelli, Marco; Morlino, Silvia; Giacopuzzi, Edoardo; Carini, Giulia; Cinquina, Valeria; Chiarelli, Nicola; Majore, Silvia; Colombi, Marina; Castori, Marco

2017-01-01

Filamin A is an X-linked, ubiquitous actin-binding protein whose mutations are associated to multiple disorders with limited genotype-phenotype correlations. While gain-of-function mutations cause various bone dysplasias, loss-of-function variants are the most common cause of periventricular nodular heterotopias with variable soft connective tissue involvement, as well as X-linked cardiac valvular dystrophy (XCVD). The term "Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) with periventricular heterotopias" has been used in females with neurological, cardiovascular, integument and joint manifestations, but this nosology is still a matter of debate. We report the clinical and molecular update of an Italian family with an X-linked recessive soft connective tissue disorder and which was described, in 1975, as the first example of EDS type V of the Berlin nosology. The cutaneous phenotype of the index patient was close to classical EDS and all males died for a lethal cardiac valvular dystrophy. Whole exome sequencing identified the novel c.1829-1G>C splice variation in FLNA in two affected cousins. The nucleotide change was predicted to abolish the canonical splice acceptor site of exon 13 and to activate a cryptic acceptor site 15 bp downstream, leading to in frame deletion of five amino acid residues (p.Phe611_Gly615del). The predicted in frame deletion clusters with all the mutations previously identified in XCVD and falls within the N-terminus rod 1 domain of filamin A. Our findings expand the male-specific phenotype of FLNA mutations that now includes classical-like EDS with lethal cardiac valvular dystrophy, and offer further insights for the genotype-phenotype correlations within this spectrum. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genetics Home Reference: immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome

MedlinePlus

... Health Conditions IPEX syndrome Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome Printable PDF Open All Close All ... expand/collapse boxes. Description Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome primarily affects males and is ...

Gene expression profiling of prostate tissue identifies chromatin regulation as a potential link between obesity and lethal prostate cancer.

PubMed

Ebot, Ericka M; Gerke, Travis; Labbé, David P; Sinnott, Jennifer A; Zadra, Giorgia; Rider, Jennifer R; Tyekucheva, Svitlana; Wilson, Kathryn M; Kelly, Rachel S; Shui, Irene M; Loda, Massimo; Kantoff, Philip W; Finn, Stephen; Vander Heiden, Matthew G; Brown, Myles; Giovannucci, Edward L; Mucci, Lorelei A

2017-11-01

Obese men are at higher risk of advanced prostate cancer and cancer-specific mortality; however, the biology underlying this association remains unclear. This study examined gene expression profiles of prostate tissue to identify biological processes differentially expressed by obesity status and lethal prostate cancer. Gene expression profiling was performed on tumor (n = 402) and adjacent normal (n = 200) prostate tissue from participants in 2 prospective cohorts who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1982 to 2005. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the questionnaire immediately preceding cancer diagnosis. Men were followed for metastases or prostate cancer-specific death (lethal disease) through 2011. Gene Ontology biological processes differentially expressed by BMI were identified using gene set enrichment analysis. Pathway scores were computed by averaging the signal intensities of member genes. Odds ratios (ORs) for lethal prostate cancer were estimated with logistic regression. Among 402 men, 48% were healthy weight, 31% were overweight, and 21% were very overweight/obese. Fifteen gene sets were enriched in tumor tissue, but not normal tissue, of very overweight/obese men versus healthy-weight men; 5 of these were related to chromatin modification and remodeling (false-discovery rate < 0.25). Patients with high tumor expression of chromatin-related genes had worse clinical characteristics (Gleason grade > 7, 41% vs 17%; P = 2 × 10 -4 ) and an increased risk of lethal disease that was independent of grade and stage (OR, 5.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.37-12.25). This study improves our understanding of the biology of aggressive prostate cancer and identifies a potential mechanistic link between obesity and prostate cancer death that warrants further study. Cancer 2017;123:4130-4138. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

[Infantile hemangiomas: the revolution of beta-blockers].

PubMed

Leaute-Labreze, Christine

2014-12-01

Infantile hemangioma is the consequence of both postnatal vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Hypoxia appears to play an important role as a contributory factor. Infantile hemangiomas have variable clinical features: superficial, deep or mixed. They can be localized or segmental involving a large skin area. Localized infantile hemangiomas are usually benign, unless they are located near a noble structure (airway orbit...), while segmental infantile hemangioma may be associated with complex underlying birth defects (PHACES and SACRAL syndromes). Clinical follow-up of infants with infantile hemangioma must be particularly careful in the first weeks of life since 80% of all infantile hemangiomas have reached their final size at age 5 months. A majority of infantile hemangiomas are mild and do not required any treatment. Main indications for treatment are: vital risk (heart failure, respiratory distress), functional risk (amblyopia, swallowing disorders...), painful ulceration and disfigurement (face involvement of nose, lips...). Propranolol, has been quickly adopted as the first line medical treatment for complicated infantile hemangioma; and it is the only treatment to have a marketing authorization in this indication. It is recommended to begin the treatment as early as possible before three months of age to minimize the risk of complications and sequelae.

X-linked hypophosphatemia attributable to pseudoexons of the PHEX gene.

PubMed

Christie, P T; Harding, B; Nesbit, M A; Whyte, M P; Thakker, R V

2001-08-01

X-linked hypophosphatemia is commonly caused by mutations of the coding region of PHEX (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome). However, such PHEX mutations are not detected in approximately one third of X-linked hypophosphatemia patients who may harbor defects in the noncoding or intronic regions. We have therefore investigated 11 unrelated X-linked hypophosphatemia patients in whom coding region mutations had been excluded, for intronic mutations that may lead to mRNA splicing abnormalities, by the use of lymphoblastoid RNA and RT-PCRs. One X-linked hypophosphatemia patient was found to have 3 abnormally large transcripts, resulting from 51-bp, 100-bp, and 170-bp insertions, all of which would lead to missense peptides and premature termination codons. The origin of these transcripts was a mutation (g to t) at position +1268 of intron 7, which resulted in the occurrence of a high quality novel donor splice site (ggaagg to gtaagg). Splicing between this novel donor splice site and 3 preexisting, but normally silent, acceptor splice sites within intron 7 resulted in the occurrences of the 3 pseudoexons. This represents the first report of PHEX pseudoexons and reveals further the diversity of genetic abnormalities causing X-linked hypophosphatemia.

Impaired plasticity of macrophages in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

PubMed

Weinhofer, Isabelle; Zierfuss, Bettina; Hametner, Simon; Wagner, Magdalena; Popitsch, Niko; Machacek, Christian; Bartolini, Barbara; Zlabinger, Gerhard; Ohradanova-Repic, Anna; Stockinger, Hannes; Köhler, Wolfgang; Höftberger, Romana; Regelsberger, Günther; Forss-Petter, Sonja; Lassmann, Hans; Berger, Johannes

2018-05-30

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is caused by ATP-binding cassette transporter D1 (ABCD1) mutations and manifests by default as slowly progressive spinal cord axonopathy with associated demyelination (adrenomyloneuropathy). In 60% of male cases, however, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy converts to devastating cerebral inflammation and demyelination (cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy) with infiltrating blood-derived monocytes and macrophages and cytotoxic T cells that can only be stopped by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or gene therapy at an early stage of the disease. Recently, we identified monocytes/macrophages but not T cells to be severely affected metabolically by ABCD1 deficiency. Here we found by whole transcriptome analysis that, although monocytes of patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy have normal capacity for macrophage differentiation and phagocytosis, they are pro-inflammatory skewed also in patients with adrenomyloneuropathy in the absence of cerebral inflammation. Following lipopolysaccharide activation, the ingestion of myelin debris, normally triggering anti-inflammatory polarization, did not fully reverse the pro-inflammatory status of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy macrophages. Immunohistochemistry on post-mortem cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy lesions reflected the activation pattern by prominent presence of enlarged lipid-laden macrophages strongly positive for the pro-inflammatory marker co-stimulatory molecule CD86. Comparative analyses of lesions with matching macrophage density in cases of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy and acute multiple sclerosis showed a similar extent of pro-inflammatory activation but a striking reduction of anti-inflammatory mannose receptor (CD206) and haemoglobin-haptoglobin receptor (CD163) expression on cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy macrophages. Accordingly, ABCD1-deficiency leads to an impaired plasticity of macrophages that is reflected in incomplete establishment of anti-inflammatory responses

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda

MedlinePlus

... Educational Resources (6 links) Cincinnati Children's Hospital: Coxa Vera Disease InfoSearch: Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda X-linked Johns ... Free article on PubMed Central Savarirayan R, Thompson E, Gécz J. Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDL, MIM #313400). ...

Infantile osteopetrosis with superimposed rickets.

PubMed

Gonen, Korcan Aysun; Yazici, Zeynep; Gokalp, Gokhan; Ucar, Ayse Kalyoncu

2013-01-01

Rickets is a complication of infantile osteopetrosis and pre-treatment recognition of this complication is important. To describe four children with infantile osteopetrosis complicated by rickets (osteopetrorickets) and review the relevant literature. Retrospective chart analysis of four infants with osteopetrorickets and a systematic review of the relevant literature. We saw five children with infantile osteopetrosis, of whom four had superimposed rickets, for a period of 12 years. The review of the literature (including the current four children), yielded 20 children with infantile osteopetrorickets. The children ranged in age from 2 months to 12 months. In all children, hepatosplenomegaly was found. Sixteen (80%) children had visual impairments and eight (40%) children had hearing impairments. Serum calcium-phosphorus product was less than 30 in 18 children (90%). Twelve children (60%) were hypocalcemic and 18 (90%) were hypophosphatemic. In all children, the radiological examination demonstrated diffuse bony sclerosis and metaphyseal splaying and fraying of long bones. Five children (25%) had pathological fracture of extremities and 15 (75%) had rachitic rosary. Rickets as a complication to infantile osteopetrosis is not uncommon. Skeletal roentgenograms are of critical importance in the diagnosis of both osteopetrosis and superimposed rickets.

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked agammaglobulinemia

MedlinePlus

... Sep;104(3):221-30. Citation on PubMed Smith CIE, Berglöf A. X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia. 2001 Apr ... Bean LJH, Bird TD, Ledbetter N, Mefford HC, Smith RJH, Stephens K, editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): ...

Severe manifestations in carrier females in X linked retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed Central

Souied, E; Segues, B; Ghazi, I; Rozet, J M; Chatelin, S; Gerber, S; Perrault, I; Michel-Awad, A; Briard, M L; Plessis, G; Dufier, J L; Munnich, A; Kaplan, J

1997-01-01

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of progressive hereditary disorders of the retina in which various modes of inheritance have been described. Here, we report on X linked RP in nine families with constant and severe expression in carrier females. In our series, however, the phenotype was milder and delayed in carrier females compared to hemizygous males. This form of X linked RP could be regarded therefore as partially dominant. The disease gene maps to chromosome Xp2.1 in the genetic interval encompassing the RP3 locus (Zmax=13.71 at the DXS1100 locus). Single strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequence analysis of the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene, which accounts for RP3, failed to detect any mutation in our families. Future advances in the identification of X linked RP genes will hopefully help to elucidate the molecular basis of this X linked dominant RP. Images PMID:9350809

Molecular and clinical studies of X-linked deafness among Pakistani families.

PubMed

Waryah, Ali M; Ahmed, Zubair M; Bhinder, Munir A; Binder, Munir A; Choo, Daniel I; Sisk, Robert A; Shahzad, Mohsin; Khan, Shaheen N; Friedman, Thomas B; Riazuddin, Sheikh; Riazuddin, Saima

2011-07-01

There are 68 sex-linked syndromes that include hearing loss as one feature and five sex-linked nonsyndromic deafness loci listed in the OMIM database. The possibility of additional such sex-linked loci was explored by ascertaining three unrelated Pakistani families (PKDF536, PKDF1132 and PKDF740) segregating X-linked recessive deafness. Sequence analysis of POU3F4 (DFN3) in affected members of families PKDF536 and PKDF1132 revealed two novel nonsense mutations, p.Q136X and p.W114X, respectively. Family PKDF740 is segregating congenital blindness, mild-to-profound progressive hearing loss that is characteristic of Norrie disease (MIM#310600). Sequence analysis of NDP among affected members of this family revealed a novel single nucleotide deletion c.49delG causing a frameshift and premature truncation (p.V17fsX1) of the encoded protein. These mutations were not found in 150 normal DNA samples. Identification of pathogenic alleles causing X-linked recessive deafness will improve molecular diagnosis, genetic counseling and molecular epidemiology of hearing loss among Pakistanis.

Molecular and Clinical Studies of X-linked Deafness Among Pakistani Families

PubMed Central

Waryah, Ali M.; Ahmed, Zubair M.; Choo, Daniel I.; Sisk, Robert A.; Binder, Munir A.; Shahzad, Mohsin; Khan, Shaheen N.; Friedman, Thomas B.; Riazuddin, Sheikh; Riazuddin, Saima

2011-01-01

There are 68 sex-linked syndromes that include hearing loss as one feature and five sex-linked nonsyndromic deafness loci listed in the OMIM database. The possibility of additional such sex-linked loci was explored by ascertaining three unrelated Pakistani families (PKDF536, PKDF1132, PKDF740) segregating X-linked recessive deafness. Sequence analysis of POU3F4 (DFN3) in affected members of families PKDF536 and PKDF1132 revealed two novel nonsense mutations, p.Q136X and p.W114X, respectively. Family PKDF740 is segregating congenital blindness, mild to profound progressive hearing loss that is characteristic of Norrie disease (MIM#310600). Sequence analysis of NDP among affected members of this family revealed a novel single nucleotide deletion c.49delG causing a frameshift and premature truncation (p.V17fsX1) of the encoded protein. These mutations were not found in 150 normal DNA samples. Identification of pathogenic alleles causing X-linked recessive deafness will improve molecular diagnosis, genetic counseling, and molecular epidemiology of hearing loss among Pakistanis. PMID:21633365

Genetics Home Reference: early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 1

MedlinePlus

... infantile epileptic encephalopathy 1 Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 1 Printable PDF Open All Close All Enable Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 1 (EIEE1) is ...

Nutritional supplement chromium picolinate causes sterility and lethal mutations in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Hepburn, Dion D. D.; Xiao, Jiarong; Bindom, Sharell; Vincent, John B.; O'Donnell, Janis

2003-01-01

The nutritional dietary supplement chromium picolinate, [Cr(pic)3], has gained much notoriety as a safe supplement that supposedly promotes fat loss and muscle enhancement in humans. Thus, a significant industry has materialized around the incorporation of [Cr(pic)3] in many sports foods and drinks and a variety of weight loss products. However, in vitro studies have suggested that low levels of [Cr(pic)3] in the presence of biological reducing agents can catalytically generate reactive oxygen species, and recent in vivo studies have detected oxidative damage in rats receiving the supplement. The potential deleterious in vivo effects of this activity were examined by using Drosophila melanogaster. [Cr(pic)3], but not CrCl3, at levels of 260 μg Cr/kg food or less were found to lower the success rate of pupation and eclosion and to arrest development of pupae in a concentration dependent fashion. X-linked lethal analysis indicates that the supplement greatly enhances the rate of appearance of lethal mutations and dominant female sterility. PMID:12649323

X linked mental retardation: a clinical guide.

PubMed

Raymond, F L

2006-03-01

Mental retardation is more common in males than females in the population, assumed to be due to mutations on the X chromosome. The prevalence of the 24 genes identified to date is low and less common than expansions in FMR1, which cause Fragile X syndrome. Systematic screening of all other X linked genes in X linked families with mental retardation is currently not feasible in a clinical setting. The phenotypes of genes causing syndromic and non-syndromic mental retardation (NLGN3, NLGN4, RPS6KA3(RSK2), OPHN1, ATRX, SLC6A8, ARX, SYN1, AGTR2, MECP2, PQBP1, SMCX, and SLC16A2) are first discussed, as these may be the focus of more targeted mutation analysis. Secondly, the relative prevalence of genes causing only non-syndromic mental retardation (IL1RAPL1, TM4SF2, ZNF41, FTSJ1, DLG3, FACL4, PAK3, ARHGEF6, FMR2, and GDI) is summarised. Thirdly, the problem of recurrence risk where a molecular genetics diagnosis has not been made and what proportion of the male excess of mental retardation is due to monogenic disorders of the X chromosome are discussed.

A Simulation of X-Linked Inheritance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harrell, Pamela Esprivalo

1997-01-01

Describes how to lead students through a classroom-based simulation to teach a variety of concepts such as X-linked traits, sex determination, and sex anomalies. The simulation utilizes inexpensive materials such as plastic eggs that twist apart to represent human eggs and sperm. (AIM)

Escape of X-linked miRNA genes from meiotic sex chromosome inactivation

PubMed Central

Sosa, Enrique; Flores, Luis; Yan, Wei; McCarrey, John R.

2015-01-01

Past studies have indicated that transcription of all X-linked genes is repressed by meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) during the meiotic phase of spermatogenesis in mammals. However, more recent studies have shown an increase in steady-state levels of certain X-linked miRNAs in pachytene spermatocytes, suggesting that either synthesis of these miRNAs increases or that degradation of these miRNAs decreases dramatically in these cells. To distinguish between these possibilities, we performed RNA-FISH to detect nascent transcripts from multiple miRNA genes in various spermatogenic cell types. Our results show definitively that Type I X-linked miRNA genes are subject to MSCI, as are all or most X-linked mRNA genes, whereas Type II and III X-linked miRNA genes escape MSCI by continuing ongoing, active transcription in primary spermatocytes. We corroborated these results by co-localization of RNA-FISH signals with both a corresponding DNA-FISH signal and an immunofluorescence signal for RNA polymerase II. We also found that X-linked miRNA genes that escape MSCI locate non-randomly to the periphery of the XY body, whereas genes that are subject to MSCI remain located within the XY body in pachytene spermatocytes, suggesting that the mechanism of escape of X-linked miRNA genes from MSCI involves their relocation to a position outside of the repressive chromatin domain associated with the XY body. The fact that Type II and III X-linked miRNA genes escape MSCI suggests an immediacy of function of the encoded miRNAs specifically required during the meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. PMID:26395485

Screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy among adult men with Addison's disease.

PubMed

Horn, Morten A; Erichsen, Martina M; Wolff, Anette S B; Månsson, Jan-Eric; Husebye, Eystein S; Tallaksen, Chantal M E; Skjeldal, Ola H

2013-09-01

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is an important cause of Addison's disease in boys, but less is known about its contribution to Addison's disease in adult men. After surveying all known cases of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in Norway in a separate study, we aimed to look for any missed cases among the population of adult men with nonautoimmune Addison's disease. Among 153 adult men identified in a National Registry for Addison's Disease (75% of identified male cases of Addison's disease in Norway), those with negative indices for 21-hydroxylase autoantibodies were selected. Additionally, cases with low autoantibody indices (48-200) were selected. Sera from subjects included were analysed for levels of very long-chain fatty acids, which are diagnostic for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in men. Eighteen subjects had negative indices and 17 had low indices for 21-hydroxylase autoantibodies. None of those with low indices and only one of those with negative indices were found to have X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy; this subject had already been diagnosed because of the neurological symptoms. Cases of Addison's disease proved to be caused by X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy constitute 1·5% of all adult male cases in Norway; the proportion among nonautoimmune cases was 15%. We found X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy to be an uncommon cause of Addison's disease in adult men. However, this aetiological diagnosis has far-reaching consequences both for the patient and for his extended family. We therefore recommend that all adult men with nonautoimmune Addison's disease be analysed for levels of very long-chain fatty acids. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

MULTIMODAL IMAGING OF MOSAIC RETINOPATHY IN CARRIERS OF HEREDITARY X-LINKED RECESSIVE DISEASES.

PubMed

Wu, An-Lun; Wang, Jung-Pan; Tseng, Yun-Ju; Liu, Laura; Kang, Yu-Chuan; Chen, Kuan-Jen; Chao, An-Ning; Yeh, Lung-Kun; Chen, Tun-Lu; Hwang, Yih-Shiou; Wu, Wei-Chi; Lai, Chi-Chun; Wang, Nan-Kai

2018-05-01

To investigate the clinical features in carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and choroideremia (CHM) using multimodal imaging and to assess their diagnostic value in these three mosaic retinopathies. We prospectively examined 14 carriers of 3 X-linked recessive disorders (X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and CHM). Details of abnormalities of retinal morphology were evaluated using fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. In six X-linked retinitis pigmentosa carriers, fundus appearance varied from unremarkable to the presence of tapetal-like reflex and pigmentary changes. On FAF imaging, all carriers exhibited a bright radial reflex against a dark background. By spectral domain optical coherence tomography, loss of the ellipsoid zone in the macula was observed in 3 carriers (50%). Regarding the retinal laminar architecture, 4 carriers (66.7%) showed thinning of the outer nuclear layer and a dentate appearance of the outer plexiform layer. All five X-linked ocular albinism carriers showed a characteristic mud-splatter patterned fundus, dark radial streaks against a bright background on FAF imaging, and a normal-appearing retinal structure by spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging. Two of the 3 CHM carriers (66.7%) showed a diffuse moth-eaten appearance of the fundus, and all 3 showed irregular hyper-FAF and hypo-FAF spots throughout the affected area. In the CHM carriers, the structural changes observed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging were variable. Our findings in an Asian cohort suggest that FAF imaging is a practical diagnostic test for differentiating X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, X-linked ocular albinism, and CHM carriers. Wide-field FAF is an easy and helpful adjunct to testing for the correct diagnosis and identification of lyonization in carriers of these three mosaic retinopathies.

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked lymphoproliferative disease

MedlinePlus

... infects most humans. In some people it causes infectious mononucleosis (commonly known as "mono"). Normally, after initial infection, ... severe susceptibility to EBV infection severe susceptibility to infectious mononucleosis X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome XLP Related Information How ...

Intrinsic resistance to the lethal effects of x-irradiation in insect and arachnid cells

PubMed Central

Koval, Thomas M.

1983-01-01

Twelve cell lines representing 10 genera of three orders (Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera) of the class Insecta and one cell line (Acarina) from the class Arachnida were examined to discern their sensitivity to the lethal effects of x-irradiation. Radiosensitivity was measured by a combination of colony formation and population growth curve techniques. Each of these arthropod cell lines is significantly more radioresistant than mammalian cells, though the degree of resistance varies greatly with order. Dipteran cells are 3 to 9 times and lepidopteran cells 52 to 104 times more radioresistant than mammalian cells. Orthopteran and acarine cells are intermediate in radiosensitivity between dipteran and lepidopteran cells. These cells, especially the lepidopteran, should be valuable in determining the molecular nature of repair mechanisms that result in resistance to ionizing radiation. PMID:16593348

A mutually exclusive stem–loop arrangement in roX2 RNA is essential for X-chromosome regulation in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Ilik, Ibrahim Avsar; Maticzka, Daniel; Georgiev, Plamen; Gutierrez, Noel Marie; Backofen, Rolf; Akhtar, Asifa

2017-01-01

The X chromosome provides an ideal model system to study the contribution of RNA–protein interactions in epigenetic regulation. In male flies, roX long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) harbor several redundant domains to interact with the ubiquitin ligase male-specific lethal 2 (MSL2) and the RNA helicase Maleless (MLE) for X-chromosomal regulation. However, how these interactions provide the mechanics of spreading remains unknown. By using the uvCLAP (UV cross-linking and affinity purification) methodology, which provides unprecedented information about RNA secondary structures in vivo, we identified the minimal functional unit of roX2 RNA. By using wild-type and various MLE mutant derivatives, including a catalytically inactive MLE derivative, MLEGET, we show that the minimal roX RNA contains two mutually exclusive stem–loops that exist in a peculiar structural arrangement: When one stem–loop is unwound by MLE, an alternate structure can form, likely trapping MLE in this perpetually structured region. We show that this functional unit is necessary for dosage compensation, as mutations that disrupt this formation lead to male lethality. Thus, we propose that roX2 lncRNA contains an MLE-dependent affinity switch to enable reversible interactions of the MSL complex to allow dosage compensation of the X chromosome. PMID:29066499

Neonatal and infantile acne vulgaris: an update.

PubMed

Serna-Tamayo, Cristian; Janniger, Camila K; Micali, Giuseppe; Schwartz, Robert A

2014-07-01

Acne may present in neonates, infants, and small children. Neonatal and infantile acne vulgaris are not considered to be rare. The presentation of acne in this patient population sometimes represents virilization and may portend later development of severe adolescent acne. Neonatal and infantile acne vulgaris must be distinguished from other cutaneous disorders seen in newborns and infants. Infantile acne tends to be more pleomorphic and inflammatory, thus requiring more vigorous therapy than neonatal acne.

[Spanish consensus on infantile haemangioma].

PubMed

Baselga Torres, Eulalia; Bernabéu Wittel, José; van Esso Arbolave, Diego L; Febrer Bosch, María Isabel; Carrasco Sanz, Ángel; de Lucas Laguna, Raúl; Del Pozo Losada, Jesús; Hernández Martín, Ángela; Jiménez Montañés, Lorenzo; López Gutiérrez, Juan Carlos; Martín-Santiago, Ana; Redondo Bellón, Pedro; Ruíz-Canela Cáceres, Juan; Torrelo Fernández, Antonio; Vera Casaño, Ángel; Vicente Villa, María Asunción

2016-11-01

Infantile haemangiomas are benign tumours produced by the proliferation of endothelial cells of blood vessels, with a high incidence in children under the age of one year (4-10%). It is estimated that 12% of them require treatment. This treatment must be administered according to clinical practice guidelines, expert experience, patient characteristics and parent preferences. The consensus process was performed by using scientific evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of infantile haemangiomas, culled from a systematic review of the literature, together with specialist expert opinions. The recommendations issued were validated by the specialists, who also provided their level of agreement. This document contains recommendations on the classification, associations, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with infantile haemangioma. It also includes action algorithms, and addresses multidisciplinary management and referral criteria between the different specialities involved in the clinical management of this type of patient. The recommendations and the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of infantile haemangiomas contained in this document are a useful tool for the proper management of these patients. Copyright © 2015 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The lethal interaction of x ray and penicillin induced lesions following x-irradiation of Escherichia coli B/r in the presence of hypoxic cell sensitizers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gillies, N.E.; Obioha, F.I.

When Escherichia coli B/r were x-irradiated under anoxia in the presence of different electron-affinic sensitizers and then incubated in broth containing penicillin (at a concentration that did not kill unirradiated cells) additional killing of the bacteria occurred provided the sensitizers were of relatively high lipophilicity. The overall effect was to increase the efficiency of these sensitizers. It is concluded that sensitizer-dependent latent radiation lesions(s) are produced in membrane components of the cell envelope that interact with damage caused by penicillin in the peptidoglycan layer and this causes the additional lethality.

X-chromosomal inactivation directly influences the phenotypic manifestation of X-linked protoporphyria

PubMed Central

Brancaleoni, V.; Balwani, M.; Granata, F.; Graziadei, G.; Missineo, P.; Fiorentino, V.; Fustinoni, S.; Cappellini, M.D.; Naik, H.; Desnick, R.J.; Di Pierro, E.

2015-01-01

X-linked protoporphyria (XLP), a rare erythropoietic porphyria, results from terminal exon gain-of-function mutations in the ALAS2 gene causing increased ALAS2 activity and markedly increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. Patients present with severe cutaneous photosensitivity and may develop liver dysfunction. XLP was originally reported as X-linked dominant with 100% penetrance in males and females. We characterized 11 heterozygous females from six unrelated XLP families and show markedly varying phenotypic and biochemical heterogeneity, reflecting the degree of X-chromsomal inactivation of the mutant gene. ALAS2 sequencing identified the specific mutation and confirmed heterozygosity among the females. Clinical history, plasma and erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels were determined. Methylation assays of the androgen receptor and zinc-finger MYM type 3 short tandem repeat polymorphisms estimated each heterozygotes X-chromosomal inactivation pattern. Heterozygotes with equal or increased skewing, favoring expression of the wild-type allele had no clinical symptoms and only slightly increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations and/or frequency of protoporphyrin-containing peripheral blood fluorocytes. When the wild-type allele was preferentially inactivated, heterozygous females manifested the disease phenotype and had both higher erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels and circulating fluorocytes. These findings confirm that the previous dominant classification of XLP is inappropriate and genetically misleading, as the disorder is more appropriately designated XLP. PMID:25615817

Linkage localization of X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bergoffen, J.; Trofatter, J.; Haines, J.L.

1993-02-01

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, is a heterogeneous group of slowly progressive, degenerative disorders of peripheral nerve. X-linked CMT (CMTX) (McKusick 302800), a subdivision of type I, or demyelinating, CMT is an X-linked dominant condition with variable penetrance. Previous linkage analysis using RFLPs demonstrated linkage to markers on the proximal long and short arms of the X chromosome, with the more likely localization on the proximal long arm of the X chromosome. Available variable simple-sequence repeats (VSSRs) broaden the possibilities for linkage analysis. This paper presents new linkage data and recombination analysis derived frommore » work with four VSSR markers - AR, PGKP1, DXS453, and DXYS1X - in addition to analysis using RFLP markers described elsewhere. These studies localize the CMTX gene to the proximal Xq segment between PGKP1 (Xq11.2-12) and DXS72 (Xq21.1), with a combined maximum multipoint lod score of 15.3 at DXS453 ([theta] = 0). 32 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.« less

X-inactivation patterns in female Leber`s hereditary optic neuropathy patients do not support a strong X-linked determinant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pegoraro, E.; Hoffman, E.P.; Carelli, V.

1996-02-02

Leber`s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) accounts for about 3% of the cases of blindness in young adult males. The underlying mitochondrial pathogenesis of LHON has been well studied, with specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations of structural genes described and well characterized. However, enigmatic aspects of the disease are not explained by mutation data, such as the higher proportion of affected males, the later onset of the disease in females, and the presence of unaffected individuals with a high proportion of mutant mtDNA. A hypothesis which has been put forward to explain the unusual disease expression is a dual model ofmore » mtDNA and X-linked nuclear gene inheritance. If a nuclear X-linked modifier gene influences the expression of the mitochondrial-linked mutant gene then the affected females should be either homozygous for the nuclear determinant, or if heterozygous, lyonization should favor the mutant X. In order to determine if an X-linked gene predisposes to LHON phenotype we studied X-inactivation patterns in 35 females with known mtDNA mutations from 10 LHON pedigrees. Our results do not support a strong X-linked determinant in LHON cause: 2 of the 10 (20%) manifesting carriers showed skewing of X-inactivation, as did 3 of the 25 (12%) nonmanifesting carriers. 39 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.« less

Genome-wide misexpression of X-linked versus autosomal genes associated with hybrid male sterility.

PubMed

Lu, Xuemei; Shapiro, Joshua A; Ting, Chau-Ti; Li, Yan; Li, Chunyan; Xu, Jin; Huang, Huanwei; Cheng, Ya-Jen; Greenberg, Anthony J; Li, Shou-Hsien; Wu, Mao-Lien; Shen, Yang; Wu, Chung-I

2010-08-01

Postmating reproductive isolation is often manifested as hybrid male sterility, for which X-linked genes are overrepresented (the so-called large X effect). In contrast, X-linked genes are significantly under-represented among testis-expressing genes. This seeming contradiction may be germane to the X:autosome imbalance hypothesis on hybrid sterility, in which the X-linked effect is mediated mainly through the misexpression of autosomal genes. In this study, we compared gene expression in fertile and sterile males in the hybrids between two Drosophila species. These hybrid males differ only in a small region of the X chromosome containing the Ods-site homeobox (OdsH) (also known as Odysseus) locus of hybrid sterility. Of genes expressed in the testis, autosomal genes were, indeed, more likely to be misexpressed than X-linked genes under the sterilizing action of OdsH. Since this mechanism of X:autosome interaction is only associated with spermatogenesis, a connection between X:autosome imbalance and the high rate of hybrid male sterility seems plausible.

[No X-chromosome linked juvenile foveal retinoschisis].

PubMed

Pérez Alvarez, M J; Clement Fernández, F

2002-08-01

To describe the clinical characteristics of two cases of juvenile foveal retinoschisis in women with an atypical hereditary pattern, no X-chromosome linked. An autosomal recessive inheritance is proposed. Two generations of a family (5 members) in which only two sisters were evaluated. The complete examination of these two cases includes retinography, fluorescein angiography, automated perimetry, color vision testing, electroretinogram, electrooculogram and visually evoked potentials. Comparing our cases with the classic form of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, they are less severely affected. The best visual acuity and the less disturbed or even normal electroretinogram confirm this fact. We emphasise the existence of isolated plaques of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy with perivascular pigment clumps without foveal schisis in one patient, which could represent an evolved form of this entity. The hereditary foveal juvenile retinoschisis in women suggests an autosomal inheritance (autosomal recessive in our cases) and presents less severe involvement (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2002; 77: 443-448).

Non-Lethal Weapons Program

Science.gov Websites

), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), practice non-lethal control techniques during a non-lethal Skip to main content (Press Enter). Toggle navigation Non-Lethal Weapons Program Search Search JNLWP: Search Search JNLWP: Search Non-Lethal Weapons Program U.S. Department of Defense Non-Lethal

OH radicals from the indirect actions of X-rays induce cell lethality and mediate the majority of the oxygen enhancement effect.

PubMed

Hirayama, Ryoichi; Ito, Atsushi; Noguchi, Miho; Matsumoto, Yoshitaka; Uzawa, Akiko; Kobashi, Gen; Okayasu, Ryuichi; Furusawa, Yoshiya

2013-11-01

We examined OH radical-mediated indirect actions from X irradiation on cell killing in wild-type Chinese hamster ovary cell lines (CHO and AA8) under oxic and hypoxic conditions, and compared the contribution of direct and indirect actions under both conditions. The contribution of indirect action on cell killing can be estimated from the maximum degree of protection by dimethylsulfoxide, which suppresses indirect action by quenching OH radicals without affecting the direct action of X rays on cell killing. The contributions of indirect action on cell killing of CHO cells were 76% and 50% under oxic and hypoxic conditions, respectively, and those for AA8 cells were 85% and 47%, respectively. Therefore, the indirect action on cell killing was enhanced by oxygen during X irradiation in both cell lines tested. Oxygen enhancement ratios (OERs) at the 10% survival level (D10 or LD90) for CHO and AA8 cells were 2.68 ± 0.15 and 2.76 ± 0.08, respectively. OERs were evaluated separately for indirect and direct actions, which gave the values of 3.75 and 2.01 for CHO, and 4.11 and 1.32 for AA8 cells, respectively. Thus the generally accepted OER value of ∼3 is best understood as the average of the OER values for both indirect and direct actions. These results imply that both indirect and direct actions on cell killing require oxygen for the majority of lethal DNA damage, however, oxygen plays a larger role in indirect than for direct effects. Conversely, the lethal damage induced by the direct action of X rays are less affected by oxygen concentration.

Genome-wide misexpression of X-linked versus autosomal genes associated with hybrid male sterility

PubMed Central

Lu, Xuemei; Shapiro, Joshua A.; Ting, Chau-Ti; Li, Yan; Li, Chunyan; Xu, Jin; Huang, Huanwei; Cheng, Ya-Jen; Greenberg, Anthony J.; Li, Shou-Hsien; Wu, Mao-Lien; Shen, Yang; Wu, Chung-I

2010-01-01

Postmating reproductive isolation is often manifested as hybrid male sterility, for which X-linked genes are overrepresented (the so-called large X effect). In contrast, X-linked genes are significantly under-represented among testis-expressing genes. This seeming contradiction may be germane to the X:autosome imbalance hypothesis on hybrid sterility, in which the X-linked effect is mediated mainly through the misexpression of autosomal genes. In this study, we compared gene expression in fertile and sterile males in the hybrids between two Drosophila species. These hybrid males differ only in a small region of the X chromosome containing the Ods-site homeobox (OdsH) (also known as Odysseus) locus of hybrid sterility. Of genes expressed in the testis, autosomal genes were, indeed, more likely to be misexpressed than X-linked genes under the sterilizing action of OdsH. Since this mechanism of X:autosome interaction is only associated with spermatogenesis, a connection between X:autosome imbalance and the high rate of hybrid male sterility seems plausible. PMID:20511493

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked cardiac valvular dysplasia

MedlinePlus

... inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis), abnormal blood clots, or sudden death. X-linked ... Johns Hopkins Medicine: Mitral Valve Prolapse MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Endocarditis MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Mitral Valve Prolapse General Information from ...

Detailed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Analysis in Infantile Spasms.

PubMed

Harini, Chellamani; Sharda, Sonal; Bergin, Ann Marie; Poduri, Annapurna; Yuskaitis, Christopher J; Peters, Jurriaan M; Rakesh, Kshitiz; Kapur, Kush; Pearl, Phillip L; Prabhu, Sanjay P

2018-05-01

To evaluate initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in infantile spasms, correlate them to clinical characteristics, and describe repeat imaging findings. A retrospective review of infantile spasm patients was conducted, classifying abnormal MRI into developmental, acquired, and nonspecific subgroups. MRIs were abnormal in 52 of 71 infantile spasm patients (23 developmental, 23 acquired, and 6 nonspecific) with no correlation to the clinical infantile spasm characteristics. Both developmental and acquired subgroups exhibited cortical gray and/or white matter abnormalities. Additional abnormalities of deep gray structures, brain stem, callosum, and volume loss occurred in the structural acquired subgroup. Repeat MRI showed better definition of the extent of existing malformations. In structural infantile spasms, developmental/acquired subgroups showed differences in pattern of MRI abnormalities but did not correlate with clinical characteristics.

THE EFFECTS OF CHLORAMPHENICOL, STREPTOMYCIN, AND PENICILLIN ON THE INDUCTION OF MUTATIONS BY X-RAYS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clark, A.M.

The injection of chloramphenicol, streptomycin, or penicillin into Drosophila males just before exposure to x irradiation caused a reduction in the yield of sex linked recessive lethal mutations. The effect appears to be primarily on spermatids and possibly spermatocytes. (auth)

Clinical and genetic features in autosomal recessive and X-linked Alport syndrome.

PubMed

Wang, Yanyan; Sivakumar, Vanessa; Mohammad, Mardhiah; Colville, Deb; Storey, Helen; Flinter, Frances; Dagher, Hayat; Savige, Judy

2014-03-01

This study determined the family history and clinical features that suggested autosomal recessive rather than X-linked Alport syndrome. All patients had the diagnosis of Alport syndrome and the mode of inheritance confirmed by genetic testing, and underwent examination at a single centre. Patients comprised 9 males and 6 females with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome, and 18 males and 22 females with X-linked disease. Fourteen (93 %) individuals with autosomal recessive Alport syndrome developed early end-stage renal failure, all 15 had hearing loss, and most had lenticonus (12, 80 %), and a central (13, 87 %) or peripheral (13, 87 %) retinopathy. These features occurred as often as in males with X-linked disease. Females with autosomal recessive inheritance were less likely to have an affected family member in another generation (p = 0.01) than females with X-linked disease. They were more likely to have renal failure (p = 0.003), hearing loss (p = 0.02) and lenticonus (p < 0.001). Fifty percent had a central retinopathy compared with 18 % with X-linked disease (p = 0.14), but peripheral retinopathy prevalence was not different (p = 0.64). Nonsense mutations accounted for 67 % (8/12) of these disease-causing mutations. Autosomal recessive inheritance is increased in females with Alport syndrome and early onset renal failure, hearing loss, lenticonus, and, possibly, central retinopathy.

Early spinal cord and brainstem involvement in infantile Leigh syndrome possibly caused by a novel variant.

PubMed

Tenney, Jeffrey R; Prada, Carlos E; Hopkin, Robert J; Hallinan, Barbara E

2013-12-01

Leigh syndrome, due to a dysfunction of mitochondrial energy metabolism, is a genetically heterogeneous and progressive neurologic disorder that usually occurs in infancy and childhood. Its clinical presentation and neuroimaging findings can be variable, especially early in the course of the disease. This report presents a patient with infantile Leigh syndrome who had atypical radiologic findings on serial neuroimaging studies with early and severe involvement of the cervical spinal cord and brainstem and injury to the thalami and basal ganglia occurring only late in the clinical course. Postmortem microscopic examination supported this timing of injury within the central nervous system. In addition, mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing showed a novel homoplasmic variant that could be responsible for this unique lethal form of Leigh syndrome.

Attacks on German public figures, 1968-2004: warning behaviors, potentially lethal and non-lethal acts, psychiatric status, and motivations.

PubMed

Hoffmann, Jens; Meloy, J Reid; Guldimann, Angela; Ermer, Anneliese

2011-01-01

Fourteen non-terrorist attackers of public figures in Germany between 1968 and 2004 were intensively studied, with a particular focus on warning behaviors, attack behaviors, and the relationship between psychiatric diagnosis, symptoms, and motivations for the assault. A large proportion of the attackers were severely mentally ill, and most likely to be in the potentially lethal rather than the non-lethal group. A new typology of seven warning behaviors was applied to the data, and all were present, most frequently fixation and pathway warning behavior, and least frequently a direct threat. Psychiatric diagnosis could be closely linked to motivation when analyzed at the level of symptom and content of thought, often delusional. Most of the attacks were directed at political figures, and the majority occurred after 1995. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

TUBERCULOSIS AND LETHAL AS WELL AS SUBLETHAL WHOLE-BODY X-RAY IRRADIATION OF GUINEA PIGS (in German)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gabler, E.

1964-02-01

Lethally total-body-x-ray-irradiated (550 r) and simultaneously Tb- infected guinea pigs died earlier (1.5 to 3.2 days) than lethally irradiated control animals. A tuberculous focus formation could not be found microscopically or macroscopically in these guinea pigs or in sublethally irradiated and simultaneously infected animals. However, in tubcrculous control animals, which were killed at this time, specific foci could be found in liver, spleen, and lungs. Using sublethal irradiation (300 r) and simultaneous Tb inoculation half of the animals died a radiation death and the rest died of tuberculosis. It was found that 86.4% of the animals die a radiation deathmore » and 13.5% because of tuberculosis when irradiated sublethally 30 days after infection. The greatest tuberculosis foci in these animais appeared in lungs, spleen, and especially in the liver ( destroyed iiver''). Tuberculous giant cells of the Langhans-type were missing in case of irradiation and simultaneous tuberculosis. They appeared again about 20 to 30 days after irradiation. The native resistance to tuberculosis was very reduced in cases of simultaneous exposure; radioinduced cell shortage and cell damage permit tuberculous focus formation only after overcoming the acute radiation syndrome in case of sublethal irradiations. (auth)« less

Infantile-onset Pompe disease with neonatal debut

PubMed Central

Martínez, Miriam; Romero, Mar García; Guereta, Luis García; Cabrera, Marta; Regojo, Rita M.; Albajara, Luis; Couce, Maria L.; de Pipaon, Miguel Saenz

2017-01-01

Abstract Rationale: Infantile-onset Pompe disease, also known as glycogen storage disease type II, is a progressive and fatal disorder without treatment. Enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enhances survival; however, the best outcomes have been achieved with early treatment. Patient concerns: We report a case of a newborn with infantile-onset Pompe disease diagnosed in the first days of life who did not undergo universal neonatal screening. The patient was asymptomatic, with a general physical examination revealing only a murmur. The clinical presentation was dominated by the neonatal detection of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, without hypotonia or macroglossia. Diagnoses: Pompe disease was confirmed in the first week of life by GAA activity in dried blood spots, and a GAA genetic study showed the homozygous mutation p.Arg854X. Interventions: Parents initially refused replacement therapy. Outcomes: The patient experienced recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation during central line placement and could not be resuscitated. Lessons: Although Pompe disease is rare, and universal screening has not been established, neonatologists should be alerted to the diagnosis of Pompe in the presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis is achieved in a few days with the aid of dried blood spots. PMID:29390460

X-linked mental retardation associated with macro-orchidism.

PubMed Central

Turner, G; Eastman, C; Casey, J; McLeay, A; Procopis, P; Turner, B

1975-01-01

Two families are described with an X-linked form of mental retardation in whom the affected males were found to have bilateral enlargement of the testes. No conclusive evidence of any endocrinological disturbance was found. Images PMID:1240971

Infantile methemoglobinemia: reexamining the role of drinking water nitrates.

PubMed

Avery, A A

1999-07-01

Ingestion of nitrates in drinking water has long been thought to be a primary cause of acquired infantile methemoglobinemia, often called blue baby syndrome. However, recent research and a review of historical cases offer a more complex picture of the causes of infantile methemoglobinemia. Gastrointestinal infection and inflammation and the ensuing overproduction of nitric oxide may be the cause of many cases of infantile methemoglobinemia previously attributed to drinking water nitrates. If so, current limits on allowable levels of nitrates in drinking water, which are based solely on the health threat of infantile methemoglobinemia, may be unnecessarily strict.

Mutation screening of the CDKL5 gene in cryptogenic infantile intractable epilepsy and review of clinical sensitivity.

PubMed

Intusoma, Utcharee; Hayeeduereh, Fadell; Plong-On, Oradawan; Sripo, Thanya; Vasiknanonte, Punnee; Janjindamai, Supachai; Lusawat, Apasri; Thammongkol, Sasipa; Visudtibhan, Anannit; Limprasert, Pornprot

2011-09-01

To perform CDKL5 mutation screening in Thai children with cryptogenic infantile intractable epilepsy and to determine the clinical sensitivity of CDKL5 screening when different inclusion criteria were applied. Children with cryptogenic infantile intractable epilepsy were screened for CDKL5 mutation using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and DNA sequencing. The clinical sensitivity was reviewed by combining the results of studies using similar inclusion screening criteria. Thirty children (19 girls and 11 boys) with a median seizure onset of 7 months were screened. Almost a half had infantile spasms and one fifth had stereotypic hand movements. A novel c.2854C>T (p.R952X) was identified in an ambulatory girl who had severe mental retardation, multiple types of seizures without Rett-like features. Her mother had a mild intellectual disability, yet her grandmother and half sister were normal despite having the same genetic alteration (random X-inactivation patterns). The pathogenicity of p.R952X identified here was uncertain since healthy relatives and 6 female controls also harbor this alteration. The clinical sensitivity of CDKL5 mutation screening among females with Rett-like features and negative MECP2 screening was 7.8% while the clinical sensitivity among females having cryptogenic intractable seizures with an onset before the ages of 12, 6 and 3 months were 4.7, 11.6 and 14.3%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Editorial: X-chromosome-linked Kallmann's syndrome: Pathology at the molecular level

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prager, D.; Braunstein, G.D.

Kallmann's syndrome or olfactogenital dysplasia refers to a disorder characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia or hyposmia which can occur sporadically or in a familial setting. Originally described in 1856, the first familial cases were reported by Kallmann et al., in 1944. Based on segregation analysis of multiple families, three modes of transmission have been documented: X-linked, autosomal dominant with variable penetrance, and autosomal recessive. Kallmann's syndrome occurs in less than 1 in 10,000 male births, with a 5-fold excess of affected males to females, suggesting that the X-linked form is the most frequent. By genetic linkage analysis the X-linkedmore » form of Kallmann's syndrome was localized to Xp22.3. This was confirmed by the description of patients with contiguous gene syndromes due to deletions of various portions of the distal short arm of the X-chromosome. Such patients present with complex phenotypes characterized by a combination of Kallmann's syndrome with X-linked icthyosis due to steroid sulfatase deficiency, chondrodysplasia punctata, short stature, and mental retardation. DNA analysis has identified and mapped the genes responsible for these disorders. 10 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less

Neonatal jaundice: a risk factor for infantile autism?

PubMed

Maimburg, Rikke Damkjaer; Vaeth, Michael; Schendel, Diana Elizabeth; Bech, Bodil Hammer; Olsen, Jørn; Thorsen, Poul

2008-11-01

In a previous study, we found that infants transferred to a neonatal ward after delivery had an almost twofold increased risk of being diagnosed with infantile autism later in childhood in spite of extensive controlling of obstetric risk factors. We therefore decided to investigate other reasons for transfer to a neonatal ward, in particular hyperbilirubinaemia and neurological abnormalities. We conducted a population-based matched case-control study of 473 children with autism and 473 matched controls born from 1990 to 1999 in Denmark. Cases were children reported with a diagnosis of infantile autism in the Danish Psychiatric Central Register. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [CI] and likelihood ratio tests were used to test for effect modification. We found an almost fourfold risk for infantile autism in infants who had hyperbilirubinaemia after birth (OR 3.7 [95% CI 1.3, 10.5]). In stratified analysis, the association appeared limited to term infants (>or=37 weeks gestation). A strong association was also observed between abnormal neurological signs after birth and infantile autism, especially hypertonicity (OR 6.7 [95% CI 1.5, 29.7]). No associations were found between infantile autism and low Apgar scores, acidosis or hypoglycaemia. Our findings suggest that hyperbilirubinaemia and neurological abnormalities in the neonatal period are important factors to consider when studying causes of infantile autism.

Part Two: Infantile Spasms--The New Consensus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pellock, John M.; O'Hara, Kathryn

2011-01-01

This article presents the conclusion made by the consensus group regarding infantile spasms. The consensus group concluded that "infantile spasms are a major form of severe epileptic encephalopathy of early childhood that results in neurodevelopmental regression and imposes a significant health burden." The entire group agrees that the best…

Impairment of CDKL5 nuclear localisation as a cause for severe infantile encephalopathy.

PubMed

Rosas-Vargas, H; Bahi-Buisson, N; Philippe, C; Nectoux, J; Girard, B; N'Guyen Morel, M A; Gitiaux, C; Lazaro, L; Odent, S; Jonveaux, P; Chelly, J; Bienvenu, T

2008-03-01

Mutations in the human X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene have been shown to cause infantile spasms as well as Rett syndrome-like phenotype. To date, fewer than 20 different mutations have been reported. So far, no clear genotype-phenotype correlation has been established. We screened the entire coding region of CDKL5 in 151 affected girls with a clinically heterogeneous phenotype ranging from encephalopathy with epilepsy to atypical Rett syndrome by denaturing high liquid performance chromatography and direct sequencing, and we identified three novel missense mutations located in catalytic domain (p.Ala40Val, p.Arg65Gln, p.Leu220Pro). Segregation analysis showed that p.Arg65Gln was inherited from the healthy father, which rules out the involvement of CDKL5 in the aetiology of the phenotype in this patient. However, the de novo occurrence was shown for p.Ala40Val and p.Leu220Pro. The p.Ala40Val mutation was observed in two unrelated patients and represented the first recurrent mutation in the CDKL5 gene. For the two de novo mutations, we analysed the cellular localisation of the wild-type and CDKL5 mutants by transfection experiments. We showed that the two CDKL5 mutations cause mislocalisation of the mutant CDKL5 proteins in the cytoplasm. Interestingly these missense mutations that result in a mislocalisation of the CDKL5 protein are associated with severe developmental delay which was apparent within the first months of life characterised by early and generalised hypotonia, and autistic features, and as well as early infantile spasms.

Infantile methemoglobinemia: reexamining the role of drinking water nitrates.

PubMed Central

Avery, A A

1999-01-01

Ingestion of nitrates in drinking water has long been thought to be a primary cause of acquired infantile methemoglobinemia, often called blue baby syndrome. However, recent research and a review of historical cases offer a more complex picture of the causes of infantile methemoglobinemia. Gastrointestinal infection and inflammation and the ensuing overproduction of nitric oxide may be the cause of many cases of infantile methemoglobinemia previously attributed to drinking water nitrates. If so, current limits on allowable levels of nitrates in drinking water, which are based solely on the health threat of infantile methemoglobinemia, may be unnecessarily strict. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:10379005

The multifocal electroretinogram in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis.

PubMed

Huang, Shizhou; Wu, Dezheng; Jiang, Futian; Luo, Guangwei; Liang, Jiongji; Wen, Feng; Yu, Minzhong; Long, Shixian; Wu, Lezheng

2003-05-01

To measure and compare the multifocal electroretinography in normal control and X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, 13 cases (13 right eyes) of normal control and nine cases (17 eyes) of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis were measured with VERIS Science 4.0. Four cases (eight eyes) out of the nine retinoschisis cases were tested with Ganzfeld ERG at the same day. The results showed statistically significant difference of average response densities and latencies in six ring retinal regions between the normal control and retinoschisis. The trace array and 3-D topography of multifocal ERG showed multi-area amplitude decrease with absence or reduction of central peak amplitude in patients with retinoschisis. The P1/N1 ratio of multifocal ERG average response densities in six ring retinal regions was different from the b/a ratio of Ganzfeld ERG. The multifocal ERG and Ganzfeld ERG each had its advantage in the diagnosis of retinoschisis.

The association between infantile postural asymmetry and unsettled behaviour in babies.

PubMed

Ellwood, Julie; Ford, Michael; Nicholson, Alf

2017-12-01

Unsettled infant behaviour is a common problem of infancy without known aetiology or clearly effective management. Some manual therapists propose that musculoskeletal dysfunction contributes to unsettled infant behaviour, yet reported improvement following treatment is anecdotal. The infantile postural asymmetry measurement scale is a tool which measures infantile asymmetry, a form of musculoskeletal dysfunction. The first part of the study aimed to investigate its reliability and validity for measuring infantile postural asymmetry. This study also aimed to investigate whether there was an association between infantile postural asymmetry and unsettled infant behaviour and whether an association was mediated by, or confounded with, the demographic variables of age, sex, parity, birth weight and weight gain in 12- to 16-week-old infants. Fifty-eight infants were recruited and a quantitative cross-sectional observational design was used. An association between unsettled behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry was not found. A significant difference between high and low cervical rotation deficit groups for surgency was detected in female babies and needs further examination. Questions remain regarding the construct validity of the infantile postural asymmetry scale. No association between unsettled infant behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry was found in 12- to 16-week-old infants. The influence of sex on the interaction between infantile postural asymmetry and infant behaviour needs further examination. An association between unsettled infant behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry is still unproven. What is known: • Unsettled infant behaviour has a considerable impact on many family situations. • Identifying a definitive cause has been a source of much examination and research. Many different hypotheses have been suggested yet much is still unknown. What is new: • The association between unsettled infant behaviour and infantile postural asymmetry is

Extraocular Muscles in Patients With Infantile Nystagmus

PubMed Central

Berg, Kathleen T.; Hunter, David G.; Bothun, Erick D.; Antunes-Foschini, Rosalia; McLoon, Linda K.

2013-01-01

Objective To test the hypothesis that the extraocular muscles (EOMs) of patients with infantile nystagmus have muscular and innervational adaptations that may have a role in the involuntary oscillations of the eyes. Methods Specimens of EOMs from 10 patients with infantile nystagmus and postmortem specimens from 10 control subjects were prepared for histologic examination. The following variables were quantified: mean myofiber cross-sectional area, myofiber central nucleation, myelinated nerve density, nerve fiber density, and neuromuscular junction density. Results In contrast to control EOMs, infantile nystagmus EOMs had significantly more centrally nucleated myofibers, consistent with cycles of degeneration and regeneration. The EOMs of patients with nystagmus also had a greater degree of heterogeneity in myofiber size than did those of controls, with no difference in mean myofiber cross-sectional area. Mean myelinated nerve density, nerve fiber density, and neuromuscular junction density were also significantly decreased in infantile nystagmus EOMs. Conclusions The EOMs of patients with infantile nystagmus displayed a distinct hypoinnervated phenotype. This represents the first quantification of changes in central nucleation and myofiber size heterogeneity, as well as decreased myelinated nerve, nerve fiber, and neuromuscular junction density. These results suggest that deficits in motor innervation are a potential basis for the primary loss of motor control. Clinical Relevance Improved understanding of the etiology of nystagmus may direct future diagnostic and treatment strategies. PMID:22411664

X-Linked Retinoschisis: Phenotypic Variability in a Chinese Family

PubMed Central

Xiao, Yangyan; Liu, Xiao; Tang, Luosheng; Wang, Xia; Coursy, Terry; Guo, Xiaojian; Li, Zhuo

2016-01-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS), a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration, is characterized by a spoke-wheel pattern in the macular region of the retina and splitting of the neurosensory retina. Our study is to describe the clinical characteristics of a four generations of this family (a total of 18 members)with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) and detected a novel mutations of c.3G > A (p.M1?) in the initiation codon of the RS1 gene. by direct sequencing.Identification of this mutation in this family provides evidence about potential genetic or environmental factors on its phenotypic variance, as patients presented with different phenotypes regardless of having the same mutation. Importantly, OCT has proven vital for XLRS diagnosis in children. PMID:26823236

X-Linked Retinoschisis: Phenotypic Variability in a Chinese Family.

PubMed

Xiao, Yangyan; Liu, Xiao; Tang, Luosheng; Wang, Xia; Coursey, Terry G; Coursy, Terry; Guo, Xiaojian; Li, Zhuo

2016-01-29

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS), a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration, is characterized by a spoke-wheel pattern in the macular region of the retina and splitting of the neurosensory retina. Our study is to describe the clinical characteristics of a four generations of this family (a total of 18 members)with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) and detected a novel mutations of c.3G > A (p.M1?) in the initiation codon of the RS1 gene. by direct sequencing.Identification of this mutation in this family provides evidence about potential genetic or environmental factors on its phenotypic variance, as patients presented with different phenotypes regardless of having the same mutation. Importantly, OCT has proven vital for XLRS diagnosis in children.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in heterozygous female patients: women are not just carriers.

PubMed

Lourenço, Charles Marques; Simão, Gustavo Novelino; Santos, Antonio Carlos; Marques, Wilson

2012-07-01

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a recessive X-linked disorder associated with marked phenotypic variability. Female carriers are commonly thought to be normal or only mildly affected, but their disease still needs to be better described and systematized. To review and systematize the clinical features of heterozygous women followed in a Neurogenetics Clinic. We reviewed the clinical, biochemical, and neuroradiological data of all women known to have X-ADL. The nine women identified were classified into three groups: with severe and aggressive diseases; with slowly progressive, spastic paraplegia; and with mildly decreased vibratory sensation, brisk reflexes, and no complaints. Many of these women did not have a known family history of X-ALD. Heterozygous women with X-ADL have a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild to severe phenotypes.

Infantile myofibromatosis.

PubMed

Larralde, Margarita; Ferrari, Bruno; Martinez, Juan Pablo; Barbieri, María Angélica Fernández; Méndez, José Higinio; Casas, José

2017-01-01

Infantile myofibromatosis is a mesenchymal disorder characterized by the fibrous proliferation of the skin, bone, muscle and viscera. It is the most common fibrous tumor in childhood. We present a newborn with skin and bone disease without visceral involvement, who showed good response to vinblastine and methotrexate. Clinical features, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment are reviewed.

Neovascular glaucoma in a patient with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis.

PubMed

Zuo, Chengguo; Chen, Changzheng; Xing, Yiqiao; Du, Lei

2005-09-01

To report the rubeosis iridis and neovascular glaucoma findings in one patient of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis(XLRS). Color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FFA), OCT and B-scan were performed in a patient with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis complicated with neovascular glaucoma. Color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FFA), OCT and B-scan unveiled a rare condition of XLRS complicated with neovascular glaucoma. XLRS may complicate with neovascular glaucoma. It is necessary to test OCT, FFA, ERG and carefully examine the fundus of the follow eye when it comes to uncertain neovascular glaucoma of youth and child. And only in this way, can we exclude XLRS.

Genotypic analysis of X-linked retinoschisis in Western Australia.

PubMed

Lamey, Tina; Laurin, Sarina; Chelva, Enid; De Roach, John

2010-01-01

X-linked Retinoschisis is a leading cause of juvenile macular degeneration. Four Western Australian families affected by X-Linked Retinoschisis were analysed using DNA and clinical information from the Australian Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) Register and DNA Bank. By direct sequencing of the RS1 gene, three genetic variants were identified; 52+1G > T, 289T > G and 416delA. 289T > G has not been previously reported and is likely to cause a substitution of a membrane binding residue (W92G) in the functional discoidin domain. All clinically diagnosed individuals showed typical electronegative ERGs. The 52+1G > T obligate carrier also recorded a bilaterally abnormal rod ERG and mildly abnormal photopic responses. mfERG trace arrays showed reduced response densities in the paramacular region extending futher temporally for each eye.

Modeling synthetic lethality

PubMed Central

Le Meur, Nolwenn; Gentleman, Robert

2008-01-01

Background Synthetic lethality defines a genetic interaction where the combination of mutations in two or more genes leads to cell death. The implications of synthetic lethal screens have been discussed in the context of drug development as synthetic lethal pairs could be used to selectively kill cancer cells, but leave normal cells relatively unharmed. A challenge is to assess genome-wide experimental data and integrate the results to better understand the underlying biological processes. We propose statistical and computational tools that can be used to find relationships between synthetic lethality and cellular organizational units. Results In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we identified multi-protein complexes and pairs of multi-protein complexes that share an unusually high number of synthetic genetic interactions. As previously predicted, we found that synthetic lethality can arise from subunits of an essential multi-protein complex or between pairs of multi-protein complexes. Finally, using multi-protein complexes allowed us to take into account the pleiotropic nature of the gene products. Conclusions Modeling synthetic lethality using current estimates of the yeast interactome is an efficient approach to disentangle some of the complex molecular interactions that drive a cell. Our model in conjunction with applied statistical methods and computational methods provides new tools to better characterize synthetic genetic interactions. PMID:18789146

Pyoderma Gangrenosum–Like Ulcer in a Patient With X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia

PubMed Central

Murray, Patrick R.; Jain, Ashish; Uzel, Gulbu; Ranken, Raymond; Ivy, Cristina; Blyn, Lawrence B.; Ecker, David J.; Sampath, Rangarajan; Lee, Chyi-Chia Richard; Turner, Maria L.

2011-01-01

Background Pyoderma gangrenosum–like ulcers and cellulitis of the lower extremities associated with recurrent fevers in patients with X-linked (Bruton) agammaglobulinemia have been reported to be caused by Helicobacter bilis (formerly classified as Flexispira rappini and then Helicobacter strain flexispira taxon 8). Consistent themes in these reports are the difficulty in recovering this organism in blood and wound cultures and in maintaining isolates in vitro. We confirmed the presence of this organism in a patient’s culture by using a novel application of gene amplification polymerase chain reaction and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Observation An adolescent boy with X-linked agammaglobulinemia presented with indurated plaques and a chronic leg ulcer whose origin was strongly suspected to be an H bilis organism. Histologic analysis demonstrated positive Warthin-Starry staining of curvilinear rods, which grew in culture but failed to grow when sub-cultured. They could not be identified by conventional techniques. A combination of gene amplification by polymerase chain reaction and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry confirmed the identity of this organism. Conclusions This novel technology was useful in the identification of a difficult-to-grow Helicobacter organism, the cause of pyoderma gangrenosum–like leg ulcers in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Correct identification of this organism as the cause of pyoderma gangrenosum–like ulcers in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia is of great importance for the early initiation of appropriate and curative antibiotic therapy. PMID:20479300

Transcription map of Xq27: candidates for several X-linked diseases.

PubMed

Zucchi, I; Jones, J; Affer, M; Montagna, C; Redolfi, E; Susani, L; Vezzoni, P; Parvari, R; Schlessinger, D; Whyte, M P; Mumm, S

1999-04-15

Human Xq27 contains candidate regions for several disorders, yet is predicted to be a gene-poor cytogenetic band. We have developed a transcription map for the entire cytogenetic band to facilitate the identification of the relatively small number of expected candidate genes. Two approaches were taken to identify genes: (1) a group of 64 unique STSs that were generated during the physical mapping of the region were used in RT-PCR with RNA from human adult and fetal brain and (2) ESTs that have been broadly mapped to this region of the chromosome were finely mapped using a high-resolution yeast artificial chromosome contig. This combined approach identified four distinct regions of transcriptional activity within the Xq27 band. Among them is a region at the centromeric boundary that contains candidate regions for several rare developmental disorders (X-linked recessive hypoparathyroidism, thoracoabdominal syndrome, albinism-deafness syndrome, and Borjeson-Forssman-Lehman syndrome). Two transcriptionally active regions were identified in the center of Xq27 and include candidate regions for X-linked mental retardation syndrome 6, X-linked progressive cone dystrophy, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa 24, and a prostate cancer susceptibility locus. The fourth region of transcriptional activity encompasses the FMR1 (FRAXA) and FMR2 (FRAXE) genes. The analysis thus suggests clustered transcription in Xq27 and provides candidates for several heritable disorders for which the causative genes have not yet been found. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Physiological Regulation and Infantile Anorexia: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chatoor, Irene; Ganiban, Jody; Surles, Jaclyn; Doussard-Roosevelt, Jane

2004-01-01

Objective: To examine whether infantile anorexia is associated with physiological dysregulation. Method: This study included eight toddlers with infantile anorexia and eight healthy eaters matched for age, race, socioeconomic status, and gender. Physiological measures of heart period and respiratory sinus arrhythmia were assessed across three…

Defense Management: DOD Needs to Improve Program Management, Policy, and Testing to Enhance Ability to Field Operationally Useful Non-lethal Weapons

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

through Fielding and Support 12 Figure 3: Active Denial System 2 25 Figure 4: FN-303 Less-Lethal Launching System 26 Figure 5: TASER ® X-26 27 Figure 6...System Grenades 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 , 13, 14, 19, 21, 25, 26 Human Electro Muscular Incapacitation TASER ® X-26 5, 13, 14, 21 Improved Acoustic...modes Modular accessory shotgun system Provides the capability to fire lethal, non-lethal, and door- breaching 12 - gauge rounds. Future force

Fibroblast growth factor 23 in oncogenic osteomalacia and X-linked hypophosphatemia.

PubMed

Jonsson, Kenneth B; Zahradnik, Richard; Larsson, Tobias; White, Kenneth E; Sugimoto, Toshitsugu; Imanishi, Yasuo; Yamamoto, Takehisa; Hampson, Geeta; Koshiyama, Hiroyuki; Ljunggren, Osten; Oba, Koichi; Yang, In Myung; Miyauchi, Akimitsu; Econs, Michael J; Lavigne, Jeffrey; Jüppner, Harald

2003-04-24

Mutations in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) cause autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets. Clinical and laboratory findings in this disorder are similar to those in oncogenic osteomalacia, in which tumors abundantly express FGF-23 messenger RNA, and to those in X-linked hypophosphatemia, which is caused by inactivating mutations in a phosphate-regulating endopeptidase called PHEX. Recombinant FGF-23 induces phosphaturia and hypophosphatemia in vivo, suggesting that it has a role in phosphate regulation. To determine whether FGF-23 circulates in healthy persons and whether it is elevated in those with oncogenic osteomalacia or X-linked hypophosphatemia, an immunometric assay was developed to measure it. Using affinity-purified, polyclonal antibodies against [Tyr223]FGF-23(206-222)amide and [Tyr224]FGF-23(225-244)amide, we developed a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that detects equivalently recombinant human FGF-23, the mutant form in which glutamine is substituted for arginine at position 179 (R179Q), and synthetic human FGF-23(207-244)amide. Plasma or serum samples from 147 healthy adults (mean [+/-SD] age, 48.4+/-19.6 years) and 26 healthy children (mean age, 10.9+/-5.5 years) and from 17 patients with oncogenic osteomalacia (mean age, 43.0+/-13.3 years) and 21 patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (mean age, 34.9+/-17.2 years) were studied. Mean FGF-23 concentrations in the healthy adults and children were 55+/-50 and 69+/-36 reference units (RU) per milliliter, respectively. Four patients with oncogenic osteomalacia had concentrations ranging from 426 to 7970 RU per milliliter, which normalized after tumor resection. FGF-23 concentrations were 481+/-528 RU per milliliter in those with suspected oncogenic osteomalacia and 353+/-510 RU per milliliter (range, 31 to 2335) in those with X-linked hypophosphatemia. FGF-23 is readily detectable in the plasma or serum of healthy persons and can be markedly elevated in those with oncogenic

Unusual phenotypic expression of an XLRS1 mutation in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis.

PubMed

Dodds, Jodi A; Srivastava, Anand K; Holden, Kenton R

2006-04-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis is a rare progressive vitreoretinal degenerative process that appears in early childhood, results in decreased visual acuity and blindness (if severe), and is caused by various mutations within the XLRS1 gene at Xp22.2. We report an affected family of Western European ancestry with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. The family was found to carry a 304C-->T substitution in exon 4 of the XLRS1 gene, resulting in an Arg102Trp amino acid substitution. Two of the four available clinical cases in this family were found to carry the mutation. All available mothers of affected males were found to be unaffected carriers of the mutation, a typical feature of X-linked diseases. Two new female carriers, sisters of affected males, were identified and counseled accordingly. Questionnaires on visual functioning were given to the affected family members to examine the psychologic and sociologic impact of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, which documented an associated stigma even when affected with a "mild" phenotype.

Expression pattern of X-linked genes in sex chromosome aneuploid bovine cells.

PubMed

Basrur, Parvathi K; Farazmand, Ali; Stranzinger, Gerald; Graphodatskaya, Daria; Reyes, Ed R; King, W Allan

2004-01-01

Expression of the X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) gene is a prerequisite step for dosage compensation in mammals, accomplished by silencing one of the two X chromosomes in normal female diploid cells or all X chromosomes in excess of one in sex chromosome aneuploids. Our previous studies showing that XIST expression does not eventuate the inactivation of X-linked genes in fetal bovine testis had suggested that XIST expression may not be an indicator of X inactivation in this species. In this study, we used a semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach on cultures of bovine cells with varying sex chromosome constitution (XY, XX, XXY and XXX) to test whether the levels of XIST expressed conform to the number of late replicating (inactive) X chromosomes displayed by proliferating cells in these cultures. Expression patterns of four X-linked genes, including hypoxanthine phosphorybosyl transferase (HPRT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), zinc finger protein locus on the X (ZFX). and 'selected mouse cDNA on the X' (SMCX), in all these cells were also tested. Results showed that XIST expression was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in XXX cells compared to XX and XXY cells and that G6PD. HPRT, and SMCX loci are subject to X inactivation. The significantly higher levels of ZFX expressed in XXX cells compared to XX and XXY cells (p < 0.05) confirmed that this bovine locus, as human ZFX, escapes X inactivation. However, the levels of XIST and ZFX expressed were not proportional to the X chromosome load in these cells suggesting that X-linked loci escaping inactivation may be regulated at transcription (or post-transcription) level by mechanisms that prevent gene-specific product accumulation beyond certain levels in sex chromosome aneuploids.

X-linked cardiomyopathy is heterogeneous

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilson, M.J.; Sillence, D.O.; Mulley, J.C.

Two major loci of X-linked cardiomyopathy have been mapped by linkage analysis. The gene for X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy (XLCM) is mapped to the dystrophin locus at Xp21, while Barth syndrome has been localised to distal Xq28. XLCM usually presents in juvenile males with no skeletal disease but decreased dystrophin in cardiac muscle. Barth syndrome most often presents in infants and is characterized by skeletal myopathy, short stature and neutropenia in association with cardiomyopathy of variable severity. Prior to carrier or prenatal diagnosis in a family, delineation of the cardiomyopathy locus involved is essential. We report the linkage mapping of amore » large kindred in which several male infants have died with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There is a family history of unexplained death of infant males less than 6 months old over 4 generations. Features of Barth syndrome such as short stature, skeletal myopathy and neutropenia have not been observed. Genotyping at 10 marker loci in Xq28 has revealed significant pairwise lod scores with the cardiomyopathy phenotype at DXS52 (Z=2.21 at {theta}=0.0), at markers p26 and p39 near DXS15 (Z=2.30 at {theta}=0.0) and at F8C (Z=2.24 at {theta}=0.0). A recombinant detected with DXS296 defines the proximal limit to the localization. No recombinants were detected at any of the loci distal to DXS296. The most distal marker in Xq28, DXS1108, is within 500 kb of the telomere. As the gene in this family is localized to Xq28, it is possible that this disorder is an allelic variant at the Barth syndrome locus.« less

X-Linked Intellectual Disability: Unique Vulnerability of the Male Genome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevenson, Roger E.; Schwartz, Charles E.

2009-01-01

X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) accounts for approximately 16% of males with intellectual disability (ID). This is, in part, related to the fact that males have a single X chromosome. Progress in the clinical and molecular characterization of XLID has outpaced progress in the delineation of ID due to genes on the other 22 chromosomes.…

Silencing of X-Linked MicroRNAs by Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation

PubMed Central

Royo, Hélène; Seitz, Hervé; ElInati, Elias; Peters, Antoine H. F. M.; Stadler, Michael B.; Turner, James M. A.

2015-01-01

During the pachytene stage of meiosis in male mammals, the X and Y chromosomes are transcriptionally silenced by Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation (MSCI). MSCI is conserved in therian mammals and is essential for normal male fertility. Transcriptomics approaches have demonstrated that in mice, most or all protein-coding genes on the X chromosome are subject to MSCI. However, it is unclear whether X-linked non-coding RNAs behave in a similar manner. The X chromosome is enriched in microRNA (miRNA) genes, with many exhibiting testis-biased expression. Importantly, high expression levels of X-linked miRNAs (X-miRNAs) have been reported in pachytene spermatocytes, indicating that these genes may escape MSCI, and perhaps play a role in the XY-silencing process. Here we use RNA FISH to examine X-miRNA expression in the male germ line. We find that, like protein-coding X-genes, X-miRNAs are expressed prior to prophase I and are thereafter silenced during pachynema. X-miRNA silencing does not occur in mouse models with defective MSCI. Furthermore, X-miRNAs are expressed at pachynema when present as autosomally integrated transgenes. Thus, we conclude that silencing of X-miRNAs during pachynema in wild type males is MSCI-dependent. Importantly, misexpression of X-miRNAs during pachynema causes spermatogenic defects. We propose that MSCI represents a chromosomal mechanism by which X-miRNAs, and other potential X-encoded repressors, can be silenced, thereby regulating genes with critical late spermatogenic functions. PMID:26509798

HISTOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE BEHAVIOR OF THE LIVER MITOCHONDRIA OF THE RAT WHOLE-BODY X IRRADIATED WITH A LETHAL DOSE (in Italian)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bronzetti, P.; Malaspina, A.

1958-01-01

It was demonstrated that irradlation of the whole body of rats with a lethal dose of x rays (800 r) produces a reversible modification of the liver cell mitochondria. At first mitochondrla are reduced in number and lose their affinity for iron, then (24 hours after irradiation) they are transformed in granules and react again with Iron. About the seventh day after irradiation, mitochondria of all llver cells of every lobule return to their normal condition. The loss of affinity for iron of mitochondria is discussed as it is considered. The morphological result of the modification of the enzymes relatedmore » to mitochondria determined by the action of x rays. (auth) BIOLOGY« less

Mutational studies in X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cherryson, A.K.; Yeung, L.; Kennerson, M.L.

1994-09-01

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN), is a heterogeneous group of slowly progressive disorders of the peripheral nerve. X-linked CMT (CMTX) is characterized by slow motor nerve conduction velocities in affected males and the presence of mildly affected or normal carrier females with intermediate or normal nerve conduction velocities. CMTX, which has an incidence of 3.1 per 100,000 and accounts for approximately 10% of CMT cases, has been mapped to Xq13. One of the genes lying in this region, connexin 32, has been found to contain alterations in individuals affected with X-linked CMT. We havemore » identified our X-linked families from dominant type 1 CMT families using the clinical criteria given above. These families were screened for point mutations in connexin 32. We have identified three missense mutations, a G{r_arrow}A transition at amino acid 35 (valine to methionine), a C{r_arrow}G transition at amino acid 158 (proline to alanine) and a T{r_arrow}A transition at amino acid 182 (serine to threonine). Another family showed a 18 bp deletion, which removed the amino acid 111 to 116 inclusive (histidine, glycine, aspartic acid, proline, leucine, histidine).« less

Histidinemia and Infantile Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kotsopoulos, S.; Kutty, K. M.

1979-01-01

The article presents a case history of a boy with both infantile autism and histidenia (an inborn error of amino acid metabolism), and discusses the possible relationship between the two conditions. (DLS)

Similarities and differences between infantile and early childhood onset vanishing white matter disease.

PubMed

Zhou, Ling; Zhang, Haihua; Chen, Na; Zhang, Zhongbin; Liu, Ming; Dai, Lifang; Wang, Jingmin; Jiang, Yuwu; Wu, Ye

2018-06-01

Vanishing white matter disease (VWM) is one of the most prevalent inherited leukoencephalopathies in childhood. Infantile VWM is more severe but less understood than the classic early childhood type. We performed a follow-up study on 14 infantile and 26 childhood patients to delineate the natural history and neuroimaging features of VWM. Infantile and childhood patients shared similarities in the incidence of epileptic seizure (35.7 vs. 38.5%) and episodic aggravation (92.9 vs. 84.6%). Developmental delay before disease onset was more common in infantile patients. Motor disability was earlier and more severe in infantile VWM. In survivors with disease durations of 1-3 years, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was classified as IV-V in 66.7% of infantile and only 29.4% of childhood patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis indicated that the 5-year survival rates were 21.6 and 91.3% in infantile and childhood VWM, respectively. In terms of MRI, infantile patients showed more extensive involvement and earlier rarefaction, with more common involvement of subcortical white matter, internal capsule, brain stem and dentate nuclei of the cerebellum. Restricted diffusion was more diffuse or extensive in infantile patients. In addition, four novel mutations were identified. In conclusion, we identified some similarities and differences in the natural history and neuroimaging features between infantile and early childhood VWM.

Primary Sex Determination in Drosophila melanogaster Does Not Rely on the Male-Specific Lethal Complex.

PubMed

Erickson, James W

2016-02-01

It has been proposed that the Male Specific Lethal (MSL) complex is active in Drosophila melanogaster embryos of both sexes prior to the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Elevated gene expression from the two X chromosomes of female embryos is proposed to facilitate the stable establishment of Sex-lethal (Sxl) expression, which determines sex and represses further activity of the MSL complex, leaving it active only in males. Important supporting data included female-lethal genetic interactions between the seven msl genes and either Sxl or scute and sisterlessA, two of the X-signal elements (XSE) that regulate early Sxl expression. Here I report contrary findings that there are no female-lethal genetic interactions between the msl genes and Sxl or its XSE regulators. Fly stocks containing the msl3(1) allele were found to exhibit a maternal-effect interaction with Sxl, scute, and sisterlessA mutations, but genetic complementation experiments showed that msl3 is neither necessary nor sufficient for the female-lethal interactions, which appear to be due to an unidentified maternal regulator of Sxl. Published data cited as evidence for an early function of the MSL complex in females, including a maternal effect of msl2, have been reevaluated and found not to support a maternal, or other effect, of the MSL complex in sex determination. These findings suggest that the MSL complex is not involved in primary sex determination or in X chromosome dosage compensation prior to the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Copyright © 2016 by the Genetics Society of America.

Genetics Home Reference: X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and neoplasia

MedlinePlus

... Share: Email Facebook Twitter Home Health Conditions XMEN X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus ... Javascript to view the expand/collapse boxes. Description X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus ...

Calcium-Sensing Receptor Tumor Expression and Lethal Prostate Cancer Progression.

PubMed

Ahearn, Thomas U; Tchrakian, Nairi; Wilson, Kathryn M; Lis, Rosina; Nuttall, Elizabeth; Sesso, Howard D; Loda, Massimo; Giovannucci, Edward; Mucci, Lorelei A; Finn, Stephen; Shui, Irene M

2016-06-01

Prostate cancer metastases preferentially target bone, and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) may play a role in promoting this metastatic progression. We evaluated the association of prostate tumor CaSR expression with lethal prostate cancer. A validated CaSR immunohistochemistry assay was performed on tumor tissue microarrays. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and phosphatase and tensin homolog tumor status were previously assessed in a subset of cases by immunohistochemistry. Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age and body mass index at diagnosis, Gleason grade, and pathological tumor node metastasis stage were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of CaSR expression with lethal prostate cancer. The investigation was conducted in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and Physicians' Health Study. We studied 1241 incident prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 1983 and 2009. Participants were followed up or cancer-specific mortality or development of metastatic disease. On average, men were followed up 13.6 years, during which there were 83 lethal events. High CaSR expression was associated with lethal prostate cancer independent of clinical and pathological variables (HR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). Additionally, there was evidence of effect modification by VDR expression; CaSR was associated with lethal progression among men with low tumor VDR expression (HR 3.2; 95% CI 1.4-7.3) but not in cases with high tumor VDR expression (HR 0.8; 95% CI 0.2-3.0). Tumor CaSR expression is associated with an increased risk of lethal prostate cancer, particularly in tumors with low VDR expression. These results support further investigating the mechanism linking CaSR with metastases.

X-linked intellectual disability update 2017.

PubMed

Neri, Giovanni; Schwartz, Charles E; Lubs, Herbert A; Stevenson, Roger E

2018-04-25

The X-chromosome comprises only about 5% of the human genome but accounts for about 15% of the genes currently known to be associated with intellectual disability. The early progress in identifying the X-linked intellectual disability (XLID)-associated genes through linkage analysis and candidate gene sequencing has been accelerated with the use of high-throughput technologies. In the 10 years since the last update, the number of genes associated with XLID has increased by 96% from 72 to 141 and duplications of all 141 XLID genes have been described, primarily through the application of high-resolution microarrays and next generation sequencing. The progress in identifying genetic and genomic alterations associated with XLID has not been matched with insights that improve the clinician's ability to form differential diagnoses, that bring into view the possibility of curative therapies for patients, or that inform scientists of the impact of the genetic alterations on cell organization and function. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A family study of congenital X linked sideroblastic anaemia.

PubMed Central

Holmes, J; May, A; Geddes, D; Jacobs, A

1990-01-01

We report on the cytogenetic findings in a family study of pyridoxine responsive, X linked sideroblastic anaemia. An increase in the number of X chromosomes was observed in a small proportion of metaphases prepared from five female members, but these findings did not strictly correlate with the carrier status of the condition. No consistent cytogenetic abnormality could be identified or associated with this rare familial condition. The diagnosis and counselling of carriers of this condition is discussed. Images PMID:2308152

Action of caffeine on x-irradiated HeLa cells. VII. Evidence that caffeine enhances expression of potentially lethal radiation damage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beetham, K.L.; Tolmach, L.J.

1984-12-01

HeLa cells irradiated with 2 Gy of 220-kV X rays suffer a 60-70% loss of colony-forming ability which is increased to 90% by postirradiation treatment with 10 mM caffeine for 6 hr. The detailed postirradiation patterns of cell death and sister-cell fusion in such cultures and in cultures in which the colony-forming ability was brought to about the same level by treatment with a larger (4 Gy) X-ray dose alone or by longer (48 hr) treatment with 10 mM caffeine alone were recorded by time-lapse cinemicrography. Because the patterns of cell death and fusion differ radically in irradiated and inmore » caffeine-treated cultures, the response of the additional cells killed by the combined treatment can be identified as X-ray induced rather than caffeine induced. The appearance of cultures after several days of incubation confirms the similarity of the post-treatment patterns of proliferation in cultures suffering enhanced killing to those occurring in cultures treated with larger doses of X rays alone. It is concluded that x rays do not sensitize cells to caffeine, but rather that caffeine enhanced the expression of potentially lethal radiation-induced damage.« less

Use of topical dorzolamide for patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis: case report.

PubMed

Bastos, André Luís Carvalho de Moura; Freitas, Bruno de Paula; Villas Boas, Oscar; Ramiro, Alexandre Campelo

2008-01-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is a recessively inherited vitreoretinal degeneration characterized by macular pathology and splitting of the neuroretinal layers that is associated with alterations in the XLRS1 gene. There have been no therapeutic interventions known to be effective for patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, but some studies are trying to determine the importance of dorzolamide for the treatment of foveal lesions in this disease. The authors, using optical coherence tomography, describe findings in a patient with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, before and after a topical use of dorzolamide. Besides the improvement in his visual acuity, further studies are required to elucidate the real prevalence of nonresponse to dorzolamide and the frequency with which there may be a recurrence of foveal cystic changes during continued treatment.

Maternal-Effect Lethal Mutations on Linkage Group II of Caenorhabditis Elegans

PubMed Central

Kemphues, K. J.; Kusch, M.; Wolf, N.

1988-01-01

We have analyzed a set of linkage group (LG) II maternal-effect lethal mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans isolated by a new screening procedure. Screens of 12,455 F(1) progeny from mutagenized adults resulted in the recovery of 54 maternal-effect lethal mutations identifying 29 genes. Of the 54 mutations, 39 are strict maternal-effect mutations defining 17 genes. These 17 genes fall into two classes distinguished by frequency of mutation to strict maternal-effect lethality. The smaller class, comprised of four genes, mutated to strict maternal-effect lethality at a frequency close to 5 X 10(-4), a rate typical of essential genes in C. elegans. Two of these genes are expressed during oogenesis and required exclusively for embryogenesis (pure maternal genes), one appears to be required specifically for meiosis, and the fourth has a more complex pattern of expression. The other 13 genes were represented by only one or two strict maternal alleles each. Two of these are identical genes previously identified by nonmaternal embryonic lethal mutations. We interpret our results to mean that although many C. elegans genes can mutate to strict maternal-effect lethality, most genes mutate to that phenotype rarely. Pure maternal genes, however, are among a smaller class of genes that mutate to maternal-effect lethality at typical rates. If our interpretation is correct, we are near saturation for pure maternal genes in the region of LG II balanced by mnC1. We conclude that the number of pure maternal genes in C. elegans is small, being probably not much higher than 12. PMID:3224814

Lamellar macular hole in X linked retinoschisis

PubMed Central

Kumar, Vinod; Goel, Neha

2016-01-01

X linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is the most common juvenile onset retinal degeneration. The disorder leads to poor vision in old age. Complications, however, can lead to earlier loss of vision in this condition. This report describes two patients of XLRS, who had presented with poor vision because of having had a lamellar macular hole at a young age. Lamellar macular holes are rare and have never been reported to cause early onset poor vision in XLRS. PMID:27170611

Optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of juvenile X-linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Eriksson, Urban; Larsson, Eva; Holmström, Gerd

2004-04-01

To describe the value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of X-linked retinoschisis. We report three boys aged between 8 and 17 years, diagnosed with X-linked retinoschisis. During investigations they were examined with OCT (Zeiss Humphrey OCT 1, upgraded version). Single scans of the central posterior pole and the region around the vascular arcades were obtained. Two of the boys underwent full-field ERG according to ISCEV standards. Genetic analysis was performed in all three boys, with sequencing of the XLRS gene. The OCT results revealed a pattern with a cleavage of the retina in two distinct planes, one deep (outer retina) and one superficial. This was very obvious in one patient and a similar but not as pronounced pattern was seen in the other two cases. The two layers were superficially connected with thin-walled, vertical palisades, separated by low reflective, cystoid spaces, confluent and most prominent in the foveal region. Full-field ERG and/or DNA analysis are well known methods used for diagnosis of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. In this paper, we suggest that OCT can also be a helpful diagnostic tool.

X-linked cataract and Nance-Horan syndrome are allelic disorders.

PubMed

Coccia, Margherita; Brooks, Simon P; Webb, Tom R; Christodoulou, Katja; Wozniak, Izabella O; Murday, Victoria; Balicki, Martha; Yee, Harris A; Wangensteen, Teresia; Riise, Ruth; Saggar, Anand K; Park, Soo-Mi; Kanuga, Naheed; Francis, Peter J; Maher, Eamonn R; Moore, Anthony T; Russell-Eggitt, Isabelle M; Hardcastle, Alison J

2009-07-15

Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS) is an X-linked developmental disorder characterized by congenital cataract, dental anomalies, facial dysmorphism and, in some cases, mental retardation. Protein truncation mutations in a novel gene (NHS) have been identified in patients with this syndrome. We previously mapped X-linked congenital cataract (CXN) in one family to an interval on chromosome Xp22.13 which encompasses the NHS locus; however, no mutations were identified in the NHS gene. In this study, we show that NHS and X-linked cataract are allelic diseases. Two CXN families, which were negative for mutations in the NHS gene, were further analysed using array comparative genomic hybridization. CXN was found to be caused by novel copy number variations: a complex duplication-triplication re-arrangement and an intragenic deletion, predicted to result in altered transcriptional regulation of the NHS gene. Furthermore, we also describe the clinical and molecular analysis of seven families diagnosed with NHS, identifying four novel protein truncation mutations and a novel large deletion encompassing the majority of the NHS gene, all leading to no functional protein. We therefore show that different mechanisms, aberrant transcription of the NHS gene or no functional NHS protein, lead to different diseases. Our data highlight the importance of copy number variation and non-recurrent re-arrangements leading to different severity of disease and describe the potential mechanisms involved.

X-linked cataract and Nance-Horan syndrome are allelic disorders

PubMed Central

Coccia, Margherita; Brooks, Simon P.; Webb, Tom R.; Christodoulou, Katja; Wozniak, Izabella O.; Murday, Victoria; Balicki, Martha; Yee, Harris A.; Wangensteen, Teresia; Riise, Ruth; Saggar, Anand K.; Park, Soo-Mi; Kanuga, Naheed; Francis, Peter J.; Maher, Eamonn R.; Moore, Anthony T.; Russell-Eggitt, Isabelle M.; Hardcastle, Alison J.

2009-01-01

Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS) is an X-linked developmental disorder characterized by congenital cataract, dental anomalies, facial dysmorphism and, in some cases, mental retardation. Protein truncation mutations in a novel gene (NHS) have been identified in patients with this syndrome. We previously mapped X-linked congenital cataract (CXN) in one family to an interval on chromosome Xp22.13 which encompasses the NHS locus; however, no mutations were identified in the NHS gene. In this study, we show that NHS and X-linked cataract are allelic diseases. Two CXN families, which were negative for mutations in the NHS gene, were further analysed using array comparative genomic hybridization. CXN was found to be caused by novel copy number variations: a complex duplication–triplication re-arrangement and an intragenic deletion, predicted to result in altered transcriptional regulation of the NHS gene. Furthermore, we also describe the clinical and molecular analysis of seven families diagnosed with NHS, identifying four novel protein truncation mutations and a novel large deletion encompassing the majority of the NHS gene, all leading to no functional protein. We therefore show that different mechanisms, aberrant transcription of the NHS gene or no functional NHS protein, lead to different diseases. Our data highlight the importance of copy number variation and non-recurrent re-arrangements leading to different severity of disease and describe the potential mechanisms involved. PMID:19414485

Genetic localization and phenotypic expression of X-linked cataract (Xcat) in Mus musculus.

PubMed

Favor, J; Pretsch, W

1990-01-01

Linkage data relative to the markers tabby and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase are presented to locate X-linked cataract (Xcat) in the distal portion of the mouse X-chromosome between jimpy and hypophosphatemia. The human X-linked cataract-dental syndrome, Nance-Horan Syndrome, also maps closely to human hypophosphatemia and would suggest homology between mouse Xcat and human Nance-Horan Syndrome genes. In hemizygous males and homozygous females penetrance is complete with only slight variation in the degree of expression. Phenotypic expression in Xcat heterozygous females ranges from totally clear to totally opaque lenses. The phenotypic expression between the two lenses of a heterozygous individual could also vary between totally clear and totally opaque lenses. However, a correlation in the degree of expression between the eyes of an individual was observed. A variegated pattern of lens opacity was evident in female heterozygotes. Based on these observations, the site of gene action for the Xcat locus is suggested to be endogenous to the lens cells and the precursor cell population of the lens is concluded to be small. The identification of an X-linked cataract locus is an important contribution to the estimate of the number of mutable loci resulting in cataract, an estimate required so that dominant cataract mutagenesis results may be expressed on a per locus basis. The Xcat mutation may be a useful marker for a distal region of the mouse X-chromosome which is relatively sparsely marked and the X-linked cataract mutation may be employed in gene expression and lens development studies.

Human X-Linked genes regionally mapped utilizing X-autosome translocations and somatic cell hybrids.

PubMed Central

Shows, T B; Brown, J A

1975-01-01

Human genes coding for hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT, EC 2.4.2.8; IMP:pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD, EC 1.1.1.49; D-glucose-6-phosphate:NADP+ 1-oxidoreductase), and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK, EC 2.7.2.3; ATP:3-phospho-D-glycerate 1-phosphotransferase) have been assigned to specific regions on the long arm of the X chromosome by somatic cell gentic techniques. Gene assignment and linear order were determined by employing human somatic cells possessing an X/9 translocation or an X/22 translocation in man-mouse cell hybridization studies. The X/9 translocation involved the majority of the X long arm translocated to chromosome 9 and the X/22 translocation involved the distal half of the X long arm translocated to 22. In each case these rearrangements appeared to be reciprocal. Concordant segregation of X-linked enzymes and segments of the X chromosome generated by the translocations indicated assignment of the PGK gene to a proximal long arm region (q12-q22) and the HPRT and G6PD genes to the distal half (q22-qter) of the X long arm. Further evidence suggests a gene order on the X long arm of centromere-PGK-HPRT-G6PD. Images PMID:1056018

Theories of Lethal Mutagenesis: From Error Catastrophe to Lethal Defection.

PubMed

Tejero, Héctor; Montero, Francisco; Nuño, Juan Carlos

2016-01-01

RNA viruses get extinct in a process called lethal mutagenesis when subjected to an increase in their mutation rate, for instance, by the action of mutagenic drugs. Several approaches have been proposed to understand this phenomenon. The extinction of RNA viruses by increased mutational pressure was inspired by the concept of the error threshold. The now classic quasispecies model predicts the existence of a limit to the mutation rate beyond which the genetic information of the wild type could not be efficiently transmitted to the next generation. This limit was called the error threshold, and for mutation rates larger than this threshold, the quasispecies was said to enter into error catastrophe. This transition has been assumed to foster the extinction of the whole population. Alternative explanations of lethal mutagenesis have been proposed recently. In the first place, a distinction is made between the error threshold and the extinction threshold, the mutation rate beyond which a population gets extinct. Extinction is explained from the effect the mutation rate has, throughout the mutational load, on the reproductive ability of the whole population. Secondly, lethal defection takes also into account the effect of interactions within mutant spectra, which have been shown to be determinant for the understanding the extinction of RNA virus due to an augmented mutational pressure. Nonetheless, some relevant issues concerning lethal mutagenesis are not completely understood yet, as so survival of the flattest, i.e. the development of resistance to lethal mutagenesis by evolving towards mutationally more robust regions of sequence space, or sublethal mutagenesis, i.e., the increase of the mutation rate below the extinction threshold which may boost the adaptability of RNA virus, increasing their ability to develop resistance to drugs (including mutagens). A better design of antiviral therapies will still require an improvement of our knowledge about lethal

Is Infantile Colic an Early Life Expression of Childhood Migraine?

PubMed Central

TABRIZI, Manijeh; BADELI, Hamidreza; HASSANZADEH RAD, Afagh; AMINZADEH, Vahid; SHOKUHIFARD, Ali

2017-01-01

Objective Migraine is the mosyndrome and infantile colic is a common cause of infantile cry. The pathogenesis of migraine and colic has not been well established and different factors may cause them. There is an association between infantile colic and the occurrence of childhood migraine. We aimed to assess whether infantile colic could be noted as an early life expression of childhood migraine or not. Materials & Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted on 5-15-year-old childrenin Rasht, Iran during 2015-2016. Forty-one cases were children with migraine with or without aura. Overall, 123 Control participants were children with the same age referred to the pediatric clinic for routine care. Data were gathered by a checklist including age, sex, birth weight, family history of migraine, the occurrence of colic and type of feeding during infancy. Data were reported by descriptive statistics and analyzed by Fisher exact test using SPSS ver. 19 Results Overall, 164 children with the mean age of 8.36± 2.53 yr were enrolled. Seventeen (41.46%) children with migraine vs. 44 (35.7%) children in control group had the positive history of infantile colic and Fisher exact test noted significant relation between migraine and colic. Thirty-three children with infantile colic (46.57%) had the positive family history of migraine, which was significantly higher than 27 children without colic (29.7%). There was a significant relation between infantile feeding and migraine. Conclusion There is a probable relation between colic and migraine, therefore, migraine and colic as 2 pain syndromes may have a common pathophysiology and further investigations on this common pathophysiology is justified. PMID:28883875

Lamellar macular hole in X linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Kumar, Vinod; Goel, Neha

2016-05-11

X linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is the most common juvenile onset retinal degeneration. The disorder leads to poor vision in old age. Complications, however, can lead to earlier loss of vision in this condition. This report describes two patients of XLRS, who had presented with poor vision because of having had a lamellar macular hole at a young age. Lamellar macular holes are rare and have never been reported to cause early onset poor vision in XLRS. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

A major X-linked locus affects kidney function in mice

PubMed Central

Leduc, Magalie S.; Savage, Holly S.; Stearns, Timothy M.; Cario, Clinton L.; Walsh, Kenneth A.; Paigen, Beverly; Berndt, Annerose

2012-01-01

Chronic kidney disease is a common disease with increasing prevalence in the western population. One common reason for chronic kidney failure is diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy and hyperglycemia are characteristics of the mouse inbred strain KK/HlJ, which is predominantly used as a model for metabolic syndrome due to its inherited glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. We used KK/HlJ, an albuminuria-sensitive strain, and C57BL/6J, an albuminuria-resistant strain, to perform a quantitative trait locus (QTL) cross to identify the genetic basis for chronic kidney failure. Albumin-creatinine-ratio (ACR) was measured in 130 F2 male offspring. One significant QTL was identified on chromosome (Chr) X and four suggestive QTLs were found on Chrs 6, 7, 12, and 13. Narrowing of the QTL region was focused on the X-linked QTL and performed by incorporating genotype and expression analyses for genes located in the region. From the 485 genes identified in the X-linked QTL region, a few candidate genes were identified using a combination of bioinformatic evidence based on genomic comparison of the parental strains and known function in urine homeostasis. Finally, this study demonstrates the significance of the X chromosome in the genetic determination of albuminuria. PMID:23011808

Hand activities in infantile masturbation: a video analysis of 13 cases.

PubMed

Hansen, Jonas Kjeldbjerg; Balslev, Thomas

2009-11-01

Infantile masturbation is considered a variant of normal behaviour. The abrupt and spontaneous onset, altered sensorium and autonomic phenomena during episodes may suggest an epileptic fit. Therefore, children with infantile masturbation are often admitted to hospital and undergo unnecessary tests. The purpose of the present study was to provide a detailed description of hand activities in infantile masturbation. The authors reviewed video recordings of 2 boys and 11 girls with infantile masturbation. Position, movements and activities of hands and fingers during episodes were registered. Five patterns of hand activities were registered: Fisting (four infants), grasping of toys, furniture or clothing (ten infants), chorea-like "piano playing" hand movements (two infants), pressure over the diaper/genital region (one infant) and bimanual manipulation of items (four infants). Fisting was primarily observed in the younger infants, and bimanual manipulation was primarily seen in the older infants. Recognizing one or more of the five distinct patterns of hand activities in infantile masturbation may help establishing the diagnosis.

The yield of laboratory investigations in children with infantile autism.

PubMed

Kosinovsky, B; Hermon, S; Yoran-Hegesh, R; Golomb, A; Senecky, Y; Goez, H; Kramer, U

2005-04-01

To evaluate the yield of laboratory investigations in infantile autism. We retrieved and evaluated the results of investigative procedures recorded in the medical files of autistic infants in four child developmental centers and two pediatric psychiatric outpatient clinics. One-hundred and thirty-two infants were included in the study of whom 47 (36%) underwent autistic regression at an average age of 20 months. The investigative procedures included electroencephalogram (n = 132), neuroimaging (n = 70), genetic studies to detect Fragile-X (n = 59) and a metabolic workup (n = 53). Except for the molecular diagnosis that revealed Fragile-X syndrome in two children (3%), all other tests were negative. The two infants with the Fragile-X syndrome belonged to the non-regressive group. The only investigative study that contributed to the diagnosis of autistic infants was the molecular diagnosis detecting Fragile-X. In spite of the high frequency of epilepsy and epileptiform abnormalities in the electroencephalograms of autistic children in general, the contribution of epilepsy, both clinical and subclinical, to the etiology of autism is apparently minimal.

RELATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF 14 Mev NEUTRONS AND 200 KVP X-RAYS FOR PRODUCTION OF LETHALITY IN GRASSHOPPER EMBRYOS. A PRELIMINARY STUDY (thesis)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bicker, A.E.

1962-05-01

A test system using the grasshopper embryo with hatching as the criterion for the end-point was proposed to determine the relative effectiveness of 14 Mev neutrons and 200 kvp x rays. Eggs of Chortophaga (14 day) and Encoptolophus (14 day and terminal) were subjected to various doses of both radiations. Values for the medial lethal doses from the data obtained were 650 rads for Chortophaga, 760 rads for Encoptolophus (14 day), and 1800 rads for Encoptolophus (terminal). The shape of the dose-effect curve relative to x- irradiation survival was assumed to be unchanged so that an estimate of the LD/more » sub 50/ could be made. The value obtained was 370 rads. The RBE of 14 Mev neutrons and 200 kvp x rays on Chortophaga (14 day) embryos was 1.76. It was concluded that Chortophaga and Encoptolophus embryos irradiated in the 14 day development stage with hatching as an end-point constitute valid systems for the measurement of the relative effectiveness of the 14 Mev neutrons and 200 kvp x rays. (P.C.H.)« less

A retrospective study of chiropractic treatment of 276 danish infants with infantile colic.

PubMed

Wiberg, Karin R; Wiberg, Jesper M M

2010-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate if the outcome of excessively crying infants treated with chiropractic manipulation (1) was associated with age and/or (2), at least partially, can be explained by age according to the natural decline in crying. This was a retrospective evaluation of clinical records of 749 infants from a private Danish chiropractic practice. All of the infants were healthy, thriving infants born to term within the age of 0 to 3 months who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for excessively crying infants (infantile colic), whose parents sought chiropractic treatment. The infants were treated using chiropractic management as decided by the treating doctor of chiropractic, and changes in crying based upon the parents' report were noted as improved, uncertain, or nonrecovered. Age predictor groups were cross-tabulated against the outcome variables, and difference between classification groups was tested with χ(2) tables and confidence intervals. Slightly older age was found to be linked to excessively crying infants who experienced clinical improvement. However, no apparent link between the clinical effect of chiropractic treatment and a natural decline in crying was found for this group of infants. The findings of this study do not support the assumption that effect of chiropractic treatment of infantile colic is a reflection of the normal cessation of this disorder. Copyright © 2010 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Refined genetic mapping of X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fain, P.R.; Barker, D.F.; Chance, P.F.

1994-02-01

Genetic linkage studies were conducted in four multigenerational families with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX), using 12 highly polymorphic short-tandem-repeat markers for the pericentromeric region of the X Chromosome. Pairwise linkage analysis with individual markers confirmed tight linkage of CMTX to the pericentromeric region in each family. Multipoint analyses strongly support the order DXS337-CMTX-DXS441-(DXS56, PGK1). 38 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

X-linked Alport syndrome caused by splicing mutations in COL4A5.

PubMed

Nozu, Kandai; Vorechovsky, Igor; Kaito, Hiroshi; Fu, Xue Jun; Nakanishi, Koichi; Hashimura, Yuya; Hashimoto, Fusako; Kamei, Koichi; Ito, Shuichi; Kaku, Yoshitsugu; Imasawa, Toshiyuki; Ushijima, Katsumi; Shimizu, Junya; Makita, Yoshio; Konomoto, Takao; Yoshikawa, Norishige; Iijima, Kazumoto

2014-11-07

X-linked Alport syndrome is caused by mutations in the COL4A5 gene. Although many COL4A5 mutations have been detected, the mutation detection rate has been unsatisfactory. Some men with X-linked Alport syndrome show a relatively mild phenotype, but molecular basis investigations have rarely been conducted to clarify the underlying mechanism. In total, 152 patients with X-linked Alport syndrome who were suspected of having Alport syndrome through clinical and pathologic investigations and referred to the hospital for mutational analysis between January of 2006 and January of 2013 were genetically diagnosed. Among those patients, 22 patients had suspected splice site mutations. Transcripts are routinely examined when suspected splice site mutations for abnormal transcripts are detected; 11 of them showed expected exon skipping, but others showed aberrant splicing patterns. The mutation detection strategy had two steps: (1) genomic DNA analysis using PCR and direct sequencing and (2) mRNA analysis using RT-PCR to detect RNA processing abnormalities. Six splicing consensus site mutations resulting in aberrant splicing patterns, one exonic mutation leading to exon skipping, and four deep intronic mutations producing cryptic splice site activation were identified. Interestingly, one case produced a cryptic splice site with a single nucleotide substitution in the deep intron that led to intronic exonization containing a stop codon; however, the patient showed a clearly milder phenotype for X-linked Alport syndrome in men with a truncating mutation. mRNA extracted from the kidney showed both normal and abnormal transcripts, with the normal transcript resulting in the milder phenotype. This novel mechanism leads to mild clinical characteristics. This report highlights the importance of analyzing transcripts to enhance the mutation detection rate and provides insight into genotype-phenotype correlations. This approach can clarify the cause of atypically mild phenotypes in X-linked

Lethal acrodysgenital dwarfism: a severe lethal condition resembling Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

PubMed Central

Merrer, M L; Briard, M L; Girard, S; Mulliez, N; Moraine, C; Imbert, M C

1988-01-01

We report eight cases of a lethal association of failure to thrive, facial dysmorphism, ambiguous genitalia, syndactyly, postaxial polydactyly, and internal developmental anomalies (Hirschsprung's disease, cardiac and renal malformation). This syndrome is likely to be autosomal recessive and resembles Smith-Lemli-Opitz (SLO) syndrome. However, the lethality, the common occurrence of polydactyly, and the sexual ambiguity distinguishes this condition from SLO syndrome. A review of published reports supports the separate classification of this syndrome for which we propose the name lethal acrodysgenital dwarfism. Images PMID:2831368

Preclinical Screening for Treatments for Infantile Spasms in the Multiple Hit Rat Model of Infantile Spasms: An Update.

PubMed

Galanopoulou, Aristea S; Mowrey, Wenzhu B; Liu, Wei; Li, Qianyun; Shandra, Oleksii; Moshé, Solomon L

2017-07-01

Infantile spasms are the typical seizures of West syndrome, an infantile epileptic encephalopathy with poor outcomes. There is an increasing need to identify more effective and better tolerated treatments for infantile spasms. We have optimized the rat model of infantile spasms due to structural etiology, the multiple-hit rat model, for therapy discovery. Here, we test three compounds administered after spasms induction in the multiple hit model for efficacy and tolerability. Specifically, postnatal day 3 (PN3) male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced by right intracerebral injections of doxorubicin and lipopolysaccharide. On PN5 p-chlorophenylalanine was given intraperitoneally (i.p.). Daily monitoring of weights and developmental milestones was done and rats were intermittently video monitored. A blinded, randomized, vehicle-controlled study design was followed. The caspase 1 inhibitor VX-765 (50-200 mg/kg i.p.) and the GABA B receptor inhibitor CGP35348 (12.5-100 mg/kg i.p.) each was administered in different cohorts as single intraperitoneal injections on PN4, using a dose- and time-response design with intermittent monitoring till PN5. 17β-estradiol (40 ng/g/day subcutaneously) was given daily between PN3-10 and intermittent monitoring was done till PN12. None of the treatments demonstrated acute or delayed effects on spasms, yet all were well tolerated. We discuss the implications for therapy discovery and challenges of replication trials.

X linked exudative vitreoretinopathy: clinical features and genetic linkage analysis.

PubMed

Fullwood, P; Jones, J; Bundey, S; Dudgeon, J; Fielder, A R; Kilpatrick, M W

1993-03-01

A four generation family in which familial exudative vitreoretinopathy is inherited as an X linked condition is described. Essentially the condition is one of abnormal vascularisation and signs at birth are those of a retinopathy superficially resembling retinopathy of prematurity, retinal folds, or, in advanced cases, enophthalmos or even phthisis. Prognosis depends on the progression of the retinal changes. The family members, including seven affected males and five obligate carrier females, have been types for 20 DNA markers, and linkage analysis suggests a gene locus either at Xq21.3 or at Xp11. As the latter region includes the locus for the gene for Norrie disease, it is possible that this and X linked vitreoretinopathy are allelic. We can further speculate that the differences in severity of the clinical manifestations are dependent only upon the timing of the insult.

Infantile masturbation and paroxysmal disorders.

PubMed

Omran, Mohammadreza Salehi; Ghofrani, Mohammad; Juibary, Ali Ghabeli

2008-02-01

A recurrent paroxysmal presentation in children leads to different diagnoses and among them are neurologic and cardiac etiologies. Infantile masturbation is not a well known entity and cannot be differentiated easily from other disorders. Aim of this study is to elucidate and differentiate this condition from epileptic seizures. We report 3 cases of 10 to 30 mth old girls of infantile masturbation that their symptoms initiated at 2, 3 and 8 mth of age. These present with contraction and extension of lower extremities, scissoring of legs, perspiration, changing face color. In 2 cases body rocking and legs rubbing initiated then there after. Masturbation is one of the paroxysmal non-epileptic conditions of early infancy and is in differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures.

A family with X-linked anophthalmia: exclusion of SOX3 as a candidate gene.

PubMed

Slavotinek, Anne; Lee, Stephen S; Hamilton, Steven P

2005-10-01

We report on a four-generation family with X-linked anophthalmia in four affected males and show that this family has LOD scores consistent with linkage to Xq27, the third family reported to be linked to the ANOP1 locus. We sequenced the SOX3 gene at Xq27 as a candidate gene for the X-linked anophthalmia based on the high homology of this gene to SOX2, a gene previously mutated in bilateral anophthlamia. However, no amino acid sequence alterations were identified in SOX3. We have improved the definition of the phenotype in males with anophthalmia linked to the ANOP1 locus, as microcephaly, ocular colobomas, and severe renal malformations have not been described in families linked to ANOP1. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

CAPILLARY NETWORK ALTERATIONS IN X-LINKED RETINOSCHISIS IMAGED ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

PubMed

Romano, Francesco; Arrigo, Alessandro; Chʼng, Soon Wai; Battaglia Parodi, Maurizio; Manitto, Maria Pia; Martina, Elisabetta; Bandello, Francesco; Stanga, Paulo E

2018-06-05

To assess foveal and parafoveal vasculature at the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, and choriocapillaris of patients with X-linked retinoschisis by means of optical coherence tomography angiography. Six patients with X-linked retinoschisis (12 eyes) and seven healthy controls (14 eyes) were recruited and underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity, dilated fundoscopy, and 3 × 3-mm optical coherence tomography angiography macular scans (DRI OCT Triton; Topcon Corp). After segmentation and quality review, optical coherence tomography angiography slabs were imported into ImageJ 1.50 (NIH; Bethesda) and digitally binarized. Quantification of vessel density was performed after foveal avascular zone area measurement and exclusion. Patients were additionally divided into "responders" and "nonresponders" to dorzolamide therapy. Foveal avascular zone area resulted markedly enlarged at the deep capillary plexus (P < 0.001), particularly in nonresponders. Moreover, patients disclosed a significant deep capillary plexus rarefaction, when compared with controls (P: 0.04); however, a subanalysis revealed that this damage was limited to the fovea (P: 0.006). Finally, the enlargement of foveal avascular zone area positively correlated with a decline in best-corrected visual acuity (P: 0.01). Prominent foveal vascular impairment is detectable in the deep capillary plexus of patients with X-linked retinoschisis. Our results correlate with functional outcomes, suggesting a possible vascular role in X-linked retinoschisis clinical manifestations.

FIRST RESULTS ON X-RAY-INDUCED GENETIC DAMAGE IN ARTEMIA SALINA LEACH

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Metalli, P.; Ballardin, E.

1962-01-01

Prophase oocytes of diploid and tetraploid pantenogenetic Antemia salina were x irradiated with 1000 r and damage was scored as oocyte or embryo lethal mutations at the first (X/sub 1/) and at the second (X/sub 2/) generations after irradiation. Dominant lethality shown at X/sub 1/ was much greater for the diploid strain than for the tetraploid; lethality observed at X/sub 2/ was increased with respect to X/sub 1/ in the diploid strain, while in the tetraploid it remained unmodified. (auth)

CSF B-Endorphin Levels in Patients with Infantile Autism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nagamitsu, Shinichiro; And Others

1997-01-01

A Japanese study measured CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) levels of beta-endorphin in 19 children (ages 4-6) with infantile autism and in 3 children (ages 10-14) with Rett syndrome. In infantile autism, levels did not differ significantly from control participants (n=23). However, levels were significantly higher in those with Rett syndrome. (Author/CR)

[Which treatments for infantile colics?].

PubMed

Bruyas-Bertholon, Virginie; Lachaux, Alain; Dubois, Jean-Pierre; Fourneret, Pierre; Letrilliart, Laurent

2012-07-01

Infantile colics or excessive crying represent a source of stress for parents and a frequent reason for encounter in primary care. To assess the effectiveness of treatments of this syndrome from a systematic review. Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases. We used the following inclusion criteria: therapeutic assessment of infant colics or excessive crying, randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses, published in English or French language. Thirty-one randomized controlled trials and one meta-analysis have been included. Allopathic drugs have not proved effectiveness (simethicone, lactase) and some of them can cause potentially serious adverse reactions (dicyclomine). Protein hydrolysate or soy formulas seem to be effective, but soy milk can induce allergies. Sucrose solutions provide some benefit in studies with low level of evidence. Effectiveness is likely for a probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri) and for herbal mixtures containing fennel extracts. Evidence is lacking for manual (osteopathy, acupuncture) and behavioural therapies (decreased stimulations, reassurance of parents). The definition of infantile colics and the methods used for crying measurement changed across trials. The included trials were of variable quality, especially with no double-blind procedure in 17 trials. The most validated treatments for infantile colics are the substitution of cows' milk by a hydrolysed formula, the use of L. reuteri and of fennel extracts. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

X-linked Acrogigantism (X-LAG) Syndrome: Clinical Profile and Therapeutic Responses

PubMed Central

Beckers, Albert; Lodish, Maya Beth; Trivellin, Giampaolo; Rostomyan, Liliya; Lee, Misu; Faucz, Fabio R; Yuan, Bo; Choong, Catherine S; Caberg, Jean-Hubert; Verrua, Elisa; Naves, Luciana Ansaneli; Cheetham, Tim D; Young, Jacques; Lysy, Philippe A; Petrossians, Patrick; Cotterill, Andrew; Shah, Nalini Samir; Metzger, Daniel; Castermans, Emilie; Ambrosio, Maria Rosaria; Villa, Chiara; Strebkova, Natalia; Mazerkina, Nadia; Gaillard, Stéphan; Barra, Gustavo Barcelos; Casulari, Luis Augusto; Neggers, Sebastian J.; Salvatori, Roberto; Jaffrain-Rea, Marie-Lise; Zacharin, Margaret; Santamaria, Beatriz Lecumberri; Zacharieva, Sabina; Lim, Ee Mun; Mantovani, Giovanna; Zatelli, Maria Chaira; Collins, Michael T; Bonneville, Jean-François; Quezado, Martha; Chittiboina, Prashant; Oldfield, Edward H.; Bours, Vincent; Liu, Pengfei; De Herder, Wouter; Pellegata, Natalia; Lupski, James R.; Daly, Adrian F.; Stratakis, Constantine A.

2015-01-01

X-linked acro-gigantism (X-LAG) is a new syndrome of pituitary gigantism, caused by microduplications on chromosome Xq26.3, encompassing the gene GPR101, which is highly upregulated in pituitary tumors. We conducted this study to explore the clinical, radiological and hormonal phenotype and responses to therapy in patients with X-LAG syndrome. The study included 18 patients (13 sporadic) with X-LAG and a microduplication in chromosome Xq26.3. All sporadic cases had unique duplications and the inheritance pattern in 2 families was dominant with all Xq26.3 duplication carriers being affected. Patients began to grow rapidly as early as 2–3 months of age (median 12 months). At diagnosis (median delay 27 months), patients had a median height and weight SDS score of >+3.9 SDS. Apart from the increased overall body size, the children had acromegalic symptoms including acral enlargement and facial coarsening. More than a third of cases had increased appetite. Patients had marked hypersecretion of GH/IGF-1 and prolactin, usually due to a pituitary macroadenoma or hyperplasia. Primary neurosurgical control was achieved with extensive anterior pituitary resection but postoperative hypopituitarism was frequent. Control with somatostatin analogs was not readily achieved despite moderate to high somatostatin receptor subtype-2 expression in tumor tissue. Postoperative adjuvant pegvisomant achieved control of IGF-1 all 5 cases in which it was employed. X-LAG is a new infant-onset gigantism syndrome that has a severe clinical phenotype leading to challenging disease management. PMID:25712922

Suicide Lethality: A Concept Analysis.

PubMed

DeBastiani, Summer; De Santis, Joseph P

2018-02-01

Suicide is a significant health problem internationally. Those who complete suicide may have different behaviors and risk factors than those who attempt a non-fatal suicide. The purpose of this article is to analyze the concept of suicide lethality and propose a clear definition of the concept through the identification of antecedents, attributes, and consequences. A literature search for articles published in the English language between 1970 and 2016 was conducted using MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Psychlit, Ovid, PsycINFO, and Proquest. The bibliographies of all included studies were also reviewed to identify additional relevant citations. A concept analysis was conducted on the literature findings using six stages of Walker and Avant's method. The concept analysis differentiated between suicide, lethality, suicidal behavior, and suicide lethality. Presence of a suicide plan or a written suicide note was not found to be associated with the majority of completed suicides included in the definition of suicide lethality. There are a few scales that measure the lethality of a suicide attempt, but none that attempt to measure the concept of suicide lethality as described in this analysis. Clarifying the concept of suicide lethality encourages awareness of the possibility of different suicidal behaviors associated with different suicide outcomes and will inform the development of future nursing interventions. A clearer definition of the concept of suicide lethality will guide clinical practice, research, and policy development aimed at suicide prevention.

Exploring Hypotheses and Rationale for Causes of Infantile Colic

PubMed Central

Camilleri, Michael; Park, Seon-Young; Scarpato, Elena; Staiano, Annamaria

2016-01-01

Background Infantile colic is a frequent problem in neonates and infants. This review addresses current management including the results for nutrient modifications, soy-based formulas, and prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics. Purpose Given the evidence that there is still an unmet clinical need, as current treatments are incompletely efficacious, we have examined the evidence around three hypothetical mechanisms that could potentially be involved in etiopathogenesis of infantile colic: immaturity of bile acid mechanisms that alter intraluminal and absorptive mechanisms, immaturity in motility and alterations in the microbiome. Understanding these potential mechanisms may lead to the introduction of diagnostic procedures that should enhance the selection or individualization of therapy for infantile colic. PMID:27647578

A novel missense mutation in the NDP gene in a child with Norrie disease and severe neurological involvement including infantile spasms.

PubMed

Lev, Dorit; Weigl, Yuval; Hasan, Mariana; Gak, Eva; Davidovich, Michael; Vinkler, Chana; Leshinsky-Silver, Esther; Lerman-Sagie, Tally; Watemberg, Nathan

2007-05-01

Norrie disease (ND) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by congenital blindness and in some cases, mental retardation and deafness. Other neurological complications, particularly epilepsy, are rare. We report on a novel mutation identified in a patient with ND and profound mental retardation. The patient was diagnosed at the age of 6 months due to congenital blindness. At the age of 8 months he developed infantile spasms, which were diagnosed at 11 months as his EEG demonstrated hypsarrhythmia. Mutation analysis of the ND gene (NDP) of the affected child and his mother revealed a novel missense mutation at position c.134T > A resulting in amino acid change at codon V45E. To the best of our knowledge, such severe neurological involvement has not been previously reported in ND patients. The severity of the phenotype may suggest the functional importance of this site of the NDP gene.

A case of infantile osteopetrosis: The radioclinical features with literature update.

PubMed

El-Sobky, Tamer Ahmed; Elsobky, Ezzat; Sadek, Ismaiel; Elsayed, Solaf M; Khattab, Mohamed Fawzy

2016-06-01

Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary metabolic bone disorder characterized by generalized skeletal sclerosis caused by a defect in bone resorption and remodelling. Infantile autosomal recessive osteopetrosis is one of three subtypes of osteopetrosis and the most severe form. The correct and early diagnosis of infantile osteopetrosis is important for management of complications and for future genetic counselling. Diagnosis is largely based on clinical and radiographic evaluation, confirmed by gene testing where applicable. Therefore, in this case study the classical clinical and radiological signs of a boy with infantile osteopetrosis will be presented with a comprehensive literature update. The differentiating signs from other causes of hereditary osteosclerosing dysplasias are discussed. This case study and review of available literature show that there tends to be a highly unique clinical and skeletal radiographic pattern of affection in infantile osteopetrosis. Although tremendous advances have been made in the elucidation of the genetic defect of osteopetrosis over the past years, the role of accurate clinical and radiological assessment remains an important contributor to the diagnosis of infantile osteopetrosis.

A recurrent mutation causing Melnick-Needles syndrome in females confers a severe, lethal phenotype in males.

PubMed

Spencer, Careni; Lombaard, Hendrik; Wise, Amy; Krause, Amanda; Robertson, Stephen P

2018-04-01

Melnick-Needles syndrome (MNS; MIM 309350) is an X-linked skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in FLNA. Females with the condition present with characteristic facial features, short stature, skeletal anomalies, including poorly modeled and sclerotic bones, and structural abnormalities such as cardiac and urological defects. Previously males were thought to present with either a mild phenotype compatible with life or a severe lethal presentation depending on the maternal phenotype. The discovery of a limited number of mutations in FLNA as the cause of the condition has clarified the molecular basis of the disorder, but only a very small number of severely affected males have been reported with MNS. Furthermore, no mildly affected males have been described with a molecular confirmation of the condition. In this report, we describe the clinical and molecular findings of a mildly affected mother with MNS and her severely affected son. They shared a well-documented disease-causing variant in FLNA, p.(Ala1188Thr), one of two highly recurrent mutations leading to the disorder. This is only the fourth report of a male with perinatal lethal MNS and a molecular confirmation; it is the first description of this specific mutation in a male. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genetic Analysis of a Kindred With X-linked Mental Handicap and Retinitis Pigmentosa

PubMed Central

Aldred, M. A.; Dry, K. L.; Knight-Jones, E. B.; Hardwick, L. J.; Teague, P. W.; Lester, D. H.; Brown, J.; Spowart, G.; Carothers, A. D.; Raeburn, J. A.; Bird, A. C.; Fielder, A. R.; Wright, A. F.

1994-01-01

A kindred is described in which X-linked nonspecific mental handicap segregates together with retinitis pigmentosa. Carrier females are mentally normal but may show signs of the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa carrier state and become symptomatic in their later years. Analysis of polymorphic DNA markers at nine loci on the short arm of the X chromosome shows that no crossing-over occurs between the disease and Xp11 markers DXS255, TIMP, DXS426, MAOA, and DXS228. The 90% confidence limits show that the locus is in the Xp21-q21 region. Haplotype analysis is consistent with the causal gene being located proximal to the Xp21 loci DXS538 and 5'-dystrophin on the short arm of the X chromosome. The posterior probability of linkage to the RP2 region of the X chromosome short arm (Xp11.4-p11.23) is .727, suggesting the possibility of a contiguous-gene-deletion syndrome. No cytogenetic abnormality has been identified. PMID:7977353

A heterozygous mutation in RPGR associated with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa in a patient with Turner syndrome mosaicism (45,X/46,XX).

PubMed

Zhou, Qi; Yao, Fengxia; Wang, Feng; Li, Hui; Chen, Rui; Sui, Ruifang

2018-01-01

Turner syndrome with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is rare, with only three cases reported based on clinical examination alone. We summarized the 4-year follow-up and molecular findings in a 28-year-old patient with Turner syndrome and the typical features of short stature and neck webbing, who also had X-linked RP. Her main complaints were night blindness and progressive loss of vision since the age of 9 years. Ophthalmologic examination, optical coherent tomographic imaging, and visual electrophysiology tests showed classic manifestations of RP. The karyotype of peripheral blood showed mosaicism (45,X [72%]/46,XX[28%]). A novel heterozygous frameshift mutation (c.2403_2406delAGAG, p.T801fsX812) in the RP GTPase regulator (RPGR) gene was detected using next generation sequencing and validated by Sanger sequencing. We believe that this is the first report of X-linked RP in a patient with Turner syndrome associated with mosaicism, and an RPGR heterozygous mutation. We hypothesize that X-linked RP in this woman is not related to Turner syndrome, but may be a manifestation of the lack of a normal paternal X chromosome with intact but mutated RPGR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Foveomacular schisis in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis: an optical coherence tomography study.

PubMed

Yu, Jia; Ni, Yingqin; Keane, Pearse A; Jiang, Chunhui; Wang, Wenji; Xu, Gezhi

2010-06-01

To explore the structural features of juvenile X-linked retinoschisis using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retrospective, observational cross-sectional study. Eighteen male patients (34 eyes) who were diagnosed with juvenile X-linked retinoschisis at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University over an 18-month period were included. Their OCT images, which were obtained using spectral-domain OCT (Cirrus HD-OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec), were analyzed. The anatomic location of the schisis cavity in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis was characterized by direct inspection of OCT images. On OCT, the schisis cavity was visible at the fovea in all 34 eyes, and it was associated with increased retinal thickness. Schisis was present at the retinal nerve fiber layer in 4 eyes, at the inner nuclear layer in 29 eyes, and at the outer nuclear layer/outer plexiform layer in 22 eyes. In most cases, widespread foveomacular schisis was detected using OCT; however, in 9 eyes (6 patients), the schisis was confined to the fovea. Schisis of the inner nuclear layer and outer nuclear layer/outer plexiform layer almost always involved the foveal center, but retinal nerve fiber layer schisis was seen only in the parafoveal area. Despite conventional wisdom, in patients with X-linked retinoschisis, the schisis cavity can occur in a number of different layers of the neurosensory retina (retinal nerve fiber layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer/outer plexiform layer). In addition, different forms of schisis may affect different locations in the macula (foveal vs parafoveal), and, in most eyes, the schisis involves the entire foveomacular region. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Novel Mutation in the XLRS1 Gene in a Korean Family with X-linked Retinoschisis

PubMed Central

Jwa, Nam Soo; Kim, Sung Soo; Lee, Sung Chul; Kwon, Oh Woong

2006-01-01

Purpose To report a novel missense mutation in the XLRS1 gene in a Korean family with X-linked retinoschisis. Methods Observation case report of a family with a proband with X-linked retinoschisis underwent complete ophthalmologic examination. Genomic DNA was excluded from the family's blood and all exons of the XLRS1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed using a direct sequencing method. Results A novel Leu103Phe missense mutation was identified. Conclusions A novel Leu103Phe mutation is an additional missense mutation which is responsible for the pathogenesis of X-linked retinoschisis. PMID:16768192

Unidirectional x-ray microbeam radiosurgery of infantile neuraxial malignancies: estimations of tolerable valley doses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanson, A. L.; Slatkin, D. N.; Laissue, J. A.

2013-03-01

Hindbrains of sedated, prone, suckling rats were irradiated 11-13 days postpartum horizontally from the left with an array of upright wiggler-generated synchrotron X-ray microbeams spaced either 105 or 210 μm apart. The microbeams were in an array of 48 (for the 205 μm interval) or of 96 (for the 105 μm interval), with microbeam widths ranging from 19 to 39 μm, the array having an approximately 1-cm-square cross section. The microbeams imparted doses of either ≍50 or ≍150 Gy to the inner skin (computed here as the average dose 0.5-1.5 mm deep to the surface of our phantom) at their entrance to the head, where their median energy was ≍120 keV. The array traversed the postero-superior quadrant of the phantom, which represented the occiput of the head, so that about one in five photons in the array bypassed the head altogether. The resultant radiation doses to the head were simulated by computing the tracks of thirty billion X-ray photons incident on the multislit collimator along with all >=1 keV secondary electrons from interactions in water of the photons entering the left circular wall of the 1.00 cm-radius, 1.55 cm-wide (i.e., "15.5 mm-long") cylindrical head phantom. The computations were performed using the Los Alamos National Laboratory Monte Carlo radiation transport computer program MCNPX, yielding ionization energies imparted to approximately twenty-four thousand 1.00 mmdeep, 10 μm-wide, up to 3.33 mm-high voxels distributed throughout one quadrant of the phantom, each representing up to 33.3 μg water. Computed nadir doses between microbeams were defined as the average of the three lowest doses between horizontally adjacent peak doses. We notice that nadir interbeam doses under 5 Gy were associated with neurologically minor and/or inconsequential sequelae fifteen months after irradiation and thus postulate that unidirectional microbeam radiosurgery using hindbrain nadir doses under 5 Gy may safely ameliorate the symptoms of some presently

Relative Risks for Lethal Prostate Cancer Based on Complete Family History of Prostate Cancer Death.

PubMed

Albright, Frederick S; Stephenson, Robert A; Agarwal, Neeraj; Cannon-Albright, Lisa A

2017-01-01

There are few published familial relative risks (RR) for lethal prostate cancer. This study estimates RRs for lethal prostate cancer based on comprehensive family history data, with the goal of improving identification of those men at highest risk of dying from prostate cancer. We used a population-based genealogical resource linked to a statewide electronic SEER cancer registry and death certificates to estimate relative risks (RR) for death from prostate cancer based upon family history. Over 600,000 male probands were analyzed, representing a variety of family history constellations of lethal prostate cancer. RR estimates were based on the ratio of the observed to the expected number of lethal prostate cancer cases using internal rates. RRs for lethal prostate cancer based on the number of affected first-degree relatives (FDR) ranged from 2.49 (95% CI: 2.27, 2.73) for exactly 1 FDR to 5.30 (2.13, 10.93) for ≥3 affected FDRs. In an absence of affected FDRs, increased risk was also significant for increasing numbers of affected second-degree or third degree relatives. Equivalent risks were observed for similar maternal and paternal family history. This study provides population-based estimates of lethal prostate cancer risk based on lethal prostate cancer family history. Many family history constellations associated with two to greater than five times increased risk for lethal prostate cancer were identified. These lethal prostate cancer risk estimates hold potential for use in identification, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of men at high risk for death from prostate cancer. Prostate77:41-48, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus mutations in North America and the Hopewell hypothesis.

PubMed Central

Bichet, D G; Arthus, M F; Lonergan, M; Hendy, G N; Paradis, A J; Fujiwara, T M; Morgan, K; Gregory, M C; Rosenthal, W; Didwania, A

1993-01-01

In X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) the urine of male patients is not concentrated after the administration of the antidiuretic hormone arginine-vasopressin. This disease is due to mutations in the V2 receptor gene that maps to chromosome region Xq28. In 1969, Bode and Crawford suggested that most NDI patients in North America shared common ancestors of Ulster Scot immigrants who arrived in Halifax in 1761 on the ship Hopewell. A link between this family and a large Utah kindred was also suggested. DNA was obtained from 17 affected male patients from the "Hopewell" kindred and from four additional families from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick who shared the same Xq28 NDI haplotype. The Utah kindred and two families (Q2, Q3) from Quebec were also studied. The "Hopewell" mutation, W71X, is a single base substitution (G-->A) that changes codon 71 from TGG (tryptophan) to TGA (stop). The W71X mutation was found in affected members of the Hopewell and of the four satellite families. The W71X mutation is the cause of X-linked NDI for the largest number of related male patients living in North America. Other families (Utah, Q2 and Q3) that are historically and ethnically unrelated bear other mutations in the V2 receptor gene. Images PMID:8104196

Burosumab Therapy in Children with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia.

PubMed

Carpenter, Thomas O; Whyte, Michael P; Imel, Erik A; Boot, Annemieke M; Högler, Wolfgang; Linglart, Agnès; Padidela, Raja; Van't Hoff, William; Mao, Meng; Chen, Chao-Yin; Skrinar, Alison; Kakkis, Emil; San Martin, Javier; Portale, Anthony A

2018-05-24

X-linked hypophosphatemia is characterized by increased secretion of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), which leads to hypophosphatemia and consequently rickets, osteomalacia, and skeletal deformities. We investigated burosumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets FGF-23, in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia. In an open-label, phase 2 trial, we randomly assigned 52 children with X-linked hypophosphatemia, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive subcutaneous burosumab either every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks; the dose was adjusted to achieve a serum phosphorus level at the low end of the normal range. The primary end point was the change from baseline to weeks 40 and 64 in the Thacher rickets severity total score (ranging from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater disease severity). In addition, the Radiographic Global Impression of Change was used to evaluate rachitic changes from baseline to week 40 and to week 64. Additional end points were changes in pharmacodynamic markers, linear growth, physical ability, and patient-reported outcomes and the incidence of adverse events. The mean Thacher rickets severity total score decreased from 1.9 at baseline to 0.8 at week 40 with every-2-week dosing and from 1.7 at baseline to 1.1 at week 40 with every-4-week dosing (P<0.001 for both comparisons); these improvements persisted at week 64. The mean serum phosphorus level increased after the first dose in both groups, and more than half the patients in both groups had levels within the normal range (3.2 to 6.1 mg per deciliter [1.0 to 2.0 mmol per liter]) by week 6. Stable serum phosphorus levels were maintained through week 64 with every-2-week dosing. Renal tubular phosphate reabsorption increased from baseline in both groups, with an overall mean increase of 0.98 mg per deciliter (0.32 mmol per liter). The mean dose of burosumab at week 40 was 0.98 mg per kilogram of body weight with every-2-week dosing and 1.50 mg per kilogram with every-4-week dosing. Across both

The forensic value of X-linked markers in mixed-male DNA analysis.

PubMed

He, HaiJun; Zha, Lagabaiyila; Cai, JinHong; Huang, Jian

2018-05-04

Autosomal genetic markers and Y chromosome markers have been widely applied in analysis of mixed stains at crime scenes by forensic scientists. However, true genotype combinations are often difficult to distinguish using autosomal markers when similar amounts of DNA are contributed by multiple donors. In addition, specific individuals cannot be determined by Y chromosomal markers because male relatives share the same Y chromosome. X-linked markers, possessing characteristics somewhere intermediate between autosomes and the Y chromosome, are less universally applied in criminal casework. In this paper, X markers are proposed to apply to male mixtures because their true genes can be more easily and accurately recognized than the decision of the genotypes of AS markers. In this study, an actual two-man mixed stain from a forensic case file and simulated male-mixed DNA were examined simultaneously with the X markers and autosomal markers. Finally, the actual mixture was separated successfully by the X markers, although it was unresolved by AS-STRs, and the separation ratio of the simulated mixture was much higher using Chr X tools than with AS methods. We believe X-linked markers provide significant advantages in individual discrimination of male mixtures that should be further applied to forensic work.

Variation in the X-Linked EFHC2 Gene Is Associated with Social Cognitive Abilities in Males

PubMed Central

Startin, Carla M.; Fiorentini, Chiara; de Haan, Michelle; Skuse, David H.

2015-01-01

Females outperform males on many social cognitive tasks. X-linked genes may contribute to this sex difference. Males possess one X chromosome, while females possess two X chromosomes. Functional variations in X-linked genes are therefore likely to impact more on males than females. Previous studies of X-monosomic women with Turner syndrome suggest a genetic association with facial fear recognition abilities at Xp11.3, specifically at a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP rs7055196) within the EFHC2 gene. Based on a strong hypothesis, we investigated an association between variation at SNP rs7055196 and facial fear recognition and theory of mind abilities in males. As predicted, males possessing the G allele had significantly poorer facial fear detection accuracy and theory of mind abilities than males possessing the A allele (with SNP variant accounting for up to 4.6% of variance). Variation in the X-linked EFHC2 gene at SNP rs7055196 is therefore associated with social cognitive abilities in males. PMID:26107779

Extending Childhood into the Teen Years: "Infantilization" and Its Consequences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skager, Rodney

2009-01-01

Young people sandwiched between childhood and adulthood often rebel when adults treat them like children rather than with the respect that acknowledges their intelligence and potential. Research and theory supporting the view of "infantilizing" adolescents has proliferated. The extent to which modern cultures infantilize youth is evident in…

Outdoor environment, ozone, radionuclide-associated aerosols and incidences of infantile eczema in Minsk, Belarus.

PubMed

Belugina, I N; Yagovdik, N Z; Belugina, O S; Belugin, S N

2018-05-06

The early occurrence of atopic dermatitis in infants may be influenced by urban air pollution. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between incidences of infantile eczema in children under 2 years of age and urban outdoor environmental factors. A 11-year population-based study was conducted in retrospective design. The age/gender-adjusted incidence rates of infantile eczema were determined using the data of outpatient visits. We analysed 1965 cases with atopic dermatitis including infantile eczema in relation to the annual means of outdoor monitoring data from 2005 through 2015 in Minsk. Logistic regression and principal component analysis were performed to determine association between the annual means of air pollutants, meteorological variables and incidences of infantile eczema. Higher mean annual carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, lead, particulate matter and ground-level ozone were associated with high incidence rates of infantile eczema both in boys and girls. Higher nitrogen dioxide was associated with high incidence rates of infantile eczema in girls 1-2 years of age and boys 0-2 years of age. There were identified by principal component analysis five combinations of pollutants and meteorological factors. High incidence rates of infantile eczema were associated with the combinations contained higher levels of air pollutants and ultraviolet index, or lower β-activity of the radionuclide-associated aerosols. The higher phenol and formaldehyde levels the higher incidence rates of infantile eczema were observed among boys 0-1 years of age and girls 1-2 years of age. The higher total column ozone with lower lead level was associated with low incidence rates of infantile eczema among boys and girls 1-2 years of age. Urban outdoor air pollutants and their combination with meteorological conditions may impact onset of infantile eczema in both genders. © 2018 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

A family with X-linked optic atrophy linked to the OPA2 locus Xp11.4-Xp11.2.

PubMed

Katz, Bradley J; Zhao, Yu; Warner, Judith E A; Tong, Zongzhong; Yang, Zhenglin; Zhang, Kang

2006-10-15

Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is the most common inherited optic atrophy. Clinical features of ADOA include a slowly progressive bilateral loss of visual acuity, constriction of peripheral visual fields, central scotomas, and color vision abnormalities. Although ADOA is the most commonly inherited optic atrophy, autosomal recessive, X-linked, mitochondrial, and sporadic forms have also been reported. Four families with X-linked optic atrophy (XLOA) were previously described. One family was subsequently linked to Xp11.4-Xp11.2 (OPA2). This investigation studied one multi-generation family with an apparently X-linked form of optic atrophy and compared their clinical characteristics with those of the previously described families, and determined whether this family was linked to the same genetic locus. Fifteen individuals in a three-generation Idaho family underwent complete eye examination, color vision testing, automated perimetry, and fundus photography. Polymorphic markers were used to genotype each individual and to determine linkage. Visual acuities ranged from 20/30 to 20/100. All affected subjects had significant optic nerve pallor. Obligate female carriers were clinically unaffected. Preliminary linkage analysis (LOD score = 1.8) revealed that the disease gene localized to the OPA2 locus on Xp11.4-Xp11.2. Four forms of inherited optic neuropathy, ADOA, autosomal recessive optic atrophy (Costeff Syndrome), Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease with optic atrophy, are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Future identification of the XLOA gene will reveal whether this form of optic atrophy is also associated with a mitochondrial defect. Identification of the XLOA gene will advance our understanding of the inherited optic neuropathies and perhaps suggest treatments for these diseases. An improved understanding of inherited optic neuropathies may in turn advance our understanding of acquired optic nerve diseases, such

BCL2 and BCL(X)L selective inhibitors decrease mitochondrial ATP production in breast cancer cells and are synthetically lethal when combined with 2-deoxy-D-glucose.

PubMed

Lucantoni, Federico; Düssmann, Heiko; Llorente-Folch, Irene; Prehn, Jochen H M

2018-05-25

Cancer cells display differences regarding their engagement of glycolytic vs. mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. Triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer, is characterized by elevated glycolysis, while estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells rely predominantly on OXPHOS. BCL2 proteins control the process of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization during apoptosis, but also regulate cellular bioenergetics. Because BCL2 proteins are overexpressed in breast cancer and targetable by selective antagonists, we here analysed the effect of BCL2 and BCL(X)L selective inhibitors, Venetoclax and WEHI-539, on mitochondrial bioenergetics and cell death. Employing single cell imaging using a FRET-based mitochondrial ATP sensor, we found that MCF7 breast cancer cells supplied with mitochondrial substrates reduced their mitochondrial ATP production when treated with Venetoclax or WEHI-539 at concentrations that per se did not induce cell death. Treatments with lower concentrations of both inhibitors also reduced the length of the mitochondrial network and the dynamics, as evaluated by quantitative confocal microscopy. We next tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial ATP production inhibition with BCL2 or BCL(X)L antagonists was synthetically lethal when combined with glycolysis inhibition. Treatment with 2-deoxy-D-glucose in combination with Venetoclax or WEHI-539 synergistically reduced the cellular bioenergetics of ER+ and TNBC breast cancer cells and abolished their clonogenic potential. Synthetic lethality was also observed when cultures were grown in 3D spheres. Our findings demonstrate that BCL2 antagonists exert potent effects on cancer metabolism independent of cell death-inducing effects, and demonstrate a synthetic lethality when these are applied in combination with glycolysis inhibitors.

BCL2 and BCL(X)L selective inhibitors decrease mitochondrial ATP production in breast cancer cells and are synthetically lethal when combined with 2-deoxy-D-glucose

PubMed Central

Lucantoni, Federico; Düssmann, Heiko; Llorente-Folch, Irene; Prehn, Jochen H.M.

2018-01-01

Cancer cells display differences regarding their engagement of glycolytic vs. mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. Triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer, is characterized by elevated glycolysis, while estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells rely predominantly on OXPHOS. BCL2 proteins control the process of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization during apoptosis, but also regulate cellular bioenergetics. Because BCL2 proteins are overexpressed in breast cancer and targetable by selective antagonists, we here analysed the effect of BCL2 and BCL(X)L selective inhibitors, Venetoclax and WEHI-539, on mitochondrial bioenergetics and cell death. Employing single cell imaging using a FRET-based mitochondrial ATP sensor, we found that MCF7 breast cancer cells supplied with mitochondrial substrates reduced their mitochondrial ATP production when treated with Venetoclax or WEHI-539 at concentrations that per se did not induce cell death. Treatments with lower concentrations of both inhibitors also reduced the length of the mitochondrial network and the dynamics, as evaluated by quantitative confocal microscopy. We next tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial ATP production inhibition with BCL2 or BCL(X)L antagonists was synthetically lethal when combined with glycolysis inhibition. Treatment with 2-deoxy-D-glucose in combination with Venetoclax or WEHI-539 synergistically reduced the cellular bioenergetics of ER+ and TNBC breast cancer cells and abolished their clonogenic potential. Synthetic lethality was also observed when cultures were grown in 3D spheres. Our findings demonstrate that BCL2 antagonists exert potent effects on cancer metabolism independent of cell death-inducing effects, and demonstrate a synthetic lethality when these are applied in combination with glycolysis inhibitors. PMID:29899841

Application of carrier testing to genetic counseling for X-linked agammaglobulinemia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allen, R.C.; Nachtman, R.G.; Belmont, J.W.

Bruton X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a phenotypically recessive genetic disorder of B lymphocyte development. Female carriers of XLA, although asymptomatic, have a characteristic B cell lineage-specific skewing of the pattern of X inactivation. Skewing apparently results from defective growth and maturation of B cell precursors bearing a mutant active X chromosome. In this study, carrier status was tested in 58 women from 22 families referred with a history of agammaglobulinemia. Primary carrier analysis to examine patterns of X inactivation in CD19[sup +] peripheral blood cells (B lymphocytes) was conducted using quantitative PCR at the androgen-receptor locus. Obligate carriers of XLAmore » demonstrated >95% skewing of X inactivation in peripheral blood CD19[sup +] cells but not in CD19[sup [minus

[Infantile hemangioma and propranolol: a therapeutic "revolution". Literature review].

PubMed

Yilmaz, L; Dangoisse, C; Semaille, P

2013-01-01

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumour affecting children. Most infantile hemangiomas are self-limiting, but some require specific treatment. Propranolol has been proposed for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of action of propranolol for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas and to demonstrate its safety and efficacy through a review of the literature. The non cardioselective bêta-blocker propranolol has been used in a pediatric setting for 40 years and, since 2008, has a new indication. A clearly significant improvement has been observed in the condition of children with complicated IH (10%) treated with propranolol. This new indication has been widely described in the international literature. Various explanations have been put forward for the mechanism of action including a vasoconstrictor, antiangiogenic and apoptotic effect of propranolol on the different cells making up an IH. Overall tolerance is good and the efficacy markedly superior to that of any other treatments used for this purpose. In conclusion, with its good tolerance profile and superior efficacy versus all the other available therapies, propranolol can be considered to be a first-line treatment for complicated IH.

Prospective study of the frequency of hepatic hemangiomas in infants with multiple cutaneous infantile hemangiomas.

PubMed

Horii, Kimberly A; Drolet, Beth A; Frieden, Ilona J; Baselga, Eulalia; Chamlin, Sarah L; Haggstrom, Anita N; Holland, Kristen E; Mancini, Anthony J; McCuaig, Catherine C; Metry, Denise W; Morel, Kimberly D; Newell, Brandon D; Nopper, Amy J; Powell, Julie; Garzon, Maria C

2011-01-01

Multiple cutaneous infantile hemangiomas have been associated with hepatic hemangiomas. Screening of infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas with abdominal ultrasound is often recommended. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency with which hepatic hemangiomas occur in infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas compared to those with one to four cutaneous infantile hemangiomas and to characterize the clinical features of these hepatic hemangiomas. A multicenter prospective study of children with cutaneous infantile hemangiomas was conducted at pediatric dermatology clinics at Hemangioma Investigator Groups sites in the United States, Canada, and Spain between October 2005 and December 2008. Data were collected, and abdominal ultrasonography was performed on infants younger than 6 months old with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas and those with one to four cutaneous infantile hemangiomas. Twenty-four (16%) of the 151 infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas had hepatic hemangiomas identified on abdominal ultrasound, versus none of the infants with fewer than five (p = 0.003). Two of the 24 infants with hepatic hemangiomas received treatment specifically for their hepatic hemangiomas. Infants with five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas have a statistically significantly greater frequency of hepatic hemangiomas than those with fewer than 5. These findings support the recommendation of five or more cutaneous infantile hemangiomas as a threshold for screening infants younger than 6 months old for hepatic hemangiomas but also demonstrate that the large majority of these infants with hepatic hemangiomas do not require treatment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mutations of the Mitochondrial Holocytochrome c–Type Synthase in X-Linked Dominant Microphthalmia with Linear Skin Defects Syndrome

PubMed Central

Wimplinger, Isabella; Morleo, Manuela; Rosenberger, Georg; Iaconis, Daniela; Orth, Ulrike; Meinecke, Peter; Lerer, Israela; Ballabio, Andrea; Gal, Andreas; Franco, Brunella; Kutsche, Kerstin

2006-01-01

The microphthalmia with linear skin defects syndrome (MLS, or MIDAS) is an X-linked dominant male-lethal disorder almost invariably associated with segmental monosomy of the Xp22 region. In two female patients, from two families, with MLS and a normal karyotype, we identified heterozygous de novo point mutations—a missense mutation (p.R217C) and a nonsense mutation (p.R197X)—in the HCCS gene. HCCS encodes the mitochondrial holocytochrome c–type synthase that functions as heme lyase by covalently adding the prosthetic heme group to both apocytochrome c and c1. We investigated a third family, displaying phenotypic variability, in which the mother and two of her daughters carry an 8.6-kb submicroscopic deletion encompassing part of the HCCS gene. Functional analysis demonstrates that both mutant proteins (R217C and Δ197–268) were unable to complement a Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant deficient for the HCCS orthologue Cyc3p, in contrast to wild-type HCCS. Moreover, ectopically expressed HCCS wild-type and the R217C mutant protein are targeted to mitochondria in CHO-K1 cells, whereas the C-terminal–truncated Δ197–268 mutant failed to be sorted to mitochondria. Cytochrome c, the final product of holocytochrome c–type synthase activity, is implicated in both oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and apoptosis. We hypothesize that the inability of HCCS-deficient cells to undergo cytochrome c–mediated apoptosis may push cell death toward necrosis that gives rise to severe deterioration of the affected tissues. In summary, we suggest that disturbance of both OXPHOS and the balance between apoptosis and necrosis, as well as the X-inactivation pattern, may contribute to the variable phenotype observed in patients with MLS. PMID:17033964

Meiotic drive impacts expression and evolution of x-linked genes in stalk-eyed flies.

PubMed

Reinhardt, Josephine A; Brand, Cara L; Paczolt, Kimberly A; Johns, Philip M; Baker, Richard H; Wilkinson, Gerald S

2014-01-01

Although sex chromosome meiotic drive has been observed in a variety of species for over 50 years, the genes causing drive are only known in a few cases, and none of these cases cause distorted sex-ratios in nature. In stalk-eyed flies (Teleopsis dalmanni), driving X chromosomes are commonly found at frequencies approaching 30% in the wild, but the genetic basis of drive has remained elusive due to reduced recombination between driving and non-driving X chromosomes. Here, we used RNAseq to identify transcripts that are differentially expressed between males carrying either a driving X (XSR) or a standard X chromosome (XST), and found hundreds of these, the majority of which are X-linked. Drive-associated transcripts show increased levels of sequence divergence (dN/dS) compared to a control set, and are predominantly expressed either in testes or in the gonads of both sexes. Finally, we confirmed that XSR and XST are highly divergent by estimating sequence differentiation between the RNAseq pools. We found that X-linked transcripts were often strongly differentiated (whereas most autosomal transcripts were not), supporting the presence of a relatively large region of recombination suppression on XSR presumably caused by one or more inversions. We have identified a group of genes that are good candidates for further study into the causes and consequences of sex-chromosome drive, and demonstrated that meiotic drive has had a profound effect on sequence evolution and gene expression of X-linked genes in this species.

Alport syndrome, mental retardation, midface hypoplasia, and elliptocytosis: a new X linked contiguous gene deletion syndrome?

PubMed Central

Jonsson, J J; Renieri, A; Gallagher, P G; Kashtan, C E; Cherniske, E M; Bruttini, M; Piccini, M; Vitelli, F; Ballabio, A; Pober, B R

1998-01-01

We describe a family with four members, a mother, two sons, and a daughter, who show clinical features consistent with X linked Alport syndrome. The two males presented with additional features including mental retardation, dysmorphic facies with marked midface hypoplasia, and elliptocytosis. The elliptocytosis was not associated with any detectable abnormalities in red cell membrane proteins; red cell membrane stability and rigidity was normal on ektacytometry. Molecular characterisation suggests a submicroscopic X chromosome deletion encompassing the entire COL4A5 gene. We propose that the additional abnormalities found in the affected males of this family are attributable to deletion or disruption of X linked recessive genes adjacent to the COL4A5 gene and that this constellation of findings may represent a new X linked contiguous gene deletion syndrome. Images PMID:9598718

A novel two-nucleotide deletion in the ATP7A gene associated with delayed infantile onset of Menkes disease.

PubMed

Wada, Takahito; Haddad, Marie Reine; Yi, Ling; Murakami, Tomomi; Sasaki, Akiko; Shimbo, Hiroko; Kodama, Hiroko; Osaka, Hitoshi; Kaler, Stephen G

2014-04-01

Determining the relationship between clinical phenotype and genotype in genetic diseases is important in clinical practice. In general, frameshift mutations are expected to produce premature termination codons, leading to production of mutant transcripts destined for degradation by nonsense-mediated decay. In X-linked recessive diseases, male patients with frameshift mutations typically have a severe or even lethal phenotype. We report a case of a 17-month-old boy with Menkes disease (NIM #309400), an X-linked recessive copper metabolism disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7A copper transporter gene. He exhibited an unexpectedly late onset and experienced milder symptoms. His genomic DNA showed a de novo two-nucleotide deletion in exon 4 of ATP7A, predicting a translational frameshift and premature stop codon, and a classic severe phenotype. Characterization of his ATP7A mRNA showed no abnormal splicing. We speculate that translation reinitiation could occur downstream to the premature termination codon and produce a partially functional ATP7A protein. Study of the child's fibroblasts found no evidence of translation reinitiation; however, the possibility remains that this phenomenon occurred in neural tissues and influenced the clinical phenotype. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Genotype-phenotype variations in five Spanish families with Norrie disease or X-linked FEVR.

PubMed

Riveiro-Alvarez, Rosa; Trujillo-Tiebas, Maria José; Gimenez-Pardo, Ascension; Garcia-Hoyos, Maria; Cantalapiedra, Diego; Lorda-Sanchez, Isabel; Rodriguez de Alba, Marta; Ramos, Carmen; Ayuso, Carmen

2005-09-02

Norrie disease (OMIM 310600) is a rare X-linked disorder characterized by congenital blindness in males. Approximately 40 to 50% of the cases develop deafness and mental retardation. X-linked familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (XL-FEVR) is a hereditary ocular disorder characterized by a failure of peripheral retinal vascularization. Both X-linked disorders are due to mutations in the NDP gene, which encodes a 133 amino acid protein called Norrin, but autosomal recessive (AR) and autosomal dominant (AD) forms of FEVR have also been described. In this study, we report the molecular findings and the related phenotype in five Spanish families affected with Norrie disease or XL-FEVR due to mutations of the NDP gene. The study was conducted in 45 subjects from five Spanish families. These families were clinically diagnosed with Norrie disease or similar conditions. The three exons of the NDP gene were analyzed by automatic DNA sequencing. Haplotype analyses were also performed. Two new nonsense mutations, apart from other mutations previously described in the NDP gene, were found in those patients affected with ND or X-linked FEVR. An important genotype-phenotype variation was found in relation to the different mutations of the NDP gene. In fact, the same mutation may be responsible for different phenotypes. We speculate that there might be other molecular factors that interact in the retina with Norrin, which contribute to the resultant phenotypes.

Genetic analysis of a kindred with X-linked mental handicap and retinitis pigmentosa

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aldred, M.A.; Dry, K.L.; Hardwick, L.J.

1994-11-01

A kindred is described in which X-linked nonspecific mental handicap segregates together with retinitis pigmentosa. Carrier females are mentally normal but may show signs of the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa carrier state and become symptomatic in their later years. Analysis of polymorphic DNA markers at nine loci on the short arm of the X chromosome shows that no crossing-over occurs between the disease and Xp11 markers DXS255, TIMP, DXS426, MAOA, and DXS228. The 90% confidence limits show that the locus is in the Xp21-q21 region. Haplotype analysis is consistent with the causal gene being located proximal to the Xp21 loci DXS538more » and 5{prime}-dystrophin on the short arm of the X chromosome. The posterior probability of linkage to the RP2 region of the X chromosome short arm (Xp11.4-p11.23) is .727, suggesting the possibility of a contiguous-gene-deletion syndrome. No cytogenetic abnormality has been identified. 33 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Endemic characteristics of infantile visceral leishmaniasis in the People's Republic of China.

PubMed

Fu, Qing; Li, Shi-Zhu; Wu, Wei-Ping; Hou, Yan-Yan; Zhang, Song; Feng, Yu; Zhang, Li-Ping; Tang, Lin-Hua

2013-05-17

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was once a severe parasitic disease in China. Thanks to the great efforts of integrated control, VL was eliminated in most epidemic areas, except for certain western provinces (autonomous region) at the end of 1950s. From then on, VL gained less attention and has seemed to spread, especially in the last 15 years. Infants are the most important population threatened by VL. However, there have been few studies on the endemic characteristics of infantile VL in China. Infantile VL cases were collected from the online National Infectious Diseases Reporting System (NIDRS). Statistical description and inference was used to reveal the endemic characteristics in gender, age group, time and regionalism. Spatial analysis was carried out to explore the high risk area for infantile VL in China. A total of 1093 infantile VL cases were reported from 2006 to 2012. There was no statistically significant difference in gender over time. The minimum, maximum and mean age of these cases was 1.1, 35.9 and 13.8 months, respectively. Among them 86.92% were under 2 years of age, and there was a statistically significant difference among age groups over time. An incidence peak appeared in 2008-2009, most cases were distributed in the months September to December, and there was a tail-raising effect in the coming two months of the next year. More than 98% of cases were reported in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province and Sichuan Province, accounting for 61.02%, 32.75% and 4.57%, respectively. A total of 56 counties reported infantile VL cases, with the cumulative incidence ranging from 0.02 to 24.57%. There were two main zones of high endemicity for infantile VL in China. The monthly incidence clearly coincides with the number of towns where infantile VL cases were reported. Three fatalities were reported during the study period, the case fatality rate was 2.75‰. The endemic situation of infantile VL is serious, and there are several active foci of

Rancher-reported efficacy of lethal and non-lethal livestock predation mitigation strategies for a suite of carnivores.

PubMed

Scasta, J D; Stam, B; Windh, J L

2017-10-26

Pastoralists have dealt with livestock losses from predators for millennia, yet effective mitigation strategies that balance wildlife conservation and sustainable agriculture are still needed today. In Wyoming, USA, 274 ranchers responded to a retrospective survey, and rated the efficacy of predation mitigation strategies for foxes, dogs, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, bears, and birds (buzzards, eagles, hawks, ravens). Rancher reported efficacy of mitigation varied by predator species, mitigation strategy, and lethality of strategies, but not livestock type. Ranchers perceive they were most effective at mitigating predation by foxes and coyotes, moderately effective at mitigating large carnivores, and the least effective at mitigating birds. Ranchers also reported that avian predators seem to be the most challenging predator type. The general perception was lethal mitigation strategies were more effective than non-lethal strategies, with guard animals showing the most potential among the non-lethal options. In general, ranchers did not perceive non-lethal strategies as a proxy for lethal strategies. However, a few ranchers reported being successful with non-lethal options such as herding, fencing, and stalling at night but more details about such successful applications are needed. Innovation in current or novel non-lethal mitigation strategies, and examples of efficacy, are needed to justify producer adoption.

[Prenatal diagnosis of X-linked anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with X-chromosome inversion].

PubMed

Shi, Hui-juan; Fang, Qun; Wang, Lian-tang

2005-07-13

To investigate the possibility of prenatal diagnosis of the fetal suspected to be affected by anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) in a family with X-linked EDA so as to provide a basis for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling of this disorder. Pedigree analysis and genetic counseling were performed in a family after a proband was diagnosed with EDA. The peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband, a 12-year-old boy, his mother, and his 2 aunts, one being pregnant, to undergo chromosome karyotype analysis. The fetus Puncture of umbilical vein was performed to collect the blood of fetus for chromosome examination. Induced abortion was conducted due to the diagnosis of the fetus with EDA. Autopsy, immunohistochemistry of the skin tissues of face, breast, epigastrium, and thigh, and X-ray photography of the lower jawbone were made. Pericentric inversion occurring at one of the X-chromosome [inv (x) (p22q13)] was found in the proband and his nephew (the fetus), both patients, and his mother and his second aunt (the pregnant woman), both carriers. Autopsy of the fetus showed epidermis dysplasia and deficiency of hair follicle and sebaceous gland. Immunohistochemistry showed that epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratin were negatively expressed in the fetal skin tissues. Pedigree analysis and genetic counseling for the family members of EDA patients and prenatal and postpartum examination for the fetus help diagnose EDA.

A Complex Genetic Basis to X-Linked Hybrid Male Sterility Between Two Species of House Mice

PubMed Central

Good, Jeffrey M.; Dean, Matthew D.; Nachman, Michael W.

2008-01-01

The X chromosome plays a central role in the evolution of reproductive isolation, but few studies have examined the genetic basis of X-linked incompatibilities during the early stages of speciation. We report the results of a large experiment focused on the reciprocal introgression of the X chromosome between two species of house mice, Mus musculus and M. domesticus. Introgression of the M. musculus X chromosome into a wild-derived M. domesticus genetic background produced male-limited sterility, qualitatively consistent with previous experiments using classic inbred strains to represent M. domesticus. The genetic basis of sterility involved a minimum of four X-linked factors. The phenotypic effects of major sterility QTL were largely additive and resulted in complete sterility when combined. No sterility factors were uncovered on the M. domesticus X chromosome. Overall, these results revealed a complex and asymmetric genetic basis to X-linked hybrid male sterility during the early stages of speciation in mice. Combined with data from previous studies, we identify one relatively narrow interval on the M. musculus X chromosome involved in hybrid male sterility. Only a handful of spermatogenic genes are within this region, including one of the most rapidly evolving genes on the mouse X chromosome. PMID:18689897

A complex genetic basis to X-linked hybrid male sterility between two species of house mice.

PubMed

Good, Jeffrey M; Dean, Matthew D; Nachman, Michael W

2008-08-01

The X chromosome plays a central role in the evolution of reproductive isolation, but few studies have examined the genetic basis of X-linked incompatibilities during the early stages of speciation. We report the results of a large experiment focused on the reciprocal introgression of the X chromosome between two species of house mice, Mus musculus and M. domesticus. Introgression of the M. musculus X chromosome into a wild-derived M. domesticus genetic background produced male-limited sterility, qualitatively consistent with previous experiments using classic inbred strains to represent M. domesticus. The genetic basis of sterility involved a minimum of four X-linked factors. The phenotypic effects of major sterility QTL were largely additive and resulted in complete sterility when combined. No sterility factors were uncovered on the M. domesticus X chromosome. Overall, these results revealed a complex and asymmetric genetic basis to X-linked hybrid male sterility during the early stages of speciation in mice. Combined with data from previous studies, we identify one relatively narrow interval on the M. musculus X chromosome involved in hybrid male sterility. Only a handful of spermatogenic genes are within this region, including one of the most rapidly evolving genes on the mouse X chromosome.

Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations Expand the Recognized Phenotypes of FARS2-Linked Disease.

PubMed

Walker, Melissa A; Mohler, Kyle P; Hopkins, Kyle W; Oakley, Derek H; Sweetser, David A; Ibba, Michael; Frosch, Matthew P; Thibert, Ronald L

2016-08-01

Mutations in mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are an increasingly recognized cause of human diseases, often arising in individuals with compound heterozygous mutations and presenting with system-specific phenotypes, frequently neurologic. FARS2 encodes mitochondrial phenylalanyl transfer ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthetase (mtPheRS), perturbations of which have been reported in 6 cases of an infantile, lethal disease with refractory epilepsy and progressive myoclonus. Here the authors report the case of juvenile onset refractory epilepsy and progressive myoclonus with compound heterozygous FARS2 mutations. The authors describe the clinical course over 6 years of care at their institution and diagnostic studies including electroencephalogram (EEG), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), serum and cerebrospinal fluid analyses, skeletal muscle biopsy histology, and autopsy gross and histologic findings, which include features shared with Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome, Leigh syndrome, and a previously published case of FARS2 mutation associated infantile onset disease. The authors also present structure-guided analysis of the relevant mutations based on published mitochondrial phenylalanyl transfer RNA synthetase and related protein crystal structures as well as biochemical analysis of the corresponding recombinant mutant proteins. © The Author(s) 2016.

Localisation of the gene for X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder with systemic manifestations (PDR), previously known as X-linked cutaneous amyloidosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gedeon, A.K.; Mulley, J.C.; Kozman, H.

1994-08-01

X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder (PDR), previously reported as X-linked cutaneous amyloidosis (MIM No. 301220), is characterized by brown pigmentation of the skin which follows the lines of Blaschko in females but appears as reticulate sheets in males. Males may suffer severe gastrointestinal disorders in infancy with failure to thrive and early death. Nowadays symptomatic treatment allows survival and other manifestations may appear such as corneal dystrophy with severe photophobia or chronic respiratory disease. Amyloid deposition in the skin may be no more than an age-dependent secondary manifestation. The PDR gene was localized by linkage analysis to Xp21-p22. The background geneticmore » map is Xpter-DXS996-22.5-DXS207-3.3-DXS999-3.3-DXS365-14.2-DXS989-4.1-3`DMD-3.5-DXS997-1.0-STR44-9.3-DYSI-2.3-DXS1068-11.0-DXS228 with distances between markers given in cM. Recombinants detected with DXS999 distally and DXS228 proximally, define the limits to the localization. Linkage was found with several markers within this interval. Peak lod scores of 3.21 at {theta} = 0.0 were obtained between PDR and DXS989 and between PDR and 5`DYSI within the dystrophin locus. 29 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

The role of melatonin and cortisol circadian rhythms in the pathogenesis of infantile colic.

PubMed

İnce, Tolga; Akman, Hakkı; Çimrin, Dilek; Aydın, Adem

2018-03-05

Despite the high prevalence of infantile colic, the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Cortisol and melatonin hormones affect gastrointestinal system development in several ways, and interestingly, both cortisol and melatonin's circadian rhythms begin around the 3rd month in which infantile colic symptoms start to decrease. We hypothesized that infantile colic might associate with desynchronization of normal circadian rhythms of these hormones. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of melatonin and cortisol in the pathogenesis of infantile colic. Patients who were diagnosed as infantile colic according to Wessel's "rule of three" were enrolled in the colic group. We measured the saliva melatonin and cortisol levels of colic group and control group infants. In both groups, the saliva samples were taken in mornings and at evenings, at the time of diagnosis and 6th month. Fifty-five infants finished the study. Melatonin circadian rhythm developed earlier in the control group than the infantile colic group in our study. We found no significant difference between the daily mean cortisol levels. However, infants with colic had flatter daily cortisol slope than controls which pointed out the probability that they had a less clearly defined cortisol rhythm than infants without colic. We found an association between melatonin levels and infantile colic. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and hormone's role on infantile colic physiopathology.

MicroRNAs and intellectual disability (ID) in Down syndrome, X-linked ID, and Fragile X syndrome

PubMed Central

Siew, Wei-Hong; Tan, Kai-Leng; Babaei, Maryam Abbaspour; Cheah, Pike-See; Ling, King-Hwa

2013-01-01

Intellectual disability (ID) is one of the many features manifested in various genetic syndromes leading to deficits in cognitive function among affected individuals. ID is a feature affected by polygenes and multiple environmental factors. It leads to a broad spectrum of affected clinical and behavioral characteristics among patients. Until now, the causative mechanism of ID is unknown and the progression of the condition is poorly understood. Advancement in technology and research had identified various genetic abnormalities and defects as the potential cause of ID. However, the link between these abnormalities with ID is remained inconclusive and the roles of many newly discovered genetic components such as non-coding RNAs have not been thoroughly investigated. In this review, we aim to consolidate and assimilate the latest development and findings on a class of small non-coding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) involvement in ID development and progression with special focus on Down syndrome (DS) and X-linked ID (XLID) [including Fragile X syndrome (FXS)]. PMID:23596395

Differential replication of Foot-and-mouth disease viruses in mice determine lethality.

PubMed

Cacciabue, Marco; García-Núñez, María Soledad; Delgado, Fernando; Currá, Anabella; Marrero, Rubén; Molinari, Paula; Rieder, Elizabeth; Carrillo, Elisa; Gismondi, María Inés

2017-09-01

Adult C57BL/6J mice have been used to study Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) biology. In this work, two variants of an FMDV A/Arg/01 strain exhibiting differential pathogenicity in adult mice were identified and characterized: a non-lethal virus (A01NL) caused mild signs of disease, whereas a lethal virus (A01L) caused death within 24-48h independently of the dose used. Both viruses caused a systemic infection with pathological changes in the exocrine pancreas. Virus A01L reached higher viral loads in plasma and organs of inoculated mice as well as increased replication in an ovine kidney cell line. Complete consensus sequences revealed 6 non-synonymous changes between A01L and A10NL genomes that might be linked to replication differences, as suggested by in silico prediction studies. Our results highlight the biological significance of discrete genomic variations and reinforce the usefulness of this animal model to study viral determinants of lethality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neural mechanisms of oculomotor abnormalities in the infantile strabismus syndrome.

PubMed

Walton, Mark M G; Pallus, Adam; Fleuriet, Jérome; Mustari, Michael J; Tarczy-Hornoch, Kristina

2017-07-01

Infantile strabismus is characterized by numerous visual and oculomotor abnormalities. Recently nonhuman primate models of infantile strabismus have been established, with characteristics that closely match those observed in human patients. This has made it possible to study the neural basis for visual and oculomotor symptoms in infantile strabismus. In this review, we consider the available evidence for neural abnormalities in structures related to oculomotor pathways ranging from visual cortex to oculomotor nuclei. These studies provide compelling evidence that a disturbance of binocular vision during a sensitive period early in life, whatever the cause, results in a cascade of abnormalities through numerous brain areas involved in visual functions and eye movements. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Phenotypical characteristics of idiopathic infantile nystagmus with and without mutations in FRMD7.

PubMed

Thomas, Shery; Proudlock, Frank A; Sarvananthan, Nagini; Roberts, Eryl O; Awan, Musarat; McLean, Rebecca; Surendran, Mylvaganam; Kumar, A S Anil; Farooq, Shegufta J; Degg, Chris; Gale, Richard P; Reinecke, Robert D; Woodruff, Geoffrey; Langmann, Andrea; Lindner, Susanne; Jain, Sunila; Tarpey, Patrick; Raymond, F Lucy; Gottlob, Irene

2008-05-01

Idiopathic infantile nystagmus (IIN) consists of involuntary oscillations of the eyes. The familial form is most commonly X-linked. We recently found mutations in a novel gene FRMD7 (Xq26.2), which provided an opportunity to investigate a genetically defined and homogeneous group of patients with nystagmus. We compared clinical features and eye movement recordings of 90 subjects with mutation in the gene (FRMD7 group) to 48 subjects without mutations but with clinical IIN (non-FRMD7 group). Fifty-eight female obligate carriers of the mutation were also investigated. The median visual acuity (VA) was 0.2 logMAR (Snellen equivalent 6/9) in both groups and most patients had good stereopsis. The prevalence of strabismus was also similar (FRMD7: 7.8%, non-FRMD7: 10%). The presence of anomalous head posture (AHP) was significantly higher in the non-FRMD7 group (P < 0.0001). The amplitude of nystagmus was more strongly dependent on the direction of gaze in the FRMD7 group being lower at primary position (P < 0.0001), compared to non-FRMD7 group (P = 0.83). Pendular nystagmus waveforms were also more frequent in the FRMD7 group (P = 0.003). Fifty-three percent of the obligate female carriers of an FRMD7 mutation were clinically affected. The VA's in affected females were slightly better compared to affected males (P = 0.014). Subnormal optokinetic responses were found in a subgroup of obligate unaffected carriers, which may be interpreted as a sub-clinical manifestation. FRMD7 is a major cause of X-linked IIN. Most clinical and eye movement characteristics were similar in the FRMD7 group and non-FRMD7 group with most patients having good VA and stereopsis and low incidence of strabismus. Fewer patients in the FRMD7 group had AHPs, their amplitude of nystagmus being lower in primary position. Our findings are helpful in the clinical identification of IIN and genetic counselling of nystagmus patients.

YouTube videos as a teaching tool and patient resource for infantile spasms.

PubMed

Fat, Mary Jane Lim; Doja, Asif; Barrowman, Nick; Sell, Erick

2011-07-01

The purpose of this study was to assess YouTube videos for their efficacy as a patient resource for infantile spasms. Videos were searched using the terms infantile spasm, spasm, epileptic spasm, and West syndrome. The top 25 videos under each term were selected according to set criteria. Technical quality, diagnosis of infantile spasms, and suitability as a teaching resource were assessed by 2 neurologists using the Medical Video Rating Scale. There were 5858 videos found. Of the 100 top videos, 46% did not meet selection criteria. Mean rating for technical quality was 4.0 of 5 for rater 1 and 3.9 of 5 for rater 2. Raters found 60% and 64% of videos to accurately portray infantile spasms, respectively, with significant agreement (Cohen κ coefficient = 0.75, P < .001). Ten videos were considered excellent examples (grading of 5 of 5) by at least 1 rater. YouTube may be used as an excellent patient resource for infantile spasms if guided search practices are followed.

Early Infantile Autism and Autistic Psychopathy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Krevelen, D. Arn

1971-01-01

The paper tries to assign to autistic psychopathy a definite place in psychiatric nosology and to delineate sharply the differences between the essential characteristics of it and of early infantile autism. (Author)

[Incontinentia pigmenti with defect in cellular immunity].

PubMed

Zamora-Chávez, Antonio; Escobar-Sánchez, Argelia; Sadowinski-Pine, Stanislaw; Saucedo-Ramírez, Omar Josué; Delgado-Barrera, Palmira; Enríquez-Quiñones, Claudia G

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare, X-linked genetic disease and affects all ectoderm-derived tissues such as skin, appendages, eyes, teeth and central nervous system as well as disorders of varying degree of cellular immunity characterized by decreasing melanin in the epidermis and increase in the dermis. When the condition occurs in males, it is lethal. We present the case of a 2-month-old infant with severe incontinentia pigmenti confirmed by histological examination of skin biopsy. The condition evolved with severe neurological disorders and seizures along with severe cellular immune deficiency, which affected the development of severe infections and caused the death of the patient. The importance of early clinical diagnosis is highlighted along with the importance of multidisciplinary management of neurological disorders and infectious complications. Copyright © 2015 Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

Infantile Amnesia: A Critical Period of Learning to Learn and Remember

PubMed Central

Travaglia, Alessio

2017-01-01

Infantile amnesia, the inability of adults to recollect early episodic memories, is associated with the rapid forgetting that occurs in childhood. It has been suggested that infantile amnesia is due to the underdevelopment of the infant brain, which would preclude memory consolidation, or to deficits in memory retrieval. Although early memories are inaccessible to adults, early-life events, such as neglect or aversive experiences, can greatly impact adult behavior and may predispose individuals to various psychopathologies. It remains unclear how a brain that rapidly forgets, or is not yet able to form long-term memories, can exert such a long-lasting and important influence. Here, with a particular focus on the hippocampal memory system, we review the literature and discuss new evidence obtained in rats that illuminates the paradox of infantile amnesia. We propose that infantile amnesia reflects a developmental critical period during which the learning system is learning how to learn and remember. PMID:28615475

[Clinical and molecular study in a child with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia].

PubMed

Callea, Michele; Yavuz, Izzet; Clarich, Gabriella; Cammarata-Scalisi, Francisco

2015-12-01

Ectodermal dysplasia encompasses more than 200 clinically distinct entities, which affect at least two structures derived from the ectoderm, including the skin, hair, nails, teeth, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is the most common type and is caused by mutation of the EDA gene that encodes Ectodysplasin-A. It occurs in less than 1 in 100 000 individuals and is clinically characterized by hypodontia, hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis, and eye dis orders. We present a child evaluated in a multidisciplinary manner with clinical and molecular diagnosis of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia with type missense mutation c.1133C> T; p.T378M in EDA gene.

Mapping of the X-linked cataract (Xcat) mutation, the gene implicated in the Nance Horan syndrome, on the mouse X chromosome.

PubMed

Stambolian, D; Favor, J; Silvers, W; Avner, P; Chapman, V; Zhou, E

1994-07-15

The Xcat mutation in the mouse, an X-linked inherited disorder, is characterized by the congenital onset of cataracts. The cataracts have morphologies similar to those of cataracts found in the human Nance Horan (X-linked cataract dental) syndrome, suggesting that Xcat is an animal model for Nance Horan. The Xcat mutation provides an opportunity to investigate, at the molecular level, the pathogenesis of cataract. As a first step to cloning the Xcat gene, we report the localization of the Xcat mutation with respect to known molecular markers on the mouse X chromosome. Back-cross progeny carrying the Xcat mutation were obtained from an interspecific cross. Genomic DNA from each mouse was subjected to Southern and PCR analysis to identify restriction fragment length polymorphisms and simple sequence length polymorphisms, respectively. Our results refine the location of Xcat to a 2-cM region, eliminate several genes from consideration as the Xcat mutation, identify molecular probes tightly linked with Xcat, and suggest candidate genes responsible for the Xcat phenotype.

Assessing interethnic admixture using an X-linked insertion-deletion multiplex.

PubMed

Ribeiro-Rodrigues, Elzemar Martins; dos Santos, Ney Pereira Carneiro; dos Santos, Andrea Kely Campos Ribeiro; Pereira, Rui; Amorim, António; Gusmão, Leonor; Zago, Marco Antonio; dos Santos, Sidney Emanuel Batista

2009-01-01

In this study, a PCR multiplex was optimized, allowing the simultaneous analysis of 13 X-chromosome Insertion/deletion polymorphisms (INDELs). Genetic variation observed in Africans, Europeans, and Native Americans reveals high inter-population variability. The estimated proportions of X-chromosomes in an admixed population from the Brazilian Amazon region show a predominant Amerindian contribution (approximately 41%), followed by European (approximately 32%) and African (approximately 27%) contributions. The proportion of Amerindian contribution based on X-linked data is similar to the expected value based on mtDNA and Y-chromosome information. The accuracy for assessing interethnic admixture, and the high differentiation between African, European, and Native American populations, demonstrates the suitability of this INDEL set to measure ancestry proportions in three-hybrid populations, as it is the case of Latin American populations.

Action of caffeine on x-irradiated HeLa cells. V. Identity of the sector of cells that expresses potentially lethal damage in G/sub 1/ and G/sub 2/

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beetham, K.L.; Tolmach, L.J.

1982-07-01

When HeLa S3 cells are irradiated in early G/sub 1/ with 4 Gy of 220-kV x rays and are then incubated in growth medium containing up to 5 mM caffeine, survival is reduced (as reported previously), reaching a concentration-dependent plateau. Cell killing presumably occurs as a result of the fixation of a portion of the potentially lethal damage the cells contain. These cells respond to continued treatment with caffeine at concentrations greater than 2 mM during S, but less so than during G/sub 1/. When they reach G/sub 2/ arrest, however, extensive cell killing again occurs (reported previously), presumably alsomore » the result of potentially lethal damage fixation. G/sub 1/-irradiated cultures that are treated with caffeine either continuously at a concentration in the range 1 to 5 mM, or at 10 mM for 8 hr and subsequently with the low concentration, achieve the same survival level in G/sub 2/, provided that the potentially lethal damage is not repaired during G/sub 1/ and S. Repair seems to be completely inhibited in the presence of 3 to 4 mM caffeine. The results indicate that fixation of potentially lethal damage occurs in the same sector of cells in G/sub 1/ and G/sub 2/, suggesting that the same cellular lesion gives rise to cell killing in the two phases.« less

Endemic characteristics of infantile visceral leishmaniasis in the People’s Republic of China

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) was once a severe parasitic disease in China. Thanks to the great efforts of integrated control, VL was eliminated in most epidemic areas, except for certain western provinces (autonomous region) at the end of 1950s. From then on, VL gained less attention and has seemed to spread, especially in the last 15 years. Infants are the most important population threatened by VL. However, there have been few studies on the endemic characteristics of infantile VL in China. Methods Infantile VL cases were collected from the online National Infectious Diseases Reporting System (NIDRS). Statistical description and inference was used to reveal the endemic characteristics in gender, age group, time and regionalism. Spatial analysis was carried out to explore the high risk area for infantile VL in China. Results A total of 1093 infantile VL cases were reported from 2006 to 2012. There was no statistically significant difference in gender over time. The minimum, maximum and mean age of these cases was 1.1, 35.9 and 13.8 months, respectively. Among them 86.92% were under 2 years of age, and there was a statistically significant difference among age groups over time. An incidence peak appeared in 2008-2009, most cases were distributed in the months September to December, and there was a tail-raising effect in the coming two months of the next year. More than 98% of cases were reported in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Gansu Province and Sichuan Province, accounting for 61.02%, 32.75% and 4.57%, respectively. A total of 56 counties reported infantile VL cases, with the cumulative incidence ranging from 0.02 to 24.57%. There were two main zones of high endemicity for infantile VL in China. The monthly incidence clearly coincides with the number of towns where infantile VL cases were reported. Three fatalities were reported during the study period, the case fatality rate was 2.75‰. Conclusions The endemic situation of infantile VL is

The rapid evolution of X-linked male-biased gene expression and the large-X effect in Drosophila yakuba, D. santomea, and their hybrids.

PubMed

Llopart, Ana

2012-12-01

The X chromosome has a large effect on hybrid dysfunction, particularly on hybrid male sterility. Although the evidence for this so-called large-X effect is clear, its molecular causes are not yet fully understood. One possibility is that, under certain conditions, evolution proceeds faster in X-linked than in autosomal loci (i.e., faster-X effect) due to both natural selection and their hemizygosity in males, an effect that is expected to be greatest in genes with male-biased expression. Here, I study genome-wide variation in transcript abundance between Drosophila yakuba and D. santomea, within these species and in their hybrid males to evaluate both the faster-X and large-X effects at the level of expression. I find that in X-linked male-biased genes (MBGs) expression evolves faster than in their autosomal counterparts, an effect that is accompanied by a unique reduction in expression polymorphism. This suggests that Darwinian selection is driving expression differences between species, likely enhanced by the hemizygosity of the X chromosome in males. Despite the recent split of the two sister species under study, abundant changes in both cis- and trans-regulatory elements underlie expression divergence in the majority of the genes analyzed, with significant differences in allelic ratios of transcript abundance between the two reciprocal F(1) hybrid males. Cis-trans coevolution at molecular level, evolved shortly after populations become isolated, may therefore contribute to explain the breakdown of the regulation of gene expression in hybrid males. Additionally, the X chromosome plays a large role in this hybrid male misexpression, which affects not only MBG but also, to a lesser degree, nonsex-biased genes. Interestingly, hybrid male misexpression is concentrated mostly in autosomal genes, likely facilitated by the rapid evolution of sex-linked trans-acting factors. I suggest that the faster evolution of X-linked MBGs, at both protein and expression levels

A Systems Biology Approach to Link Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation with Lethal Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

developed as a routine clinical assay. 12 Task 1B: Perform protein profiling of circulating blood proteins and determine whether a protein...or set of proteins indicative of NFκB activation are associated with lethal prostate cancer. Circulating proteins will be assessed in two cohorts of...throughput functional genomic data. Nucleic acids research 2009;37:D885-90. 3. Parkinson H, Kapushesky M, Kolesnikov N, et al. ArrayExpress update--from

X-linked primary immunodeficiency associated with hemizygous mutations in the moesin (MSN) gene.

PubMed

Lagresle-Peyrou, Chantal; Luce, Sonia; Ouchani, Farid; Soheili, Tayebeh Shabi; Sadek, Hanem; Chouteau, Myriam; Durand, Amandine; Pic, Isabelle; Majewski, Jacek; Brouzes, Chantal; Lambert, Nathalie; Bohineust, Armelle; Verhoeyen, Els; Cosset, François-Loïc; Magerus-Chatinet, Aude; Rieux-Laucat, Frédéric; Gandemer, Virginie; Monnier, Delphine; Heijmans, Catherine; van Gijn, Marielle; Dalm, Virgil A; Mahlaoui, Nizar; Stephan, Jean-Louis; Picard, Capucine; Durandy, Anne; Kracker, Sven; Hivroz, Claire; Jabado, Nada; de Saint Basile, Geneviève; Fischer, Alain; Cavazzana, Marina; André-Schmutz, Isabelle

2016-12-01

We investigated 7 male patients (from 5 different families) presenting with profound lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, fluctuating monocytopenia and neutropenia, a poor immune response to vaccine antigens, and increased susceptibility to bacterial and varicella zoster virus infections. We sought to characterize the genetic defect involved in a new form of X-linked immunodeficiency. We performed genetic analyses and an exhaustive phenotypic and functional characterization of the lymphocyte compartment. We observed hemizygous mutations in the moesin (MSN) gene (located on the X chromosome and coding for MSN) in all 7 patients. Six of the latter had the same missense mutation, which led to an amino acid substitution (R171W) in the MSN four-point-one, ezrin, radixin, moesin domain. The seventh patient had a nonsense mutation leading to a premature stop codon mutation (R533X). The naive T-cell counts were particularly low for age, and most CD8 + T cells expressed the senescence marker CD57. This phenotype was associated with impaired T-cell proliferation, which was rescued by expression of wild-type MSN. MSN-deficient T cells also displayed poor chemokine receptor expression, increased adhesion molecule expression, and altered migration and adhesion capacities. Our observations establish a causal link between an ezrin-radixin-moesin protein mutation and a primary immunodeficiency that could be referred to as X-linked moesin-associated immunodeficiency. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of Mentha piperita in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Crossover Study

PubMed Central

Alves, João Guilherme Bezerra; de Brito, Rita de Cássia Coelho Moraes; Cavalcanti, Telma Samila

2012-01-01

Background. Infantile colic is a distressing and common condition for which there is no proven standard treatment. Objective. To compare the efficacy of Mentha piperita with simethicone in treatment for infantile colic. Methods. A double-blind crossover study was performed with 30 infants attending IMIP, Recife, Brazil. They were randomized to use Mentha piperita or simethicone in the treatment of infantile colic during 7 days with each drug. Primary outcomes were mother_s opinion about responses to the treatment, number of daily episodes of colic, and time spent crying, measured by a chronometer. Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used to compare the results. This study was previously approved by the Ethical Committee in Research at IMIP. Results. At baseline daily episodes of infantile colic was 3.9 (±1.1) and the mean crying time per day was 192 minutes (±51.6). At the end of the study daily episodes of colic fell to 1.6 (±0.6) and the crying duration decreased to 111 (±28) minutes. All mothers reported decrease of frequency and duration of the episodes of infantile colic and there were no differences between responses to Mentha piperita and simethicone. Conclusions. These findings suggest that Mentha piperita may be used to help control infantile colic. However, these results must be repeated by others studies. PMID:22844342

Chromosomal Effects on Mutability in the P-M System of Hybrid Dysgenesis in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

PubMed Central

Simmons, Michael J.; Raymond, John D.; Laverty, Todd R.; Doll, Rhonda F.; Raymond, Nancy C.; Kocur, Gordon J.; Drier, Eric A.

1985-01-01

Two manifestations of hybrid dysgenesis were studied in flies with chromosomes derived from two different P strains. In one set of experiments, the occurrence of recessive X-linked lethal mutations in the germ cells of dysgenic males was monitored. In the other, the behavior of an X-linked P-element insertion mutation, sn w, was studied in dysgenic males and also in dysgenic females. The chromosomes of one P strain were more proficient at causing dysgenesis in both sets of experiments. However, there was variation among the chromosomes of each strain in regard to the ability to induce lethals or to destabilize snw. The X chromosome, especially when it came from the stronger P strain, had a pronounced effect on both measures of dysgenesis, but in combination with the major autosomes, these effects were reduced. For the stronger P strain, the autosomes by themselves contributed significantly to the production of X-linked lethals and also had large effects on the behavior of snw, but they did not act additively on these two characters. For this strain, the effects of the autosomes on the X-linked lethal mutation rate suggest that only 1/100 P element transpositions causes a recessive lethal mutation. For the weaker P strain, the autosomes had only slight effects on the behavior of snw and appeared to have negligible effects on the X-linked lethal mutation rate. Combinations of chromosomes from either the strong or the weak P strain affected both aspects of dysgenesis in a nonadditive fashion, suggesting that the P elements on these chromosomes competed with each other for transposase, the P-encoded function that triggers P element activity. Age and sex also influenced the ability of chromosomes and combinations of chromosomes to cause dysgenesis. PMID:3934034

X-ray-related potentially lethal damage expressed by chromosome condensation and the influence of caffeine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sasaki, H.; Nishimoto, T.

1989-10-01

Caffeine has been reported to induce premature chromosome condensation (PCC) in S-phase cells in the presence of an inhibitor of DNA synthesis. We found that when S-phase cells are treated with caffeine and hydroxyurea after X irradiation, substantially more potentially lethal damage (PLD) is expressed, but the addition of cycloheximide, which inhibits PCC induction in S-phase cells, in the presence of caffeine and hydroxyurea reduces the expression of PLD to the same level as seen with caffeine alone. This can be interpreted to mean that the expression of PLD seen with caffeine in the absence of an inhibitor of DNAmore » synthesis is not associated with chromosome condensation. Evidence that PCC induction in S-phase cells and the influence of caffeine on PLD expression were suppressed by incubation at 40 degrees C of tsBN75 cells with a ts defect in ubiquitin-activating enzyme indicates the involvement of ubiquitin in these two processes. These observations as well as previous findings on ubiquitin suggest to us that caffeine induces changes in DNA-chromatin conformation, which are caused by induction of PCC or ubiquitination of chromosomal protein. Such changes occurring postirradiation would favor expression of PLD.« less

Novel XLRS1 gene mutations cause X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in Chinese families.

PubMed

Ma, Xiang; Li, Xiaoxin; Wang, Lihua

2008-01-01

To investigate various XLRS1 (RS1) gene mutations in Chinese families with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS or RS). Genomic DNA was isolated from leukocytes of 29 male patients with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, 38 female carriers, and 100 normal controls. All 6 exons of the RS1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the RS1 gene mutations were determined by direct sequencing. Eleven different RS1 mutations in 12 families were identified in the 29 male patients. The mutations comprised eight missense, two frameshift, and one splice donor site mutation. Four of these mutations, one frameshift mutation (26 del T) in exon 1, one frameshift mutation (488 del G) in exon 5, Asp145His and Arg156Gly in exon 5, have not been previously described. One novel non-disease-related polymorphism, 576C to T (Pro192Pro) in exon 6, was also found. Six recurrent mutations, Ser73Pro and Arg102Gln mutations in exon 4 and Arg200Cys, Arg209His, Arg213Gln, and Cys223Arg mutations in exon 6, were also identified in this study. RS1 gene mutations caused X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in these Chinese families.

Lethal cellular changes induced by near ultraviolet radiation.

PubMed

Tyrrell, R M

1979-01-01

There is clear evidence that significant quantities of lesions are induced in DNA by near-UV radiation and that these lesions, although susceptible to repair, may lead to cell death because of the simultaneous disruption of DNA repair systems by the same wavelengths. No particular DNA lesion can be linked to cell death in wild type strains. However, there are good grounds for speculating that a type of near-UV lesion exists which is rapidly "fixed" as a lethal event in cells as a result of the oxygen-dependent disruption of repair. There is a strong indication that the relative ability of various near-UV wavelengths to sensitize cells to heat, chemicals or other radiations is directly related to their efficiency in disrupting DNA repair systems in general. Some important specific questions remain. For example, it is important to ask why breaks formed at 365 nm and 405 nm, although apparently requiring a pol dependent pathway for their repair, do not produce the predicted lethal biological action in the strains tested. In general terms it is hoped to provide more comprehensive physico-chemical data in support of, or contradicting, the proposed model.

A Systems Biology Approach to Link Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation with Lethal Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

developed as a routine clinical assay. Task 1B: Perform protein profiling of circulating blood proteins and determine whether a protein or set of...proteins indicative of NFκB activation are associated with lethal prostate cancer. Circulating proteins will be assessed in two cohorts of 312...functional genomic data. Nucleic Acids Res 2009;37:D885-90. 3. Parkinson H, Kapushesky M, Kolesnikov N, et al. ArrayExpress update--from an archive of

Defining the cause of skewed X-chromosome inactivation in X-linked mental retardation by use of a mouse model.

PubMed

Muers, Mary R; Sharpe, Jacqueline A; Garrick, David; Sloane-Stanley, Jacqueline; Nolan, Patrick M; Hacker, Terry; Wood, William G; Higgs, Douglas R; Gibbons, Richard J

2007-06-01

Extreme skewing of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is rare in the normal female population but is observed frequently in carriers of some X-linked mutations. Recently, it has been shown that various forms of X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) have a strong association with skewed XCI in female carriers, but the mechanisms underlying this skewing are unknown. ATR-X syndrome, caused by mutations in a ubiquitously expressed, chromatin-associated protein, provides a clear example of XLMR in which phenotypically normal female carriers virtually all have highly skewed XCI biased against the X chromosome that harbors the mutant allele. Here, we have used a mouse model to understand the processes causing skewed XCI. In female mice heterozygous for a null Atrx allele, we found that XCI is balanced early in embryogenesis but becomes skewed over the course of development, because of selection favoring cells expressing the wild-type Atrx allele. Unexpectedly, selection does not appear to be the result of general cellular-viability defects in Atrx-deficient cells, since it is restricted to specific stages of development and is not ongoing throughout the life of the animal. Instead, there is evidence that selection results from independent tissue-specific effects. This illustrates an important mechanism by which skewed XCI may occur in carriers of XLMR and provides insight into the normal role of ATRX in regulating cell fate.

X-linked recessive primary retinal dysplasia is linked to the Norrie disease locus.

PubMed

Ravia, Y; Braier-Goldstein, O; Bat-Miriam, K M; Erlich, S; Barkai, G; Goldman, B

1993-08-01

X-linked primary retinal dysplasia (PRD) refers to an abnormal proliferation of retinal tissue causing either its neural elements or its glial tissue to form folds, giving rise to gliosis. A Jewish family of oriental origin was previously reported by Godel and Goodman, in which a total of five males suffer from different degrees of blindness. The authors postulated that the described findings are distinguished from Norrie disease, since in this case no clinical findings, other than those associated with the eyes, were noticed in the affected males. In addition, two of the carrier females exhibit minimal eye changes. We have performed linkage analysis of the family using the L1.28, p58-1 and m27 beta probes, and DXS426 and MAOB associated microsatellites. Our results map the gene responsible for the disorder between the MAOB and DXS426, m27 beta and p58-1 loci, on the short arm of the X chromosome at Xp11.3, which suggest the possibility that the same gene is responsible for both primary retinal dysplasia and Norrie disease.

Congenital cataracts and other abnormalities in a female with 46.X, del(X)(q26q28)mat: A new locus for X-linked congenital cataract?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Babul, R.; Chitayat, D.; Teshima, I.

1994-09-01

Three forms of X-linked congenital cataracts have been delineated: congenital cataract with posterior Y-sutural opacities in heterozygotes, congenital cataract and microcornea or microphthalmia and congenital cataract-dental syndrome (Nance-Horan syndrome). Of these, only the Nance-Horan syndrome has been mapped to Xp22.3-p21.1. However, Warburg has suggested that these different forms of X-linked congenital cataracts are due to deletions of varying sizes, placing them in the vicinity of the Nance-Horan syndrome region. We report on a female patient born to a 29-year-old primigravida woman who at birth was found to have hypotonia, dysmorphic facial features, hydrocephalus and dense white congenital bilateral cataracts. Othermore » ophthalmological findings included bilateral nystagmus and shallow orbits. Chromosome analysis revealed 46,X,del(X)(q26q28)mat. The mother, however, is phenotypically normal. Brain CT scan on the female infant revealed communicating hydrocephalus and a muscle biopsy showed congenital muscle fiber disproportion. An EMG and NCV were normal. At 4 years of age, her height and weight were below -3SD and her OFC was +2SD. Molecular studies using DNA markers located in Xq26-qter have revealed that the proximal breakpoint in the patient and her mother is defined by the HPRT locus while the distal breakpoint is defined by the locus DXS1108. This indicates that the deletion is not terminal but rather interstitial, retaining sequences proximal to the telomeric region. Other molecular studies are in progress to determine the X-inactivation status of the deleted chromosome in our patient and her mother as a possible explanation for the variation in the phenotype. These clinical and molecular findings suggest that another locus for X-linked congenital cataract exists at Xq26-28.« less

Lethal Forethought: Delayed Reward Discounting Differentiates High- and Low-Lethality Suicide Attempts in Old Age

PubMed Central

Dombrovski, Alexandre Y.; Szanto, Katalin; Siegle, Greg J.; Wallace, Meredith L.; Forman, Steven D.; Sahakian, Barbara; Reynolds, Charles F.; Clark, Luke

2011-01-01

Background The decision to commit suicide may be impulsive, but lethal suicidal acts often involve planning and forethought. People who attempt suicide make disadvantageous decisions in other contexts, but nothing is known about the way they decide about the future. Can the willingness to postpone future gratification differentiate between individuals prone to serious, premeditated and less serious, unplanned suicidal acts? Methods Four groups of depressed participants aged 60+ made choices between smaller immediate and larger delayed monetary rewards: 15 who made high-lethality suicide attempts, 14 who made low-lethality suicide attempts, 12 who seriously contemplated suicide, and 42 people with depression but no history of suicidal thoughts. The reference group was 31 psychiatrically healthy elders. Results Individuals who had made low-lethality attempts displayed an exaggerated preference for immediate rewards compared to non-suicidal depressed and healthy controls. Those who had carried out high-lethality suicide attempts were more willing to delay future rewards, compared to low-lethality attempters. Better planned suicide attempts were also associated with willingness to wait for larger rewards. These effects were unchanged after accounting for education, global cognitive function, substance use disorders, psychotropic medications, and possible brain injury from attempts. Discount rates were correlated with having debt but were not significantly associated with income, hopelessness, depressive severity, premorbid IQ, age at first attempt, or choice of violent means. Conclusions While clinicians often focus on impulsivity in patients at risk for suicide, these data suggest that identifying biological characteristics and treatments for non-impulsive suicidal older people may be even more important. PMID:21329911

Infantile Hepatic Hemangioendothelioma: An Uncommon Cause of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in a Newborn Infant.

PubMed

Chatmethakul, Trassanee; Bhat, Ramachandra; Alkaabi, Maryam; Siddiqui, Abdul; Peevy, Keith; Zayek, Michael

2016-07-01

Multifocal and diffuse infantile hepatic hemangioendotheliomas commonly present with signs of high-output congestive heart failure. In addition, prolonged persistent pulmonary overcirculation eventually leads to the development of pulmonary hypertension at a later age. We report a 2-day old, full-term infant with multifocal, large infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma, who presented with an early onset of pulmonary hypertension, managed successfully with supportive care and systemic therapy directed toward the involution of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma.

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in females and response to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Ali, Syed; Seth, Rajeev

2013-01-01

A 63 year old woman was referred to the retina clinic after her vision failed to improve in her left eye after cataract surgery. X-linked retinoschisis was diagnosed in the patient after her retina exam revealed an area of retinoschisis and a foveal cyst. The OCT confirmed the macular cyst and the ERG showed loss of B waves. The florescein angiogram showed no significant perifoveal leakage. Her foveal cyst resolved after treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The patient's son was examined and his ophthalmologic exam, ERG and imaging findings were consistent with X-linked retinoschisis. However, his bilateral foveal cysts did not respond to treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. X-linked retinoschisis is a very rare disease in women due to its X-linked recessive inheritance and the foveal cysts associated with it can respond to carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

[X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: a report of three cases. The importance of early diagnosis].

PubMed

López Úbeda, Marta; de Arriba Muñoz, Antonio; Ferrer Lozano, Marta; Labarta Aizpún, José I; García Jiménez, María C

2017-10-01

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is the most common peroxisomal disorder. This disease is caused by a defect in the ABCD1 gen. Saturated very long chain fatty acids are accumulated in serum, adrenal cortex and central nervous system white matter. The clinical spectrum is characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency with a devastating prognosis. We report a first case of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy with fatal evolution which identified two asymptomatic family members and established a preventive treatment. Although there is no definitive cure, we stress the importance of family study and evaluation of the individual in situation of risk to establish an early preventive treatment and to give in each particular situation suitable professional advice. Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.

Patulous Subarachnoid Space of the Optic Nerve Associated with X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets.

PubMed

Galvez-Ruiz, Alberto; Chaudhry, Imtiaz

2013-01-01

Although the deficiency forms are the most common manifestations of rickets, there are other forms of rickets that are resistant to vitamin D. Of these, the most common is X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. Rickets represents a group of multiple cranial bone disorders-craniosynostosis and the presence of Chari I malformation being the most notable-that explain the increase in intracranial pressure. We present a 4-year-old patient with an unusual association of X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets, bilateral proptosis, and prominent bilateral widening of the optic nerve sheaths. Although the association between intracranial hypertension and rickets is known, to the best of our knowledge, such a prominent distention of the subarachnoid space of the optic nerve without papilloedema has not been previously described.

Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for infantile colic

PubMed Central

Gutiérrez-Castrellón, Pedro; Indrio, Flavia; Bolio-Galvis, Alexis; Jiménez-Gutiérrez, Carlos; Jimenez-Escobar, Irma; López-Velázquez, Gabriel

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: 5% to 40% of infants cry excessively, usually accompanied by fussiness and excessive of gas. There are no uniform criteria for treatment of infantile colic. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has been used with promising results. The objective of this network-meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the efficacy of L reuteri DSM 17938 with other interventions for infantile colic. Methods: RCTs, published between 1960 and 2015 for the treatment of infantile colic were included. Primary outcome was duration of crying after 21 to 28 days of treatment. Different databases were searched. Information was analyzed using control group as central axis. A random effect model was used. Hedges standard mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated. A SUCRA analysis was performed to evaluate superiority for each intervention. Results: 32 RCTs were analyzed, including 2242 patients. Studies with L reuteri DSM 17938 versus Ctrl., Diet versus Ctrl. and Acupuncture versus Ctrl. were the most influential studies in the NMA. L reuteri DSM 17938 [WMD −51.3 h (CI95% −72.2 to −30.5 h), P .0001] and dietetic approaches [WMD −37.4 h (CI95% −56.1 to −18.7 h), P .0001] were superior compared to the other treatments. Conclusions: L reuteri DSM 17938 and some dietetic approaches are better to other interventions for treatment of infantile colic. PMID:29390535

Mutation in a primate-conserved retrotransposon reveals a noncoding RNA as a mediator of infantile encephalopathy

PubMed Central

Cartault, François; Munier, Patrick; Benko, Edgar; Desguerre, Isabelle; Hanein, Sylvain; Boddaert, Nathalie; Bandiera, Simonetta; Vellayoudom, Jeanine; Krejbich-Trotot, Pascale; Bintner, Marc; Hoarau, Jean-Jacques; Girard, Muriel; Génin, Emmanuelle; de Lonlay, Pascale; Fourmaintraux, Alain; Naville, Magali; Rodriguez, Diana; Feingold, Josué; Renouil, Michel; Munnich, Arnold; Westhof, Eric; Fähling, Michael; Lyonnet, Stanislas; Henrion-Caude, Alexandra

2012-01-01

The human genome is densely populated with transposons and transposon-like repetitive elements. Although the impact of these transposons and elements on human genome evolution is recognized, the significance of subtle variations in their sequence remains mostly unexplored. Here we report homozygosity mapping of an infantile neurodegenerative disease locus in a genetic isolate. Complete DNA sequencing of the 400-kb linkage locus revealed a point mutation in a primate-specific retrotransposon that was transcribed as part of a unique noncoding RNA, which was expressed in the brain. In vitro knockdown of this RNA increased neuronal apoptosis, consistent with the inappropriate dosage of this RNA in vivo and with the phenotype. Moreover, structural analysis of the sequence revealed a small RNA-like hairpin that was consistent with the putative gain of a functional site when mutated. We show here that a mutation in a unique transposable element-containing RNA is associated with lethal encephalopathy, and we suggest that RNAs that harbor evolutionarily recent repetitive elements may play important roles in human brain development. PMID:22411793

Retinal detachment 7 years after prophylactic schisis cavity excision in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Sobrin, Lucia; Berrocal, Audina M; Murray, Timothy G

2003-01-01

A 7-year-old boy with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis developed a retinal detachment at the site of previous prophylactic excision of a schisis cavity. The patient underwent a scleral buckle procedure, pars plana vitrectomy, membrane peel, and silicone oil injection with successful reattachment. At last follow-up, the visual acuity was 20/400 and the retina was attached. Prophylactic excision of a schisis cavity may be complicated by retinal detachment several years after the surgery. Given the favorable natural history of schisis cavities in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis, the decision to perform prophylactic excision should be undertaken cautiously after full consideration of the potential complications.

Suppression of F1 Male-Specific Lethality in Caenorhabditis Hybrids by cbr-him-8.

PubMed

Ragavapuram, Vaishnavi; Hill, Emily Elaine; Baird, Scott Everet

2015-12-31

Haldane's Rule and Darwin's Corollary to Haldane's Rule are the observations that heterogametic F1 hybrids are frequently less fit than their homogametic siblings, and that asymmetric results are often obtained from reciprocal hybrid crosses. In Caenorhabditis, Haldane's Rule and Darwin's Corollary have been observed in several hybrid crosses, including crosses of Caenorhabditis briggsae and C. nigoni. Fertile F1 females are obtained from reciprocal crosses. However, F1 males obtained from C. nigoni mothers are sterile and F1 males obtained from C. briggsae die during embryogenesis. We have identified cbr-him-8 as a recessive maternal-effect suppressor of F1 hybrid male-specific lethality in this combination of species. This result implicates epigenetic meiotic silencing in the suppression of F1 male-specific lethality. It is also shown that F1 males bearing a C. briggsae X chromosome are fertile. When crossed to C. briggsae hermaphrodites or F1 females derived from C. briggsae hermaphrodites, viable F2 and backcross (B2) progeny were obtained. Sibling males that possessed a C. nigoni X chromosome were sterile. Therefore, the sterility of F1 males bearing a C. nigoni X chromosome must result from dysgenic interactions between the X chromosome of C. nigoni and the autosomes of C. briggsae. The fertility of F1 males bearing a C. briggsae X chromosome provides an opportunity to identify C. nigoni loci that prevent spermatogenesis, and hence hermaphroditic reproduction, in diplo-X hybrids. Copyright © 2016 Ragavapuram et al.

Autosomal Genes of Autosomal/X-Linked Duplicated Gene Pairs and Germ-Line Proliferation in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Maciejowski, John; Ahn, James Hyungsoo; Cipriani, Patricia Giselle; Killian, Darrell J.; Chaudhary, Aisha L.; Lee, Ji Inn; Voutev, Roumen; Johnsen, Robert C.; Baillie, David L.; Gunsalus, Kristin C.; Fitch, David H. A.; Hubbard, E. Jane Albert

2005-01-01

We report molecular genetic studies of three genes involved in early germ-line proliferation in Caenorhabditis elegans that lend unexpected insight into a germ-line/soma functional separation of autosomal/X-linked duplicated gene pairs. In a genetic screen for germ-line proliferation-defective mutants, we identified mutations in rpl-11.1 (L11 protein of the large ribosomal subunit), pab-1 [a poly(A)-binding protein], and glp-3/eft-3 (an elongation factor 1-α homolog). All three are members of autosome/X gene pairs. Consistent with a germ-line-restricted function of rpl-11.1 and pab-1, mutations in these genes extend life span and cause gigantism. We further examined the RNAi phenotypes of the three sets of rpl genes (rpl-11, rpl-24, and rpl-25) and found that for the two rpl genes with autosomal/X-linked pairs (rpl-11 and rpl-25), zygotic germ-line function is carried by the autosomal copy. Available RNAi results for highly conserved autosomal/X-linked gene pairs suggest that other duplicated genes may follow a similar trend. The three rpl and the pab-1/2 duplications predate the divergence between C. elegans and C. briggsae, while the eft-3/4 duplication appears to have occurred in the lineage to C. elegans after it diverged from C. briggsae. The duplicated C. briggsae orthologs of the three C. elegans autosomal/X-linked gene pairs also display functional differences between paralogs. We present hypotheses for evolutionary mechanisms that may underlie germ-line/soma subfunctionalization of duplicated genes, taking into account the role of X chromosome silencing in the germ line and analogous mammalian phenomena. PMID:15687263

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Facilitating Surgical Resection of Infantile Massive Intracranial Immature Teratoma.

PubMed

Kitahara, Takahiro; Tsuji, Yoshihito; Shirase, Tomoyuki; Yukawa, Hiroyuki; Takeichi, Yasuhiro; Yamazoe, Naohiro

2016-04-01

Immature teratoma (IMT) is the most frequent histological subtype of infantile intracranial teratoma, the most common congenital brain tumor. IMT contains incompletely differentiated components resembling fetal tissues. Infantile intracranial IMT has a dismal prognosis, because it is often inoperable due to its massive size and high vascularity. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been shown to be effective in decreasing tumor volume and vascularity to facilitate surgical resection in other types of infantile brain tumors. However, only one recent case report described the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for infantile intracranial IMT in the literature, even though it is common entity with a poor prognosis in infants. Here, we describe the case of a 2-month-old male infant with a very large intracranial IMT. Maximal surgical resection was first attempted but was unsuccessful because of severe intraoperative hemorrhage. Neoadjuvant carboplatin and etoposide (CARE) chemotherapy was then administered with the aim of shrinking and devascularizing the tumor. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor size did not decrease, but intraoperative blood loss significantly decreased and near-total resection was achieved by the second and third surgery. The patient underwent adjuvant CARE chemotherapy and has been alive for 3 years after surgery without tumor regrowth. Even when neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not decrease tumor volume of infantile intracranial IMT, surgical resection should be tried because chemotherapy can facilitate surgical resection and improve clinical outcome by reducing tumor vascularity.

A novel mutation in FRMD7 causing X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus in a large family

PubMed Central

He, Xiang; Gu, Feng; Wang, Yujing; Yan, Jinting; Zhang, Meng; Huang, Shangzhi

2008-01-01

Purpose To identify the gene responsible for causing an X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus (XLICN) in a six-generation Chinese family. Methods Forty-nine members of an XLICN family were recruited and examined after obtaining informed consent. Affected male individuals were genotyped with microsatellite markers around the FRMD7 locus. Mutations were comprehensively screened by direct sequencing using gene specific primers. An X-inactivation pattern was investigated by X chromosome methylation analysis. Results The patients showed phenotypes consistent with XLICN. Genotype analysis showed that male affected individuals in the family shared a common haplotype with the selected markers. Sequencing FRMD7 revealed a G>T transversion (c.812G>T) in exon 9, which caused a conservative substitution of Cys to Phe at codon 271 (p.C271F). This mutation co-segregated with all affected individuals and was present in the obligate, non-penetrant female carriers. However, the mutation was not observed in unaffected familial males or 400 control males. Females with the mutant gene could be affected or carrier and they shared the same inactivated X chromosome harboring the mutation in blood cells, which showed there is no clear causal link between X-inactivation pattern and phenotype. Conclusions We identified a novel mutation in FRMD7 and confirmed the role of this mutation in the pathogenesis of X-linked congenital nystagmus. PMID:18246032

Microsatellites within the feline androgen receptor are suitable for X chromosome-linked clonality testing in archival material.

PubMed

Farwick, Nadine M; Klopfleisch, Robert; Gruber, Achim D; Weiss, Alexander Th A

2017-04-01

Objectives A hallmark of neoplasms is their origin from a single cell; that is, clonality. Many techniques have been developed in human medicine to utilise this feature of tumours for diagnostic purposes. One approach is X chromosome-linked clonality testing using polymorphisms of genes encoded by genes on the X chromosome. The aim of this study was to determine if the feline androgen receptor gene was suitable for X chromosome-linked clonality testing. Methods The feline androgen receptor gene was characterised and used to test clonality of feline lymphomas by PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, using archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. Results Clonality of the feline lymphomas under study was confirmed and the gene locus was shown to represent a suitable target in clonality testing. Conclusions and relevance Because there are some pitfalls of using X chromosome-linked clonality testing, further studies are necessary to establish this technique in the cat.

Lethal Surveillance: Drones and the Geo-History of Modern War

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kindervater, Katharine Hall

Interdisciplinary both in scope and method, my dissertation, Lethal Surveillance: Drones and the Geo-History of Modern War, examines the history of drone technology from the start of the 20th century to the present in order to understand the significance of the increasing centrality of drones to current American military engagements and security practices more generally. Much of the scholarship on drones and many other contemporary military technologies tends to view the technology as radically new, missing both the historical development of these objects as well as the perspectives and rationalities that are embedded in their use. For this research, I focused on three main periods of drone research and development: the early years of World War I and II in the UK, the Cold War, and the 1990s. In studying this history of the drone, I found that two key trends emerge as significant: the increasing importance of information to warfare under the rubric of intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance; and a shift toward more dynamic, speedier, and individualized targeting practices. I argue that the widespread use of drones today thus represents the culmination of attempts in war to effectively link these two trends, creating a practice I call lethal surveillance -- with the armed Predator effectively closing the loop between identifying and killing targets. The concept of lethal surveillance, which in my dissertation I place squarely within the histories of modern scientific thinking and Western liberal governance, allows us to see how techniques of Western state power and knowledge production are merging with practices of killing and control in new ways, causing significant changes to both the operations of the state and to practices of war. Framing the drone through the lens of lethal surveillance, therefore, allows us to see the longer histories the drone is embedded in as well as other security practices it is connected to.

X-linked agammaglobulinemia in northern Thailand.

PubMed

Trakultivakorn, Muthita; Ochs, Hans D

2006-03-01

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by a failure to generate immunoglobulins of all isotypes due to the absence of mature B cells and plasma cells, secondary to mutations in the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) gene. We report six patients with XLA, confirmed by mutation analysis, from northern Thailand. The mean age of onset was 2.5 years and the mean age at diagnosis was 7.3 years. All patients had a history of otitis media, pneumonia and arthritis at the time of diagnosis, five patients had developed bronchiectasis and 3 patients septicemia. Other infections reported included sinusitis (5/6), pericarditis (1/6), meningitis (1/6) and pyoderma (1/6). Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated on multiple occasions. One patient died of sepsis at the age of 16 years. These observations demonstrate that early diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis and quality of life.

Phenotype variability of infantile-onset multisystem neurologic, endocrine, and pancreatic disease IMNEPD.

PubMed

Picker-Minh, Sylvie; Mignot, Cyril; Doummar, Diane; Hashem, Mais; Faqeih, Eissa; Josset, Patrice; Dubern, Béatrice; Alkuraya, Fowzan S; Kraemer, Nadine; Kaindl, Angela M

2016-04-29

Infantile-onset multisystem neurologic, endocrine, and pancreatic disease (IMNEPD) has been recently linked to biallelic mutation of the peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase 2 gene PTRH2. Two index patients with IMNEPD in the original report had multiple neurological symptoms such as postnatal microcephaly, intellectual disability, developmental delay, sensorineural deafness, cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, and peripheral neuropathy. In addition, distal muscle weakness and abnormalities of thyroid, pancreas, and liver were found. Here, we report five further IMNEPD patients with a different homozygous PTRH2 mutation, broaden the phenotypic spectrum of the disease and differentiate common symptoms and interindividual variability in IMNEPD associated with a unique mutation. We thereby hope to better define IMNEPD and promote recognition and diagnosis of this novel disease entity.

Failure to thrive and cognitive development in toddlers with infantile anorexia.

PubMed

Chatoor, Irene; Surles, Jaclyn; Ganiban, Jody; Beker, Leila; Paez, Laura McWade; Kerzner, Benny

2004-05-01

The goal of this study was to examine the relative contributions of growth deficiency and psychosocial factors to cognitive development in toddlers with infantile anorexia. Eighty-eight toddlers, ranging in age from 12 to 33 months, were enrolled in this study. Toddlers were evaluated by 2 child psychiatrists and placed into 1 of 3 groups: infantile anorexia, picky eater, and healthy eater. All 3 groups were matched for age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES). Toddlers underwent nutritional evaluations and cognitive assessments with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Toddlers and their mothers were also videotaped during feeding and play interactions, which later were rated independently by 2 observers. On average, toddlers with infantile anorexia performed within the normal range of cognitive development. However, the Mental Developmental Index (MDI) scores of the healthy eater group (MDI = 110) were significantly higher than those of the infantile anorexia (MDI = 99) and picky eater (MDI = 96) groups. Within the infantile anorexia group, correlations between MDI scores and the toddlers' percentage of ideal body weight approached statistical significance (r =.32). Across all groups, the toddlers' MDI scores were associated with the quality of mother-child interactions, SES level, and maternal education level. Collectively, these variables explained 22% of the variance in MDI scores. This study demonstrated that psychosocial factors, such as mother-toddler interactions, maternal education level, and SES level, are related to the cognitive development of toddlers with feeding problems and explain more unique variance in MDI scores than nutritional status.

X inactivation in Rett syndrome: A preliminary study showing partial preferential inactivation of paternal X with the M27{beta} probe

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Camus, P.; Abbadi, N.; Gilgenkrantz, S.

1994-04-15

Rett syndrome (RS) is a severe progressive neurological disorder occurring exclusively in females. Most cases are sporadic. The few familial cases (less than 1%) cannot be explained by a simple mode of inheritance. Several hypotheses have been proposed: X-linked male lethal mutation, maternal uniparental disomy, fresh mutation on the X chromosome, involvement of mitochondrial DNA and differential inactivation with metabolic interference of X-borne alleles. The authors have examined the pattern of X inactivation in 10 affected girls who were selected according to the clinical criteria previously described and accepted by the French Rett Scientific Committee. The X inactivation pattern wasmore » studied by analysis of methylation at the hypervariable locus DXS255 with the M27{beta} probe. The results show a more-or-less skewed inactivation of paternal X in 8 Rett females, and 2 cases of symmetrical inactivation. In control girls, inactivation was symmetrical cases and the maternal X has been preferentially inactivated in the other 2 cases. In no case was a total skewed inactivation observed. Though there was clear evidence for a preferential paternal X inactivation that was statistically significant further studies are necessary to establish a relationship between X inactivation pattern and Rett syndrome.« less

Neural stem cells for disease modeling and evaluation of therapeutics for infantile (CLN1/PPT1) and late infantile (CLN2/TPP1) neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses.

PubMed

Sima, Ni; Li, Rong; Huang, Wei; Xu, Miao; Beers, Jeanette; Zou, Jizhong; Titus, Steven; Ottinger, Elizabeth A; Marugan, Juan J; Xie, Xing; Zheng, Wei

2018-04-10

Infantile and late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are lysosomal storage diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The infantile NCL (INCL) is caused by mutations in the PPT1 gene and late-infantile NCL (LINCL) is due to mutations in the TPP1 gene. Deficiency in PPT1 or TPP1 enzyme function results in lysosomal accumulation of pathological lipofuscin-like material in the patient cells. There is currently no small-molecular drug treatment for NCLs. We have generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from three patient dermal fibroblast lines and further differentiated them into neural stem cells (NSCs). Using these new disease models, we evaluated the effect of δ-tocopherol (DT) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) with the enzyme replacement therapy as the control. Treatment with the relevant recombinant enzyme or DT significantly ameliorated the lipid accumulation and lysosomal enlargement in the disease cells. A combination therapy of δ-tocopherol and HPBCD further improved the effect compared to that of either drug used as a single therapy. The results demonstrate that these patient iPSC derived NCL NSCs are valid cell- based disease models with characteristic disease phenotypes that can be used for study of disease pathophysiology and drug development.

A CLINICIAN'S GUIDE TO X-LINKED HYPOPHOSPHATEMIA

PubMed Central

Carpenter, Thomas O.; Imel, Erik A.; Holm, Ingrid A.; Jan de Beur, Suzanne M.; Insogna, Karl L.

2011-01-01

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the prototypic disorder of renal phosphate wasting, and the most common form of heritable rickets. Physicians, patients, and XLH support groups have all expressed concerns about the dearth of information about this disease and the lack of treatment guidelines which frequently lead to missed diagnoses or mismanagement. This perspective addresses the recommendation by conferees for the dissemination of concise and accessible treatment guidelines for clinicians arising from the “Advances in Rare Bone Diseases Scientific Conference,” held at the National Institutes of Health in October 2008. We briefly review the clinical and pathophysiologic features of the disorder, and offer this guide in response to the conference recommendation, base on our collective accumulated experience in the management of this complex disorder. PMID:21538511

Testing of candidate non-lethal sampling methods for detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum in juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elliott, Diane G.; McKibben, Constance L.; Conway, Carla M.; Purcell, Maureen K.; Chase, Dorothy M.; Applegate, Lynn M.

2015-01-01

Non-lethal pathogen testing can be a useful tool for fish disease research and management. Our research objectives were to determine if (1) fin clips, gill snips, surface mucus scrapings, blood draws, or kidney biopsies could be obtained non-lethally from 3 to 15 g Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, (2) non-lethal samples could accurately discriminate between fish exposed to the bacterial kidney disease agent Renibacterium salmoninarum and non-exposed fish, and (3) non-lethal samples could serve as proxies for lethal kidney samples to assess infection intensity. Blood draws and kidney biopsies caused ≥5% post-sampling mortality (Objective 1) and may be appropriate only for larger fish, but the other sample types were non-lethal. Sampling was performed over 21 wk following R. salmoninarum immersion challenge of fish from 2 stocks (Objectives 2 and 3), and nested PCR (nPCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) results from candidate non-lethal samples were compared with kidney tissue analysis by nPCR, qPCR, bacteriological culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and histopathology/immunohistochemistry. R. salmoninarum was detected by PCR in >50% of fin, gill, and mucus samples from challenged fish. Mucus qPCR was the only non-lethal assay exhibiting both diagnostic sensitivity and specificity estimates >90% for distinguishing between R. salmoninarum-exposed and non-exposed fish and was the best candidate for use as an alternative to lethal kidney sample testing. Mucus qPCR R. salmoninarum quantity estimates reflected changes in kidney bacterial load estimates, as evidenced by significant positive correlations with kidney R. salmoninaruminfection intensity scores at all sample times and in both fish stocks, and were not significantly impacted by environmentalR. salmoninarum concentrations.

The controversial role of food allergy in infantile colic: evidence and clinical management.

PubMed

Nocerino, Rita; Pezzella, Vincenza; Cosenza, Linda; Amoroso, Antonio; Di Scala, Carmen; Amato, Francesco; Iacono, Giuseppe; Canani, Roberto Berni

2015-03-19

Food allergies (FAs) are an increasing problem in Western countries, affecting up to 10% of young children. FAs are frequently associated with gastrointestinal manifestations. The role of FAs as a potential causative factor for infantile colic (IC) is still controversial. We report the most recent evidence on the pathogenesis, clinical and diagnostic aspects of FA-induced infantile colic (IC) and suggest a stepwise diagnostic approach. We selected articles on clinical and immunologic features, pathogenesis and management of FAs and IC from of 1981 to 2015. Original and review articles were identified through selective searches performed on PubMed, using the following terms: colic, infantile colic, food allergy and infantile colic, infantile colic treatment. The possible relationship between FAs and IC derives from the presence of dysmotility with visceral hypersensitivity and dysbiosis, demonstrated in both conditions, and the clinical response to dietary interventions. Unfortunately, the design of the studies, poor characterization of atopy and different dietary approaches limit the understanding of the importance of FAs in subjects with IC. The role of FAs in IC subjects without other symptoms of atopy remains controversial. However, where there is a suspicion of FAs, a short trial with an extensively hydrolyzed cow's proteins formula or, if breast fed, with maternal elimination diet may be considered a reasonable option.

Ontogeny of memory: An update on 40 years of work on infantile amnesia.

PubMed

Madsen, Heather Bronwyn; Kim, Jee Hyun

2016-02-01

Given the profound influence that early life experiences can have upon psychosocial functioning later in life, it is intriguing that most adults fail to recall autobiographical events from their early childhood years. Infantile amnesia is the term used to describe this phenomenon of accelerated forgetting during infancy, and it is not unique to humans. Over the years, information garnered from animal studies has provided clues as to the neurobiological basis of infantile amnesia. The purpose of this review is to provide a neurobiological update on what we now know about infantile amnesia since the publication of Campbell and Spear's seminal review on the topic more than 40 years ago. We present evidence that infantile amnesia is unlikely to be explained by a unitary theory, with the protracted development of multiple brain regions and neurotransmitter systems important for learning and memory likely to be involved. The recent discovery that exposure to early life stress can alleviate infantile amnesia offers a potential explanation as to how early adversity can so profoundly affect mental health in adulthood, and understanding the neurobiological basis for this early transition may lead to the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lethal and sub-lethal responses of native freshwater mussels exposed to granular Bayluscide®, a sea lamprey larvicide

USGS Publications Warehouse

Newton, Teresa; Boogaard, Michael A.; Gray, Brian R.; Hubert, Terrance D.; Schloesser, Nicholas

2017-01-01

The invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) poses a substantial threat to fish communities in the Great Lakes. Efforts to control sea lamprey populations typically involve treating tributary streams with lampricides on a recurring cycle. The presence of a substantial population of larval sea lampreys in the aquatic corridor between Lakes Huron and Erie prompted managers to propose a treatment using the granular formulation of Bayluscide® that targets larval sea lampreys that reside in sediments. However, these treatments could cause adverse effects on native freshwater mussels—imperiled animals that also reside in sediments. We estimated the risk of mortality and sub-lethal effects among eight species of adult and sub-adult mussels exposed to Bayluscide® for durations up to 8 h to mimic field applications. Mortality was appreciable in some species, especially in sub-adults (range, 23–51%). The lethal and sub-lethal effects were positively associated with the duration of exposure in most species and life stage combinations. Estimates of the median time of exposure that resulted in lethal and sub-lethal effects suggest that sub-adults were often affected by Bayluscide® earlier than adults. Siphoning activity and burrowing position of mussels during exposure may have moderated the uptake of Bayluscide® and may have influenced lethal and sub-lethal responses. Given that the various species and life stages were differentially affected, it will be difficult to predict the effects of Bayluscide® treatments on mussels.

Fatal hepatic hemorrhage by peliosis hepatis in X-linked myotubular myopathy: a case report.

PubMed

Motoki, T; Fukuda, M; Nakano, T; Matsukage, S; Fukui, A; Akiyoshi, S; Hayashi, Y K; Ishii, E; Nishino, I

2013-11-01

We report a 5-year-old boy with X-linked myotubular myopathy complicated by peliosis hepatis. At birth, he was affected with marked generalized muscle hypotonia and weakness, which required permanent ventilatory support, and was bedridden for life. He died of acute fatal hepatic hemorrhage after using a mechanical in-exsufflator. Peliosis hepatis, defined as multiple, variable-sized, cystic blood-filled spaces through the liver parenchyma, was confirmed by autopsy. To avoid fatal hepatic hemorrhage by peliosis hepatis, routine hepatic function tests and abdominal imaging tests should be performed for patients with X-linked myotubular myopathy, especially at the time of using artificial respiration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

X-linked ocular albinism in Blacks. Ocular albinism cum pigmento.

PubMed

O'Donnell, F E; Green, W R; Fleischman, J A; Hambrick, G W

1978-07-01

X-linked ocular albinism can be an unsuspected cause of congenital nystagmus in blacks. In this study, eight of ten black ocular albinos from two kindreds had nonalbinotic, moderately pigmented fundi and no transillumination of the iris. We refer to this paradoxical condition as "ocular albinism cum pigmento." The only constant ophthalmoscopic feature was a foveal hypoplasia. Biopsy of clinically normal skin to demonstrate giant pigment granules is the most accurate means of diagnosis.

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in a consanguineous family: phenotypic variability and report of a homozygous female patient.

PubMed

Gliem, Martin; Holz, Frank G; Stöhr, Heidi; Weber, Bernhard H F; Charbel Issa, Peter

2014-12-01

To describe the phenotypic variability in a consanguineous family with genetically confirmed X-linked retinoschisis. Five patients, including one homozygous female, were characterized by clinical examination, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, mapping of macular pigment optical density, electroretinography, and DNA testing. The 36-year-old male index patient showed a ring of enhanced autofluorescence and outer retinal atrophy on optical coherence tomography. Electroretinography testing revealed a reduced a/b ratio. His mother presented with a central atrophic retina with markedly reduced autofluorescence signal and a surrounding ring of enhanced autofluorescence. The 40-year-old brother of the index patient and his 2 sons showed characteristic signs for X-linked retinoschisis, including retinal schisis and a reduced a/b ratio. Genetic testing revealed a c.293C>A mutation in the RS1 gene in all affected family members while the mother of the index patient was homozygous for this mutation. X-linked retinoschisis can present with a wide phenotypic variability. Here, detailed family history and genetic testing established the diagnosis of X-linked retinoschisis despite striking differences in phenotypic presentation in affected subjects, homozygosity of one affected female, and seemingly dominant inheritance in three subsequent generations because of multiple consanguinity.

Infantile Amnesia: Forgotten but Not Gone

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Stella; Callaghan, Bridget L.; Richardson, Rick

2014-01-01

Unlike adult memories that can be remembered for many years, memories that are formed early in life are more fragile and susceptible to being forgotten (a phenomenon known as "infantile" or "childhood" amnesia). Nonetheless, decades of research in both humans and nonhuman animals demonstrate the importance of early life…

Are High-Lethality Suicide Attempters With Bipolar Disorder a Distinct Phenotype?

PubMed Central

Oquendo, Maria A.; Carballo, Juan Jose; Rajouria, Namita; Currier, Dianne; Tin, Adrienne; Merville, Jessica; Galfalvy, Hanga C.; Sher, Leo; Grunebaum, Michael F.; Burke, Ainsley K.; Mann, J. John

2013-01-01

Because Bipolar Disorder (BD) individuals making highly lethal suicide attempts have greater injury burden and risk for suicide, early identification is critical. BD patients were classified as high- or low-lethality attempters. High-lethality attempts required inpatient medical treatment. Mixed effects logistic regression models and permutation analyses examined correlations between lethality, number, and order of attempts. High-lethality attempters reported greater suicidal intent and more previous attempts. Multiple attempters showed no pattern of incremental lethality increase with subsequent attempts, but individuals with early high-lethality attempts more often made high-lethality attempts later. A subset of high-lethality attempters make only high-lethality attempts. However, presence of previous low-lethality attempts does not indicate that risk for more lethal, possibly successful, attempts is reduced. PMID:19590998

Suppression of F1 Male-Specific Lethality in Caenorhabditis Hybrids by cbr-him-8

PubMed Central

Ragavapuram, Vaishnavi; Hill, Emily Elaine; Baird, Scott Everet

2015-01-01

Haldane’s Rule and Darwin’s Corollary to Haldane’s Rule are the observations that heterogametic F1 hybrids are frequently less fit than their homogametic siblings, and that asymmetric results are often obtained from reciprocal hybrid crosses. In Caenorhabditis, Haldane’s Rule and Darwin’s Corollary have been observed in several hybrid crosses, including crosses of Caenorhabditis briggsae and C. nigoni. Fertile F1 females are obtained from reciprocal crosses. However, F1 males obtained from C. nigoni mothers are sterile and F1 males obtained from C. briggsae die during embryogenesis. We have identified cbr-him-8 as a recessive maternal-effect suppressor of F1 hybrid male-specific lethality in this combination of species. This result implicates epigenetic meiotic silencing in the suppression of F1 male-specific lethality. It is also shown that F1 males bearing a C. briggsae X chromosome are fertile. When crossed to C. briggsae hermaphrodites or F1 females derived from C. briggsae hermaphrodites, viable F2 and backcross (B2) progeny were obtained. Sibling males that possessed a C. nigoni X chromosome were sterile. Therefore, the sterility of F1 males bearing a C. nigoni X chromosome must result from dysgenic interactions between the X chromosome of C. nigoni and the autosomes of C. briggsae. The fertility of F1 males bearing a C. briggsae X chromosome provides an opportunity to identify C. nigoni loci that prevent spermatogenesis, and hence hermaphroditic reproduction, in diplo-X hybrids. PMID:26721896

Infantile botulism: a case report and review.

PubMed

Brown, Nicole; Desai, Sameer

2013-12-01

Infantile botulism is the result of ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores, and is the most common form of infection with botulism in the United States. Ninety percent of cases occur in infants <6 months old. The infants typically present with vague symptoms such as hypotonia and poor feeding. This article reports an infant with confirmed infantile botulism that presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with complaints of decreased feeding and absence of bowel movements for >1 week. Review a case of infantile botulism, its diagnosis, and treatment. A 4-month-old healthy Caucasian male presented to the ED with a 6-day history of decreased feeding after referral from the pediatrician. He had not had a bowel movement for 9 days, and his parents were also concerned about increasing weakness, as he was no longer able to hold his head up on his own. In the ED, he was minimally interactive. His vital signs were within normal limits, and he had hypoactive bowel sounds and decreased tone throughout. He was admitted to the Children's Hospital and eventually transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. The botulism immunoglobulin was administered, and a diagnosis was confirmed with positive botulinum toxin in the stool samples. Full recovery was made by the infant. Awareness of the symptoms of botulism and a high degree of clinical suspicion is needed to make a prompt diagnosis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

X-linked acrogigantism syndrome: clinical profile and therapeutic responses.

PubMed

Beckers, Albert; Lodish, Maya Beth; Trivellin, Giampaolo; Rostomyan, Liliya; Lee, Misu; Faucz, Fabio R; Yuan, Bo; Choong, Catherine S; Caberg, Jean-Hubert; Verrua, Elisa; Naves, Luciana Ansaneli; Cheetham, Tim D; Young, Jacques; Lysy, Philippe A; Petrossians, Patrick; Cotterill, Andrew; Shah, Nalini Samir; Metzger, Daniel; Castermans, Emilie; Ambrosio, Maria Rosaria; Villa, Chiara; Strebkova, Natalia; Mazerkina, Nadia; Gaillard, Stéphan; Barra, Gustavo Barcelos; Casulari, Luis Augusto; Neggers, Sebastian J; Salvatori, Roberto; Jaffrain-Rea, Marie-Lise; Zacharin, Margaret; Santamaria, Beatriz Lecumberri; Zacharieva, Sabina; Lim, Ee Mun; Mantovani, Giovanna; Zatelli, Maria Chaira; Collins, Michael T; Bonneville, Jean-François; Quezado, Martha; Chittiboina, Prashant; Oldfield, Edward H; Bours, Vincent; Liu, Pengfei; W de Herder, Wouter; Pellegata, Natalia; Lupski, James R; Daly, Adrian F; Stratakis, Constantine A

2015-06-01

X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG) is a new syndrome of pituitary gigantism, caused by microduplications on chromosome Xq26.3, encompassing the gene GPR101, which is highly upregulated in pituitary tumors. We conducted this study to explore the clinical, radiological, and hormonal phenotype and responses to therapy in patients with X-LAG syndrome. The study included 18 patients (13 sporadic) with X-LAG and microduplication of chromosome Xq26.3. All sporadic cases had unique duplications and the inheritance pattern in two families was dominant, with all Xq26.3 duplication carriers being affected. Patients began to grow rapidly as early as 2-3 months of age (median 12 months). At diagnosis (median delay 27 months), patients had a median height and weight standard deviation scores (SDS) of >+3.9 SDS. Apart from the increased overall body size, the children had acromegalic symptoms including acral enlargement and facial coarsening. More than a third of cases had increased appetite. Patients had marked hypersecretion of GH/IGF1 and usually prolactin, due to a pituitary macroadenoma or hyperplasia. Primary neurosurgical control was achieved with extensive anterior pituitary resection, but postoperative hypopituitarism was frequent. Control with somatostatin analogs was not readily achieved despite moderate to high levels of expression of somatostatin receptor subtype-2 in tumor tissue. Postoperative use of adjuvant pegvisomant resulted in control of IGF1 in all five cases where it was employed. X-LAG is a new infant-onset gigantism syndrome that has a severe clinical phenotype leading to challenging disease management. © 2015 Society for Endocrinology.

Biallelic Variants in UBA5 Link Dysfunctional UFM1 Ubiquitin-like Modifier Pathway to Severe Infantile-Onset Encephalopathy.

PubMed

Muona, Mikko; Ishimura, Ryosuke; Laari, Anni; Ichimura, Yoshinobu; Linnankivi, Tarja; Keski-Filppula, Riikka; Herva, Riitta; Rantala, Heikki; Paetau, Anders; Pöyhönen, Minna; Obata, Miki; Uemura, Takefumi; Karhu, Thomas; Bizen, Norihisa; Takebayashi, Hirohide; McKee, Shane; Parker, Michael J; Akawi, Nadia; McRae, Jeremy; Hurles, Matthew E; Kuismin, Outi; Kurki, Mitja I; Anttonen, Anna-Kaisa; Tanaka, Keiji; Palotie, Aarno; Waguri, Satoshi; Lehesjoki, Anna-Elina; Komatsu, Masaaki

2016-09-01

The ubiquitin fold modifier 1 (UFM1) cascade is a recently identified evolutionarily conserved ubiquitin-like modification system whose function and link to human disease have remained largely uncharacterized. By using exome sequencing in Finnish individuals with severe epileptic syndromes, we identified pathogenic compound heterozygous variants in UBA5, encoding an activating enzyme for UFM1, in two unrelated families. Two additional individuals with biallelic UBA5 variants were identified from the UK-based Deciphering Developmental Disorders study and one from the Northern Finland Intellectual Disability cohort. The affected individuals (n = 9) presented in early infancy with severe irritability, followed by dystonia and stagnation of development. Furthermore, the majority of individuals display postnatal microcephaly and epilepsy and develop spasticity. The affected individuals were compound heterozygous for a missense substitution, c.1111G>A (p.Ala371Thr; allele frequency of 0.28% in Europeans), and a nonsense variant or c.164G>A that encodes an amino acid substitution p.Arg55His, but also affects splicing by facilitating exon 2 skipping, thus also being in effect a loss-of-function allele. Using an in vitro thioester formation assay and cellular analyses, we show that the p.Ala371Thr variant is hypomorphic with attenuated ability to transfer the activated UFM1 to UFC1. Finally, we show that the CNS-specific knockout of Ufm1 in mice causes neonatal death accompanied by microcephaly and apoptosis in specific neurons, further suggesting that the UFM1 system is essential for CNS development and function. Taken together, our data imply that the combination of a hypomorphic p.Ala371Thr variant in trans with a loss-of-function allele in UBA5 underlies a severe infantile-onset encephalopathy. Copyright © 2016 American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Linkage and candidate gene analysis of X-linked familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.

PubMed

Shastry, B S; Hejtmancik, J F; Plager, D A; Hartzer, M K; Trese, M T

1995-05-20

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a hereditary eye disorder characterized by avascularity of the peripheral retina, retinal exudates, tractional detachment, and retinal folds. The disorder is most commonly transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, but X-linked transmission also occurs. To initiate the process of identifying the gene responsible for the X-linked disorder, linkage analysis has been performed with three previously unreported three- or four-generation families. Two-point analysis showed linkage to MAOA (Zmax = 2.1, theta max = 0) and DXS228 (Zmax = 0.5, theta max = 0.11), and this was further confirmed by multipoint analysis with these same markers (Zmax = 2.81 at MAOA), which both lie near the gene causing Norrie disease. Molecular genetic analysis further reveals a missense mutation (R121W) in the third exon of the Norrie's disease gene that perfectly cosegregates with the disease through three generations in one family. This mutation was not detected in the unaffected family members and six normal unrelated controls, suggesting that it is likely to be the pathogenic mutation. Additionally, a polymorphic missense mutation (H127R) was detected in a severely affected patient.

Vitreoretinal surgery without schisis cavity excision for the management of juvenile X linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

García-Arumí, J; Corcóstegui, I A; Navarro, R; Zapata, M A; Berrocal, M H

2008-11-01

Juvenile X linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is a congenital X linked recessive retinal disorder characterised by cystic maculopathy and peripheral schisis. This study presents the case of an 8-month-old boy with a documented positive family history of XLRS, with a large retinoschisis cavity affecting the macula, first in the left eye and 1 year later in the right eye. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy in both eyes using 23-G instruments, posterior hyaloid dissection, a small retinotomy, fluid drainage with a 42-G cannula, infrared diode laser and silicone oil as internal tamponade. The anatomical and functional outcomes at 3 years following the first surgery are described. To the authors' knowledge, there is no previously reported experience with this technique in patients with XLRS.

Molecular characterization of a novel X-linked syndrome involving developmental delay and deafness.

PubMed

Hildebrand, Michael S; de Silva, Michelle G; Tan, Tiong Yang; Rose, Elizabeth; Nishimura, Carla; Tolmachova, Tanya; Hulett, Joanne M; White, Susan M; Silver, Jeremy; Bahlo, Melanie; Smith, Richard J H; Dahl, Hans-Henrik M

2007-11-01

X-linked syndromes associated with developmental delay and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) have been characterized at the molecular level, including Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome and Norrie disease. In this study we report on a novel X-linked recessive, congenital syndrome in a family with developmental delay and SNHL that maps to a locus associated with mental retardation (MR) for which no causative gene has been identified. The X-linked recessive inheritance and congenital nature of the syndrome was confirmed by detailed clinical investigation and the family history. Linkage mapping of the X-chromosome was conducted to ascertain the disease locus and candidate genes were screened by direct sequencing and STRP analysis. The recessive syndrome was mapped to Xp11.3-q21.32 and a deletion was identified in a regulatory region upstream of the POU3F4 gene in affected family members. Since mutations in POU3F4 cause deafness at the DFN3 locus, the deletion is the likely cause of the SNHL in this family. The choroideremia (CHM) gene was also screened and a novel missense change was identified. The alteration changes the serine residue at position 89 in the Rab escort 1 protein (REP-1) to a cysteine (S89C). Prenylation of Rab proteins was investigated in patients and the location of REP-1 expression in the brain determined. However, subsequent analysis revealed that this change in CHM was polymorphic having no effect on REP-1 function. Although the causative gene at the MR locus in this family has not been identified, there are a number of genes involved in syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of MR that are potential candidates. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Genetic assessment and folate receptor autoantibodies in infantile-onset cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) syndrome.

PubMed

Ramaekers, V Th; Segers, K; Sequeira, J M; Koenig, M; Van Maldergem, L; Bours, V; Kornak, U; Quadros, E V

2018-05-01

Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) syndromes are defined as neuro-psychiatric conditions with low CSF folate and attributed to different causes such as autoantibodies against the folate receptor-alpha (FR) protein that can block folate transport across the choroid plexus, FOLR1 gene mutations or mitochondrial disorders. High-dose folinic acid treatment restores many neurologic deficits. Among 36 patients from 33 families the infantile-onset CFD syndrome was diagnosed based on typical clinical features and low CSF folate. All parents were healthy. Three families had 2 affected siblings, while parents from 4 families were first cousins. We analysed serum FR autoantibodies and the FOLR1 and FOLR2 genes. Among three consanguineous families homozygosity mapping attempted to identify a monogenetic cause. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the fourth consanguineous family, where two siblings also suffered from polyneuropathy as an atypical finding. Boys (72%) outnumbered girls (28%). Most patients (89%) had serum FR autoantibodies fluctuating over 5-6 weeks. Two children had a genetic FOLR1 variant without pathological significance. Homozygosity mapping failed to detect a single autosomal recessive gene. WES revealed an autosomal recessive polynucleotide kinase 3´phosphatase (PNKP) gene abnormality in the siblings with polyneuropathy. Infantile-onset CFD was characterized by serum FR autoantibodies as its predominant pathology whereas pathogenic FOLR1 gene mutations were absent. Homozygosity mapping excluded autosomal recessive inheritance of any single responsible gene. WES in one consanguineous family identified a PNKP gene abnormality that explained the polyneuropathy and also its contribution to the infantile CFD syndrome because the PNKP gene plays a dual role in both neurodevelopment and immune-regulatory function. Further research for candidate genes predisposing to FRα-autoimmunity is suggested to include X-chromosomal and non-coding DNA regions

Unique Variants in OPN1LW Cause Both Syndromic and Nonsyndromic X-Linked High Myopia Mapped to MYP1.

PubMed

Li, Jiali; Gao, Bei; Guan, Liping; Xiao, Xueshan; Zhang, Jianguo; Li, Shiqiang; Jiang, Hui; Jia, Xiaoyun; Yang, Jianhua; Guo, Xiangming; Yin, Ye; Wang, Jun; Zhang, Qingjiong

2015-06-01

MYP1 is a locus for X-linked syndromic and nonsyndromic high myopia. Recently, unique haplotypes in OPN1LW were found to be responsible for X-linked syndromic high myopia mapped to MYP1. The current study is to test if such variants in OPN1LW are also responsible for X-linked nonsyndromic high myopia mapped to MYP1. The proband of the family previously mapped to MYP1 was initially analyzed using whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. Additional probands with early-onset high myopia were analyzed using whole-exome sequencing. Variants in OPN1LW were selected and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Long-range and second PCR were used to determine the haplotype and the first gene of the red-green gene array. Candidate variants were further validated in family members and controls. The unique LVAVA haplotype in OPN1LW was detected in the family with X-linked nonsyndromic high myopia mapped to MYP1. In addition, this haplotype and a novel frameshift mutation (c.617_620dup, p.Phe208Argfs*51) in OPN1LW were detected in two other families with X-linked high myopia. The unique haplotype cosegregated with high myopia in the two families, with a maximum LOD score of 3.34 and 2.31 at θ = 0. OPN1LW with the variants in these families was the first gene in the red-green gene array and was not present in 247 male controls. Reevaluation of the clinical data in both families with the unique haplotype suggested nonsyndromic high myopia. Our study confirms the findings that unique variants in OPN1LW are responsible for both syndromic and nonsyndromic X-linked high myopia mapped to MYP1.

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS): a review of genotype-phenotype relationships.

PubMed

Kim, David Y; Mukai, Shizuo

2013-01-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is one of the most common genetic causes of juvenile progressive retinal-vitreal degeneration in males. To date, more than 196 different mutations of the RS1 gene have been associated with XLRS. The mutation spectrum is large and the phenotype variable. This review will focus on the clinical features of XLRS and examine the relationship between phenotype and genotype.

Mutations in the Paxillin-binding Site of Integrin-linked Kinase (ILK) Destabilize the Pseudokinase Domain and Cause Embryonic Lethality in Mice*

PubMed Central

Moik, Daniel; Böttcher, Anika; Makhina, Tatiana; Grashoff, Carsten; Bulus, Nada; Zent, Roy; Fässler, Reinhard

2013-01-01

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) localizes to focal adhesions (FAs) where it regulates cell spreading, migration, and growth factor receptor signaling. Previous reports showed that overexpressed ILK in which Val386 and Thr387 were substituted with glycine residues (ILK-VT/GG) could neither interact with paxillin nor localize to FA in cells expressing endogenous wild-type ILK, implying that paxillin binding to ILK is required for its localization to FAs. Here, we show that introducing this mutation into the germ line of mice (ILK-VT/GG) caused vasculogenesis defects, resulting in a general developmental delay and death at around embryonic day 12.5. Fibroblasts isolated from ILK-VT/GG mice contained mutant ILK in FAs, showed normal adhesion to and spreading on extracellular matrix substrates but displayed impaired migration. Biochemical analysis revealed that VT/GG substitutions decreased ILK protein stability leading to decreased ILK levels and reduced binding to paxillin and α-parvin. Because paxillin depletion did not affect ILK localization to FAs, the embryonic lethality and the in vitro migration defects are likely due to the reduced levels of ILK-VT/GG and diminished binding to parvins. PMID:23658024

A Formula for Early Infantile Autism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roy, M. Aaron

Offered is an explanation for the development of early infantile autism as defined by L. Kanner which incorporates the behavior of the child, the behavior of the parent, and a critical time period of development. Writings of Kanner on the characteristics of autistic children, parental characteristics, and etiology are reviewed. The formula…

Survival of Escherichia coli under lethal heat stress by L-form conversion.

PubMed

Markova, Nadya; Slavchev, Georgi; Michailova, Lilia; Jourdanova, Mimi

2010-06-09

Transition of bacteria to cell wall deficient L-forms in response to stress factors has been assumed as a potential mechanism for survival of microbes under unfavorable conditions. In this article, we provide evidence of paradoxal survival through L-form conversion of E. coli high cell density population after lethal treatments (boiling or autoclaving). Light and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated conversion from classical rod to polymorphic L-form shape morphology and atypical growths of E. coli. Microcrystal formations observed at this stage were interpreted as being closely linked to the processes of L-form conversion and probably involved in the general phenomenon of protection against lethal environment. Identity of the morphologically modified L-forms as E. coli was verified by species specific DNA-based test. Our study might contribute to a better understanding of the L-form phenomenon and its importance for bacterial survival, as well as provoke reexamination of the traditional view of killing strategies against bacteria.

Survival of Escherichia coli under lethal heat stress by L-form conversion

PubMed Central

Markova, Nadya; Slavchev, Georgi; Michailova, Lilia; Jourdanova, Mimi

2010-01-01

Transition of bacteria to cell wall deficient L-forms in response to stress factors has been assumed as a potential mechanism for survival of microbes under unfavorable conditions. In this article, we provide evidence of paradoxal survival through L-form conversion of E. coli high cell density population after lethal treatments (boiling or autoclaving). Light and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated conversion from classical rod to polymorphic L-form shape morphology and atypical growths of E. coli. Microcrystal formations observed at this stage were interpreted as being closely linked to the processes of L-form conversion and probably involved in the general phenomenon of protection against lethal environment. Identity of the morphologically modified L-forms as E. coli was verified by species specific DNA-based test. Our study might contribute to a better understanding of the L-form phenomenon and its importance for bacterial survival, as well as provoke reexamination of the traditional view of killing strategies against bacteria. PMID:20582223

Utility of Shear Wave Elastography for Differentiating Biliary Atresia From Infantile Hepatitis Syndrome.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoman; Qian, Linxue; Jia, Liqun; Bellah, Richard; Wang, Ning; Xin, Yue; Liu, Qinglin

2016-07-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential utility of shear wave elastography (SWE) for diagnosis of biliary atresia and for differentiating biliary atresia from infantile hepatitis syndrome by measuring liver stiffness. Thirty-eight patients with biliary atresia and 17 patients with infantile hepatitis syndrome were included, along with 31 healthy control infants. The 3 groups underwent SWE. The hepatic tissue of each patient with biliary atresia had been surgically biopsied. Statistical analyses for mean values of the 3 groups were performed. Optimum cutoff values using SWE for differentiation between the biliary atresia and control groups were calculated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The mean SWE values ± SD for the 3 groups were as follows: biliary atresia group, 20.46 ± 10.19 kPa; infantile hepatitis syndrome group, 6.29 ± 0.99 kPa; and control group, 6.41 ± 1.08 kPa. The mean SWE value for the biliary atresia group was higher than the values for the control and infantile hepatitis syndrome groups (P < .01). The mean SWE values between the control and infantile hepatitis syndrome groups were not statistically different. The ROC analysis showed a cutoff value of 8.68 kPa for differentiation between the biliary atresia and control groups. The area under the ROC curve was 0.997, with sensitivity of 97.4%, specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 96.9%. Correlation analysis suggested a positive correlation between SWE values and age for patients with biliary atresia, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.463 (P < .05). The significant increase in liver SWE values in neonates and infants with biliary atresia supports their application for differentiating biliary atresia from infantile hepatitis syndrome.

Synthetic Lethal Networks for Precision Oncology: Promises and Pitfalls.

PubMed

Shen, John Paul; Ideker, Trey

2018-06-19

Synthetic lethal interactions, in which the simultaneous loss-of-function of two genes produces a lethal phenotype, are being explored as a means to therapeutically exploit cancer-specific vulnerabilities and expand the scope of precision oncology. Currently, three FDA approved drugs work by targeting the synthetic lethal interaction between BRCA1/2 and PARP. This review examines additional efforts to discover networks of synthetic lethal interactions and discusses both challenges and opportunities regarding the translation of new synthetic lethal interactions into the clinic. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A practical approach for the use of oral isotretinoin for infantile acne.

PubMed

Barnes, Cheryl J; Eichenfield, Lawrence F; Lee, Jungho; Cunningham, Bari B

2005-01-01

Infantile acne is a rare occurrence. It is more common in boys and predominately occurs on the cheeks in infants between the ages of 1 and 16 months. Clinically, the lesions range from comedones to inflammatory papulopustules to cysts. Successful therapies include topical tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and topical and oral erythromycin. For more serious cases, oral isotretinoin (Accutane) has been reported to successfully treat recalcitrant infantile cystic acne. We describe two additional patients with infantile cystic acne treated successfully with oral isotretinoin. The dose of isotretinoin used ranged from 0.2 mg/kg/day to 1.5 mg/kg/day. The treatment duration varied from 5 to 14 months. Careful monthly monitoring is recommended because of the many side effects reported with isotretinoin. Practical tips for the administration of oral isotretinoin in infants are reviewed.

Inactivating mutations in MFSD2A, required for omega-3 fatty acid transport in brain, cause a lethal microcephaly syndrome.

PubMed

Guemez-Gamboa, Alicia; Nguyen, Long N; Yang, Hongbo; Zaki, Maha S; Kara, Majdi; Ben-Omran, Tawfeg; Akizu, Naiara; Rosti, Rasim Ozgur; Rosti, Basak; Scott, Eric; Schroth, Jana; Copeland, Brett; Vaux, Keith K; Cazenave-Gassiot, Amaury; Quek, Debra Q Y; Wong, Bernice H; Tan, Bryan C; Wenk, Markus R; Gunel, Murat; Gabriel, Stacey; Chi, Neil C; Silver, David L; Gleeson, Joseph G

2015-07-01

Docosahexanoic acid (DHA) is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in brain, and, although it is considered essential, deficiency has not been linked to disease. Despite the large mass of DHA in phospholipids, the brain does not synthesize it. DHA is imported across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) through the major facilitator superfamily domain-containing 2a (MFSD2A) protein. MFSD2A transports DHA as well as other fatty acids in the form of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). We identify two families displaying MFSD2A mutations in conserved residues. Affected individuals exhibited a lethal microcephaly syndrome linked to inadequate uptake of LPC lipids. The MFSD2A mutations impaired transport activity in a cell-based assay. Moreover, when expressed in mfsd2aa-morphant zebrafish, mutants failed to rescue microcephaly, BBB breakdown and lethality. Our results establish a link between transport of DHA and LPCs by MFSD2A and human brain growth and function, presenting the first evidence of monogenic disease related to transport of DHA in humans.

Lethal Lullabies: A History of Opium Use in Infants.

PubMed

Obladen, Michael

2016-02-01

Poppy extract accompanied the human infant for more than 3 millenia. Motives for its use included excessive crying, suspected pain, and diarrhea. In antiquity, infantile sleeplessness was regarded as a disease. When treatment with opium was recommended by Galen, Rhazes, and Avicenna, baby sedation made its way into early medical treatises and pediatric instructions. Dabbing maternal nipples with bitter substances and drugging the infant with opium were used to hasten weaning. A freerider of gum lancing, opiates joined the treatment of difficult teething in the 17th century. Foundling hospitals and wet-nurses used them extensively. With industrialization, private use was rampant among the working class. In German-speaking countries, poppy extracts were administered in soups and pacifiers. In English-speaking countries, proprietary drugs containing opium were marketed under names such as soothers, nostrums, anodynes, cordials, preservatives, and specifics and sold at the doorstep or in grocery stores. Opium's toxicity for infants was common knowledge; thousands of cases of lethal intoxication had been reported from antiquity. What is remarkable is that the willingness to use it in infants persisted and that physicians continued to prescribe it for babies. Unregulated trade, and even that protected by governments, led to greatly increased private use of opiates during the 19th century. Intoxication became a significant factor in infant mortality. As late as 1912, the International Hague Convention forced governments to implement legislation that effectively curtailed access to opium and broke the dangerous habit of sedating infants. © The Author(s) 2015.

A Novel Mutation in a Kazakh Family with X-Linked Alport Syndrome

PubMed Central

Rakhimova, Saule E.; Nigmatullina, Nazym B.; Momynaliev, Kuvat T.; Ramanculov, Yerlan M.

2015-01-01

Alport syndrome is a genetic condition that results in hematuria, progressive renal impairment, hearing loss, and occasionally lenticonus and retinopathy. Approximately 80% of Alport syndrome cases are caused by X-linked mutations in the COL4A5 gene encoding type IV collagen. The objective of this study was to define the SNP profiles for COL4A5 in patients with hereditary nephritis and hematuria. For this, we examined four subjects from one Kazakh family clinically affected with X-linked Alport syndrome due to COL4A5 gene mutations. All 51 exons of the COL4A5 gene were screened by linkage analysis and direct DNA sequencing, resulting in the identification of a novel mutation (G641E) in exon 25. The mutation was found only in two affected family individuals but was not present in healthy family members or 200 unrelated healthy controls. This result demonstrates that this novel mutation is pathogenic and has meaningful implications for the diagnosis of patients with Alport syndrome. PMID:26168235

A Novel Mutation in a Kazakh Family with X-Linked Alport Syndrome.

PubMed

Baikara, Barshagul T; Zholdybayeva, Elena V; Rakhimova, Saule E; Nigmatullina, Nazym B; Momynaliev, Kuvat T; Ramanculov, Yerlan M

2015-01-01

Alport syndrome is a genetic condition that results in hematuria, progressive renal impairment, hearing loss, and occasionally lenticonus and retinopathy. Approximately 80% of Alport syndrome cases are caused by X-linked mutations in the COL4A5 gene encoding type IV collagen. The objective of this study was to define the SNP profiles for COL4A5 in patients with hereditary nephritis and hematuria. For this, we examined four subjects from one Kazakh family clinically affected with X-linked Alport syndrome due to COL4A5 gene mutations. All 51 exons of the COL4A5 gene were screened by linkage analysis and direct DNA sequencing, resulting in the identification of a novel mutation (G641E) in exon 25. The mutation was found only in two affected family individuals but was not present in healthy family members or 200 unrelated healthy controls. This result demonstrates that this novel mutation is pathogenic and has meaningful implications for the diagnosis of patients with Alport syndrome.

Command and Control for Distributed Lethality

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

based systems engineering (MBSE) approach to C2 within the distributed lethality environment requires development of methodologies to provide...lethality environment requires development of methodologies to provide definition and structure for existing operational concepts while providing...2  D.  SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY ............................................................2  E.  STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS

A Histologically Diagnosed Case with Infantile Osteopetrosis Complicated by Hypopituitarism

PubMed Central

Calkavur, Sebnem; Buyukinan, Muammer; Altay, Canan

2015-01-01

Malignant infantile osteopetrosis is a rarely seen severe disorder which appears early in life with general sclerosis of the skeleton. It is caused by functionally defective osteoclasts which fail to resorb bone. Affected infants can exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including impaired hematopoiesis, hepatosplenomegaly, visual impairment, and hypocalcemia. With the exception of secondary hyperparathyroidism, involvement of the endocrine system seems to be quite rare. Hypopituitarism is defined as underproduction of the growth hormone in combination with deficiencies of other pituitary hormones. Any lesion that damages hypothalamus, pituitary stalk, or anterior pituitary can cause secondary hypopituitarism. In this report, we presented a rare combination of malignant infantile osteopetrosis and secondary hypopituitarism in a newborn who presented predominantly with endocrinological symptoms. This is the first case report of malignant infantile osteopetrosis accompanied by hypopituitarism secondary to sclerosis of the sella turcica. On the other hand, this is a very interesting case which was diagnosed based on histological examination of bone marrow biopsy specimens despite lack of any clinical suspicion. PMID:26576309

Passive dosing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) mixtures to terrestrial springtails: linking mixture toxicity to chemical activities, equilibrium lipid concentrations, and toxic units.

PubMed

Schmidt, Stine N; Holmstrup, Martin; Smith, Kilian E C; Mayer, Philipp

2013-07-02

A 7-day mixture toxicity experiment with the terrestrial springtail Folsomia candida was conducted, and the effects were linked to three different mixture exposure parameters. Passive dosing from silicone was applied to tightly control exposure levels and compositions of 12 mixture treatments, containing the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene. Springtail lethality was then linked to sum chemical activities (∑a), sum equilibrium lipid concentrations (∑C(lipid eq.)), and sum toxic units (∑TU). In each case, the effects of all 12 mixture treatments could be fitted to one sigmoidal exposure-response relationship. The effective lethal chemical activity (La50) of 0.027 was well within the expected range for baseline toxicity of 0.01-0.1. Linking the effects to the lipid-based exposure parameter yielded an effective lethal concentration (LC(lipid eq 50)) of 133 mmol kg(-1) lipid in good correspondence with the lethal membrane burden for baseline toxicity (40-160 mmol kg(-1) lipid). Finally, the effective lethal toxic unit (LTU50) of 1.20 was rather close to the expected value of 1. Altogether, passive dosing provided tightly controlled mixture exposure in terms of both level and composition, while ∑a, ∑C(lipid eq.), and ∑TU allowed baseline toxicity to be linked to mixture exposure.

Lethal Injection for Execution: Chemical Asphyxiation?

PubMed Central

Zimmers, Teresa A; Sheldon, Jonathan; Lubarsky, David A; López-Muñoz, Francisco; Waterman, Linda; Weisman, Richard; Koniaris, Leonidas G

2007-01-01

Background Lethal injection for execution was conceived as a comparatively humane alternative to electrocution or cyanide gas. The current protocols are based on one improvised by a medical examiner and an anesthesiologist in Oklahoma and are practiced on an ad hoc basis at the discretion of prison personnel. Each drug used, the ultrashort-acting barbiturate thiopental, the neuromuscular blocker pancuronium bromide, and the electrolyte potassium chloride, was expected to be lethal alone, while the combination was intended to produce anesthesia then death due to respiratory and cardiac arrest. We sought to determine whether the current drug regimen results in death in the manner intended. Methods and Findings We analyzed data from two US states that release information on executions, North Carolina and California, as well as the published clinical, laboratory, and veterinary animal experience. Execution outcomes from North Carolina and California together with interspecies dosage scaling of thiopental effects suggest that in the current practice of lethal injection, thiopental might not be fatal and might be insufficient to induce surgical anesthesia for the duration of the execution. Furthermore, evidence from North Carolina, California, and Virginia indicates that potassium chloride in lethal injection does not reliably induce cardiac arrest. Conclusions We were able to analyze only a limited number of executions. However, our findings suggest that current lethal injection protocols may not reliably effect death through the mechanisms intended, indicating a failure of design and implementation. If thiopental and potassium chloride fail to cause anesthesia and cardiac arrest, potentially aware inmates could die through pancuronium-induced asphyxiation. Thus the conventional view of lethal injection leading to an invariably peaceful and painless death is questionable. PMID:17455994

Looking for new treatments of Infantile Colic

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Infantile colic is a common disturbance occurring in the first three months of life. It is a benign condition and one of the main causes of pediatric consultation in the early part of life because of its great impact on family life. Some pediatricians are prone to undervalue this issue mainly because of the lack of evidence based medicine guidelines. Up to now, there is no consensus concerning management and treatment. Literature reports growing evidence about the effectiveness of dietary, pharmacological, complementary and behavioral therapies as options for the management of infantile colic. Dietary approach, usually based on the avoidance of cow’s milk proteins in breast-feeding mothers and bottle-fed infants, more recently has seen the rise of new special formulas, such as partially hydrolyzed proteins and low lactose added with prebiotics or probiotics: their efficacy needs to be further documented. Investigated pharmacological agents are Simethicone and Cimetropium Bromide: the first is able to reduce bloating while the second could reduce fussing crying, but it has been tested only for severe infantile colic. No other pain relieving agents have been proposed until now, but some clinical trials are ongoing for new drugs. There is limited evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative treatments (herbal supplements, manipulative approach and acupuncture) or behavioral interventions. Recent studies have focused the role of microbiota in the pathogenesis of this disturb and so new treatments, such as probiotics, have been proposed, but only few strains have been tested. Further investigations are needed in order to provide evidence-based guidelines. PMID:24898541

Prenatal Correction of X-Linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia.

PubMed

Schneider, Holm; Faschingbauer, Florian; Schuepbach-Mallepell, Sonia; Körber, Iris; Wohlfart, Sigrun; Dick, Angela; Wahlbuhl, Mandy; Kowalczyk-Quintas, Christine; Vigolo, Michele; Kirby, Neil; Tannert, Corinna; Rompel, Oliver; Rascher, Wolfgang; Beckmann, Matthias W; Schneider, Pascal

2018-04-26

Genetic deficiency of ectodysplasin A (EDA) causes X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED), in which the development of sweat glands is irreversibly impaired, an condition that can lead to life-threatening hyperthermia. We observed normal development of mouse fetuses with Eda mutations after they had been exposed in utero to a recombinant protein that includes the receptor-binding domain of EDA. We administered this protein intraamniotically to two affected human twins at gestational weeks 26 and 31 and to a single affected human fetus at gestational week 26; the infants, born in week 33 (twins) and week 39 (singleton), were able to sweat normally, and XLHED-related illness had not developed by 14 to 22 months of age. (Funded by Edimer Pharmaceuticals and others.).

Convergence of Human Genetics and Animal Studies: Gene Therapy for X-Linked Retinoschisis

PubMed Central

Bush, Ronald A.; Wei, Lisa L.; Sieving, Paul A.

2015-01-01

Retinoschisis is an X-linked recessive genetic disease that leads to vision loss in males. X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) typically affects young males; however, progressive vision loss continues throughout life. Although discovered in 1898 by Haas in two brothers, the underlying biology leading to blindness has become apparent only in the last 15 years with the advancement of human genetic analyses, generation of XLRS animal models, and the development of ocular monitoring methods such as the electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography. It is now recognized that retinoschisis results from cyst formations within the retinal layers that interrupt normal visual neurosignaling and compromise structural integrity. Mutations in the human retinoschisin gene have been correlated with disease severity of the human XLRS phenotype. Introduction of a normal human retinoschisin cDNA into retinoschisin knockout mice restores retinal structure and improves neural function, providing proof-of-concept that gene replacement therapy is a plausible treatment for XLRS. PMID:26101206

Evidence for increased SOX3 dosage as a risk factor for X-linked hypopituitarism and neural tube defects.

PubMed

Bauters, Marijke; Frints, Suzanna G; Van Esch, Hilde; Spruijt, Liesbeth; Baldewijns, Marcella M; de Die-Smulders, Christine E M; Fryns, Jean-Pierre; Marynen, Peter; Froyen, Guy

2014-08-01

Genomic duplications of varying lengths at Xq26-q27 involving SOX3 have been described in families with X-linked hypopituitarism. Using array-CGH we detected a 1.1 Mb microduplication at Xq27 in a large family with three males suffering from X-linked hypopituitarism. The duplication was mapped from 138.7 to 139.8 Mb, harboring only two annotated genes, SOX3 and ATP11C, and was shown to be a direct tandem copy number gain. Unexpectedly, the microduplication did not fully segregate with the disease in this family suggesting that SOX3 duplications have variable penetrance for X-linked hypopituitarism. In the same family, a female fetus presenting with a neural tube defect was also shown to carry the SOX3 copy number gain. Since we also demonstrated increased SOX3 mRNA levels in amnion cells derived from an unrelated t(X;22)(q27;q11) female fetus with spina bifida, we propose that increased levels of SOX3 could be a risk factor for neural tube defects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

3D photography is a reliable method of measuring infantile haemangioma volume over time.

PubMed

Robertson, Sarah A; Kimble, Roy M; Storey, Kristen J; Gee Kee, Emma L; Stockton, Kellie A

2016-09-01

Infantile haemangiomas are common lesions of infancy. With the development of novel treatments utilised to accelerate their regression, there is a need for a method of assessing these lesions over time. Volume is an ideal assessment method because of its quantifiable nature. This study investigated whether 3D photography is a valid tool for measuring the volume of infantile haemangiomas over time. Thirteen children with infantile haemangiomas presenting to the Vascular Anomalies Clinic, Royal Children's Hospital/Lady Cilento Children's Hospital treated with propranolol were included in the study. Lesion volume was assessed using 3D photography at presentation, one month and three months follow up. Intrarater reliability was determined by retracing all images several months after the initial mapping. Interrater reliability of the 3D camera software was determined by two investigators, blinded to each other's results, independently assessing infantile haemangioma volume. Lesion volume decreased significantly between presentation and three-month follow-up (p<0.001). Volume intra- and interrater reliability were excellent with ICC 0.991 (95% CI 0.982, 0.995) and 0.978 (95% CI 0.955, 0.989), respectively. This study demonstrates images taken with the 3D LifeViz™ camera and lesion volume calculated with Dermapix® software is a reliable method for assessing infantile haemangioma volume over time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Linking ciguatera poisoning to spatial ecology of fish: a novel approach to examining the distribution of biotoxin levels in the great barracuda by combining non-lethal blood sampling and biotelemetry.

PubMed

O'Toole, Amanda C; Dechraoui Bottein, Marie-Yasmine; Danylchuk, Andy J; Ramsdell, John S; Cooke, Steven J

2012-06-15

Ciguatera in humans is typically caused by the consumption of reef fish that have accumulated Ciguatoxins (CTXs) in their flesh. Over a six month period, we captured 38 wild adult great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), a species commonly associated with ciguatera in The Bahamas. We sampled three tissues (i.e., muscle, liver, and blood) and analysed them for the presence of ciguatoxins using a functional in vitro N2A bioassay. Detectable concentrations of ciguatoxins found in the three tissue types ranged from 2.51 to 211.74pg C-CTX-1 equivalents/g. Blood and liver toxin concentrations were positively correlated (ρ=0.86, P=0.003), indicating that, for the first time, blood sampling provides a non-lethal method of detecting ciguatoxin in wild fish. Non-lethal blood sampling also presents opportunities to couple this approach with biotelemetry and biologging techniques that enable the study of fish distribution and movement. To demonstrate the potential for linking ciguatoxin occurrence with barracuda spatial ecology, we also present a proof-of-concept case study where blood samples were obtained from 20 fish before releasing them with acoustic transmitters and tracking them in the coastal waters using a fixed acoustic telemetry array covering 44km(2). Fish that tested positive for CTX may have smaller home ranges than non-toxic fish (median distance travelled, U=2.21, P=0.03). Results presented from this study may help identify high risk areas and source-sink dynamics of toxins, potentially reducing the incidence and human health risk of ciguatera fish poisoning. Moreover, development of the non-lethal sampling approach and measurement of ciguatera from blood provide future opportunities to understand the mechanistic relationship between toxins and the spatial ecology of a broad range of marine fish species. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chronic Exposure of Corals to Fine Sediments: Lethal and Sub-Lethal Impacts

PubMed Central

Flores, Florita; Hoogenboom, Mia O.; Smith, Luke D.; Cooper, Timothy F.; Abrego, David; Negri, Andrew P.

2012-01-01

Understanding the sedimentation and turbidity thresholds for corals is critical in assessing the potential impacts of dredging projects in tropical marine systems. In this study, we exposed two species of coral sampled from offshore locations to six levels of total suspended solids (TSS) for 16 weeks in the laboratory, including a 4 week recovery period. Dose-response relationships were developed to quantify the lethal and sub-lethal thresholds of sedimentation and turbidity for the corals. The sediment treatments affected the horizontal foliaceous species (Montipora aequituberculata) more than the upright branching species (Acropora millepora). The lowest sediment treatments that caused full colony mortality were 30 mg l−1 TSS (25 mg cm−2 day−1) for M. aequituberculata and 100 mg l−1 TSS (83 mg cm−2 day−1) for A. millepora after 12 weeks. Coral mortality generally took longer than 4 weeks and was closely related to sediment accumulation on the surface of the corals. While measurements of damage to photosystem II in the symbionts and reductions in lipid content and growth indicated sub-lethal responses in surviving corals, the most reliable predictor of coral mortality in this experiment was long-term sediment accumulation on coral tissue. PMID:22662225

Gastrointestinal Manifestations in X-linked Agammaglobulinemia

PubMed Central

Barmettler, Sara; Otani, Iris M.; Minhas, Jasmit; Abraham, Roshini S.; Chang, Yenhui; Dorsey, Morna J.; Ballas, Zuhair K.; Bonilla, Francisco A.; Ochs, Hans D.; Walter, Jolan E.

2017-01-01

Purpose X-linked agammaglobulinemia is a primary humoral immunodeficiency characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and increased susceptibility to infection. Although there is increased awareness of autoimmune and inflammatory complications in XLA, the spectrum of gastrointestinal manifestations has not previously been fully explored. Methods We present a case report of a family with two affected patients with XLA. Given the gastrointestinal involvement of the grandfather in this family, we performed a retrospective descriptive analysis of XLA patients with reported diagnoses of GI manifestations and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or enteritis registered at the USIDNet, a national registry of primary immunodeficiencies. Results In this cohort of patients with XLA, we found that up to 35% had concurrent gastrointestinal manifestations, and 10% had reported diagnoses of IBD or enteritis. The most commonly reported mutations were missense, which have been associated with a less severe XLA phenotype in the literature. The severity of symptoms were wide-ranging, and management strategies were diverse and mainly experimental. Conclusions Patients with XLA may require close monitoring with particular attention for GI manifestations including IBD and infectious enteritis. Further studies are needed to improve diagnosis and management of GI conditions in XLA patients. PMID:28236219

Infantile autism in children of immigrant parents. A population-based study from Göteborg, Sweden.

PubMed

Gillberg, C; Steffenburg, S; Börjesson, B; Andersson, L

1987-06-01

A population-based study of infantile autism from western Sweden has been completed. Urban children with autism more often than age-matched children in the general population had immigrant parents from 'exotic' countries. No such trend was seen in rural children with infantile autism.

Infantile fibrosarcoma of ethmoid sinus, misdiagnosed as an adenoid in a 5-year-old child

PubMed Central

Geramizadeh, Bita; Khademi, Bijan; Karimi, Mehran; Shekarkhar, Golsa

2015-01-01

Infantile fibrosarcoma of head and neck is rare and the presence of this tumor in ethmoid sinus is even more uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, <5 cases have been reported in the last 20 years in the English literature, so far, only one of which has been infantile type in a 15 months old girl. In this case report, we will explain our experience with a rare case of infantile fibrosarcoma originating from ethmoid sinus in a 5-year-old boy who presented with dyspnea and epistaxis. After biopsy, it was diagnosed as fibrosarcoma of sinus origin. PMID:26604519

Natural History of Infantile GM2 Gangliosidosis

PubMed Central

Bley, Annette E.; Giannikopoulos, Ourania A.; Hayden, Doug; Kubilus, Kim; Tifft, Cynthia J.

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE: GM2 gangliosidoses are caused by an inherited deficiency of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase and result in ganglioside accumulation in the brain. Onset during infancy leads to rapid neurodegeneration and death before 4 years of age. We set out to quantify the rate of functional decline in infantile GM2 gangliosidosis on the basis of patient surveys and a comprehensive review of existing literature. METHODS: Patients with infantile GM2 gangliosidosis (N = 237) were surveyed via questionnaire by the National Tay Sachs & Allied Diseases Association (NTSAD). These data were supplemented by survival data from the NTSAD database and a literature survey. Detailed retrospective surveys from 97 patients were available. Five patients who had received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were evaluated separately. The mortality rate of the remaining 92 patients was comparable to that of the 103 patients from the NTSAD database and 121 patients reported in the literature. RESULTS: Common symptoms at onset were developmental arrest (83%), startling (65%), and hypotonia (60%). All 55 patients who had learned to sit without support lost that ability within 1 year. Individual functional measures correlated with each other but not with survival. Gastric tube placement was associated with prolonged survival. Tay Sachs and Sandhoff variants did not differ. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was not associated with prolonged survival. CONCLUSIONS: We studied the timing of regression in 97 cases of infantile GM2 gangliosidosis and conclude that clinical disease progression does not correlate with survival, likely because of the impact of improved supportive care over time. However, functional measures are quantifiable and can inform power calculations and study design of future interventions. PMID:22025593

Probiotics for infantile colic: a systematic review.

PubMed

Anabrees, Jasim; Indrio, Flavia; Paes, Bosco; AlFaleh, Khalid

2013-11-15

Infantile colic is a common paediatric condition which causes significant parental distress. Increased intestinal coliform colonization in addition to alteration in Lactobacillus abundance and distribution may play an important role in its pathogenesis. The objectives of this systematic review are to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in the reduction of crying time and successful treatment of infantile colic. Literature searches were conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Only randomized controlled trials enrolling term, healthy infants with colic were included. A meta-analysis of included trials was performed utilizing the Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Three trials that enrolled 220 breastfed infants met inclusion criteria, of which 209 infants were available for analysis. Two of the studies were assessed as good quality. Lactobacillus reuteri (strains-American Type Culture Collection Strain 55730 and DSM 17 938) was the only species utilized in the therapeutic intervention. Two of the trials were industry funded. Probiotic supplementation compared to simethicone or placebo significantly and progressively shortened crying times to 7 days reaching a plateau at three weeks post initiation of therapy [mean difference -56.03 minutes; 95% CI (-59.92, -52.15)]. Similarly, probiotics compared to placebo significantly increased the treatment success of infantile colic with a relative risk (RR) of 0.06; 95% CI (0.01, 0.25) and a number needed to treat of 2. Although L. reuteri may be effective as a treatment strategy for crying in exclusively breastfed infants with colic, the evidence supporting probiotic use for the treatment of infant colic or crying in formula-fed infants remains unresolved. Results from larger rigorously designed studies will help draw more definitive conclusions.

Identification of Four Novel Synonymous Substitutions in the X-Linked Genes Neuroligin 3 and Neuroligin 4X in Japanese Patients with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Yanagi, Kumiko; Kaname, Tadashi; Wakui, Keiko; Hashimoto, Ohiko; Fukushima, Yoshimitsu; Naritomi, Kenji

2012-01-01

Mutations in the X-linked genes neuroligin 3 (NLGN3) and neuroligin 4X (NLGN4X) were first implicated in the pathogenesis of X-linked autism in Swedish families. However, reports of mutations in these genes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients from various ethnic backgrounds present conflicting results regarding the etiology of ASD, possibly because of genetic heterogeneity and/or differences in their ethnic background. Additional mutation screening study on another ethnic background could help to clarify the relevance of the genes to ASD. We scanned the entire coding regions of NLGN3 and NLGN4X in 62 Japanese patients with ASD by polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting curve and direct sequencing analyses. Four synonymous substitutions, one in NLGN3 and three in NLGN4X, were identified in four of the 62 patients. These substitutions were not present in 278 control X-chromosomes from unrelated Japanese individuals and were not registered in the database of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms build 132 or in the Japanese Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms database, indicating that they were novel and specific to ASD. Though further analysis is necessary to determine the physiological and clinical importance of such substitutions, the possibility of the relevance of both synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions with the etiology of ASD should be considered.

Identification of Four Novel Synonymous Substitutions in the X-Linked Genes Neuroligin 3 and Neuroligin 4X in Japanese Patients with Autistic Spectrum Disorder

PubMed Central

Yanagi, Kumiko; Kaname, Tadashi; Wakui, Keiko; Hashimoto, Ohiko; Fukushima, Yoshimitsu; Naritomi, Kenji

2012-01-01

Mutations in the X-linked genes neuroligin 3 (NLGN3) and neuroligin 4X (NLGN4X) were first implicated in the pathogenesis of X-linked autism in Swedish families. However, reports of mutations in these genes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients from various ethnic backgrounds present conflicting results regarding the etiology of ASD, possibly because of genetic heterogeneity and/or differences in their ethnic background. Additional mutation screening study on another ethnic background could help to clarify the relevance of the genes to ASD. We scanned the entire coding regions of NLGN3 and NLGN4X in 62 Japanese patients with ASD by polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting curve and direct sequencing analyses. Four synonymous substitutions, one in NLGN3 and three in NLGN4X, were identified in four of the 62 patients. These substitutions were not present in 278 control X-chromosomes from unrelated Japanese individuals and were not registered in the database of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms build 132 or in the Japanese Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms database, indicating that they were novel and specific to ASD. Though further analysis is necessary to determine the physiological and clinical importance of such substitutions, the possibility of the relevance of both synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions with the etiology of ASD should be considered. PMID:22934180

Probiotics for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Schreck Bird, Anna; Gregory, Philip J; Jalloh, Mohamed A; Risoldi Cochrane, Zara; Hein, Darren J

2017-06-01

To evaluate whether clinical data support the safety and efficacy of probiotics for the management of infantile colic. Probiotics have been suggested as a potential strategy for infantile colic, and the specific species that have been studied in healthy infants are considered to be safe. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of probiotic supplementation in infants with colic. RCTs with a primary end point assessing crying or fussing time were selected. A meta-analysis comparing "responders" to "nonresponders" in infants receiving probiotic versus control was conducted. The quality of trials selected was assessed. Five RCTs assessing 2 different strains of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in mostly breastfed infants were identified. Analysis of response rates showed that infants receiving probiotics had a 2.3-fold greater chance of having a 50% or greater decrease in crying/fussing time compared to controls ( P = .01). Probiotic supplementation was not associated with any adverse events. Supplementation with the probiotic L. reuteri in breastfed infants appears to be safe and effective for the management of infantile colic. Further research is needed to determine the role of probiotics in infants who are formula-fed.

Analysis of preexistent vertebral rotation in the normal infantile, juvenile, and adolescent spine.

PubMed

Janssen, Michiel M A; Kouwenhoven, Jan-Willem M; Schlösser, Tom P C; Viergever, Max A; Bartels, Lambertus W; Castelein, René M; Vincken, Koen L

2011-04-01

Vertebral rotation was systematically analyzed in the normal, nonscoliotic thoracic spine of children aged 0 to 16 years. Subgroups were created to match the infantile, juvenile, and adolescent age groups according to the criteria of the Scoliosis Research Society. To determine whether a distinct pattern of vertebral rotation in the transverse plane exists in the normal, nonscoliotic infantile, juvenile, and adolescent spine. We assume that, once the spine starts to deteriorate into a scoliotic deformity, it will follow a preexisting rotational pattern. Recently, we identified a rotational pattern in the normal nonscoliotic adult spine that corresponds to the most common curve types in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In infantile idiopathic scoliosis, curves are typically left sided and boys are affected more often than girls, whereas in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the thoracic curve is typically right sided and predominantly girls are affected. The present study is the first systematic analysis of vertebral rotation in the normal children's spine. Vertebral rotation in the transverse plane of T2-T12 was measured by using a semiautomatic method on 146 computed tomographic scans of children (0-16 years old) without clinical or radiologic evidence of spinal pathology. Scans were mainly made for reasons such as recurrent respiratory tract infections, malignancies, or immune disorders. Vertebral rotational patterns were analyzed in the infantile (0-3-year-old), juvenile (4-9-year-old), and adolescent (10-16-year-old) boys and girls. In the infantile spine, vertebrae T2-T6 were significantly rotated to the left (P < 0.001). In the juvenile spine, T4 was significantly rotated to the left. In the adolescent spine, T6-T12 were significantly rotated to the right (P ≤ 0.001). Rotation to the left was more pronounced in infantile boys than in the girls (P = 0.023). In juvenile and adolescent children, no statistical differences in rotation were found between the sexes

From Infantile Citizens to Infantile Institutions: The Metaphoric Transformation of Political Economy in the 2008 Housing Market Crisis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foley, Megan

2012-01-01

The logic of political economy depends on a domestic metaphor, using the "oikos" or household as a model for the "polis." Historically, this metaphor has imagined citizens as the children of a paternal state. However during the 2008 housing crisis, this metaphor was turned upside down, depicting citizens as the parents of infantile state…

MHC class 2 deficiency and X-linked agammaglobulinaemia in a consanguineous extended family.

PubMed

Broides, A; Shubinsky, G; Parvari, R; Grimbacher, B; Somech, R; Garty, B Z; Levy, J

2009-08-01

Manifestations of immunodeficiency within the same family are presumed to be the same disease. We report a consanguineous extended family where four patients have immunodeficiency, three have X-linked agammaglobulinaemia and one has major histocompatibility complex class 2 deficiency. Within one family, two rare genetic diseases with similar clinical manifestations can occur.

Dysregulation of X-linked gene expression in Klinefelter's syndrome and association with verbal cognition.

PubMed

Vawter, Marquis P; Harvey, Philip D; DeLisi, Lynn E

2007-09-05

Klinefelter's Syndrome (KS) is a chromosomal karyotype with one or more extra X chromosomes. KS individuals often show language impairment and the phenotype might be due to overexpression of genes on the extra X chromosome(s). We profiled mRNA derived from lymphoblastoid cell lines from males with documented KS and control males using the Affymetrix U133P microarray platform. There were 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KS group compared with controls after Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery adjustment. The DEGs included 14 X chromosome genes which were significantly over-represented. The Y chromosome had zero DEGs. In exploratory analysis of gene expression-cognition relationships, 12 DEGs showed significant correlation of expression with measures of verbal cognition in KS. Overexpression of one pseudoautosomal gene, GTPBP6 (GTP binding protein 6, putative) was inversely correlated with verbal IQ (r = -0.86, P < 0.001) and four other measures of verbal ability. Overexpression of XIST was found in KS compared to XY controls suggesting that silencing of many genes on the X chromosome might occur in KS similar to XX females. The microarray findings for eight DEGs were validated by quantitative PCR. The 14 X chromosome DEGs were not differentially expressed in prior studies comparing female and male brains suggesting a dysregulation profile unique to KS. Examination of X-linked DEGs, such as GTPBP6, TAF9L, and CXORF21, that show verbal cognition-gene expression correlations may establish a causal link between these genes, neurodevelopment, and language function. A screen of candidate genes may serve as biomarkers of KS for early diagnosis. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Infantile Hemangiomas and Retinopathy of Prematurity: Clues to the Regulation of Vasculogenesis

PubMed Central

Hyland, Rachael M.; Komlósi, Katalin; Alleman, Brandon W.; Tolnai, Marina; Wood, Laura M.; Bell, Edward F.; Ertl, Tibor

2013-01-01

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and infantile hemangiomas are vascular disorders that may share common mechanisms. This study examined a potential clinical association between these disorders in populations of preterm infants at two hospitals in the U.S. and Hungary. Clinically collected data from infants with gestational ages less than 32 weeks born between May 1, 2007 and December 31, 2010 seen in the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital or the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, were abstracted from electronic medical records and entered into a study database. Demographic and clinical variables were examined as potential covariates to the disorders of interest. Data were initially analyzed by center and then combined through meta-analysis. Six hundred eighty-four subjects were studied, 236 from Pécs and 448 from Iowa. There were no significant demographic differences between populations. Univariate analysis on each study population yielded covariates to ROP in each population, including infantile hemangioma, which were entered into a logistic regression model. These models were combined through random effects meta-analysis and demonstrated a significant relationship between infantile hemangioma and ROP (odds ratio=1.84, 95% confidence interval 1.08–3.12). Conclusion Infantile hemangioma and ROP co-occur in premature infant populations. Further studies are needed to investigate the pathogenesis of both disorders. PMID:23408311

An Ethyl-Nitrosourea-Induced Point Mutation in Phex Causes Exon Skipping, X-Linked Hypophosphatemia, and Rickets

PubMed Central

Carpinelli, Marina R.; Wicks, Ian P.; Sims, Natalie A.; O’Donnell, Kristy; Hanzinikolas, Katherine; Burt, Rachel; Foote, Simon J.; Bahlo, Melanie; Alexander, Warren S.; Hilton, Douglas J.

2002-01-01

We describe the clinical, genetic, biochemical, and molecular characterization of a mouse that arose in the first generation (G1) of a random mutagenesis screen with the chemical mutagen ethyl-nitrosourea. The mouse was observed to have skeletal abnormalities inherited with an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. The causative mutation, named Skeletal abnormality 1 (Ska1), was shown to be a single base pair mutation in a splice donor site immediately following exon 8 of the Phex (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases located on the X-chromosome) gene. This point mutation caused skipping of exon 8 from Phex mRNA, hypophosphatemia, and features of rickets. This experimentally induced phenotype mirrors the human condition X-linked hypophosphatemia; directly confirms the role of Phex in phosphate homeostasis, normal skeletal development, and rickets; and illustrates the power of mutagenesis in exploring animal models of human disease. PMID:12414538

An ethyl-nitrosourea-induced point mutation in phex causes exon skipping, x-linked hypophosphatemia, and rickets.

PubMed

Carpinelli, Marina R; Wicks, Ian P; Sims, Natalie A; O'Donnell, Kristy; Hanzinikolas, Katherine; Burt, Rachel; Foote, Simon J; Bahlo, Melanie; Alexander, Warren S; Hilton, Douglas J

2002-11-01

We describe the clinical, genetic, biochemical, and molecular characterization of a mouse that arose in the first generation (G(1)) of a random mutagenesis screen with the chemical mutagen ethyl-nitrosourea. The mouse was observed to have skeletal abnormalities inherited with an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. The causative mutation, named Skeletal abnormality 1 (Ska1), was shown to be a single base pair mutation in a splice donor site immediately following exon 8 of the Phex (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases located on the X-chromosome) gene. This point mutation caused skipping of exon 8 from Phex mRNA, hypophosphatemia, and features of rickets. This experimentally induced phenotype mirrors the human condition X-linked hypophosphatemia; directly confirms the role of Phex in phosphate homeostasis, normal skeletal development, and rickets; and illustrates the power of mutagenesis in exploring animal models of human disease.

Infantile aperiodic alternating nystagmus.

PubMed

Hertle, Richard W; Reznick, Leah; Yang, Dongsheng

2009-01-01

This study identifies the clinical and ocular motility characteristics of the periodic and aperiodic forms of infantile alternating nystagmus (IAPAN) and establishes the range of electrophysiological and clinical characteristics while providing clues to its presence and pathophysiology. Seventy-eight patients with ocular oscillations consistent with IAPAN were reported. Outcome variables were: age, follow-up in months, vision, strabismus, other eye and systemic abnormalities, head position, periodicity, cycle and null period duration, foveation time, waveforms, and cycle symmetry. Age range was 1 to 67 years, 50% had pure periodic and aperiodic forms, 46% had albinism, 26% had binocular acuity of 20/40 or greater, 72% had strabismus, 35% had amblyopia, 31% had other eye disease, 14% had systemic disease, 87% had an anomalous head posture, and 65% had binocular directional asymmetry. The periodic cycle averaged 224 seconds and the aperiodic cycle ranged from 2 to more than 300 seconds. One in three patients with strabismus and nystagmus periodicity had a static head posture. Fifteen percent of the infantile nystagmus syndrome population had either the periodic or aperiodic form. A changing null period is often clinically missed because of long or irregular cycles, decreased acuity, associated strabismus, and either a nonexistent or inconsistent head posture. The changing null period is easier to recognize using eye movement recordings or if the non-preferred eye is occluded and the preferred eye is examined with the head straight and gaze in primary position for at least 5 to 7 minutes. The recognition of this variant has profound treatment implications.

Craniofacial morphometric analysis of individuals with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.

PubMed

Goodwin, Alice F; Larson, Jacinda R; Jones, Kyle B; Liberton, Denise K; Landan, Maya; Wang, Zhifeng; Boekelheide, Anne; Langham, Margaret; Mushegyan, Vagan; Oberoi, Snehlata; Brao, Rosalie; Wen, Timothy; Johnson, Ramsey; Huttner, Kenneth; Grange, Dorothy K; Spritz, Richard A; Hallgrímsson, Benedikt; Jheon, Andrew H; Klein, Ophir D

2014-09-01

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is the most prevalent type of ectodermal dysplasia (ED). ED is an umbrella term for a group of syndromes characterized by missing or malformed ectodermal structures, including skin, hair, sweat glands, and teeth. The X-linked recessive (XL), autosomal recessive (AR), and autosomal dominant (AD) types of HED are caused by mutations in the genes encoding ectodysplasin (EDA1), EDA receptor (EDAR), or EDAR-associated death domain (EDARADD). Patients with HED have a distinctive facial appearance, yet a quantitative analysis of the HED craniofacial phenotype using advanced three-dimensional (3D) technologies has not been reported. In this study, we characterized craniofacial morphology in subjects with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) by use of 3D imaging and geometric morphometrics (GM), a technique that uses defined landmarks to quantify size and shape in complex craniofacial morphologies. We found that the XLHED craniofacial phenotype differed significantly from controls. Patients had a smaller and shorter face with a proportionally longer chin and midface, prominent midfacial hypoplasia, a more protrusive chin and mandible, a narrower and more pointed nose, shorter philtrum, a narrower mouth, and a fuller and more rounded lower lip. Our findings refine the phenotype of XLHED and may be useful both for clinical diagnosis of XLHED and to extend understanding of the role of EDA in craniofacial development.

X-linked recessive nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: a clinico-genetic study.

PubMed

Hong, Che Ry; Kang, Hee Gyung; Choi, Hyun Jin; Cho, Min Hyun; Lee, Jung Won; Kang, Ju Hyung; Park, Hye Won; Koo, Ja Wook; Ha, Tae-Sun; Kim, Su-Yung; Il Cheong, Hae

2014-01-01

A retrospective genotype and phenotype analysis of X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) was conducted on a nationwide cohort of 25 (24 male, 1 female) Korean children with AVPR2 gene mutations, comparing non-truncating and truncating mutations. In an analysis of male patients, the median age at diagnosis was 0.9 years old. At a median follow-up of 5.4 years, urinary tract dilatations were evident in 62% of patients and their median glomerular filtration rate was 72 mL/min/1.73 m2. Weights and heights were under the 3rd percentile in 22% and 33% of patients, respectively. One patient had low intelligence quotient and another developed end-stage renal disease. No statistically significant genotype-phenotype correlation was found between non-truncating and truncating mutations. One patient was female; she was analyzed separately because inactivation and mosaicism of the X chromosome may influence clinical manifestations in female patients. Current unsatisfactory long-term outcome of congenital NDI necessitates a novel therapeutic strategy.

Four-Year Placebo-Controlled Trial of Docosahexaenoic Acid in X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa (DHAX Trial)

PubMed Central

Hoffman, Dennis R.; Hughbanks-Wheaton, Dianna K.; Pearson, N. Shirlene; Fish, Gary E.; Spencer, Rand; Takacs, Alison; Klein, Martin; Locke, Kirsten G.; Birch, David G.

2016-01-01

IMPORTANCE X-linked retinitis pigmentosa is a severe inherited retinal degenerative disease with a frequency of 1 in 100 000 persons. Because no cure is available for this orphan disease and treatment options are limited, slowing of disease progression would be a meaningful outcome. OBJECTIVE To determine whether high-dose docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, slows progression of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa measured by cone electroretinography (ERG). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A 4-year, single-site, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked phase 2 clinical trial at a research center specializing in medical retina. Seventy-eight male patients diagnosed as having X-linked retinitis pigmentosa were randomized to DHA or placebo. Data were omitted for 2 patients with non–X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and 16 patients who were unable to follow protocol during the first year. The remaining participants were tested annually and composed a modified intent-to-treat cohort (DHA group, n = 33; placebo group, n = 27). INTERVENTIONS All participants received a multivitamin and were randomly assigned to oral DHA (30 mg/kg/d) or placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the rate of loss of cone ERG function. Secondary outcomes were rod and maximal ERG amplitudes and cone ERG implicit times. Capsule counts and red blood cell DHA levels were assessed to monitor adherence. RESULTS Average (6-month to 4-year) red blood cell DHA levels were 4-fold higher in the DHA group than in the placebo group (P < .001). There was no difference between the DHA and placebo groups in the rate of cone ERG functional loss (0.028 vs 0.022 log µV/y, respectively; P = .30). No group differences were evident for change in rod ERG (P = .27), maximal ERG (P = .65), or cone implicit time (no change over 4 years). The rate of cone loss (ie, event rate) was markedly reduced compared with rates in previous studies. No severe treatment-emergent adverse

Synergistic effect of heat shock protein 90 inhibitor, 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and X-rays, but not carbon-ion beams, on lethality in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells

PubMed Central

Musha, Atsushi; Yoshida, Yukari; Takahashi, Takeo; Ando, Koichi; Funayama, Tomoo; Kobayashi, Yasuhiko; Negishi, Akihide; Yokoo, Satoshi; Nakano, Takashi

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor, 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), in combination with X-rays or carbon-ion beams on cell killing in human oral squamous cell carcinoma LMF4 cells. Cell survival was measured by colony formation assay. Cell-cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Expression of DNA repair-related proteins was investigated by western blotting. The results showed 17-AAG to have synergistic effects on cell lethality with X-rays, but not with carbon-ion beams. The 17-AAG decreased G2/M arrest induced by X-rays, but not by carbon-ion beams. Both X-ray and carbon-ion irradiation up-regulated expression of non-homologous end-joining-associated proteins, Ku70 and Ku80, but 17-AAG inhibited only X-ray-induced up-regulation of these proteins. These results show that 17-AAG with X-rays releases G2/M phase arrest; cells carrying misrepaired DNA damage then move on to the G1 phase. We demonstrate, for the first time, that the radiosensitization effect of 17-AAG is not seen with carbon-ion beams because 17-AAG does not affect these changes. PMID:22843619

Part One: Infantile Spasms--The New Consensus

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pellock, John

2011-01-01

Infantile spasms (IS, West syndrome) represent a difficult to treat and sometimes not immediately recognized form of epilepsy which is relatively rare. West Syndrome or IS is one of the most recognized types of epileptic encephalopathy, a form of epilepsy usually associated with developmental regression and delay, frequently difficult to treat and…

Further Characterization of the Mitigation of Radiation Lethality by Protective Wounding

PubMed Central

Dynlacht, Joseph R.; Garrett, Joy; Joel, Rebecca; Lane, Katharina; Mendonca, Marc S.; Orschell, Christie M.

2017-01-01

There continues to be a major effort in the United States to develop mitigators for the treatment of mass casualties that received high-intensity acute ionizing radiation exposures from the detonation of an improvised nuclear device during a radiological terrorist attack. The ideal countermeasure should be effective when administered after exposure, and over a wide range of absorbed doses. We have previously shown that the administration of a subcutaneous incision of a defined length, if administered within minutes after irradiation, protected young adult female C57BL/6 mice against radiation-induced lethality, and increased survival after total-body exposure to an LD50/30 X-ray dose from 50% to over 90%. We refer to this approach as “protective wounding”. In this article, we report on our efforts to further optimize, characterize and demonstrate the validity of the protective wounding response by comparing the response of female and male mice, varying the radiation dose, the size of the wound, and the timing of wounding with respect to administration of the radiation dose. Both male and female mice that received a subcutaneous incision after irradiation were significantly protected from radiation lethality. We observed that the extent of protection against lethality after an LD50/30 X-ray dose was independent of the size of the subcutaneous cut, and that a 3 mm subcutaneous incision is effective at enhancing the survival of mice exposed to a broad range of radiation doses (LD15–LD100). Over the range of 6.2–6.7 Gy, the increase in survival observed in mice that received an incision was associated with an enhanced recovery of hematopoiesis. The enhanced rate of recovery of hematopoiesis was preceded by an increase in the production of a select group of cytokines. Thus, a thorough knowledge of the timing of the cytokine cascade after wounding could aid in the development of novel pharmacological radiation countermeasures that can be administered several days

Placental sulfatase deficiency: maternal and fetal expression of steroid sulfatase deficiency and X-linked ichthyosis.

PubMed

Bradshaw, K D; Carr, B R

1986-07-01

PSD-X-linked ichthyosis are manifestations of a similar disorder of an inborn error of metabolism characterized by a deficiency of steroid sulfatase. The decreased enzyme activity is due to the absence of the expression of enzyme (steroid sulfatase) protein. Affected individuals with this disorder are males (X-linked inheritance) with a frequency of 1/2000 to 1/6000 births. Homozygous females from cosanguineous marriages have been reported with this disorder. The diagnosis is suspected and confirmed by: Low estriol excretion; Negative DHEAS loading test Increased DHEAS in amnionic fluid; Normal DHEAS in cord plasma; Possible delayed or abnormal labor patterns; Decreased sulfatase activity in the placenta, fibroblast, erythrocytes, lymphocytes or leukocytes of affected individuals; Development of ichthyosis in male infants at 2 to 3 months of age.

Effectiveness of treatments for infantile colic: systematic review

PubMed Central

Lucassen, P L B J; Assendelft, W J J; Gubbels, J W; van Eijk, J T M; van Geldrop, W J; Neven, A Knuistingh

1998-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of diets, drug treatment, and behavioural interventions on infantile colic in trials with crying or the presence of colic as the primary outcome measure. Data sources: Controlled clinical trials identified by a highly sensitive search strategy in Medline (1966-96), Embase (1986-95), and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, in combination with reference checking for further relevant publications. Keywords were crying and colic. Study selection: Two independent assessors selected controlled trials with interventions lasting at least 3 days that included infants younger than 6 months who cried excessively. Data synthesis: Methodological quality was assessed by two assessors independently with a quality assessment scale (range 0-5). Effect sizes were calculated as percentage success. Effect sizes of trials using identical interventions were pooled using a random effects model. Results: 27 controlled trials were identified. Elimination of cows’ milk protein was effective when substituted by hypoallergenic formula milks (effect size 0.22 (95% confidence interval 0.09 to 0.34)). The effectiveness of substitution by soy formula milks was unclear when only trials of good methodological quality were considered. The benefit of eliminating cows’ milk protein was not restricted to highly selected populations. Dicyclomine was effective (effect size 0.46 ( 0.33 to 0.60)), but serious side effects have been reported. The advice to reduce stimulation was beneficial (effect size 0.48 (0.23 to 0.74)), whereas the advice to increase carrying and holding seemed not to reduce crying. No benefit was shown for simethicone. Uncertainty remained about the effectiveness of low lactose formula milks. Conclusions: Infantile colic should preferably be treated by advising carers to reduce stimulation and with a one week trial of a hypoallergenic formula milk. Key messages Infantile colic is common during the first months of life, but its cause is

A recoding scheme for X-linked and pseudoautosomal loci to be used with computer programs for autosomal LOD-score analysis.

PubMed

Strauch, Konstantin; Baur, Max P; Wienker, Thomas F

2004-01-01

We present a recoding scheme that allows for a parametric multipoint X-chromosomal linkage analysis of dichotomous traits in the context of a computer program for autosomes that can use trait models with imprinting. Furthermore, with this scheme, it is possible to perform a joint multipoint analysis of X-linked and pseudoautosomal loci. It is required that (1) the marker genotypes of all female nonfounders are available and that (2) there are no male nonfounders who have daughters in the pedigree. The second requirement does not apply if the trait locus is pseudoautosomal. The X-linked marker loci are recorded by adding a dummy allele to the males' hemizygous genotypes. For modelling an X-linked trait locus, five different liability classes are defined, in conjunction with a paternal imprinting model for male nonfounders. The formulation aims at the mapping of a diallelic trait locus relative to an arbitrary number of codominant markers with known genetic distances, in cases where a program for a genuine X-chromosomal analysis is not available. 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Altered cytoskeletal organization characterized lethal but not surviving Brtl+/− mice: insight on phenotypic variability in osteogenesis imperfecta

PubMed Central

Bianchi, Laura; Gagliardi, Assunta; Maruelli, Silvia; Besio, Roberta; Landi, Claudia; Gioia, Roberta; Kozloff, Kenneth M.; Khoury, Basma M.; Coucke, Paul J.; Symoens, Sofie; Marini, Joan C.; Rossi, Antonio; Bini, Luca; Forlino, Antonella

2015-01-01

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable bone disease with dominant and recessive transmission. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes ranging from very mild to lethal in the perinatal period. The intra- and inter-familiar OI phenotypic variability in the presence of an identical molecular defect is still puzzling to the research field. We used the OI murine model Brtl+/− to investigate the molecular basis of OI phenotypic variability. Brtl+/− resembles classical dominant OI and shows either a moderately severe or a lethal outcome associated with the same Gly349Cys substitution in the α1 chain of type I collagen. A systems biology approach was used. We took advantage of proteomic pathway analysis to functionally link proteins differentially expressed in bone and skin of Brtl+/− mice with different outcomes to define possible phenotype modulators. The skin/bone and bone/skin hybrid networks highlighted three focal proteins: vimentin, stathmin and cofilin-1, belonging to or involved in cytoskeletal organization. Abnormal cytoskeleton was indeed demonstrated by immunohistochemistry to occur only in tissues from Brtl+/− lethal mice. The aberrant cytoskeleton affected osteoblast proliferation, collagen deposition, integrin and TGF-β signaling with impairment of bone structural properties. Finally, aberrant cytoskeletal assembly was detected in fibroblasts obtained from lethal, but not from non-lethal, OI patients carrying an identical glycine substitution. Our data demonstrated that compromised cytoskeletal assembly impaired both cell signaling and cellular trafficking in mutant lethal mice, altering bone properties. These results point to the cytoskeleton as a phenotypic modulator and potential novel target for OI treatment. PMID:26264579

Lethal and sub-lethal effects of spinosad on bumble bees (Bombus impatiens Cresson).

PubMed

Morandin, Lora A; Winston, Mark L; Franklin, Michelle T; Abbott, Virginia A

2005-07-01

Recent developments of new families of pesticides and growing awareness of the importance of wild pollinators for crop pollination have stimulated interest in potential effects of novel pesticides on wild bees. Yet pesticide toxicity studies on wild bees remain rare, and few studies have included long-term monitoring of bumble bee colonies or testing of foraging ability after pesticide exposure. Larval bees feeding on exogenous pollen and exposed to pesticides during development may result in lethal or sub-lethal effects during the adult stage. We tested the effects of a naturally derived biopesticide, spinosad, on bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson) colony health, including adult mortality, brood development, weights of emerging bees and foraging efficiency of adults that underwent larval development during exposure to spinosad. We monitored colonies from an early stage, over a 10-week period, and fed spinosad to colonies in pollen at four levels: control, 0.2, 0.8 and 8.0 mg kg(-1), during weeks 2 through 5 of the experiment. At concentrations that bees would likely encounter in pollen in the wild (0.2-0.8 mg kg(-1)) we detected minimal negative effects to bumble bee colonies. Brood and adult mortality was high at 8.0 mg kg(-1) spinosad, about twice the level that bees would be exposed to in a 'worst case' field scenario, resulting in colony death two to four weeks after initial pesticide exposure. At more realistic concentrations there were potentially important sub-lethal effects. Adult worker bees exposed to spinosad during larval development at 0.8 mg kg(-1) were slower foragers on artificial complex flower arrays than bees from low or no spinosad treated colonies. Inclusion of similar sub-lethal assays to detect effects of pesticides on pollinators would aid in development of environmentally responsible pest management strategies. Copyright 2005 Society of Chemical Industry

Indocyanine green angiography of juvenile X-linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Souied, Eric H; Goritsa, Anna; Querques, Giuseppe; Coscas, Gabriel; Soubrane, Gisele

2005-09-01

In juvenile X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), fluorescein angiography is usually unremarkable and contributes poorly to the diagnosis. However, indocyanine green (ICG) angiography features in eyes that are affected with XLRS were not yet described. Retrospective observational case series. A complete ophthalmologic examination that included ICG angiography was performed on three unrelated male patients (six eyes) who were 15, 22, and 48 years old. A distinct hyperfluorescent stellate pattern in the macular area that was associated with radial lines of hypofluorescence that were centered on the foveola was observed on the early phase of ICG examination (six of six eyes). This feature disappeared on the late phase of ICG examination. On these six XLRS eyes, early phases of ICG examination revealed an unusual radial aspect on the macula. This finding suggests that ICG angiography may be useful for the diagnosis of XLRS.

Biochemical and molecular analysis of an X-linked case of Leigh syndrome associated with thiamin-responsive pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency.

PubMed

Naito, E; Ito, M; Yokota, I; Saijo, T; Matsuda, J; Osaka, H; Kimura, S; Kuroda, Y

1997-08-01

We report molecular analysis of thiamin-responsive pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) deficiency in a patient with an X-linked form of Leigh syndrome. PDHC activity in cultured lymphoblastoid cells of this patient and his asymptomatic mother were normal in the presence of a high thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) concentration (0.4 mmol/L). However, in the presence of a low concentration (1 x 10(-4) mmol/L) of TPP, the activity was significantly decreased, indicating that PDHC deficiency in this patient was due to decreased affinity of PDHC for TPP. The patient's older brother also was diagnosed as PDHC deficiency with Leigh syndrome, suggesting that PDHC deficiency in these two brothers was not a de novo mutation. Sequencing of the X-linked PDHC E1 alpha subunit revealed a C-->G point mutation at nucleotide 787, resulting in a substitution of glycine for arginine 263. Restriction enzyme analysis of the E1 alpha gene revealed that the mother was a heterozygote, indicating that thiamin-responsive PDHC deficiency associated with Leigh syndrome due to this mutation is transmitted by X-linked inheritance.

Issues surrounding lethal injection as a means of capital punishment.

PubMed

Romanelli, Frank; Whisman, Tyler; Fink, Joseph L

2008-12-01

Lethal injection as a method of state-sanctioned capital punishment was initially proposed in the United States in 1977 and used for the first time in 1982. Most lethal injection protocols use a sequential drug combination of sodium thiopental, pancuronium bromide, and potassium chloride. Lethal injection was originally introduced as a more humane form of execution compared with existing mechanical methods such as electrocution, toxic gassing, hanging, or firing squad. Lethal injection has not, however, been without controversy. Several states are considering whether lethal injection meets constitutional scrutiny forbidding cruel and unusual punishment. Recently in the case of Ralph Baze and Thomas C. Bowling, Petitioners, v John D. Rees, Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Corrections et al, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the lethal injection protocol as carried out in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Most of the debate has surrounded the dosing and procedures used in lethal injection and whether the drug combinations and measures for administering the drugs truly produce a timely, pain-free, and fail-safe death. Many have also raised issues regarding the "medicalization" of execution and the ethics of health care professionals' participation in any part of the lethal injection process. As a result of all these issues, the future of lethal injection as a means of execution in the United States is under significant scrutiny. Outcomes of ongoing legislative and judicial reviews might result in cessation of lethal injection in totality or in alterations involving specific drug combinations or administration procedures.

Combination of a Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplant With Umbilical Cord Blood for Cerebral X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy.

PubMed

Jiang, Hua; Jiang, Min-Yan; Liu, Sha; Cai, Yan-Na; Liang, Cui-Li; Liu, Li

2015-08-01

Childhood cerebral X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects central nervous system myelin and the adrenal cortex. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the best available curative therapy if performed during the early stages of disease. Only 30% of patients who might benefit from a hematopoietic stem cell transplant will have a full human leukocyte antigen-matched donor, which is considered to be the best choice. We present a 5-year-old boy with cerebral X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy whose brain magnetic resonance imaging severity score was 7 and who needed an immediate transplantation without an available full human leukocyte antigen-matched donor. We combined haploidentical and umbilical cord blood sources for transplantation and saw encouraging results. After transplantation, the patient showed neurological stability for 6 months and the level of very long chain fatty acids had decreased. By 1 year, the patient appeared to gradually develop cognition, motor, and visual disturbances resulting from possible mix chimerism. Transplantation of haploidentical stem cells combined with the infusion of umbilical cord blood is a novel approach for treating cerebral X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. It is critical to monitor posttransplant chimerism and carry out antirejection therapy timely for a beneficial clinical outcome. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inherent X-Linked Genetic Variability and Cellular Mosaicism Unique to Females Contribute to Sex-Related Differences in the Innate Immune Response.

PubMed

Spolarics, Zoltan; Peña, Geber; Qin, Yong; Donnelly, Robert J; Livingston, David H

2017-01-01

Females have a longer lifespan and better general health than males. Considerable number of studies also demonstrated that, after trauma and sepsis, females present better outcomes as compared to males indicating sex-related differences in the innate immune response. The current notion is that differences in the immuno-modulatory effects of sex hormones are the underlying causative mechanism. However, the field remains controversial and the exclusive role of sex hormones has been challenged. Here, we propose that polymorphic X-linked immune competent genes, which are abundant in the population are important players in sex-based immuno-modulation and play a key role in causing sex-related outcome differences following trauma or sepsis. We describe the differences in X chromosome (ChrX) regulation between males and females and its consequences in the context of common X-linked polymorphisms at the individual as well as population level. We also discuss the potential pathophysiological and immune-modulatory aspects of ChrX cellular mosaicism, which is unique to females and how this may contribute to sex-biased immune-modulation. The potential confounding effects of ChrX skewing of cell progenitors at the bone marrow is also presented together with aspects of acute trauma-induced de novo ChrX skewing at the periphery. In support of the hypothesis, novel observations indicating ChrX skewing in a female trauma cohort as well as case studies depicting the temporal relationship between trauma-induced cellular skewing and the clinical course are also described. Finally, we list and discuss a selected set of polymorphic X-linked genes, which are frequent in the population and have key regulatory or metabolic functions in the innate immune response and, therefore, are primary candidates for mediating sex-biased immune responses. We conclude that sex-related differences in a variety of disease processes including the innate inflammatory response to injury and infection may be

Infantile colic: a systematic review of medical and conventional therapies.

PubMed

Hall, Belinda; Chesters, Janice; Robinson, Anske

2012-02-01

Infantile colic is a prevalent and distressing condition for which there is no proven standard therapy. The aim of this paper is to review medical and conventional treatments for infantile colic. A systematic literature review was undertaken of studies on medical and conventional interventions for infantile colic from 1980 to March 2009. The results and methodological rigour of included studies were analysed using the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials) 2001 statement checklist and Centre for Evidence Based Medicine critical appraisal tools. Nineteen studies and two literature reviews were included for review. Pharmacological studies on Simethicone gave conflicting results and with Dicyclomine hydrochloride and Cimetropium bromide results were favourable but side effects were noted along with issues in study methodology. Some nutritional studies reported favourable results for the use of hydrolysed formulas in bottle-fed infants or low-allergen maternal diets in breastfed infants but not for the use of additional fibre or lactase. There were several issues in regards to methodological rigour. Behavioural studies on the use of increased stimulation gave unfavourable results, whereas results from the use of decreased stimulation and contingent music were favourable. These studies demonstrated poor methodological rigour. There is some scientific evidence to support the use of a casein hydrolysate formula in formula-fed infants or a low-allergen maternal diet in breastfed infants with infantile colic. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of Simethicone, Dicyclomine hydrochloride, Cimetropium bromide, lactase, additional fibre or behavioural interventions. Further research of good methodological quality on low-allergenic formulas and maternal diets is indicated. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2011 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

[Infantile haemangioma: clinical and demographic characteristics, experiences in the treatment].

PubMed

Csoma, Zsanett Renáta; Dalmády, Szandra; Ábrahám, Rita; Rózsa, Tamás; Rácz, Katalin; Kemény, Lajos

2017-10-01

Infantile haemangiomas are the most common vascular tumours of infancy. The vast majority of the lesions do not require dermatological treatment due to their unique clinical course and the high rate of spontaneous regression. Approximately 10-15% of the tumours result in severe complications and sequale, requiring special management and close follow-up. The aim of the present study was to assess the data of the patients treated with infantile haemangiomas, and to summarize the results of the therapy during 4.5 years of study period, in the Paediatric Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Dermatology and Allergology, at the University of Szeged. Demographic data of the infants (gender, gestational age and weight, perinatal history of the infant and medical history of mothers), exact date of the visits at Paediatric Dermatology Outpatient Clinic and tumour characteristics (number, subtype, anatomical localisation and complications) were analysed in details. Treatment modalities and therapy intervals, outcomes and the adverse events of the therapies were also discussed in the survey. During the study period, 96 infants with 163 infantile haemangiomas were observed. 54 patients required regular observations, while 42 infants required local or systemic beta-blocker therapy. All of the tumours treated with local or systemic therapy showed marked clinical regression; adverse effects were observed in only 6 cases. The gestational age and gestational weight of infants requiring beta-blocker therapy was significantly lower as compared to children needed only observation. Systemic propranolol is currently the first-line treatment modality for complicated infantile haemangiomas. Our results confirm the significant therapeutic efficacy of propranolol. Early introduction of the treatment is relevant; unfortunately a great proportion of patients are referred late to Paediatric Dermatology Centres. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(39): 1535-1544.

USP22 regulates oncogenic signaling pathways to drive lethal cancer progression.

PubMed

Schrecengost, Randy S; Dean, Jeffry L; Goodwin, Jonathan F; Schiewer, Matthew J; Urban, Mark W; Stanek, Timothy J; Sussman, Robyn T; Hicks, Jessica L; Birbe, Ruth C; Draganova-Tacheva, Rossitza A; Visakorpi, Tapio; DeMarzo, Angelo M; McMahon, Steven B; Knudsen, Karen E

2014-01-01

Increasing evidence links deregulation of the ubiquitin-specific proteases 22 (USP22) deubitiquitylase to cancer development and progression in a select group of tumor types, but its specificity and underlying mechanisms of action are not well defined. Here we show that USP22 is a critical promoter of lethal tumor phenotypes that acts by modulating nuclear receptor and oncogenic signaling. In multiple xenograft models of human cancer, modeling of tumor-associated USP22 deregulation demonstrated that USP22 controls androgen receptor accumulation and signaling, and that it enhances expression of critical target genes coregulated by androgen receptor and MYC. USP22 not only reprogrammed androgen receptor function, but was sufficient to induce the transition to therapeutic resistance. Notably, in vivo depletion experiments revealed that USP22 is critical to maintain phenotypes associated with end-stage disease. This was a significant finding given clinical evidence that USP22 is highly deregulated in tumors, which have achieved therapeutic resistance. Taken together, our findings define USP22 as a critical effector of tumor progression, which drives lethal phenotypes, rationalizing this enzyme as an appealing therapeutic target to treat advanced disease.

Infantile fibrosarcoma of the penis in a 2-year-old boy.

PubMed

Taib, Fahisham; Mohamad, Norsarwany; Mohamed Daud, Mohamed Ashraf; Hassan, Aniza; Singh, Mutum Samarendra; Nasir, Ariffin

2012-10-01

Fibrosarcoma is rare in the pediatric age group. It generally involves the extremities and the trunk but rarely involves the genital area. We report a case of a large fungating infantile fibrosarcoma of the penis in a 2-year-old Malay boy. Partial recovery of the penile structure was achieved after chemotherapy. The difficulty in managing the social and surgical aspect of this case is discussed in our report. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of infantile fibrosarcoma involving the penis in an Asian region. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Probiotics for infantile colic: a systematic review

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Infantile colic is a common paediatric condition which causes significant parental distress. Increased intestinal coliform colonization in addition to alteration in Lactobacillus abundance and distribution may play an important role in its pathogenesis. The objectives of this systematic review are to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in the reduction of crying time and successful treatment of infantile colic. Methods Literature searches were conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Only randomized controlled trials enrolling term, healthy infants with colic were included. A meta-analysis of included trials was performed utilizing the Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Results Three trials that enrolled 220 breastfed infants met inclusion criteria, of which 209 infants were available for analysis. Two of the studies were assessed as good quality. Lactobacillus reuteri (strains-American Type Culture Collection Strain 55730 and DSM 17 938) was the only species utilized in the therapeutic intervention. Two of the trials were industry funded. Probiotic supplementation compared to simethicone or placebo significantly and progressively shortened crying times to 7 days reaching a plateau at three weeks post initiation of therapy [mean difference −56.03 minutes; 95% CI (−59.92, -52.15)]. Similarly, probiotics compared to placebo significantly increased the treatment success of infantile colic with a relative risk (RR) of 0.06; 95% CI (0.01, 0.25) and a number needed to treat of 2. Conclusions Although L. reuteri may be effective as a treatment strategy for crying in exclusively breastfed infants with colic, the evidence supporting probiotic use for the treatment of infant colic or crying in formula-fed infants remains unresolved. Results from larger rigorously designed studies will help draw more definitive conclusions. PMID:24238101

Evidence for Phex haploinsufficiency in murine X-linked hypophosphatemia.

PubMed

Wang, L; Du, L; Ecarot, B

1999-04-01

Mutations in the PHEX gene (phosphate-regulating gene with homology to endopeptidases on the X-chromosome) are responsible for X-linked hypophosphatemia (HYP). We previously reported the full-length coding sequence of murine Phex cDNA and provided evidence of Phex expression in bone and tooth. Here, we report the cloning of the entire 3.5-kb 3'UTR of the Phex gene, yielding a total of 6248 bp for the Phex transcript. Southern blot and RT-PCR analyses revealed that the 3' end of the coding sequence and the 3'UTR of the Phex gene, spanning exons 16 to 22, are deleted in Hyp, the mouse model for HYP. Northern blot analysis of bone revealed lack of expression of stable Phex mRNA from the mutant allele and expression of Phex transcripts from the wild-type allele in Hyp heterozygous females. Expression of the Phex protein in heterozygotes was confirmed by Western analysis with antibodies raised against a COOH-terminal peptide of the mouse Phex protein. Taken together, these results indicate that the dominant pattern of Hyp inheritance in mice is due to Phex haploinsufficiency.

Detection of COPB2 as a KRAS synthetic lethal partner through integration of functional genomics screens

PubMed Central

Christodoulou, Eleni G.; Yang, Hai; Lademann, Franziska; Pilarsky, Christian; Beyer, Andreas; Schroeder, Michael

2017-01-01

Mutated KRAS plays an important role in many cancers. Although targeting KRAS directly is difficult, indirect inactivation via synthetic lethal partners (SLPs) is promising. Yet to date, there are no SLPs from high-throughput RNAi screening, which are supported by multiple screens. Here, we address this problem by aggregating and ranking data over three independent high-throughput screens. We integrate rankings by minimizing the displacement and by considering established methods such as RIGER and RSA. Our meta analysis reveals COPB2 as a potential SLP of KRAS with good support from all three screens. COPB2 is a coatomer subunit and its knock down has already been linked to disabled autophagy and reduced tumor growth. We confirm COPB2 as SLP in knock down experiments on pancreas and colorectal cancer cell lines. Overall, consistent integration of high throughput data can generate candidate synthetic lethal partners, which individual screens do not uncover. Concretely, we reveal and confirm that COPB2 is a synthetic lethal partner of KRAS and hence a promising cancer target. Ligands inhibiting COPB2 may, therefore, be promising new cancer drugs. PMID:28415695

Inflammatory profile in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients: Understanding disease progression.

PubMed

Marchetti, Desirèe Padilha; Donida, Bruna; Jacques, Carlos Eduardo; Deon, Marion; Hauschild, Tatiane Cristina; Koehler-Santos, Patricia; de Moura Coelho, Daniella; Coitinho, Adriana Simon; Jardim, Laura Bannach; Vargas, Carmen Regla

2018-01-01

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disease characterized by progressive inflammatory demyelization in the brain, adrenal insufficiency, and an abnormal accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in tissue and body fluids. Considering that inflammation might be involved in pathophysiology of X-ALD, we aimed to investigate pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in plasma from three different male phenotypes (CCER, AMN, and asymptomatic individuals). Our results showed that asymptomatic patients presented increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, and TNF-α and the last one was also higher in AMN phenotype. Besides, asymptomatic patients presented higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. AMN patients presented higher levels of IL-2, IL-5, and IL-4. We might hypothesize that inflammation in X-ALD is related to plasmatic VLCFA concentration, since there were positive correlations between C26:0 plasmatic levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in asymptomatic and AMN patients and negative correlation between anti-inflammatory cytokine and C24:0/C22:0 ratio in AMN patients. The present work yields experimental evidence that there is an inflammatory imbalance associated Th1, (IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ), Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10), and macrophages response (TNF-α and IL-1β) in the periphery of asymptomatic and AMN patients, and there is correlation between VLCFA plasmatic levels and inflammatory mediators in X-ALD. Furthermore, we might also speculate that the increase of plasmatic cytokines in asymptomatic patients could be considered an early biomarker of brain damage and maybe also a predictor of disease progression. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Imprinted and X-linked non-coding RNAs as potential regulators of human placental function

PubMed Central

Buckberry, Sam; Bianco-Miotto, Tina; Roberts, Claire T

2014-01-01

Pregnancy outcome is inextricably linked to placental development, which is strictly controlled temporally and spatially through mechanisms that are only partially understood. However, increasing evidence suggests non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) direct and regulate a considerable number of biological processes and therefore may constitute a previously hidden layer of regulatory information in the placenta. Many ncRNAs, including both microRNAs and long non-coding transcripts, show almost exclusive or predominant expression in the placenta compared with other somatic tissues and display altered expression patterns in placentas from complicated pregnancies. In this review, we explore the results of recent genome-scale and single gene expression studies using human placental tissue, but include studies in the mouse where human data are lacking. Our review focuses on the ncRNAs epigenetically regulated through genomic imprinting or X-chromosome inactivation and includes recent evidence surrounding the H19 lincRNA, the imprinted C19MC cluster microRNAs, and X-linked miRNAs associated with pregnancy complications. PMID:24081302

Autosomal-recessive and X-linked forms of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy in childhood.

PubMed

Ouvrier, Robert; Geevasingha, Nimeshan; Ryan, Monique M

2007-08-01

The hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies (HMSNs, Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies) are the most common degenerative disorders of the peripheral nervous system. In recent years a dramatic expansion has occurred in our understanding of the molecular basis and cell biology of the recessively inherited demyelinating and axonal neuropathies, with delineation of a number of new neuropathies. Mutations in some genes cause a wide variety of clinical, neurophysiologic, and pathologic phenotypes, rendering diagnosis difficult. The X-linked forms of HMSN represent at least 10%-15% of all HMSNs and have an expanded disease spectrum including demyelinating, intermediate, and axonal neuropathies, transient central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, mental retardation, and hearing loss. This review presents an overview of the recessive and X-linked forms of HMSN observed in childhood, with particular reference to disease phenotype and neurophysiologic and pathologic abnormalities suggestive of specific diagnoses. These findings can be used by the clinician to formulate a differential diagnosis and guide targeted genetic testing.

Treatment of Chronic Enterovirus Encephalitis With Fluoxetine in a Patient With X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia.

PubMed

Gofshteyn, Jacqueline; Cárdenas, Ana María; Bearden, David

2016-11-01

Enterovirus may result in a devastating chronic encephalitis in immunocompromised patients, particularly in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Prognosis for patients with chronic enterovirus encephalitis is poor, almost invariably resulting in mortality without specific treatment. There are currently no approved antiviral agents for enterovirus, but the antidepressant drug fluoxetine has been identified through library-based compound screening as a potential anti-enteroviral agent in vitro. However, use of fluoxetine has not previously been studied in humans with enteroviral disease. A five year old boy with X-linked agammaglobulinemia presented with progressive neurological deterioration and was found to have chronic enterovirus encephalitis by brain biopsy. He failed to respond to standard treatment with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin, but showed stabilization and improvement following treatment with fluoxetine. This is the first report to describe the use of fluoxetine as a potential therapy for chronic enterovirus infection. Further investigation of fluoxetine as a treatment option for chronic enterovirus encephalitis is necessary. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lentiviral hematopoietic cell gene therapy for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

PubMed

Cartier, Nathalie; Hacein-Bey-Abina, Salima; Bartholomae, Cynthia C; Bougnères, Pierre; Schmidt, Manfred; Kalle, Christof Von; Fischer, Alain; Cavazzana-Calvo, Marina; Aubourg, Patrick

2012-01-01

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a severe genetic demyelinating disease caused by a deficiency in ALD protein, an adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter encoded by the ABCD1 gene. When performed at an early stage of the disease, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) can arrest the progression of cerebral demyelinating lesions. To overcome the limitations of allogeneic HCT, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy strategy aiming to perform autologous transplantation of lentivirally corrected cells was developed. We demonstrated the preclinical feasibility of HSC gene therapy for ALD based on the correction of CD34+ cells from X-ALD patients using an HIV1-derived lentiviral vector. These results prompted us to initiate an HSC gene therapy trial in two X-ALD patients who had developed progressive cerebral demyelination, were candidates for allogeneic HCT, but had no HLA-matched donors or cord blood. Autologous CD34+ cells were purified from the peripheral blood after G-CSF stimulation, genetically corrected ex vivo with a lentiviral vector encoding wild-type ABCD1 cDNA, and then reinfused into the patients after they had received full myeloablative conditioning. Over 3 years of follow-up, the hematopoiesis remained polyclonal in the two patients treated with 7-14% of granulocytes, monocytes, and T and B lymphocytes expressing the lentivirally encoded ALD protein. There was no evidence of clonal dominance or skewing based on the retrieval of lentiviral insertion repertoire in different hematopoietic lineages by deep sequencing. Cerebral demyelination was arrested 14 and 16months, respectively, in the two treated patients, without further progression up to the last follow-up, a clinical outcome that is comparable to that observed after allogeneic HCT. Longer follow-up of these two treated patients and HSC gene therapy performed in additional ALD patients are however needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lentiviral HSC

Sub-lethal oxidative stress induces lysosome biogenesis via a lysosomal membrane permeabilization-cathepsin-caspase 3-transcription factor EB-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Leow, San Min; Chua, Shu Xian Serene; Venkatachalam, Gireedhar; Shen, Liang; Luo, Le; Clement, Marie-Veronique

2017-03-07

Here we provide evidence to link sub-lethal oxidative stress to lysosome biogenesis. Exposure of cells to sub-lethal concentrations of exogenously added hydrogen peroxide resulted in cytosol to nuclear translocation of the Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), the master controller of lysosome biogenesis and function. Nuclear translocation of TFEB was dependent upon the activation of a cathepsin-caspase 3 signaling pathway, downstream of lysosomal membrane permeabilization and accompanied by a significant increase in lysosome numbers as well as induction of TFEB-dependent lysosome-associated genes expression such as Ctsl, Lamp2 and its spliced variant Lamp2a, Neu1and Ctsb and Sqstm1 and Atg9b. The effects of sub-lethal oxidative stress on lysosomal gene expression and biogenesis were rescued upon gene silencing of caspase 3 and TFEB. Notably, caspase 3 activation was not associated with phenotypic hallmarks of apoptosis, evidenced by the absence of caspase 3 substrate cleavage, such as PARP, Lamin A/C or gelsolin. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time an unexpected and non-canonical role of a cathepsin-caspase 3 axis in the nuclear translocation of TFEB leading to lysosome biogenesis under conditions of sub-lethal oxidative stress.

Symmetrical infantile thalamic degeneration in two sibs

PubMed Central

Abuelo, Dianne N; Barsel-Bowers, Gail; Tutschka, Barbara G; Ambler, Mary; Singer, Don B

1981-01-01

This is the first observation of two cases of symmetrical infantile thalamic degeneration with cell mineralisation in a family. Although it cannot be established at present, autosomal recessive inheritance of a metabolic error causing or predisposing to damage to specific areas of the central nervous system is a possible aetiology for this condition. Images PMID:7334503

X-chromosome tiling path array detection of copy number variants in patients with chromosome X-linked mental retardation

PubMed Central

Madrigal, I; Rodríguez-Revenga, L; Armengol, L; González, E; Rodriguez, B; Badenas, C; Sánchez, A; Martínez, F; Guitart, M; Fernández, I; Arranz, JA; Tejada, MI; Pérez-Jurado, LA; Estivill, X; Milà, M

2007-01-01

Background Aproximately 5–10% of cases of mental retardation in males are due to copy number variations (CNV) on the X chromosome. Novel technologies, such as array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), may help to uncover cryptic rearrangements in X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) patients. We have constructed an X-chromosome tiling path array using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and validated it using samples with cytogenetically defined copy number changes. We have studied 54 patients with idiopathic mental retardation and 20 controls subjects. Results Known genomic aberrations were reliably detected on the array and eight novel submicroscopic imbalances, likely causative for the mental retardation (MR) phenotype, were detected. Putatively pathogenic rearrangements included three deletions and five duplications (ranging between 82 kb to one Mb), all but two affecting genes previously known to be responsible for XLMR. Additionally, we describe different CNV regions with significant different frequencies in XLMR and control subjects (44% vs. 20%). Conclusion This tiling path array of the human X chromosome has proven successful for the detection and characterization of known rearrangements and novel CNVs in XLMR patients. PMID:18047645

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome: an X-linked encephalo-tropho-schisis syndrome. 1988.

PubMed

Neri, G; Marini, R; Cappa, M; Borrelli, P; Opitz, J M

2013-11-01

The following paper by Professor GiovanniNeri and colleagues was originally published in 1988, American Journal of Medical Genetics 30:287–299. This paper represented a seminal work at the time of publication as it not only reported a new family with a disorder that had been called the “gigantism-dysplasia syndrome”, but also suggested naming the condition the Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. This eponym has clearly stood “the test of time”, and that designation is now widely accepted. This paper is graciously republished by Wiley-Blackwell in the Special Festschrift issue honoring Professor Neri. We report on another family with the so-called "gigantism-dysplasia syndrome", an X-linked condition characterized by pre-and postnatal overgrowth, characteristic face with apparent coarseness, dysplastic changes in several tissues, and mild intellectual impairment. This condition has been called the Golabi-Rosen syndrome; however, we agree that is the same entity as that described, in a milder form, by Simpson et al. in 1975 and by Behmel et al. in 1984. Therefore, we suggest that this entity be designated the Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. The manifestations in affected individuals suggest that this condition represents an X-linked encephalo-tropho-schisis syndrome. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Connexin mutations in X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bergoffen, J.; Scherer, S.S.; Wang, S.

1993-12-24

X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX) is a form of hereditary neuropathy with demyelination. Recently, this disorder was mapped to chromosome Xq13.1. The gene for the gap junction protein connexin32 is located in the same chromosomal segment, which led to its consideration as a candidate gene for CMTX. With the use of Northern (RNA) blot and immunohistochemistry techniques, it was found that connexin32 is normally expressed in myelinated peripheral nerve. Direct sequencing of the connexin32 gene showed seven different mutations in affected persons from eight CMTX families. These findings, a demonstration of inherited defects in a gap junction protein, suggest that connexin32more » plays an important role in peripheral nerve.« less

Preventive Effect of Residential Green Space on Infantile Atopic Dermatitis Associated with Prenatal Air Pollution Exposure.

PubMed

Lee, Ji-Young; Lamichhane, Dirga Kumar; Lee, Myeongjee; Ye, Shinhee; Kwon, Jung-Hyun; Park, Myung-Sook; Kim, Hwan-Cheol; Leem, Jong-Han; Hong, Yun-Chul; Kim, Yangho; Ha, Mina; Ha, Eunhee

2018-01-09

Few birth cohort studies have examined the role of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) in the development of infantile atopic dermatitis (AD), but none have investigated the role of preventive factors such as green spaces. The aim of this study was to investigate whether exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <10 μm (PM 10 ) during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of development of AD in 6-month-old children and also to examine how this association changes with residential green space. This study used prospective data from 659 participants of the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health study. Subjects were geocoded to their residential addresses and matched with air pollution data modeled using land-use regression. Information on infantile AD was obtained by using a questionnaire administered to the parents or guardians of the children. The association between infantile AD and exposure to NO₂ and PM 10 was determined using logistic regression models. We assessed the effects of residential green spaces using stratified analyses and by entering product terms into the logistic regression models. The risk of infantile AD significantly increased with an increase in air pollution exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 1.219 (1.023-1.452) per 10 μg/m³ increase in PM 10 and 1.353 (1.027-1.782) per 10 ppb increase in NO₂. An increase in the green space within 200 m of residence was associated with a decreased risk of AD (OR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993-0.999). The stratified analysis of residential green space revealed stronger associations between infantile AD and PM 10 and NO₂ exposure during the first trimester in the areas in the lower tertiles of green space. This study indicated that exposure to TRAP during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with infantile AD. Less residential green space may intensify the

Molecular population genetics of X-linked genes in Drosophila pseudoobscura.

PubMed Central

Kovacevic, M; Schaeffer, S W

2000-01-01

This article presents a nucleotide sequence analysis of 500 bp determined in each of five X-linked genes, runt, sisterlessA, period, esterase 5, and Heat-shock protein 83, in 40 Drosophila pseudoobscura strains collected from two populations. Estimates of the neutral migration parameter for the five loci show that gene flow among D. pseudoobscura populations is sufficient to homogenize inversion frequencies across the range of the species. Nucleotide diversity at each locus fails to reject a neutral model of molecular evolution. The sample of 40 chromosomes included six Sex-ratio inversions, a series of three nonoverlapping inversions that are associated with a strong meiotic drive phenotype. The selection driven by the Sex-ratio meiotic drive element has not fixed variation across the X chromosome of D. pseudoobscura because, while significant linkage disequilibrium was observed within the sisterlessA, period, and esterase 5 genes, we did not find evidence for nonrandom association among loci. The Sex-ratio chromosome was estimated to be 25,000 years old based on the decomposition of linkage disequilibrium between esterase 5 and Heat-shock protein 83 or 1 million years old based on the net divergence of esterase 5 between Standard and Sex-ratio chromosomes. Genetic diversity was depressed within esterase 5 within Sex-ratio chromosomes, while the four other genes failed to show a reduction in heterozygosity in the Sex-ratio background. The reduced heterogeneity in esterase 5 is due either to its location near one of the Sex-ratio inversion breakpoints or that it is closely linked to a gene or genes responsible for the Sex-ratio meiotic drive system. PMID:10978282

Gratification disorder ("infantile masturbation"): a review.

PubMed

Nechay, A; Ross, L M; Stephenson, J B P; O'Regan, M

2004-03-01

Little has been published on gratification disorder ("infantile masturbation") in early childhood. To expand on the profile of patients diagnosed with this condition. Retrospective case note review; Fraser of Allander Neurosciences Unit paediatric neurology outpatient department 1972-2002. Thirty one patients were diagnosed (11 males and 20 females). Twenty one were referred for evaluation of possible epileptic seizures or epilepsy. The median age at first symptoms was 10.5 months (range 3 months to 5 years 5 months). The median age at diagnosis was 24.5 months (range 5 months to 8 years). The median frequency of events was seven times per week, and the median length 2.5 minutes. Events occurred in any situation in 10 children, and in a car seat in 11. Types of behaviour manifested were dystonic posturing in 19, grunting in 10, rocking in 9, eidetic imagery in 7, and sweating in 6. Two children had been previously diagnosed as having definite epilepsy. In nine cases home video was invaluable in allowing confident diagnosis. Gratification disorder, otherwise called infantile masturbation, is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy and other paroxysmal events in early childhood. Home video recording of events often prevents unnecessary investigations and treatments.

Gratification disorder ("infantile masturbation"): a review

PubMed Central

Nechay, A; Ross, L; Stephenson, J; O'Regan, M

2004-01-01

Background: Little has been published on gratification disorder ("infantile masturbation") in early childhood. Aims: To expand on the profile of patients diagnosed with this condition. Methods: Retrospective case note review; Fraser of Allander Neurosciences Unit paediatric neurology outpatient department 1972–2002. Results: Thirty one patients were diagnosed (11 males and 20 females). Twenty one were referred for evaluation of possible epileptic seizures or epilepsy. The median age at first symptoms was 10.5 months (range 3 months to 5 years 5 months). The median age at diagnosis was 24.5 months (range 5 months to 8 years). The median frequency of events was seven times per week, and the median length 2.5 minutes. Events occurred in any situation in 10 children, and in a car seat in 11. Types of behaviour manifested were dystonic posturing in 19, grunting in 10, rocking in 9, eidetic imagery in 7, and sweating in 6. Two children had been previously diagnosed as having definite epilepsy. In nine cases home video was invaluable in allowing confident diagnosis. Conclusion: Gratification disorder, otherwise called infantile masturbation, is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy and other paroxysmal events in early childhood. Home video recording of events often prevents unnecessary investigations and treatments. PMID:14977696

1 Tb/s x km multimode fiber link combining WDM transmission and low-linewidth lasers.

PubMed

Gasulla, I; Capmany, J

2008-05-26

We have successfully demonstrated an error-free transmission of 10 x 20 Gb/s 200 GHz-spaced ITU channels through a 5 km link of 62.5-microm core-diameter graded-index multimode silica fiber. The overall figure corresponds to an aggregate bit rate per length product of 1 Tb/s x km, the highest value ever reported to our knowledge. Successful transmission is achieved by a combination of low-linewidth DFB lasers and the central launch technique.

CHILD syndrome in a boy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Happle, R.; Effendy, I., Megahed, M.; Orlow, S.J.

CHILD syndrome (congential hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects) occurs, as a rule, exclusively in girls because of the underlying X-linked gene exerts a lethal effect on male embryos. In this report the characteristic manifestations of CHILD syndrome are described in a 2-year-old boy with a normal chromosome constitution 46,XY. This exceptional case is best explained by the assumption of an early somatic mutation and thus compatible with the concept of X-linked dominant male-lethal inheritance of this trait. 18 refs., 6 figs.

Sex-linked dominant

MedlinePlus

Inheritance - sex-linked dominant; Genetics - sex-linked dominant; X-linked dominant; Y-linked dominant ... can be either an autosomal chromosome or a sex chromosome. It also depends on whether the trait ...

Arch fingerprints, hypotonia, and areflexia associated with X linked mental retardation.

PubMed Central

Stevenson, R E; Häne, B; Arena, J F; May, M; Lawrence, L; Lubs, H A; Schwartz, C E

1997-01-01

A syndrome with distinctive facies, poor muscle tone, absent deep tendon reflexes, tapered fingers, excessive fingerprint arches, genu valgum and mild-moderate mental retardation has occurred in four males in two generations of a white family of European ancestry. The facies are characterised by square configuration, tented upper lip, and thickening of the helices, upper eyelids, and alae nasi. At birth and at maturity, growth (head circumference, height, weight) of affected males is comparable to or greater than unaffected male sibs. Moderate impairment of cognitive function was documented (IQ scores between 40-51). Carriers show no heterozygote manifestations. This X linked condition appears to be different from other syndromes with mental retardation, although there are certain similarities with the alpha thalassaemia-mental retardation syndrome (ATR-X). Linkage analysis found tight linkage to DXS1166 and DXS995 in Xq13 and Xq21 respectively. Images PMID:9192265

Arch fingerprints, hypotonia, and areflexia associated with X linked mental retardation.

PubMed

Stevenson, R E; Häne, B; Arena, J F; May, M; Lawrence, L; Lubs, H A; Schwartz, C E

1997-06-01

A syndrome with distinctive facies, poor muscle tone, absent deep tendon reflexes, tapered fingers, excessive fingerprint arches, genu valgum and mild-moderate mental retardation has occurred in four males in two generations of a white family of European ancestry. The facies are characterised by square configuration, tented upper lip, and thickening of the helices, upper eyelids, and alae nasi. At birth and at maturity, growth (head circumference, height, weight) of affected males is comparable to or greater than unaffected male sibs. Moderate impairment of cognitive function was documented (IQ scores between 40-51). Carriers show no heterozygote manifestations. This X linked condition appears to be different from other syndromes with mental retardation, although there are certain similarities with the alpha thalassaemia-mental retardation syndrome (ATR-X). Linkage analysis found tight linkage to DXS1166 and DXS995 in Xq13 and Xq21 respectively.

Dysregulation of X-Linked Gene Expression in Klinefelter’s Syndrome and Association With Verbal Cognition

PubMed Central

Vawter, Marquis P.; Harvey, Philip D.; DeLisi, Lynn E.

2007-01-01

Klinefelter’s Syndrome (KS) is a chromosomal karyotype with one or more extra X chromosomes. KS individuals often show language impairment and the phenotype might be due to overexpression of genes on the extra X chromosome(s). We profiled mRNA derived from lymphoblastoid cell lines from males with documented KS and control males using the Affymetrix U133P microarray platform. There were 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KS group compared with controls after Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery adjustment. The DEGs included 14 X chromosome genes which were significantly over-represented. The Y chromosome had zero DEGs. In exploratory analysis of gene expression–cognition relationships, 12 DEGs showed significant correlation of expression with measures of verbal cognition in KS. Overexpression of one pseudoautosomal gene, GTPBP6 (GTP binding protein 6, putative) was inversely correlated with verbal IQ (r = −0.86, P < 0.001) and four other measures of verbal ability. Overexpression of XIST was found in KS compared to XY controls suggesting that silencing of many genes on the X chromosome might occur in KS similar to XX females. The microarray findings for eight DEGs were validated by quantitative PCR. The 14 X chromosome DEGs were not differentially expressed in prior studies comparing female and male brains suggesting a dysregulation profile unique to KS. Examination of X-linked DEGs, such as GTPBP6, TAF9L, and CXORF21, that show verbal cognition–gene expression correlations may establish a causal link between these genes, neurodevelopment, and language function. A screen of candidate genes may serve as biomarkers of KS for early diagnosis. PMID:17347996

X-linked hypophosphataemia: a homologous disorder in humans and mice.

PubMed

Tenenhouse, H S

1999-02-01

X-linked hypophosphatemia is an inherited disorder of phosphate (Pi) homeostasis characterized by growth retardation, rickets and osteomalacia, hypophosphataemia, and aberrant renal Pi reabsorption and vitamin D metabolism. Studies in murine Hyp and Gy homologues have identified a specific defect in Na+-Pi cotransport at the brush border membrane, abnormal regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D) synthesis and degradation, and an intrinsic defect in bone mineralization. The mutant gene has been identified in XLH patients, by positional cloning, and in Hyp and Gy mice, and was designated PHEX/Phex to signify a PHosphate-regulating gene with homology to Endopeptidases on the X chromosome. PHEX/Phex is expressed in bones and teeth but not in kidney and efforts are under way to elucidate how loss of PHEX/Phex function elicits the mutant phenotype. Based on its homology to endopeptidases, it is postulated that PHEX/Phex is involved in the activation or inactivation of a peptide hormone(s) which plays a key role in the regulation of bone mineralization, renal Pi handling and vitamin D metabolism.

Detection and management of Xyleborus glabratus and other vectors of laurel wilt, a lethal disease affecting avocados in Florida

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The redabay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, carries a phytopathogenic symbiont, Raffaelea lauricola, which causes laurel wilt, a lethal vascular disease of some Lauraceae species. Both X. glabratus and R. lauricola are natives of Asia that recently invaded much of the coastal plain of the sout...

Infantile botulism: pitfalls in electrodiagnosis.

PubMed

Sheth, R D; Lotz, B P; Hecox, K E; Waclawik, A J

1999-03-01

Botulism in infants, unless recognized early, is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The diagnosis is suspected when infants present with sudden onset of weakness, respiratory failure, and constipation and is confirmed by demonstration of botulinum toxin in stool several weeks later. Electrodiagnosis allows quick and reliable confirmation of botulism. Low-amplitude compound muscle action potentials, tetanic or post-tetanic facilitation, and the absence of post-tetanic exhaustion support the diagnosis. Two infants with confirmed botulism did not exhibit the characteristic electrodiagnostic features, demonstrating the pitfalls in electrodiagnosis of infantile botulism.

Role of ALDP (ABCD1) and Mitochondria in X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy

PubMed Central

McGuinness, M. C.; Lu, J.-F.; Zhang, H.-P.; Dong, G.-X.; Heinzer, A. K.; Watkins, P. A.; Powers, J.; Smith, K. D.

2003-01-01

Peroxisomal disorders have been associated with malfunction of peroxisomal metabolic pathways, but the pathogenesis of these disorders is largely unknown. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is associated with elevated levels of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA; C>22:0) that have been attributed to reduced peroxisomal VLCFA β-oxidation activity. Previously, our laboratory and others have reported elevated VLCFA levels and reduced peroxisomal VLCFA β-oxidation in human and mouse X-ALD fibroblasts. In this study, we found normal levels of peroxisomal VLCFA β-oxidation in tissues from ALD mice with elevated VLCFA levels. Treatment of ALD mice with pharmacological agents resulted in decreased VLCFA levels without a change in VLCFA β-oxidation activity. These data indicate that ALDP does not determine the rate of VLCFA β-oxidation and that VLCFA levels are not determined by the rate of VLCFA β-oxidation. The rate of peroxisomal VLCFA β-oxidation in human and mouse fibroblasts in vitro is affected by the rate of mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation. We hypothesize that ALDP facilitates the interaction between peroxisomes and mitochondria, resulting, when ALDP is deficient in X-ALD, in increased VLCFA accumulation despite normal peroxisomal VLCFA β-oxidation in ALD mouse tissues. In support of this hypothesis, mitochondrial structural abnormalities were observed in adrenal cortical cells of ALD mice. PMID:12509471

PARP inhibition as a prototype for synthetic lethal screens.

PubMed

Liu, Xuesong

2013-01-01

Although DNA damaging chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain the main stay of current treatments for cancer patient, these therapies usually have toxic side effect and narrow therapeutic window. One of the challenges in cancer drug discovery is how to identify drugs that selectively kill cancer cells while leaving the normal cell intact. Recently, synthetic lethality has been applied to cancer drug discovery in various settings, and has become a promising approach for identifying novel agents for the treatment of cancer. A prototypical example is the synthetic lethal interaction between PARP inhibition and BRCA deficiency. PARP inhibitors represent the most advanced clinical agents targeting specifically DNA repair mechanisms in cancer therapy. In this chapter, I will review the molecular mechanism for this synthetic lethality and the clinical applications for PARP inhibitors. I will also discuss the formats of synthetic lethal screens, current progress on the utilization of these screens, and some of the advantages and challenges of synthetic lethal screens in cancer drug discovery.

Cognitive Development in Infantile-Onset Pompe Disease Under Very Early Enzyme Replacement Therapy.

PubMed

Lai, Chih-Jou; Hsu, Ting-Rong; Yang, Chia-Feng; Chen, Shyi-Jou; Chuang, Ya-Chin; Niu, Dau-Ming

2016-12-01

Most patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease die in early infancy before beginning enzyme replacement therapy, which has made it difficult to evaluate the impact of Pompe disease on cognitive development. Patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease can survive with enzyme replacement therapy, and physicians can evaluate cognitive development in these patients. We established an effective newborn screening program with quick clinical diagnostic criteria. Cognitive and motor development were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition at 6, 12, and 24 months of age. The patients who were treated very early demonstrate normal cognitive development with no significant change in cognition during this period (P = .18 > .05). The cognitive development was positively correlated with motor development (r = 0.533, P = .011). The results indicated that very early enzyme replacement therapy could protect cognitive development in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease up to 24 months of age. © The Author(s) 2016.

Pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcer in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia: identification of Helicobacter bilis by mass spectrometry analysis.

PubMed

Murray, Patrick R; Jain, Ashish; Uzel, Gulbu; Ranken, Raymond; Ivy, Cristina; Blyn, Lawrence B; Ecker, David J; Sampath, Rangarajan; Lee, Chyi-Chia Richard; Turner, Maria L

2010-05-01

Pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcers and cellulitis of the lower extremities associated with recurrent fevers in patients with X-linked (Bruton) agammaglobulinemia have been reported to be caused by Helicobacter bilis (formerly classified as Flexispira rappini and then Helicobacter strain flexispira taxon 8). Consistent themes in these reports are the difficulty in recovering this organism in blood and wound cultures and in maintaining isolates in vitro. We confirmed the presence of this organism in a patient's culture by using a novel application of gene amplification polymerase chain reaction and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. An adolescent boy with X-linked agammaglobulinemia presented with indurated plaques and a chronic leg ulcer whose origin was strongly suspected to be an H bilis organism. Histologic analysis demonstrated positive Warthin-Starry staining of curvilinear rods, which grew in culture but failed to grow when subcultured. They could not be identified by conventional techniques. A combination of gene amplification by polymerase chain reaction and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry confirmed the identity of this organism. This novel technology was useful in the identification of a difficult-to-grow Helicobacter organism, the cause of pyoderma gangrenosum-like leg ulcers in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. Correct identification of this organism as the cause of pyoderma gangrenosum-like ulcers in patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia is of great importance for the early initiation of appropriate and curative antibiotic therapy.

Lethality of Rendang packaged in multilayer retortable pouch with sterilization process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Praharasti, A. S.; Kusumaningrum, A.; Frediansyah, A.; Nurhikmat, A.; Khasanah, Y.; Suprapedi

2017-01-01

Retort Pouch had become a choice to preserve foods nowadays, besides the used of the can. Both had their own advantages, and Retort Pouch became more popular for the reason of cheaper and easier to recycle. General Method usually used to estimate the lethality of commercial heat sterilization process. Lethality value wa s used for evaluating the efficacy of the thermal process. This study aimed to find whether different layers of pouch materials affect the lethality value and to find differences lethality in two types of multilayer retort pouch, PET/Aluminum Foil/Nylon/RCPP and PET/Nylon/Modified Aluminum/CPP. The result showed that the different layer arrangement was resulted different Sterilization Value (SV). PET/Nylon/Modified Aluminum/CPP had better heat penetration, implied by the higher value of lethality. PET/Nylon/Modified Aluminum/CPP had the lethality value of 6,24 minutes, whereas the lethality value of PET/Aluminum Foil/Nylon/RCPP was 3,54 minutes.

Predictive value of the cow's milk skin prick test in infantile colic.

PubMed

Moravej, Hossein; Imanieh, Mohammad H; Kashef, Sara; Handjani, Farhad; Eghterdari, Fardin

2010-01-01

Infantile colic is a common problem among young infants. Cow's milk allergy has been suggested as one of the causes. We aimed to investigate the value of the cow's milk skin test for the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy in exclusively breast-fed infants with infantile colic. Exclusively breast-fed infants with infantile colic were enrolled in this study. On the first visit, the average hours of crying of the infant in a 24-h period were recorded and the cow's milk skin test was performed. If the infant had a positive skin test, elimination of cow's milk from the mothers' diet was advised. Infants with negative skin tests were divided into case and control groups. Cow's milk was eliminated from the diet of mothers in the case group. After 2 weeks, the number of hours of crying were recorded again. The reduction in the crying hours was compared between the two groups using the chi-square test. Skin tests were positive in 3 of 114 cases (2.6%) of infantile colic. All three cases recovered completely following elimination of cow's milk from the mother's diet. Among the 111 patients with negative skin tests, 77 patients completed the study: 35 in the case group and 42 in the control group. The reduction in crying hours in infants in the case group was not significantly different from that in the control group. Elimination of cow's milk from the mothers' diet is not beneficial for infants with a negative skin test. Infants with a positive skin test may benefit from this management.

BTKbase, mutation database for X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA).

PubMed Central

Vihinen, M; Brandau, O; Brandén, L J; Kwan, S P; Lappalainen, I; Lester, T; Noordzij, J G; Ochs, H D; Ollila, J; Pienaar, S M; Riikonen, P; Saha, B K; Smith, C I

1998-01-01

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is an immunodeficiency caused by mutations in the gene coding for Bruton's agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase (BTK). A database (BTKbase) of BTK mutations has been compiled and the recent update lists 463 mutation entries from 406 unrelated families showing 303 unique molecular events. In addition to mutations, the database also lists variants or polymorphisms. Each patient is given a unique patient identity number (PIN). Information is included regarding the phenotype including symptoms. Mutations in all the five domains of BTK have been noticed to cause the disease, the most common event being missense mutations. The mutations appear almost uniformly throughout the molecule and frequently affect CpG sites that code for arginine residues. The putative structural implications of all the missense mutations are given in the database. The improved version of the registry having a number of new features is available at http://www. helsinki.fi/science/signal/btkbase.html PMID:9399844

Evidence against an X-linked visual loss susceptibility locus in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chalmers, R.M.; Davis, M.B.; Sweeney, M.G.

1996-07-01

Pedigree analysis of British families with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) closely fits a model in which a pathogenic mtDNA mutation interacts with an X-linked visual loss susceptibility locus (VLSL). This model predicts that 60% of affected females will show marked skewing of X inactivation. Linkage analysis in British and Italian families with genetically proven LHON has excluded the presence of such a VLSL over 169 cM of the X chromosome both when all families were analyzed together and when only families with the bp 11778 mutation were studied. Further, there was no excess skewing of X inactivation in affectedmore » females. There was no evidence for close linkage to three markers in the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes. The mechanism of incomplete penetrance and male predominance in LHON remains unclear. 27 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.« less

[Bladder tumor lethality. Results in the autonomous community of Rioja between 1975-1991].

PubMed

Fernández Fernández, A; Gil Fabra, J; Fernández Ruíz, M; Angulo Castellanos, M G; Blanco Martín, E; Otero Mauricio, G

1998-01-01

Between 1975-1991, a total of 557 cases of bladder carcinoma were identified in the Autonomous Community of La Rioja (CAR) which were followed up to December 1994. The overall lethality was 21.9%. 492 cases with 22.35% lethality were identified in males. In females, however, there was 65 cases with 18.46% lethality. The comparison of males and females lethality resulted in p = 0.525. Lethality between cases diagnosed within each 5-year period analyzed is: 1975-1981: 177 cases, lethality 23.72%. 1982-1986: 168 cases, lethality 30.95%. 1987-1991: 212 cases, lethality 13.20%. Between the first and the second 5-year periods, p = 0.132; between the first and third 5-year periods p = 0.007 and between the second and third 5-year periods p < 0.000. Bladder tumours accounts in CAR for a 22.35% lethality. Lethality is higher in males that in females but the difference is not statistically significant. In the last 5-year period assessed, 1987-1991, a reduction of lethality from bladder neoplasms has been documented.

Paraphilic infantilism, diaperism and pedophilia: A review.

PubMed

Doshi, Sunil M; Zanzrukiya, Kalpesh; Kumar, Lavlesh

2018-05-01

Paraphilic disorders range from nearly normal behaviour to a behaviour which may be considered as destructive or menacing to the society at large. In accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, the terms Paraphilia and Paraphilic disorders, denote different interpretations. Multiple paraphilias connected to childhood either directly or indirectly has been documented in scientific literature. Paraphilic Infantilism, Diaperism and Pedophilia constitute major portion among them. Paraphilic infantilism denotes paraphilic desire of being a baby. Diaperism deals with fetishistic behaviour in relation to diapers and pedophilia stands for sexual attraction towards children. Behaviourally these three paraphilias do share some characteristics and show overlapping of certain features, but psychologically they are diverse. In a number of literature on digital media, the terms have been used interchangeably or are described in a manner that creates confusion. However, when described individually they are precisely written, hence it necessitates to be elaborated collectively to surpass the current trends of mixing them. The review focuses on behavioral, developmental, psychological and legal aspects of these paraphilias. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease predominates in a cohort of multiethnic Malaysian patients.

PubMed

Shahrizaila, Nortina; Samulong, Sarimah; Tey, Shelisa; Suan, Liaw Chiew; Meng, Lao Kah; Goh, Khean Jin; Ahmad-Annuar, Azlina

2014-02-01

Data regarding Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is lacking in Southeast Asian populations. We investigated the frequency of the common genetic mutations in a multiethnic Malaysian cohort. Patients with features of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or hereditary liability to pressure palsies were investigated for PMP22 duplication, deletion, and point mutations and GJB1, MPZ, and MFN2 point mutations. Over a period of 3 years, we identified 25 index patients. A genetic diagnosis was reached in 60%. The most common were point mutations in GJB1, accounting for X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (24% of the total patient population), followed by PMP22 duplication causing Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (20%). We also discovered 2 novel GJB1 mutations, c.521C>T (Proline174Leucine) and c.220G>A (Valine74Methionine). X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease was found to predominate in our patient cohort. We also found a better phenotype/genotype correlation when applying a more recently recommended genetic approach to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

High-resolution mapping of the x-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) locus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zonana, J.; Jones, M.; Litt, M.

1992-11-01

The X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (EDA) locus has been previously localized to the subchromosomal region Xq11-q21.1. The authors have extended previous linkage studies and analyzed linkage between the EDA locus and 10 marker loci, including five new loci, in 41 families. Four of the marker loci showed no recombination with the EDA locus, and six other loci were also linked to the EDA locus with recombination fractions of .009-.075. Multipoint analysis gave support to the placement of the PGK1P1 locus proximal to the EDA locus and the DXS453 and PGK1 loci distal to EDA. Further ordering of the loci couldmore » be inferred from a human-rodent somatic cell hybrid derived from an affected female with EDA and an X;9 translocation and from studies of an affected male with EDA and a submicroscopic deletion. Three of the proximal marker loci, which showed no recombination with the EDA locus, when used in combination, were informative in 92% of females. The closely linked flanking polymorphic loci DXS339 and DXS453 had heterozygosites of 72% and 76%, respectively, and when used jointly, they were doubly informative in 52% of females. The human DXS732 locus was defined by a conserved mouse probe pcos169E/4 (DXCrc169 locus) that consegregates with the mouse tabby (Ta) locus, a potential homologue to the EDA locus. The absence of recombination between EDA and the DXSA732 locus lends support to the hypothesis that the DXCrc169 locus in the mouse and the DXS732 locus in humans may contain candidate sequences for the Ta and EDA genes, respectively. 36 refs., 1 fig., 5 tabs.« less

Non-mosaic monosomy 59,X in cattle: a case report.

PubMed

Romano, Juan E; Raussdepp, Terje; Mulon, Pierre Y; Villadóniga, Graciela B

2015-05-01

A 3-year-old Longhorn heifer was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Texas A&M University for inability to get pregnant. Physical examination revealed a small-sized female for age and breed with a normal vulva, vaginal length, and external cervical os. Further assessment by per rectum palpation and trans-rectal ultrasonography revealed a small uterine cervix and cord-like uterine horns with no identifiable ovaries. Additional evaluation including laparoscopy, hormonal evaluation, and genetic analysis allowed ruling out conditions commonly associated with a phenotypic female with infantile or underdeveloped reproductive organs such as freemartin, XY gonadal dysgenesis, testicular feminization, and bilateral ovarian agenesis. Laparoscopy confirmed the presence of a small cervix with small uterine horns and absence of ovaries. Testosterone, progesterone, and 17-β estradiol concentrations were 200.0pg/mL, 1.48ng/mL, and undetectable, respectively. Genetic evaluation determined that the karyotype was 59,X non-mosaic. Evaluation of phenotypically female cattle with infertility and infantile genital organs and absence of ovaries should include cytogenetic analysis to test for possible X monosomy. The 59,X condition should be considered in the differential diagnoses together with freemartin, dysgenesis XY, testicular feminization, and bilateral ovarian agenesis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maternal consumption of dairy products, calcium, and vitamin D during pregnancy and infantile allergic disorders.

PubMed

Miyake, Yoshihiro; Tanaka, Keiko; Okubo, Hitomi; Sasaki, Satoshi; Arakawa, Masashi

2014-07-01

Epidemiologic evidence of the association between maternal intake of dairy foods, calcium, and vitamin D during pregnancy and childhood allergic disorders is inconclusive. To examine the association between maternal intake of dairy foods, calcium, and vitamin D during pregnancy and childhood allergic disorders in Japanese children aged 23 to 29 months. Study participants were 1,354 mother-child pairs. Maternal intake during pregnancy was assessed with a validated diet history questionnaire administered between April 2007 and March 2008. Wheeze and eczema, defined according to criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, and physician-diagnosed asthma and atopic eczema were assessed via a questionnaire completed by mothers. Higher maternal intake of total dairy products during pregnancy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of infantile eczema (adjusted odds ratio [OR] between extreme quartiles, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.98). Higher maternal intake of cheese during pregnancy was significantly related to a reduced risk of physician-diagnosed infantile asthma (adjusted OR between extreme quartiles, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.18-0.97). Maternal intake levels of yogurt and calcium during pregnancy were significantly inversely associated with physician-diagnosed infantile atopic eczema (adjusted ORs between extreme quartiles, 0.49 and 0.34; 95% CI, 0.20-1.16 and 0.12-0.84; P for trend = .01 and .03, respectively). Maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy was significantly positively associated with infantile eczema (adjusted OR between extreme quartiles, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.07-2.51). Higher maternal intake of total dairy products, cheese, yogurt, and calcium during pregnancy may reduce the risk of infantile eczema, physician-diagnosed asthma, physician-diagnosed atopic eczema, and physician-diagnosed atopic eczema, respectively. Higher maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy may increase the risk of infantile eczema

Infantile sexuality: Its place in the conceptual developments of Anna Freud and Donald W. Winnicott.

PubMed

Joyce, Angela

2016-06-01

This essay explores the place of infantile sexuality in the theories of Anna Freud and Donald W Winnicott. Both Anna Freud and D.W. Winnicott incorporated and at the same time changed the classical psychoanalytic account of infantile sexuality and the instinctual drives. Whilst Anna Freud remained closer to her father's original conceptualization, she developed a multidimensional model of development which gave the drives a foundational status whist also maintaining their significance in giving meaning and texture to children's subjective experience. Winnicott also retained much of S. Freud's original theorizing except that in a fundamental way he turned it on its head when considering earliest development. For him the establishment of the self was paramount, and the drives and infantile sexuality merely served to give substance to that self. Copyright © 2016 Institute of Psychoanalysis.

Sub-lethal and lethal toxicities of elevated CO2 on embryonic, juvenile, and adult stages of marine medaka Oryzias melastigma.

PubMed

Lee, Changkeun; Kwon, Bong-Oh; Hong, Seongjin; Noh, Junsung; Lee, Junghyun; Ryu, Jongseong; Kang, Seong-Gil; Khim, Jong Seong

2018-06-06

The potential leakage from marine CO 2 storage sites is of increasing concern, but few studies have evaluated the probable adverse effects on marine organisms. Fish, one of the top predators in marine environments, should be an essential representative species used for water column toxicity testing in response to waterborne CO 2 exposure. In the present study, we conducted fish life cycle toxicity tests to fully elucidate CO 2 toxicity mechanism effects. We tested sub-lethal and lethal toxicities of elevated CO 2 concentrations on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) at different developmental stages. At each developmental stage, the test species was exposed to varying concentrations of gaseous CO 2 (control air, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%), with 96 h of exposure at 0-4 d (early stage), 4-8 d (middle stage), and 8-12 d (late stage). Sub-lethal and lethal effects, including early developmental delays, cardiac edema, tail abnormalities, abnormal pigmentation, and mortality were monitored daily during the 14 d exposure period. At the embryonic stage, significant sub-lethal and lethal effects were observed at pH < 6.30. Hypercapnia can cause long-term and/or delayed developmental embryonic problems, even after transfer back to clean seawater. At fish juvenile and adult stages, significant mortality was observed at pH < 5.70, indicating elevated CO 2 exposure might cause various adverse effects, even during short-term exposure periods. It should be noted the early embryonic stage was found more sensitive to CO 2 exposure than other developmental stages of the fish life cycle. Overall, the present study provided baseline information for potential adverse effects of high CO 2 concentration exposure on fish developmental processes at different life cycle stages in marine ecosystems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mutations in X-linked PORCN, a putative regulator of Wnt signaling, cause focal dermal hypoplasia

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Focal dermal hypoplasia is an X-linked dominant disorder characterized by patchy hypoplastic skin and digital, ocular, and dental malformations. We used array comparative genomic hybridization to identify a 219-kb deletion in Xp11.23 in two affected females. We sequenced genes in this region and fou...

Effects of oxygen stoichiometry on the scaling behaviors of YBa2Cu3O(x) grain boundary weak-links

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, K. H.; Fu, C. M.; Jeng, W. J.; Juang, J. Y.; Uen, T. M.; Gou, Y. S.

1995-01-01

The effects of oxygen stoichiometry on the transport properties of the pulsed laser deposited YBa2Cu3O(x) bicrystalline grain boundary weak-link junctions were studied. It is found that not only the cross boundary resistive transition foot structure can be manipulated repeatedly with oxygen annealing processes but the junction behaviors are also altered in accordance. In the fully oxygenated state i.e with x = 7.0 in YBa2Cu3O(x) stoichiometry, the junction critical current exhibits a power of 2 scaling behavior with temperature. In contrast, when annealed in the conditions of oxygen-deficient state (e.g with x = 6.9 in YBa2Cu3O(x) stoichiometry) the junction critical current switches to a linear temperature dependence behavior. The results are tentatively attributed to the modification of the structure in the boundary area upon oxygen annealing, which, in turn, will affect the effective dimension of the geometrically constrained weak-link bridges. The detailed discussion on the responsible physical mechanisms as well as the implications of the present results on device applications will be given.

7 Tesla proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging in adult X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

PubMed Central

Ratai, Eva; Kok, Trina; Wiggins, Christopher; Wiggins, Graham; Grant, Ellen; Gagoski, Borjan; O'Neill, Gilmore; Adalsteinsson, Elfar; Eichler, Florian

2010-01-01

Background Adult patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) remain at risk for progressive neurological deterioration. Phenotypes vary in their pathology, ranging from axonal degeneration to inflammatory demyelination. The severity of symptoms is poorly explained by conventional imaging. Objective To test the hypothesis that neurochemistry in normal appearing brain differs among adult phenotypes of X-ALD, and that neurochemical changes correlate with the severity of symptoms. Patients and Methods Using a 7 Tesla scanner we performed structural and proton MRSI in 13 adult patients with X-ALD, including 4 patients with adult cerebral ALD (ACALD), 5 with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and 4 female heterozygotes. Studies were also performed in nine healthy controls. Results Among adult X-ALD phenotypes, MI/Cr was 46% higher and Cho/Cr 21% higher in normal appearing white matter of ACALD compared to AMN (p < 0.05). Both NAA/Cr and Glu/Cr ratios were lower in AMN patients (p = 0.028 and p = 0.036, respectively) than in controls. There were no significant differences between AMN and female heterozygotes. In cortex, ACALD patients had lower values of NAA/Cr compared to female heterozygotes and controls (p = 0.022). The global MI/Cr ratio demonstrated a significant association with the EDSS (Spearman ρ = 0.66, p = 0.039). Conclusion 7 Tesla proton MRSI reveals differences in the neurochemistry of ACALD but is unable to distinguish AMN from female heterozygotes. MI/Cr correlates with the severity of the symptoms and may be a meaningful biomarker in adult X-ALD. PMID:19001168

Regulatory divergence of X-linked genes and hybrid male sterility in mice.

PubMed

Oka, Ayako; Shiroishi, Toshihiko

2014-01-01

Postzygotic reproductive isolation is the reduction of fertility or viability in hybrids between genetically diverged populations. One example of reproductive isolation, hybrid male sterility, may be caused by genetic incompatibility between diverged genetic factors in two distinct populations. Genetic factors involved in hybrid male sterility are disproportionately located on the X chromosome. Recent studies showing the evolutionary divergence in gene regulatory networks or epigenetic effects suggest that the genetic incompatibilities occur at much broader levels than had previously been thought (e.g., incompatibility of protein-protein interactions). The latest studies suggest that evolutionary divergence of transcriptional regulation causes genetic incompatibilities in hybrid animals, and that such incompatibilities preferentially involve X-linked genes. In this review, we focus on recent progress in understanding hybrid sterility in mice, including our studies, and we discuss the evolutionary significance of regulatory divergence for speciation.

X-linked adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy: Psychiatric and neurological manifestations

PubMed Central

Shamim, Daniah; Alleyne, Karen

2017-01-01

Adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare x-linked inborn error of metabolism occurring predominantly in males with onset in early 30s. Here, we report a 34-year-old male with first signs of disease in early 20s manifesting as a pure psychiatric disorder. Prior to onset of neurological symptoms, this patient demonstrated a schizophrenia and bipolar-like presentation. The disease progressed over the next 10–13 years and his memory and motor problems became evident around the age of 33 years. Subsequently, diagnostic testing showed the typical magnetic resonance imaging and lab findings for adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy. This case highlights adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy which may present as a pure psychiatric disturbance in early adulthood and briefly discusses the prolonged time between the onset of psychiatric symptoms and the onset of neurological disease. PMID:29201369

X-linked adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy: Psychiatric and neurological manifestations.

PubMed

Shamim, Daniah; Alleyne, Karen

2017-01-01

Adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare x-linked inborn error of metabolism occurring predominantly in males with onset in early 30s. Here, we report a 34-year-old male with first signs of disease in early 20s manifesting as a pure psychiatric disorder. Prior to onset of neurological symptoms, this patient demonstrated a schizophrenia and bipolar-like presentation. The disease progressed over the next 10-13 years and his memory and motor problems became evident around the age of 33 years. Subsequently, diagnostic testing showed the typical magnetic resonance imaging and lab findings for adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy. This case highlights adult-onset adrenoleukodystrophy which may present as a pure psychiatric disturbance in early adulthood and briefly discusses the prolonged time between the onset of psychiatric symptoms and the onset of neurological disease.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors of the lung carrying a chimeric A2M-ALK gene: report of 2 infantile cases and review of the differential diagnosis of infantile pulmonary lesions.

PubMed

Tanaka, Mio; Kohashi, Kenichi; Kushitani, Kei; Yoshida, Misa; Kurihara, Sho; Kawashima, Masumi; Ueda, Yuka; Souzaki, Ryota; Kinoshita, Yoshiaki; Oda, Yoshinao; Takeshima, Yukio; Hiyama, Eiso; Taguchi, Tomoaki; Tanaka, Yukichi

2017-08-01

We report 2 infantile cases of pulmonary tumor carrying a chimeric A2M-ALK gene. A2M-ALK is a newly identified anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-related chimeric gene from a tumor diagnosed as fetal lung interstitial tumor (FLIT). FLIT is a recently recognized infantile pulmonary lesion defined as a mass-like lesion that morphologically resembles the fetal lung. Grossly, FLIT characteristically appears as a well-circumscribed spongy mass, whereas the tumors in these patients were solid and firm. Histologically, the tumors showed intrapulmonary lesions composed of densely proliferating polygonal or spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells with diffuse and dense infiltrations of inflammatory cells forming microcystic or micropapillary structures lined by thyroid transcription factor 1-positive pneumocytes, favoring inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor rather than FLIT. The proliferating cells were immunoreactive for ALK, and A2M-ALK was identified in both tumors with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The dense infiltration of inflammatory cells, immunoreactivity for ALK, and identification of an ALK-related chimeric gene suggested a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor. Histologically, most reported FLITs show sparse inflammatory infiltrates and a relatively low density of interstitial cells in the septa, although prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells and high cellularity of interstitial cells are seen in some FLITs. The present cases suggest that ALK rearrangements, including the chimeric A2M-ALK gene, may be present in these infantile pulmonary lesions, especially those with inflammatory cell infiltration. We propose that these infantile pulmonary lesions containing a chimeric A2M-ALK gene be categorized as a specific type of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor that develops exclusively in neonates and infants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exome Sequencing Is an Efficient Tool for Variant Late-Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Molecular Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Ortega-Recalde, Oscar; Nallathambi, Jeyabalan; Anandula, Venkata Ramana; Renukaradhya, Umashankar; Laissue, Paul

2014-01-01

The neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by epilepsy, visual failure, progressive mental and motor deterioration, myoclonus, dementia and reduced life expectancy. Classically, NCL-affected individuals have been classified into six categories, which have been mainly defined regarding the clinical onset of symptoms. However, some patients cannot be easily included in a specific group because of significant variation in the age of onset and disease progression. Molecular genetics has emerged in recent years as a useful tool for enhancing NCL subtype classification. Fourteen NCL genetic forms (CLN1 to CLN14) have been described to date. The variant late-infantile form of the disease has been linked to CLN5, CLN6, CLN7 (MFSD8) and CLN8 mutations. Despite advances in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders mutations in these genes may cause similar phenotypes, which rends difficult accurate candidate gene selection for direct sequencing. Three siblings who were affected by variant late-infantile NCL are reported in the present study. We used whole-exome sequencing, direct sequencing and in silico approaches to identify the molecular basis of the disease. We identified the novel c.1219T>C (p.Trp407Arg) and c.1361T>C (p.Met454Thr) MFSD8 pathogenic mutations. Our results highlighted next generation sequencing as a novel and powerful methodological approach for the rapid determination of the molecular diagnosis of NCL. They also provide information regarding the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of CLN7 disease. PMID:25333361

Exome sequencing is an efficient tool for variant late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis molecular diagnosis.

PubMed

Patiño, Liliana Catherine; Battu, Rajani; Ortega-Recalde, Oscar; Nallathambi, Jeyabalan; Anandula, Venkata Ramana; Renukaradhya, Umashankar; Laissue, Paul

2014-01-01

The neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinoses (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by epilepsy, visual failure, progressive mental and motor deterioration, myoclonus, dementia and reduced life expectancy. Classically, NCL-affected individuals have been classified into six categories, which have been mainly defined regarding the clinical onset of symptoms. However, some patients cannot be easily included in a specific group because of significant variation in the age of onset and disease progression. Molecular genetics has emerged in recent years as a useful tool for enhancing NCL subtype classification. Fourteen NCL genetic forms (CLN1 to CLN14) have been described to date. The variant late-infantile form of the disease has been linked to CLN5, CLN6, CLN7 (MFSD8) and CLN8 mutations. Despite advances in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders mutations in these genes may cause similar phenotypes, which rends difficult accurate candidate gene selection for direct sequencing. Three siblings who were affected by variant late-infantile NCL are reported in the present study. We used whole-exome sequencing, direct sequencing and in silico approaches to identify the molecular basis of the disease. We identified the novel c.1219T>C (p.Trp407Arg) and c.1361T>C (p.Met454Thr) MFSD8 pathogenic mutations. Our results highlighted next generation sequencing as a novel and powerful methodological approach for the rapid determination of the molecular diagnosis of NCL. They also provide information regarding the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of CLN7 disease.

A novel AVPR2 splice site mutation leads to partial X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in two brothers.

PubMed

Schernthaner-Reiter, Marie Helene; Adams, David; Trivellin, Giampaolo; Ramnitz, Mary Scott; Raygada, Margarita; Golas, Gretchen; Faucz, Fabio R; Nilsson, Ola; Nella, Aikaterini A; Dileepan, Kavitha; Lodish, Maya; Lee, Paul; Tifft, Cynthia; Markello, Thomas; Gahl, William; Stratakis, Constantine A

2016-05-01

X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI, OMIM#304800) is caused by mutations in the arginine vasopressin (AVP, OMIM*192340) receptor type 2 (AVPR2, OMIM*300538) gene. A 20-month-old boy and his 8-year-old brother presented with polyuria, polydipsia, and failure to thrive. Both boys demonstrated partial DDAVP (1-desamino-8-D AVP or desmopressin) responses; thus, NDI diagnosis was delayed. While routine sequencing of AVPR2 showed a potential splice site variant, it was not until exome sequencing confirmed the AVPR2 splice site variant and did not reveal any more likely candidates that the patients' diagnosis was made and proper treatment was instituted. Both patients were hemizygous for two AVPR2 variants predicted in silico to affect AVPR2 messenger RNA (mRNA) splicing. A minigene assay revealed that the novel AVPR2 c.276A>G mutation creates a novel splice acceptor site leading to 5' truncation of AVPR2 exon 2 in HEK293 human kidney cells. Both patients have been treated with high-dose DDAVP with a remarkable improvement of their symptoms and accelerated linear growth and weight gain. We present here a unique case of partial X-linked NDI due to an AVPR2 splice site mutation; patients with diabetes insipidus of unknown etiology may harbor splice site mutations that are initially underestimated in their pathogenicity on sequence analysis. • X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is caused by AVPR2 mutations, and disease severity can vary depending on the functional effect of the mutation. What is New: • We demonstrate here that a splice site mutation in AVPR2 leads to partial X-linked NDI in two brothers. • Treatment with high-dose DDAVP led to improvement of polyuria and polydipsia, weight gain, and growth.

The phylogenetic roots of human lethal violence.

PubMed

Gómez, José María; Verdú, Miguel; González-Megías, Adela; Méndez, Marcos

2016-10-13

The psychological, sociological and evolutionary roots of conspecific violence in humans are still debated, despite attracting the attention of intellectuals for over two millennia. Here we propose a conceptual approach towards understanding these roots based on the assumption that aggression in mammals, including humans, has a significant phylogenetic component. By compiling sources of mortality from a comprehensive sample of mammals, we assessed the percentage of deaths due to conspecifics and, using phylogenetic comparative tools, predicted this value for humans. The proportion of human deaths phylogenetically predicted to be caused by interpersonal violence stood at 2%. This value was similar to the one phylogenetically inferred for the evolutionary ancestor of primates and apes, indicating that a certain level of lethal violence arises owing to our position within the phylogeny of mammals. It was also similar to the percentage seen in prehistoric bands and tribes, indicating that we were as lethally violent then as common mammalian evolutionary history would predict. However, the level of lethal violence has changed through human history and can be associated with changes in the socio-political organization of human populations. Our study provides a detailed phylogenetic and historical context against which to compare levels of lethal violence observed throughout our history.

Serial elongation derotation flexion (EDF) casting for patients with infantile and juvenile scoliosis.

PubMed

Canavese, Federico; Rousset, Marie; Mansour, Mounira; Samba, Antoine; Dimeglio, Alain

2016-02-01

Infantile and juvenile scoliosis, among different types of spinal deformity, is still a challenge for pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The ideal treatment of infantile and juvenile scoliosis has not yet been identified as both clinicians and surgeons still face multiple challenges, including preservation of the thoracic spine, thoracic cage, lung growth and cardiac function without reducing spinal motion. Elongation, derotation, flexion (EDF) casting technique is a custom-made thoracolumbar cast based on a three dimensional correction concept. This cast offers three-dimensional correction and can control the evolution of the deformity in some cases. Spinal growth can be guided by EDF casting as it can influence the initially curved spine to grow straighter. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of how infantile and juvenile scoliosis can affect normal spine and thorax and how these deformities can be treated with serial EDF casting technique. A current literature review is mandatory in order to understand the principles of the serial EDF casting technique and the effectiveness of conservative treatment in young and very young patients.

Airpower’s Emasculation? -- Non-lethal Weapons in Joint Urban Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-14

Lethal, Subdue the Enemy Without Killing,” 14, US Military Non-Lethal Weapons, 10 November 1997, <http://www.geocities.com/ Area51 /Shadowlands/6583...37 “Non-Lethal, Subdue the Enemy Without Killing,” 10-11, US Military Non-Lethal Weapons, 10 November 1997, <http://www.geocities.com/ Area51 ... Area51 /Shadowlands/6583/project035.html> [15 December 2004]. 42 “US Plans for Use of Gas in Iraq,” The Sunshine Project, 7 February 2003, <http

Three solutions to a single problem: alternative casting frames for treating infantile idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

Halanski, Matthew A; Harper, Benjamin L; Cassidy, Jeffry A; Crawford, Haemish A

2013-07-01

This is a technique article discussing 3 alternative frames for casting children with infantile scoliosis. To provide surgeons with alternatives to expensive specialized casting tables to allow local treatment of these children utilizing readily available materials present at most institutions. Casting for infantile scoliosis has become more popular as reports have shown promising results with this technique without the morbidity and complications associated with more invasive procedures. However, without a specialized casting table, treating these patients has been limited to a few centers throughout the country often causing patients to travel large distances to receive care. Three different alternatives to commercially available casting frames are presented. Requirements, setup, and techniques are discussed. Each surgeon has had success with each of these frames. These provide adequate support and traction while allowing enough access to the trunk to apply a well-molded cast. Cotrel/Metha casting for infantile scoliosis can be accomplished without a specialized table using commonly available equipment.

Clinical profile of vigabatrin as monotherapy for treatment of infantile spasms

PubMed Central

Lerner, Jason T; Salamon, Noriko; Sankar, Raman

2010-01-01

Vigabatrin, the first therapeutic agent to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of infantile spasms, as well as for adjunctive use in the treatment of refractory complex partial epilepsy, represents an important advance for patients with difficult-to-manage epilepsy. This review summarizes the complex history, chemistry, and pharmacology, as well as the clinical data leading to the approval of vigabatrin for infantile spasms in the US. The long path to its approval reflects the visual system and white matter toxicity concerns with this agent. This review provides a brief description of these concerns, and the regulatory safety monitoring and mitigation systems that have been put in place to enhance benefit over risk. PMID:21127692

[Prognostic value of the lethal triad among patients with multiple trauma].

PubMed

González Balverde, María; Ramírez Lizardo, Ernesto J; Cardona Muñoz, Ernesto G; Totsuka Sutto, Sylvia E; García Benavides, Leonel

2013-11-01

Patients who have suffered multiple traumatic injuries, have a serious risk for death. Hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy are three complications in these patients, whose presence is known as lethal triad and indicates bad prognosis. To determine if the lethal triad in multiple trauma patients is associated with higher mortality and Injury Score Severity (ISS). One hundred multiple trauma patients aged 26 to 56 years (90 males), admitted to an emergency room, were studied. Body temperature, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count and blood gases were determined on admission. Twenty six patients had the lethal triad and 15% died in the emergency room within the first 6 hours. No death was recorded among the 74 patients without the lethal triad. The mean ISS among patients with and without the lethal triad was 31.7 and 25.6, respectively (p < 0.05). The presence of the lethal triad among patients with multiple trauma is associated with a higher mortality and ISS.

Benign Familial Infantile Convulsions: Mapping of a Novel Locus on Chromosome 2q24 and Evidence for Genetic Heterogeneity

PubMed Central

Malacarne, Michela; Gennaro, Elena; Madia, Francesca; Pozzi, Sarah; Vacca, Daniela; Barone, Baldassare; Bernardina, Bernardo dalla; Bianchi, Amedeo; Bonanni, Paolo; De Marco, Pasquale; Gambardella, Antonio; Giordano, Lucio; Lispi, Maria Luisa; Romeo, Antonino; Santorum, Enrica; Vanadia, Francesca; Vecchi, Marilena; Veggiotti, Pierangelo; Vigevano, Federico; Viri, Franco; Bricarelli, Franca Dagna; Zara, Federico

2001-01-01

In 1997, a locus for benign familial infantile convulsions (BFIC) was mapped to chromosome 19q. Further data suggested that this locus is not involved in all families with BFIC. In the present report, we studied eight Italian families and mapped a novel BFIC locus within a 0.7-cM interval of chromosome 2q24, between markers D2S399 and D2S2330. A maximum multipoint HLOD score of 6.29 was obtained under the hypothesis of genetic heterogeneity. Furthermore, the clustering of chromosome 2q24–linked families in southern Italy may indicate a recent founder effect. In our series, 40% of the families are linked to neither chromosome 19q or 2q loci, suggesting that at least three loci are involved in BFIC. This finding is consistent with other autosomal dominant idiopathic epilepsies in which different genes were found to be implicated. PMID:11326335

Metachromatic leukodystrophy: a case of triplets with the late infantile variant and a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Mahmood, Asif; Berry, Jay; Wenger, David A; Escolar, Maria; Sobeih, Magdi; Raymond, Gerald; Eichler, Florian S

2010-05-01

Metachromatic leukodystrophy is a rare disorder with great clinical variability. We report the first case of triplets with the late infantile form of the disease and their systematic progression of symptoms. We reviewed the literature and identified all human studies that reported new cases since 1921. We analyzed survival by decade to assess the impact of historical changes in the management of care. Mean age at death and the 5-year survival from onset of symptoms for late infantile, juvenile, and adult phenotypes were 4.2 years and 24.9%, 17.4 years and 70.3%, and 43.1 years and 88.6%, respectively. The 5-year survival of cases reported after 1990 was significantly better than cases reported before 1970 in all subtypes of metachromatic leukodystrophy (late infantile: 52% vs 14%, juvenile: 100% vs 46%, adult: 95% vs 67%). Survival in the late infantile subtype was worse than that in other subtypes. Survival significantly improved over time in all subtypes.

INTRAGROUP AND GALAXY-LINKED DIFFUSE X-RAY EMISSION IN HICKSON COMPACT GROUPS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Desjardins, Tyler D.; Gallagher, Sarah C.; Tzanavaris, Panayiotis

2013-02-15

Isolated compact groups (CGs) of galaxies present a range of dynamical states, group velocity dispersions, and galaxy morphologies with which to study galaxy evolution, particularly the properties of gas both within the galaxies and in the intragroup medium. As part of a large, multiwavelength examination of CGs, we present an archival study of diffuse X-ray emission in a subset of nine Hickson compact groups (HCGs) observed with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. We find that seven of the groups in our sample exhibit detectable diffuse emission. However, unlike large-scale emission in galaxy clusters, the diffuse features in the majority of themore » detected groups are linked to the individual galaxies, in the form of both plumes and halos likely as a result of vigourous star formation or activity in the galaxy nucleus, as well as in emission from tidal features. Unlike previous studies from earlier X-ray missions, HCGs 31, 42, 59, and 92 are found to be consistent with the L{sub X} -T relationship from clusters within the errors, while HCGs 16 and 31 are consistent with the cluster L{sub X} -{sigma} relation, though this is likely coincidental given that the hot gas in these two systems is largely due to star formation. We find that L{sub X} increases with decreasing group H I to dynamical-mass ratio with tentative evidence for a dependence in X-ray luminosity on H I morphology whereby systems with intragroup H I indicative of strong interactions are considerably more X-ray luminous than passively evolving groups. We also find a gap in the L{sub X} of groups as a function of the total group specific star formation rate. Our findings suggest that the hot gas in these groups is not in hydrostatic equilibrium and these systems are not low-mass analogs of rich groups or clusters, with the possible exception of HCG 62.« less

Intragroup and Galaxy-linked Diffuse X-ray Emission In Hickson Compact Groups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desjardins, Tyler D.; Gallagher, Sarah C.; Tzanavaris, Panayiotis; Mulchaey, John S.; Brandt, William N.; Charlton, Jane C.; Garmire, Gordon P.; Gronwall, Caryl; Cardiff, Ann; Johnson, Kelsey E.;

MRI Brain Volume Measurements in Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis.

PubMed

Baker, E H; Levin, S W; Zhang, Z; Mukherjee, A B

2017-02-01

Infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a devastating neurodegenerative storage disease caused by palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 deficiency, which impairs degradation of palmitoylated proteins (constituents of ceroid) by lysosomal hydrolases. Consequent lysosomal ceroid accumulation leads to neuronal injury, resulting in rapid neurodegeneration and childhood death. As part of a project studying the treatment benefits of a combination of cysteamine bitartrate and N -acetyl cysteine, we made serial measurements of patients' brain volumes with MR imaging. Ten patients with infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis participating in a treatment/follow-up study underwent brain MR imaging that included high-resolution T1-weighted images. After manual placement of a mask delineating the surface of the brain, a maximum-likelihood classifier was applied to determine total brain volume, further subdivided as cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, and thalamus. Patients' brain volumes were compared with those of a healthy population. Major subdivisions of the brain followed similar trajectories with different timing. The cerebrum demonstrated early, rapid volume loss and may never have been normal postnatally. The thalamus dropped out of the normal range around 6 months of age; the cerebellum, around 2 years of age; and the brain stem, around 3 years of age. Rapid cerebral volume loss was expected on the basis of previous qualitative reports. Because our study did not include a nontreatment arm and because progression of brain volumes in infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis has not been previously quantified, we could not determine whether our intervention had a beneficial effect on brain volumes. However, the level of quantitative detail in this study allows it to serve as a reference for evaluation of future therapeutic interventions. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Juvenile X-linked retinoschisis responsive to intravitreal corticosteroids.

PubMed

Ansari, Waseem H; Browne, Andrew W; Singh, Rishi P

2017-04-01

To report the case of an adult male with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) who presented with cystoid macular edema (CME) that responded consistently to treatment with intravitreal steroids. A 39 year old male with unilateral presentation of CME after repair of a retinal detachment secondary to XLRS responded initially to an injection of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA). Central subfield thickness on OCT was reduced. Three months later, the CME recurred and he was unresponsive to topical treatment so repeat IVTA was given, and the CME once again was reduced dramatically. After the next recurrence, intravitreal dexamethasone implant treatment was initiated and successful at treating recurrences in 3 month intervals for 5 additional injections. Finally, an intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant was surgically placed with control of CME. Corticosteroids have never been reported to be effective in CME related to XLRS. Here, we document a case of a man who successfully had decrease of intraretinal fluid and schisis with treatment of intravitreal corticosteroids as demonstrated by spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

EVALUATING THE PREDICTIVE VALIDITY OF SUICIDAL INTENT AND MEDICAL LETHALITY IN YOUTH

PubMed Central

Sapyta, Jeffrey; Goldston, David B.; Erkanli, Alaattin; Daniel, Stephanie S.; Heilbron, Nicole; Mayfield, Andrew; Treadway, S. Lyn

2012-01-01

Objectives To examine whether suicidal intent and medical lethality of past suicide attempts are predictive of future attempts, the association between intent and lethality, and the consistency of these characteristics across repeated attempts among youth. Method Suicide attempts in a 15-year prospective study of 180 formerly psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents (Mage at hospitalization = 14.83; 51% female; 80% Caucasian) were characterized using the Subjective Intent Rating Scale and Lethality of Attempt Rating Scale. Anderson-Gill recurrent events survival models and generalized estimating equations were used to assess predictive validity. Generalized linear models were used to examine stability of characteristics across attempts. Results Neither intent nor lethality from the most recent attempt predicted future attempts. The highest level of intent and most severe lethality of attempts during the follow-up predicted subsequent attempts, but the degree to which highest intent and most severe lethality contributed to prediction after considering methods of suicide attempts, past number of attempts, or psychiatric diagnoses was mixed. Across successive attempts, there was little consistency in reported characteristics. Intent and lethality were related to each other only for attempts occurring in early adulthood. Conclusions Highest intent and lethality were better predictors of future attempts than intent and lethality of the most recent attempt. However, these characteristics should only be considered as predictors within the context of other factors. For youth, clinicians should not infer true intent from the lethality of attempts, nor assume that characteristics of future suicide attempts will be similar to previous attempts. PMID:22250854

Deletion of the X-linked opsin gene array locus control region (LCR) results in disruption of the cone mosaic.

PubMed

Carroll, Joseph; Rossi, Ethan A; Porter, Jason; Neitz, Jay; Roorda, Austin; Williams, David R; Neitz, Maureen

2010-09-15

Blue cone monochromacy (BCM) is an X-linked condition in which long- (L) and middle- (M) wavelength-sensitive cone function is absent. Due to the X-linked nature of the condition, female carriers are spared from a full manifestation of the associated defects but can show visual symptoms, including abnormal cone electroretinograms. Here we imaged the cone mosaic in four females carrying an L/M array with deletion of the locus control region, resulting in an absence of L/M opsin gene expression (effectively acting as a cone opsin knockout). On average, they had cone mosaics with reduced density and disrupted organization compared to normal trichromats. This suggests that the absence of opsin in a subset of cones results in their early degeneration, with X-inactivation the likely mechanism underlying phenotypic variability in BCM carriers. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of BRCA2 and Thymidylate Synthase Creates Multidrug Sensitive Tumor Cells via the Induction of Combined "Complementary Lethality".

PubMed

Rytelewski, Mateusz; Ferguson, Peter J; Maleki Vareki, Saman; Figueredo, Rene; Vincent, Mark; Koropatnick, James

2013-03-12

A high mutation rate leading to tumor cell heterogeneity is a driver of malignancy in human cancers. Paradoxically, however, genomic instability can also render tumors vulnerable to therapeutic attack. Thus, targeting DNA repair may induce an intolerable level of DNA damage in tumor cells. BRCA2 mediates homologous recombination repair, and BRCA2 polymorphisms increase cancer risk. However, tumors with BRCA2 mutations respond better to chemotherapy and are associated with improved patient prognosis. Thymidylate synthase (TS) is also involved in DNA maintenance and generates cellular thymidylate. We determined that antisense downregulation of BRCA2 synergistically potentiated drugs with mechanisms of action related to BRCA2 function (cisplatin, melphalan), a phenomenon we named "complementary lethality." TS knockdown induced complementary lethality to TS-targeting drugs (5-FUdR and pemetrexed) but not DNA cross-linking agents. Combined targeting of BRCA2 and TS induced complementary lethality to both DNA-damaging and TS-targeting agents, thus creating multidrug sensitive tumors. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time that simultaneous downregulation of both targets induced combined complementary lethality to multiple mechanistically different drugs in the same cell population. In this study, we propose and define the concept of "complementary lethality" and show that actively targeting BRCA2 and TS is of potential therapeutic benefit in multidrug treatment of human tumors. This work has contributed to the development of a BRCA2-targeting antisense oligdeoxynucleotide (ASO) "BR-1" which we will test in vivo in combination with our TS-targeting ASO "SARI 83" and attempt early clinical trials in the future.Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e78; doi:10.1038/mtna.2013.7 published online 12 March 2013.

A novel UBE2A mutation causes X-linked intellectual disability type Nascimento.

PubMed

Tsurusaki, Yoshinori; Ohashi, Ikuko; Enomoto, Yumi; Naruto, Takuya; Mitsui, Jun; Aida, Noriko; Kurosawa, Kenji

2017-01-01

X-linked intellectual disability (ID) type Nascimento (MIM #300860), also known as ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 A (UBE2A) deficiency syndrome, is a congenital malformation syndrome characterized by moderate to severe ID, speech impairment, dysmorphic facial features, genital anomalies and skin abnormalities. Here, we report a Japanese patient with severe ID and congenital cataract. We identified a novel hemizygous mutation (c.76G>A, p.Gly26Arg) in UBE2A by whole-exome sequencing.

Environmental and dietary risk factors for infantile atopic eczema among a Slovak birth cohort.

PubMed

Dunlop, Anne L; Reichrtova, Eva; Palcovicova, Luba; Ciznar, Peter; Adamcakova-Dodd, Andrea; Smith, S J; McNabb, Scott J N

2006-03-01

Infantile atopic eczema (AE) is a risk marker for future asthma. This study assesses the contribution of modifiable exposures to infantile AE. If modifiable exposures contribute substantially to infantile AE, its prevention might be a sensible approach to asthma prevention. Pregnant women (n = 1978) were systematically recruited from maternity hospitals of the Slovak Republic; their birthed cohort of 1990 children were prospectively followed for 1 yr. Children's exposures to selected environmental and dietary factors were assessed via maternal questionnaires administered at delivery and 1 yr of age. A child was considered to have AE, based on physical examination (SCORAD index >2) or mother's report of a previous physician diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and percent total regression scores (TRS) for each variable. At 1 yr of age 1326 (67%) of the children remained in the cohort and 207 (15.6%) developed AE. Various modifiable environmental and dietary exposures increased the likelihood of AE (ownership of cats; consumption of infant formula, eggs, and fish) while others decreased the likelihood of AE (ownership of livestock; exclusive breast feeding for > or =4 months). Overall, modifiable exposures contributed less to the TRS than did non-modifiable exposures (38% vs. 62%, respectively). The modifiable exposure category that contributed most to the TRS was infant feeding practices (27.5% TRS). Modifiable exposures -- especially those related to infant feeding practices -- significantly contribute to infantile AE, although modifiable factors contribute less overall than do non-modifiable exposures.

Casting for infantile scoliosis: the pitfall of increased peak inspiratory pressure.

PubMed

Dhawale, Arjun A; Shah, Suken A; Reichard, Samantha; Holmes, Laurens; Brislin, Robert; Rogers, Kenneth; Mackenzie, William G

2013-01-01

Serial cast correction is a popular treatment option for progressive infantile scoliosis. Body casting can lead to chest and abdominal expansion restriction and result in decreased chest wall compliance. There are no studies evaluating the effects of casting on ventilation in infantile scoliosis. This study examines changes in peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during serial casting for infantile scoliosis. We retrospectively reviewed data obtained from 37 serial Cotrel elongation, derotation, and flexion cast corrections in patients with infantile scoliosis. Patient demographics, radiographic measurements, and anesthesia data were recorded. Anesthesia technique was standardized: children were intubated with rigid endotracheal tubes (ETTs); tidal volume was held constant at 8 to 10 cm(3)/kg using volume control ventilation; and PIP was recorded at baseline, after cast application before window cutout, and after window cutout before extubation. Any complications were documented. We assessed the PIP changes with a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean age at first casting was 21.8 months (range, 12 to 42 mo) and mean follow-up since first casting was 22.4 months (range, 13 to 40 mo) with mean major Cobb angle of 53±15 degrees. The mean PIP was 15.5±4.9 cm H(2)O before casting, 31.9±7.9 cm H(2)O after cast application, and 20.4±5.6 cm H2O after making windows. There was a 106% increase after casting and 32% increase after window cutout from the baseline PIP levels. There was a significant difference in PIP on repeated measures ANOVA (P<0.0001). Intraoperatively, there was difficulty in maintaining ventilation during 2 procedures and 1 hypotensive episode. One patient developed hypoxemia after casting and another had delayed difficulty in breathing. Casting resulted in an increased PIP due to transient restrictive pulmonary process; after windows were cut out, the PIP reduced but not to baseline. In patients with underlying pulmonary disease, the

Lethal and Sub-lethal Effects of Four Insecticides on the Aphidophagous Coccinellid Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

PubMed

Depalo, Laura; Lanzoni, Alberto; Masetti, Antonio; Pasqualini, Edison; Burgio, Giovanni

2017-12-05

Conventional insecticide assays, which measure the effects of insecticide exposure on short-term mortality, overlook important traits, including persistence of toxicity or sub-lethal effects. Therefore, such approaches are especially inadequate for prediction of the overall impact of insecticides on beneficial arthropods. In this study, the side effects of four modern insecticides (chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, spinosad, and spirotetramat) on Adalia bipunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were evaluated under laboratory conditions by exposition on treated potted plants. In addition to investigation of acute toxicity and persistence of harmful activity in both larvae and adults of A. bipunctata, demographic parameters were evaluated, to provide a comprehensive picture of the nontarget effects of these products. Field doses of the four insecticides caused detrimental effects to A. bipunctata; but in different ways. Overall, spinosad showed the best toxicological profile among the products tested. Emamectin benzoate could be considered a low-risk insecticide, but had high persistence. Chlorantraniliprole exhibited lethal effects on early instar larvae and adults, along with a long-lasting activity, instead spirotetramat showed a low impact on larval and adult mortality and can be considered a short-lived insecticide. However, demographic analysis demonstrated that chlorantraniliprole and spirotetramat caused sub-lethal effects. Our findings highlight that sole assessment of mortality can lead to underestimation of the full impact of pesticides on nontarget insects. Demographic analysis was demonstrated to be a sensitive method for detection of the sub-lethal effects of insecticides on A. bipunctata, and this approach should be considered for evaluation of insecticide selectivity. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Single-Exome sequencing identified a novel RP2 mutation in a child with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed

Lim, Hassol; Park, Young-Mi; Lee, Jong-Keuk; Taek Lim, Hyun

2016-10-01

To present an efficient and successful application of a single-exome sequencing study in a family clinically diagnosed with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Exome sequencing study based on clinical examination data. An 8-year-old proband and his family. The proband and his family members underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations. Exome sequencing was undertaken in the proband using Agilent SureSelect Human All Exon Kit and Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Bioinformatic analysis used Illumina pipeline with Burrows-Wheeler Aligner-Genome Analysis Toolkit (BWA-GATK), followed by ANNOVAR to perform variant functional annotation. All variants passing filter criteria were validated by Sanger sequencing to confirm familial segregation. Analysis of exome sequence data identified a novel frameshift mutation in RP2 gene resulting in a premature stop codon (c.665delC, p.Pro222fsTer237). Sanger sequencing revealed this mutation co-segregated with the disease phenotype in the child's family. We identified a novel causative mutation in RP2 from a single proband's exome sequence data analysis. This study highlights the effectiveness of the whole-exome sequencing in the genetic diagnosis of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, over the conventional sequencing methods. Even using a single exome, exome sequencing technology would be able to pinpoint pathogenic variant(s) for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, when properly applied with aid of adequate variant filtering strategy. Copyright © 2016 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel domain-specific POU3F4 mutations are associated with X-linked deafness: examples from different populations.

PubMed

Bademci, Guney; Lasisi, Akeem; Yariz, Kemal O; Montenegro, Paola; Menendez, Ibis; Vinueza, Rodrigo; Paredes, Rosario; Moreta, Germania; Subasioglu, Asli; Blanton, Susan; Fitoz, Suat; Incesulu, Armagan; Sennaroglu, Levent; Tekin, Mustafa

2015-02-25

Mutations in the POU3F4 gene cause X-linked deafness type 3 (DFN3), which is characterized by inner ear anomalies. Three Turkish, one Ecuadorian, and one Nigerian families were included based on either inner ear anomalies detected in probands or X-linked family histories. Exome sequencing and/or Sanger sequencing were performed in order to identify the causative DNA variants in these families. Four novel, c.707A>C (p.(Glu236Ala)), c.772delG (p.(Glu258ArgfsX30)), c.902C>T (p.(Pro301Leu)), c.987T>C (p.(Ile308Thr)), and one previously reported mutation c.346delG (p.(Ala116ProfsX26)) in POU3F4, were identified. All mutations identified are predicted to affect the POU-specific or POU homeo domains of the protein and co-segregated with deafness in all families. Expanding the spectrum of POU3F4 mutations in different populations along with their associated phenotypes provides better understanding of their clinical importance and will be helpful in clinical evaluation and counseling of the affected individuals.

X-linked Alport syndrome: An SSCP-based mutation survey over all 51 exons of the COL4A5 gene

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Renieri, A.; Bruttini, M.; Galli, L.

1996-06-01

The COL4A5 gene encodes the {alpha}5 (type IV) collagen chain and is defective in X-linked Alport syndrome (AS). Here, we report the first systematic analysis of all 51 exons of COL4A5 gene in a series of 201 Italian AS patients. We have previously reported nine major rearrangements, as well as 18 small mutations identified in the same patient series by SSCP analysis of several exons. After systematic analysis of all 51 exons of COL4A5, we have now identified 30 different mutations: 10 glycine substitutions in the triple helical domain of the protein, 9 frameshift mutations, 4 in-frame deletions, 1 startmore » codon, 1 nonsense, and 5 splice-site mutations. These mutations were either unique or found in two unrelated families, thus excluding the presence of a common mutation in the coding part of the gene. Overall, mutations were detected in only 45% of individuals with a certain or likely diagnosis of X-linked AS. This finding suggests that mutations in noncoding segments of COL4A5 account for a high number of X-linked AS cases. An alternative hypothesis is the presence of locus heterogeneity, even within the X-linked form of the disease. A genotype/phenotype comparison enabled us to better substantiate a significant correlation between the degree of predicted disruption of the {alpha}5 chain and the severity of phenotype in affected male individuals. Our study has significant implications in the diagnosis and follow-up of AS patients. 44 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Non-Lethal Technologies for the Objective Force

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-20

Cartridge (Sponge Grenade) 12 Gauge Non-Lethal Munitions XM1012, XM1013 5.56mm XM95 Rifle Launched Non-Lethal Munition Army Soldier Enhancement...Applications, effective 12 Sep 00. • USAMPS will serve as the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command’s single voice for all developments and initiatives to...1996 DoD NLW User’s Conference; Joint Concept for NLW’s & Per JMAA Jan 2000 - Joint Mission Area Analysis (JMAA) - 07/11/2001 12 Area Denial-Personnel

TFG-MET fusion in an infantile spindle cell sarcoma with neural features.

PubMed

Flucke, Uta; van Noesel, Max M; Wijnen, Marc; Zhang, Lei; Chen, Chun-Liang; Sung, Yun-Shao; Antonescu, Cristina R

2017-09-01

An increasing number of congenital and infantile sarcomas displaying a primitive, monomorphic spindle cell phenotype have been characterized to harbor recurrent gene fusions, including infantile fibrosarcoma and congenital spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. Here, we report an unusual spindle cell sarcoma presenting as a large and infiltrative pelvic soft tissue mass in a 4-month-old girl, which revealed a novel TFG-MET gene fusion by whole transcriptome RNA sequencing. The tumor resembled the morphology of an infantile fibrosarcoma with both fascicular and patternless growth, however, it expressed strong S100 protein immunoreactivity, while lacking SOX10 staining and retaining H3K27me3 expression. Although this immunoprofile suggested partial neural/neuroectodermal differentiation, overall features were unusual and did not fit into any known tumor types (cellular schwannoma, MPNST), raising the possibility of a novel pathologic entity. The TFG-MET gene fusion expands the genetic spectrum implicated in the pathogenesis of congenital spindle cell sarcomas, with yet another example of kinase oncogenic activation through chromosomal translocation. The discovery of this new fusion is significant since the resulting MET activation can potentially be inhibited by targeted therapy, as MET inhibitors are presently available in clinical trials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anthrax lethal factor inhibitors as potential countermeasure of the infection.

PubMed

Kumar, B V S Suneel; Malik, Siddharth; Grandhi, Pradeep; Dayam, Raveendra; Sarma, J A R P

2014-01-01

Anthrax Lethal Factor (LF) is a zinc-dependent metalloprotease, one of the virulence factor of anthrax infection. Three forms of the anthrax infection have been identified: cutaneous (through skin), gastrointestinal (through alimentary tract), and pulmonary (by inhalation of spores). Anthrax toxin is composed of protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). Protective antigen mediates the entry of Lethal Factor/Edema Factor into the cytosol of host cells. Lethal factor (LF) inactivates mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inducing cell death, and EF is an adenylyl cyclase impairing host defenses. In the past few years, extensive studies are undertaken to design inhibitors targeting LF. The current review focuses on the small molecule inhibitors targeting LF activity and its structure activity relationships (SAR).

Physiological Arousal in Autism and Fragile X Syndrome: Group Comparisons and Links with Pragmatic Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klusek, Jessica; Martin, Gary E.; Losh, Molly

2013-01-01

This study tested the hypothesis that pragmatic (i.e., social) language impairment is linked to arousal dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS). Forty boys with ASD, 39 with FXS, and 27 with typical development (TD), aged 4-15 years, participated. Boys with FXS were hyperaroused compared to boys with TD but did…

Germline CYBB mutations that selectively affect macrophages in kindreds with X-linked predisposition to tuberculous mycobacterial disease

PubMed Central

Bustamante, Jacinta; Arias, Andres A; Vogt, Guillaume; Picard, Capucine; Galicia, Lizbeth Blancas; Prando, Carolina; Grant, Audrey V; Marchal, Christophe C; Hubeau, Marjorie; Chapgier, Ariane; de Beaucoudrey, Ludovic; Puel, Anne; Feinberg, Jacqueline; Valinetz, Ethan; Jannière, Lucile; Besse, Céline; Boland, Anne; Brisseau, Jean-Marie; Blanche, Stéphane; Lortholary, Olivier; Fieschi, Claire; Emile, Jean-François; Boisson-Dupuis, Stéphanie; Al-Muhsen, Saleh; Woda, Bruce; Newburger, Peter E; Condino-Neto, Antonio; Dinauer, Mary C; Abel, Laurent; Casanova, Jean-Laurent

2011-01-01

Germline mutations in CYBB, the human gene encoding the gp91phox subunit of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, impair the respiratory burst of all types of phagocytes and result in X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). We report here two kindreds in which otherwise healthy male adults developed X-linked recessive Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) syndromes. These patients had previously unknown mutations in CYBB that resulted in an impaired respiratory burst in monocyte-derived macrophages but not in monocytes or granulocytes. The macrophage-specific functional consequences of the germline mutation resulted from cell-specific impairment in the assembly of the NADPH oxidase. This ‘experiment of nature’ indicates that CYBB is associated with MSMD and demonstrates that the respiratory burst in human macrophages is a crucial mechanism for protective immunity to tuberculous mycobacteria. PMID:21278736

Mitochondrial EFTs defects in juvenile-onset Leigh disease, ataxia, neuropathy, and optic atrophy

PubMed Central

Ahola, Sofia; Isohanni, Pirjo; Euro, Liliya; Brilhante, Virginia; Palotie, Aarno; Pihko, Helena; Lönnqvist, Tuula; Lehtonen, Tanita; Laine, Jukka; Tyynismaa, Henna

2014-01-01

Objective: We report novel defects of mitochondrial translation elongation factor Ts (EFTs), with high carrier frequency in Finland and expand the manifestations of this disease group from infantile cardiomyopathy to juvenile neuropathy/encephalopathy disorders. Methods: DNA analysis, whole-exome analysis, protein biochemistry, and protein modeling. Results: We used whole-exome sequencing to find the genetic cause of infantile-onset mitochondrial cardiomyopathy, progressing to juvenile-onset Leigh syndrome, neuropathy, and optic atrophy in 2 siblings. We found novel compound heterozygous mutations, c.944G>A [p.C315Y] and c.856C>T [p.Q286X], in the TSFM gene encoding mitochondrial EFTs. The same p.Q286X variant was found as compound heterozygous with a splice site change in a patient from a second family, with juvenile-onset optic atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and ataxia. Our molecular modeling predicted the coding-region mutations to cause protein instability, which was experimentally confirmed in cultured patient cells, with mitochondrial translation defect and lacking EFTs. Only a single TSFM mutation has been previously described in different populations, leading to an infantile fatal multisystem disorder with cardiomyopathy. Sequence data from 35,000 Finnish population controls indicated that the heterozygous carrier frequency of p.Q286X change was exceptionally high in Finland, 1:80, but no homozygotes were found in the population, in our mitochondrial disease patient collection, or in an intrauterine fetal death material, suggesting early developmental lethality of the homozygotes. Conclusions: We show that in addition to early-onset cardiomyopathy, TSFM mutations should be considered in childhood and juvenile encephalopathies with optic and/or peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, or Leigh disease. PMID:25037205

Mitochondrial EFTs defects in juvenile-onset Leigh disease, ataxia, neuropathy, and optic atrophy.

PubMed

Ahola, Sofia; Isohanni, Pirjo; Euro, Liliya; Brilhante, Virginia; Palotie, Aarno; Pihko, Helena; Lönnqvist, Tuula; Lehtonen, Tanita; Laine, Jukka; Tyynismaa, Henna; Suomalainen, Anu

2014-08-19

We report novel defects of mitochondrial translation elongation factor Ts (EFTs), with high carrier frequency in Finland and expand the manifestations of this disease group from infantile cardiomyopathy to juvenile neuropathy/encephalopathy disorders. DNA analysis, whole-exome analysis, protein biochemistry, and protein modeling. We used whole-exome sequencing to find the genetic cause of infantile-onset mitochondrial cardiomyopathy, progressing to juvenile-onset Leigh syndrome, neuropathy, and optic atrophy in 2 siblings. We found novel compound heterozygous mutations, c.944G>A [p.C315Y] and c.856C>T [p.Q286X], in the TSFM gene encoding mitochondrial EFTs. The same p.Q286X variant was found as compound heterozygous with a splice site change in a patient from a second family, with juvenile-onset optic atrophy, peripheral neuropathy, and ataxia. Our molecular modeling predicted the coding-region mutations to cause protein instability, which was experimentally confirmed in cultured patient cells, with mitochondrial translation defect and lacking EFTs. Only a single TSFM mutation has been previously described in different populations, leading to an infantile fatal multisystem disorder with cardiomyopathy. Sequence data from 35,000 Finnish population controls indicated that the heterozygous carrier frequency of p.Q286X change was exceptionally high in Finland, 1:80, but no homozygotes were found in the population, in our mitochondrial disease patient collection, or in an intrauterine fetal death material, suggesting early developmental lethality of the homozygotes. We show that in addition to early-onset cardiomyopathy, TSFM mutations should be considered in childhood and juvenile encephalopathies with optic and/or peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, or Leigh disease. © 2014 American Academy of Neurology.

Lethal violence and psychosis: a clinical profile.

PubMed

Nestor, P G; Haycock, J; Doiron, S; Kelly, J; Kelly, D

1995-01-01

To investigate the relationship between lethal violence and psychosis, the authors examined symptomatology, neuropsychological functioning, and the nature of perpetrator-victim relationships of patients with psychotic disorders who were committed to a forensic psychiatric hospital following violent, primarily criminal behavior. A severely violent group, composed primarily of psychotic patients charged with murder, was compared with a less severely violent group that was composed primarily of psychotic patients involved with property crimes. As compared with the less violent group, the severely violent group was more likely to have delusional beliefs about specific personal targets and to have delusions about significant others being replaced by impostors. These beliefs were accompanied by higher scores on neuropsychological tests of intellectual and academic abilities. A high number of their blood relatives were victims of psychotic murder. These results indicated that a higher incidence of lethal or near lethal acts of violence may characterize intellectually intact but psychotic individuals with organize delusions involving personal, accessible targets.

Back to the future: revisiting HIV-1 lethal mutagenesis

PubMed Central

Dapp, Michael J.; Patterson, Steven E.; Mansky, Louis M.

2012-01-01

The concept of eliminating HIV-1 infectivity by elevating the viral mutation rate was first proposed over a decade ago, even though the general concept had been conceived earlier for RNA viruses. Lethal mutagenesis was originally viewed as a novel chemotherapeutic approach for treating HIV-1 infection in which use of a viral mutagen would over multiple rounds of replication lead to the lethal accumulation of mutations, rendering the virus population non infectious – known as the slow mutation accumulation model. There have been limitations in obtaining good efficacy data with drug leads, leaving some doubt into clinical translation. More recent studies of the APOBEC3 proteins as well as new progress in the use of nucleoside analogs for inducing lethal mutagenesis have helped to refocus attention on rapid induction of HIV-1 lethal mutagenesis in a single or limited number of replication cycles leading to a rapid mutation accumulation model. PMID:23195922

Novel RS1 mutations associated with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis

PubMed Central

YI, JUNHUI; LI, SHIQIANG; JIA, XIAOYUN; XIAO, XUESHAN; WANG, PANFENG; GUO, XIANGMING; ZHANG, QINGJIONG

2012-01-01

To identify mutations in the retinoschisin (RS1) gene in families with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS). Twenty families with XLRS were enrolled in this study. All six coding exons and adjacent intronic regions of RS1 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleotide sequences of the amplicons were determined by Sanger sequencing. Ten hemizygous mutations in RS1 were detected in patients from 14 of the 20 families. Four of the ten mutations were novel, including c:176G>A (p:Cys59Tyr) in exon 3, c:531T>G (p:Tyr177X), c:607C>G (p:Pro203Ala) and c:668G>A (p:Cys223Tyr) in exon 6. These four novel mutations were not present in 176 normal individuals. The remaining six were recurrent mutations, including c:214G>A (p:Glu72Lys), c:304C>T (p:Arg102Trp), c:436G>A (p:Glu146Lys), c:544C>T (p:Arg182Cys), c:599G>A (p:Arg200His) and c:644A>T (p:Glu215Val). Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of RS1 and enriches our understanding of the molecular basis of XLRS. PMID:22245991

Novel RS1 mutations associated with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis.

PubMed

Yi, Junhui; Li, Shiqiang; Jia, Xiaoyun; Xiao, Xueshan; Wang, Panfeng; Guo, Xiangming; Zhang, Qingjiong

2012-04-01

To identify mutations in the retinoschisin (RS1) gene in families with X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS). Twenty families with XLRS were enrolled in this study. All six coding exons and adjacent intronic regions of RS1 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleotide sequences of the amplicons were determined by Sanger sequencing. Ten hemizygous mutations in RS1 were detected in patients from 14 of the 20 families. Four of the ten mutations were novel, including c:176G>A (p:Cys59Tyr) in exon 3, c:531T>G (p:Tyr177X), c:607C>G (p:Pro203Ala) and c:668G>A (p:Cys223Tyr) in exon 6. These four novel mutations were not present in 176 normal individuals. The remaining six were recurrent mutations, including c:214G>A (p:Glu72Lys), c:304C>T (p:Arg102Trp), c:436G>A (p:Glu146Lys), c:544C>T (p:Arg182Cys), c:599G>A (p:Arg200His) and c:644A>T (p:Glu215Val). Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of RS1 and enriches our understanding of the molecular basis of XLRS.

A novel UBE2A mutation causes X-linked intellectual disability type Nascimento

PubMed Central

Tsurusaki, Yoshinori; Ohashi, Ikuko; Enomoto, Yumi; Naruto, Takuya; Mitsui, Jun; Aida, Noriko; Kurosawa, Kenji

2017-01-01

X-linked intellectual disability (ID) type Nascimento (MIM #300860), also known as ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 A (UBE2A) deficiency syndrome, is a congenital malformation syndrome characterized by moderate to severe ID, speech impairment, dysmorphic facial features, genital anomalies and skin abnormalities. Here, we report a Japanese patient with severe ID and congenital cataract. We identified a novel hemizygous mutation (c.76G>A, p.Gly26Arg) in UBE2A by whole-exome sequencing. PMID:28611923

Hunting for Novel X-Linked Breast Cancer Suppressor Genes in Mouse and Human

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 01/03/07 2 . REPORT TYPE...and correlated significantly with HER- 2 over-expression, regardless of the status of HER- 2 amplification. In toto, the data demonstrate that FOXP3...is an X-linked breast cancer suppressor gene and an important regulator of the HER- 2 /ErbB2 oncogene. 15. SUBJECT TERMS No subject terms provided 16

Use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Complementary DNA Probes in the Detection of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Carriers

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

dominant or X-linked mutations, for example DMD and lethal osteogenesis imperfecta (1, 97). This phenomenon is the result of a dual population of...of the mutations. Am J Hum Genet 1988; 43: 620-29. 97. Cohn DH, Starman B, Blumberg B, Byers PH. Recurrence of lethal osteogenesis imperfecta due to

X-Linked Glomerulopathy Due to COL4A5 Founder Variant.

PubMed

Barua, Moumita; John, Rohan; Stella, Lorenzo; Li, Weili; Roslin, Nicole M; Sharif, Bedra; Hack, Saidah; Lajoie-Starkell, Ginette; Schwaderer, Andrew L; Becknell, Brian; Wuttke, Matthias; Köttgen, Anna; Cattran, Daniel; Paterson, Andrew D; Pei, York

2018-03-01

Alport syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder caused by rare variants in 1 of 3 genes encoding for type IV collagen. Rare variants in COL4A5 on chromosome Xq22 cause X-linked Alport syndrome, which accounts for ∼80% of the cases. Alport syndrome has a variable clinical presentation, including progressive kidney failure, hearing loss, and ocular defects. Exome sequencing performed in 2 affected related males with an undefined X-linked glomerulopathy characterized by global and segmental glomerulosclerosis, mesangial hypercellularity, and vague basement membrane immune complex deposition revealed a COL4A5 sequence variant, a substitution of a thymine by a guanine at nucleotide 665 (c.T665G; rs281874761) of the coding DNA predicted to lead to a cysteine to phenylalanine substitution at amino acid 222, which was not seen in databases cataloguing natural human genetic variation, including dbSNP138, 1000 Genomes Project release version 01-11-2004, Exome Sequencing Project 21-06-2014, or ExAC 01-11-2014. Review of the literature identified 2 additional families with the same COL4A5 variant leading to similar atypical histopathologic features, suggesting a unique pathologic mechanism initiated by this specific rare variant. Homology modeling suggests that the substitution alters the structural and dynamic properties of the type IV collagen trimer. Genetic analysis comparing members of the 3 families indicated a distant relationship with a shared haplotype, implying a founder effect. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A new assay for fast, reliable CRIM status determination in infantile-onset Pompe disease.

PubMed

Wang, Zhaohui; Okamoto, Patricia; Keutzer, Joan

2014-02-01

Pompe disease is caused by a deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA; EC, 3.2.1.20), and the infantile-onset form is rapidly fatal if left untreated. However, recombinant human GAA (rhGAA) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) extends survival for infantile Pompe patients. Although cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM)-negative patients, who lack detectable endogenous GAA, mount an immune response to rhGAA that renders the therapy ineffective, timely induction of immune tolerance in these patients may improve clinical outcomes. Previously, CRIM status has been determined by Western blot analysis in cultured skin fibroblasts, a process that can take a few weeks. We present a blood-based CRIM assay that can yield results within 48 to 72 h. Results from this assay have been confirmed by GAA Western blot analysis in fibroblasts or by GAA sequencing in a small number of Pompe disease patients. Rapid classification of CRIM status will assist in identifying the most effective treatment course and minimizing treatment delays in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease. © 2013.

[Importance of family examination in juvenile X-linked retinoschisis].

PubMed

Kłosowska-Zawadka, A; Bernardczyk-Meller, J; Gotz-Wieckowska, A; Krawczyński, M

2005-12-01

Congenital (juvenile) retinoschisis belongs to the group of hereditary vitreoretinopathies. This disorder is inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern and its onset usually occurs in 5- to 10-year-old boys. Presenting clinical signs include decreased visual acuity due to maculopathy. The authors present a case of a 17-year-old boy with decreased visual acuity, hypermetropia, and bilateral retinoschisis with maculopathy upon fundus examination. In view of a 50% risk of the disorder occurring in the brothers of the affected male, they underwent full ophthalmological and electrophysiological examinations (until then asymptomatic). In one of them decreased visual acuity, mixed astigmatism, and maculopathy were present, without any changes of the peripheral retina. In the youngest brother decreased visual acuity, hypermetropia, and maculopathy were diagnosed. Genetic counseling and ophthalmological examination of family members at risk facilitated early recognition of the pathological changes in the siblings. Genetic counseling with pedigree analysis and genetic analysis, if possible, should be offered to all affected patients and family members.

Nature and Recurrence of AVPR2 Mutations in X-linked Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

PubMed Central

Bichet, Daniel G.; Birnbaumer, Mariel; Lonergan, Michèle; Arthus, Marie-Françoise; Rosenthal, Walter; Goodyer, Paul; Nivet, Hubert; Benoit, Stéphane; Giampietro, Philip; Simonetti, Simonetta; Fish, Alfred; Whitley, Chester B.; Jaeger, Philippe; Gertner, Joseph; New, Maria; DiBona, Francis J.; Kaplan, Bernard S.; Robertson, Gary L.; Hendy, Geoffrey N.; Fujiwara, T. Mary; Morgan, Kenneth

1994-01-01

X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare disease with defective renal and extrarenal arginine-vasopressin V2 receptor responses due to mutations in the AVPR2 gene in Xq28. We analyzed 31 independent NDI families to determine the nature and recurrence of AVPR2 mutations. Twenty-one new putative disease-causing mutations were identified: 113delCT, 253del35, 255del9, 274insG, V88M, R106C, 402delCT, C112R, Y124X, S126F, W164S, S167L, 684delTA, 804insG, W284X, A285P, W293X, R337X, and three large deletions or gene rearrangements. Five other mutations—R113W, Y128S, R137H, R181C, and R202C—that previously had been reported in other families were detected. There was evidence for recurrent mutation for four mutations (R113W, R137H, S167L, and R337X). Eight de novo mutation events were detected (274insG, R106C, Y128S, 167L [twice], R202C, 684delTA, and R337X). The origins were maternal (one), grandmaternal (one), and grandpaternal (six). In the 31 NDI families and 6 families previously reported by us, there is evidence both for mutation hot spots for nucleotide substitutions and for small deletions and insertions. More than half (58%) of the nucleotide substitutions in 26 families could be a consequence of 5-methylcytosine deamination at a CpG dinucleotide. Most of the small deletions and insertions could be attributed to slipped mispairing during DNA replication. PMID:8037205

[Detection of large deletions in X linked Alport syndrome using competitive multiplex fluorescence polymerase chain reaction].

PubMed

Wang, F; Zhang, Y Q; Ding, J; Yu, L X

2017-10-18

To evaluate the ability of multiplex competitive fluorescence polymerase chain reaction in detection of large deletion and duplication genotypes of X-linked Alport syndrome. Clinical diagnosis of X-linked Alport syndrome was based on either abnormal staining of type IV collagen α5 chain in the epidermal basement membrane alone or with abnormal staining of type IV collagen α5 chain in the glomerular basement membrane and Bowman's capsule/ultrastructural changes in the glomerular basement membrane typical of Alport syndrome. A total of 20 unrelated Chinese patients (13 males and 7 females) clinically diagnosed as X-linked Alport syndrome were included in the study. Their genotypes were unknown. Control subjects included a male patient with other renal disease and two patients who had large deletions in COL4A5 gene detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes in all the participants. Multiplex competitive fluorescence polymerase chain reaction was used to coamplify 53 exons of COL4A5 gene and four reference genes in a single reaction. When a deletion removed exon 1 of COL4A5 gene was identified, the same method was used to coamplify the first 4 exons of COL4A5 and COL4A6 genes, a promoter shared by COL4A5 and COL4A6 genes, and three reference genes in a single reaction. Any copy number loss suggested by this method was verified by electrophoresis of corresponding polymerase chain reaction amplified products or DNA sequencing to exclude possible DNA variations in the primer regions. Genotypes of two positive controls identified by multiplex competitive fluorescence polymerase chain reaction were consistent with those detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Deletions were identified in 6 of the 20 patients, including two large deletions removing the 5' part of both COL4A5 and COL4A6 genes with the breakpoint located in the second intron of COL4A6, two large deletions

X-linked agammaglobulinemia - first case with Bruton tyrosine kinase mutation from Pakistan.

PubMed

Zaidi, Samreen Kulsom; Qureshi, Sonia; Qamar, Farah Naz

2017-03-01

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency with more than 600 mutations in Bruton tyrosine kinase (Bkt) gene which are responsible for early-onset agammaglobulinemia and repeated infections. Herein we present a case of a 3-year-old boy with history of repeated diarrhoea and an episode of meningoencephalitis with hemiplegia. The workup showed extremely low levels of immunoglobulin with low CD+19 cells. Genetic analysis showed Btk mutation 18 c.1883delCp.T628fs. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a case of XLA confirmed by molecular technique from Pakistan.

AB067. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: Phenotype and genotype in Vietnamese patients

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Khanh Ngoc; Nguyen, Ha Thu; Can, Ngoc Thi Bich; Bui, Thao Phuong; Nobuyuki, Shimozawa; Vu, Huynh Anh; Do, Mai Thi Thanh; Vu, Dung Chi

2017-01-01

Background X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is caused by a defect in the gene ABCD1, which maps to Xq28 and codes for a peroxisomal membrane protein that is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily. This disease characterized by progressive neurologic dysfunction, occasionally associated with adrenal insufficiency. Objective is to identify phenotype and genotype in Vietnamese patients with X-ALD. Methods Genomic DNA from 20 Vietnamese patients from 18 unrelated families was extracted using standard procedures from the peripheral blood leukocytes. Mutation analysis of ABCD1 was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA direct sequencing. Results We identified 17 different mutations of ABCD1 in 20 patients including missense mutations (2/17), deletion (4/17), frameshift mutation (1/17) and splice site mutation (1/17). Of which, six novel mutations including c.1202G>T (p.Arg401Trp); c.1208T>A (p.Met403Lys); IVS8+28-551bp del; c.1668G>C (p.Q556H); c.292_296delTCGGC (p.S98RfsX95); and the extent of deletion included between IVS1+505 and IVS2+1501, containing whole the exon 2 (4243bp), plus insertion of 79bp from BAP31 and 8bp from unknown origin in this deleted region were identified in six unrelated patients. Eleven reported mutations including c.796G>A (p.Gly266Arg); c.1628C>T (p.Pro543Leu); c.1553G>A (p.Arg518Gln); c.1552 C>T (p.Arg518Trp); c.854G>C (p.R285P); c.1825G>A (p.E609K); c.1415_1416delAG (p.Q472RfsX83) and c.46-53del insG, c.1553G>A (p.Arg518Gln), c.1946-1947insA (p.Asp649fsX733), c.1978C>T (p.Arg660Trp) were identified in 14 patients from 12 families. Most of patients (17/20) presented cerebral ALD type with/without adrenal insufficiency and only 3 patients presented Addison type. Conclusions Mutation analysis of ABCD1 gene helped confirmation of diagnosis of X-ALD, genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis but could not be used to predict the specific phenotype of X-ALD.

Apparent X-linked primary ciliary dyskinesia associated with retinitis pigmentosa and a hearing loss.

PubMed

Krawczyński, Maciej R; Dmeńska, Hanna; Witt, Michał

2004-01-01

Three brothers, one 10-year-old and a pair of 14-year-old dizygotic twins--expressed the classical, early-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP) with typical ophthalmoscopic findings, night blindness, visual field constricted to 10 degrees and flat ERG response. All three brothers were also diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and had recurrent respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis and bronchiectasis. In all of them, resection of the middle lobe of the right lung was performed. A similar clinical picture of coexisting RP and PCD was noted in the brother of the probands' mother. All probands displayed situs solitus. Consistent with the X-linked mode of RP inheritance, there were also three obligatory female carriers of the disorder in this family: the mother of the affected boys, her mother and a daughter of her brother. In all of them, retinitis pigmentosa "sine pigmento" was found with milder but clinically significant symptoms (mild night blindness, visual field constricted to 30 degrees, and scotopic and photopic ERG responses reduced to 30-60%). No extraocular symptoms were detected in any of the heterozygous female carriers. This family presents an example of two rare phenomena: X-linked dominant retinitis pigmentosa (with milder expression in females) and a rare combination of RP with recurrent respiratory infections due to PCD.

Vigabatrin therapy implicates neocortical high frequency oscillations in an animal model of infantile spasms.

PubMed

Frost, James D; Le, John T; Lee, Chong L; Ballester-Rosado, Carlos; Hrachovy, Richard A; Swann, John W

2015-10-01

Abnormal high frequency oscillations (HFOs) in EEG recordings are thought to be reflections of mechanisms responsible for focal seizure generation in the temporal lobe and neocortex. HFOs have also been recorded in patients and animal models of infantile spasms. If HFOs are important contributors to infantile spasms then anticonvulsant drugs that suppress these seizures should decrease the occurrence of HFOs. In experiments reported here, we used long-term video/EEG recordings with digital sampling rates capable of capturing HFOs. We tested the effectiveness of vigabatrin (VGB) in the TTX animal model of infantile spasms. VGB was found to be quite effective in suppressing spasms. In 3 of 5 animals, spasms ceased after a daily two week treatment. In the other 2 rats, spasm frequency dramatically decreased but gradually increased following treatment cessation. In all animals, hypsarrhythmia was abolished by the last treatment day. As VGB suppressed the frequency of spasms, there was a decrease in the intensity of the behavioral spasms and the duration of the ictal EEG event. Analysis showed that there was a burst of high frequency activity at ictal onset, followed by a later burst of HFOs. VGB was found to selectively suppress the late HFOs of ictal complexes. VGB also suppressed abnormal HFOs recorded during the interictal periods. Thus VGB was found to be effective in suppressing both the generation of spasms and hypsarrhythmia in the TTX model. Vigabatrin also appears to preferentially suppress the generation of abnormal HFOs, thus implicating neocortical HFOs in the infantile spasms disease state. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vigabatrin Therapy Implicates Neocortical High Frequency Oscillations in an Animal Model of Infantile Spasms

PubMed Central

Frost, James D.; Le, John T.; Lee, Chong L.; Ballester-Rosado, Carlos; Hrachovy, Richard A.; Swann, John W.

2015-01-01

Abnormal high frequency oscillations (HFOs) in EEG recordings are thought to be reflections of mechanisms responsible for focal seizure generation in the temporal lobe and neocortex. HFOs have also been recorded in patients and animal models of infantile spasms. If HFOs are important contributors to infantile spasms then anticonvulsant drugs that suppress these seizures should decrease the occurrence of HFOs. In experiments reported here, we used long-term video/EEG recordings with digital sampling rates capable of capturing HFOs. We tested the effectiveness of vigabatrin (VGB) in the TTX animal model of infantile spasms. VGB was found to be quite effective in suppressing spasms. In 3 of 5 animals, spasms ceased after a daily two week treatment. In the other 2 rats, spasm frequency dramatically decreased but gradually increased following treatment cessation. In all animals, hypsarrhythmia was abolished by the last treatment day. As VGB suppressed the frequency of spasms, there was a decrease in the intensity of the behavioral spasms and the duration of the ictal EEG event. Analysis showed that there was a burst of high frequency activity at ictal onset, followed by a later burst of HFOs. VGB was found to selectively suppress the late HFOs of ictal complexes. VGB also suppressed abnormal HFOs recorded during the interictal periods. Thus VGB was found to be effective in suppressing both the generation of spasms and hypsarrhythmia in the TTX model. Vigabatrin also appears to preferentially suppress the generation of abnormal HFOs, thus implicating neocortical HFOs in the infantile spasms disease state. PMID:26026423

Mutational Survey of the PHEX Gene in Patients with X-linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets

PubMed Central

Ichikawa, Shoji; Traxler, Elizabeth A.; Estwick, Selina A.; Curry, Leah R.; Johnson, Michelle L.; Sorenson, Andrea H.; Imel, Erik A.; Econs, Michael J.

2008-01-01

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by renal phosphate wasting, aberrant vitamin D metabolism, and abnormal bone mineralization. XLH is caused by inactivating mutations in PHEX (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome). In this study, we sequenced the PHEX gene in subjects from 26 kindreds who were clinically diagnosed with XLH. Sequencing revealed 18 different mutations, of which thirteen have not been reported previously. In addition to deletions, splice site mutations, and missense and nonsense mutations, a rare point mutation in the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) was identified as a novel cause of XLH. In summary, we identified a wide spectrum of mutations in the PHEX gene. Our data, in accord with those of others, indicate that there is no single predominant PHEX mutation responsible for XLH. PMID:18625346

Chorea in Late-Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: An Atypical Presentation.

PubMed

Saini, Arushi Gahlot; Sankhyan, Naveen; Singhi, Pratibha

2016-07-01

Classic late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is characterized by progressive intellectual and motor deterioration, seizures, vision loss, and early death. Prominent chorea is an atypical feature and is rarely described in children. A four-year-old girl with seizures followed by a year-long progressive cognitive decline and a three month history of intermittent chorea leading to rapid motor deterioration. The onset of illness was marked by seizures occurring as generalized tonic-clonic seizures and myoclonic jerks. There was gradual regression of cognitive milestones with increasing forgetfulness and impaired quality and content of speech. Nine months later, she developed chorea. These movements were associated with clumsiness, incoordination, and progressive loss of motor milestones. She was unable to perform manual tasks or maintain antigravity posture resulting in unsteadiness and frequent falls. The movements were aggravated by action or excitement and were absent in sleep. Magnetic resonance imaging depicted diffuse cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Sequencing analysis of TPP1 gene showed a novel, homozygous, splice site mutation c.89+1G>A which resulted in nil enzyme activity and a severe phenotype with onset of disease symptoms at an early age of three years. The presence of chorea in late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses is atypical but does not exclude the diagnosis of late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses, especially in children with psychomotor regression, seizures and diffuse brain atrophy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Infantile Spasms and Cytomegalovirus Infection: Antiviral and Antiepileptic Treatment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dunin-Wasowicz, Dorota; Kasprzyk-Obara, Jolanta; Jurkiewicz, Elzbieta; Kapusta, Monika; Milewska-Bobula, Bogumila

2007-01-01

From 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2004, 22 patients (13 males, nine females; age range 2-12mo) with infantile spasms and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were treated with intravenous ganciclovir (GCV) and antiepileptic drugs. GCV was given for 3 to 12 weeks with a 1-month interval (one, two, or three courses). Epileptic spasms occurred before…

The Organic Etiology of Infantile Autism: Myth or Fact?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanua, Victor D.

The author reviews theories and research on the etiology of infantile autism, specifically regarding its organic basis. He cites controversies over its organic vs. environmental basis and over the family's impact on autism. Quotes from such theoriests as L. Kanner, B. Bettleheim, and B. Rimland are presented along with E. R. Ritvo and M. Coleman.…

New domains of neural cell-adhesion molecule L1 implicated in X-linked hydrocephalus and MASA syndrome

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jouet, M.; Kenwick, S.; Moncla, A.

1995-06-01

The neural cell-adhesion molecule L1 is involved in intercellular recognition and neuronal migration in the CNS. Recently, we have shown that mutations in the gene encoding L1 are responsible for three related disorders; X-linked hydrocephalus, MASA (mental retardation, aphasia, shuffling gait, and adducted thumbs) syndrome, and spastic paraplegia type I (SPG1). These three disorders represent a clinical spectrum that varies not only between families but sometimes also within families. To date, 14 independent L1 mutations have been reported and shown to be disease causing. Here we report nine novel L1 mutations in X-linked hydrocephalus and MASA-syndrome families, including the firstmore » examples of mutations affecting the fibronectin type III domains of the molecule. They are discussed in relation both to phenotypes and to the insights that they provide into L1 function. 39 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Maxillary distraction osteogenesis for treatment of cleft lip and palate in a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia.

PubMed

Sato, Yutaka; Mishimagi, Takashi; Katsuki, Yuko; Harada, Kiyoshi

2014-07-01

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a congenital immune deficiency disorder caused by abnormal antibody production. It is a rare disease with an estimated frequency of 1 in 379,000 that has X-linked recessive heredity and develops only in males. The clinical problems include bacterial infection such as otitis media, sinusitis, and bronchitis. In recent years it has become possible to diagnose XLA in the early stage and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy has permitted survival to adulthood. However, there have been no reports of oral surgery in patients with XLA. Here, we describe a case in which immunoglobulin replacement therapy given pre- and postoperatively was used to control infection in oral surgery and maxillary distraction osteogenesis performed for improving occlusion and appearance of a cleft lip and palate in a patient with XLA. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low X/Y divergence in four pairs of papaya sex-linked genes.

PubMed

Yu, Qingyi; Hou, Shaobin; Feltus, F Alex; Jones, Meghan R; Murray, Jan E; Veatch, Olivia; Lemke, Cornelia; Saw, Jimmy H; Moore, Richard C; Thimmapuram, Jyothi; Liu, Lei; Moore, Paul H; Alam, Maqsudul; Jiang, Jiming; Paterson, Andrew H; Ming, Ray

2008-01-01

Sex chromosomes in flowering plants, in contrast to those in animals, evolved relatively recently and only a few are heteromorphic. The homomorphic sex chromosomes of papaya show features of incipient sex chromosome evolution. We investigated the features of paired X- and Y-specific bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), and estimated the time of divergence in four pairs of sex-linked genes. We report the results of a comparative analysis of long contiguous genomic DNA sequences between the X and hermaphrodite Y (Y(h)) chromosomes. Numerous chromosomal rearrangements were detected in the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY), including inversions, deletions, insertions, duplications and translocations, showing the dynamic evolutionary process on the MSY after recombination ceased. DNA sequence expansion was documented in the two regions of the MSY, demonstrating that the cytologically homomorphic sex chromosomes are heteromorphic at the molecular level. Analysis of sequence divergence between four X and Y(h) gene pairs resulted in a estimated age of divergence of between 0.5 and 2.2 million years, supporting a recent origin of the papaya sex chromosomes. Our findings indicate that sex chromosomes did not evolve at the family level in Caricaceae, and reinforce the theory that sex chromosomes evolve at the species level in some lineages.

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis: Clinical diagnosis, genetic analysis, and molecular mechanisms

PubMed Central

Molday, Robert S.; Kellner, Ulrich; Weber, Bernhard H.F.

2012-01-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS, MIM 312700) is a common early onset macular degeneration in males characterized by mild to severe loss in visual acuity, splitting of retinal layers, and a reduction in the b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG). The RS1 gene (MIM 300839) associated with the disease encodes retinoschisin, a 224 amino acid protein containing a discoidin domain as the major structural unit, an N-terminal cleavable signal sequence, and regions responsible for subunit oligomerization. Retinoschisin is secreted from retinal cells as a disulphide-linked homo-octameric complex which binds to the surface of photoreceptors and bipolar cells to help maintain the integrity of the retina. Over 190 disease-causing mutations in the RS1 gene are known with most mutations occurring as non-synonymous changes in the discoidin domain. Cell expression studies have shown that disease-associated missense mutations in the discoidin domain cause severe protein misfolding and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, mutations in the signal sequence result in aberrant protein synthesis, and mutations in regions flanking the discoidin domain cause defective disulphide-linked subunit assembly, all of which produce a non-functional protein. Knockout mice deficient in retinoschisin have been generated and shown to display most of the characteristic features found in XLRS patients. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) mediated delivery of the normal RS1 gene to the retina of young knockout mice result in long term retinoschisin expression and rescue of retinal structure and function providing a ‘proof of concept’ that gene therapy may be an effective treatment for XLRS. PMID:22245536

[Gene mutation analysis of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets].

PubMed

Song, Ying; Ma, Hong-Wei; Li, Fang; Hu, Man; Ren, Shuang; Yu, Ya-Fen; Zhao, Gui-Jie

2013-11-01

To investigate the frequency and type of PHEX gene mutations in children with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), the possible presence of mutational hot spots, and the relationship between genotype and clinical phenotype. Clinical data of 10 children with XLH was retrospectively reviewed. The relationship between gene mutation type and severity of XLH was evaluated. PHEX gene mutations were detected in all 10 children with XLH, including 6 cases of missense mutation, 2 cases of splice site mutation, 1 case of frameshift mutation, and 1 case of nonsense mutation. Two new mutations, c.2048T>C and IVS14+1delAG, were found. The type of PHEX gene mutation was not associated with the degree of short stature and leg deformity (P=0.571 and 0.467), and the mutation site was also not associated with the degree of short stature and leg deformity (P=0.400 and 1.000). Missense mutation is the most common type of PHEX gene mutation in children with XLH, and c.2048T>C and IVS14+1delAG are two new PHEX gene mutations. The type and site of PHEX gene mutation are not associated with the severity of XLH.

Suspected X-linked facial dysmorphia and growth retardation in related Labrador retriever puppies.

PubMed

Dierks, C; Hoffmann, H; Heinrich, F; Hellige, M; Hewicker-Trautwein, M; Distl, O

2017-02-01

Seven male Labrador retriever puppies from four different litters were identified with a brachycephalic-like face and skull, associated with low birth weight, severe growth retardation, and reduced abilities to crawl and suckle, which were not compatible with survival. Excessive doming of the cranium, brachygnathia superior and inferior, and an abnormally opened fontanelle were found in all affected puppies by computed tomography and at post-mortem examination. Pedigree analysis supported an X-linked recessive mode of inheritance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

X-autosome incompatibilities in Drosophila melanogaster: tests of Haldane’s rule and geographic patterns within species

PubMed Central

Lachance, Joseph; True, John R.

2010-01-01

Substantial genetic variation exists in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. This segregating variation includes alleles at different loci that interact to cause lethality or sterility (synthetic incompatibilities). Fitness epistasis in natural populations has important implications for speciation and the rate of adaptive evolution. To assess the prevalence of epistatic fitness interactions, we placed naturally occurring X chromosomes into genetic backgrounds derived from different geographic locations. Considerable amounts of synthetic incompatibilities were observed between X chromosomes and autosomes: greater than 44% of all combinations were either lethal or sterile. Sex-specific lethality and sterility were also tested to determine whether Haldane's rule holds for within-species variation. Surprisingly, we observed an excess of female sterility in genotypes that were homozygous, but not heterozygous, for the X chromosome. The recessive nature of these incompatibilities is similar to that predicted for incompatibilities underlying Haldane’s rule. Our study also found higher levels of sterility and lethality for genomes that contain chromosomes from different geographical regions. These findings are consistent with the view that genomes are co-adapted gene complexes and that geography affects the likelihood of epistatic fitness interactions. PMID:20455929

Role of the X-linked gene GPR174 in autoimmune Addison's disease.

PubMed

Napier, C; Mitchell, A L; Gan, E; Wilson, I; Pearce, S H S

2015-01-01

Autoimmune endocrinopathies demonstrate a profound gender bias, but the reasons for this remain obscure. The 1000 genes on the X chromosome are likely to be implicated in this inherent susceptibility; various theories, including skewed X chromosome inactivation and fetal microchimerism, have been proposed. GPR174 is an Xq21 putative purinergic receptor that is widely expressed in lymphoid tissues. A single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs3827440, encoding Ser162Pro, has recently been associated with Graves' disease in Chinese and Polish populations, suggesting a role of this X chromosome gene in autoimmune disease. We investigated the role of rs3827440 in a UK cohort of patients with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). Samples from 286 AAD cases and 288 healthy controls were genotyped using TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays (C_25954273_10) on the Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast real-time PCR system. Using a dominant (present/absent) model, the serine-encoding T allele of rs3827440 was present in 189 of 286 AAD patients (66%) compared with 132 of 288 unaffected controls (46%) [P = .010, odds ratio 1.80 (5%-95% confidence interval 1.22-2.67)]. An allele dosage model found a significant excess of the T allele in AAD patients compared with controls [P = .03, odds ratio 1.34 (5%-95% confidence interval 1.07-1.67)]. We have demonstrated a significant association of this X chromosome-encoded immunoreceptor with AAD for the first time. This X-linked gene could have a more generalized role in autoimmunity pathogenesis: G protein-coupled receptors are promising drugable targets, and further work to elucidate the functional role of GPR174 is now warranted.

Lethal and sub-lethal effects of cyproconazole on freshwater organisms: a case study with Chironomus riparius and Dugesia tigrina.

PubMed

Saraiva, Althiéris S; Sarmento, Renato A; Golovko, Oksana; Randak, Tomas; Pestana, João L T; Soares, Amadeu M V M

2018-04-01

The fungicide cyproconazole (CPZ) inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential sterol component in fungal cell membrane and can also affect non-target organisms by its inhibitory effects on P450 monooxygenases. The predicted environmental concentration of CPZ is up to 49.05 μg/L and 145.89 μg/kg in surface waters and sediments, respectively, and information about CPZ toxicity towards non-target aquatic organisms is still limited. This study aimed to address the lack of ecotoxicological data for CPZ, and thus, an evaluation of the lethal and sub-lethal effects of CPZ was performed using two freshwater invertebrates (the midge Chironomus riparius and the planarian Dugesia tigrina). The estimated CPZ 48 h LC 50 (95% CI) was 17.46 mg/L for C. riparius and 47.38 mg/L for D. tigrina. The emergence time (EmT 50 ) of C. riparius was delayed by CPZ exposure from 0.76 mg/L. On the other hand, planarians showed higher tolerance to CPZ exposure. Sub-lethal effects of CPZ on planarians included reductions in locomotion (1.8 mg/L), delayed photoreceptors regeneration (from 0.45 mg/L), and feeding inhibition (5.6 mg/L). Our results confirm the moderate toxicity of CPZ towards aquatic invertebrates but sub-lethal effects observed also suggest potential chronic effects of CPZ with consequences for population dynamics.

Choline intake and risk of lethal prostate cancer: incidence and survival123

PubMed Central

Richman, Erin L; Kenfield, Stacey A; Stampfer, Meir J; Giovannucci, Edward L; Zeisel, Steven H; Willett, Walter C; Chan, June M

2012-01-01

Background: Meat, milk, and eggs have been inconsistently associated with the risk of advanced prostate cancer. These foods are sources of choline—a nutrient that may affect prostate cancer progression through cell membrane function and one-carbon metabolism. No study has examined dietary choline and the risk of lethal prostate cancer. Objective: Our objective was to examine whether dietary choline, choline-containing compounds, and betaine (a choline metabolite) increase the risk of lethal prostate cancer. Design: We prospectively examined the intake of these nutrients and the risk of lethal prostate cancer among 47,896 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. In a case-only survival analysis, we examined the postdiagnostic intake of these nutrients and the risk of lethal prostate cancer among 4282 men with an initial diagnosis of nonmetastatic disease during follow-up. Diet was assessed with a validated questionnaire 6 times during 22 y of follow-up. Results: In the incidence analysis, we observed 695 lethal prostate cancers during 879,627 person-years. Men in the highest quintile of choline intake had a 70% increased risk of lethal prostate cancer (HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.45; P-trend = 0.005). In the case-only survival analysis, we observed 271 lethal cases during 33,679 person-years. Postdiagnostic choline intake was not statistically significantly associated with the risk of lethal prostate cancer (HR for quintile 5 compared with quintile 1: 1.69; 95% CI: 0.93, 3.09; P-trend = 0.20). Conclusion: Of the 47,896 men in our study population, choline intake was associated with an increased risk of lethal prostate cancer. PMID:22952174

Non-Lethal Chemical Weapons

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-04-01

effects include stupor, confusion, and confabulation with concrete and panoramic illusions and hallucinations , and regression to automatic “phantom...scientifically feasible.” (Federation of American Scientists Article, 2) Opponents of non-lethal weapons contend that because certain individuals...3000.3) According to the Federation of American Scientists , these weapons can be placed into two main categories: incapacitants (including military

Genetic studies in a patient with X-linked retinoschisis coexisting with developmental delay and sensorineural hearing loss.

PubMed

Sudha, Dhandayuthapani; Patric, Irene Rosita Pia; Ganapathy, Aparna; Agarwal, Smitha; Krishna, Shuba; Neriyanuri, Srividya; Sripriya, Sarangapani; Sen, Parveen; Chidambaram, Subbulakshmi; Arunachalam, Jayamuruga Pandian

2017-01-01

In this study, we present a juvenile retinoschisis patient with developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, and reduced axial tone. X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is a retinal dystrophy, most often not associated with systemic anomalies and also not showing any locus heterogeneity. Therefore it was of interest to understand the genetic basis of the condition in this patient. RS1 gene screening for XLRS was performed by Sanger sequencing. Whole genome SNP 6.0 array analysis was carried out to investigate gross chromosomal aberrations that could result in systemic phenotype. In addition, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to determine any possible involvement of X-linked syndromic and non-syndromic mental retardation genes. This NGS panel consisted of 550 genes implicated in several other rare inherited diseases. RS1 gene screening revealed a pathogenic hemizygous splice site mutation (c.78+1G>T), inherited from the mother. SNP 6.0 array analysis did not indicate any significant chromosomal aberrations that could be disease-associated. Targeted resequencing did not identify any mutations in the X-linked mental retardation genes. However, variations in three other genes (NSD1, LARGE, and POLG) were detected, which were all inherited from the patient's unaffected father. Taken together, RS1 mutation was found to segregate with retinoschisis phenotype while none of the other identified variations were co-segregating with the systemic defects. Hereby, we infer that the multisystemic defects harbored by the patient are a rare coexistence of XLRS, developmental delay, sensorineural hearing loss, and reduced axial tone reported for the first time in the literature.

Assessment of Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Three Cases of X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis in the Same Family.

PubMed

Doğuizi, Sibel; Şekeroğlu, Mehmet Ali; Çolak, Salih; Anayol, Mustafa Alpaslan; Yılmazbaş, Pelin

2017-10-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) is an X-linked hereditary retinal dystrophy characterized by splitting of the neurosensory retina. On fundus examination, the macula often has a spoke wheel appearance with foveal cystic lesions, and separation of the retinal layers is typical on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Patients with XLRS can exhibit different clinical courses, stages, and SD-OCT findings, even among members of the same family. SD-OCT is an important imaging method that allows us to achieve more detailed information about XLRS. In this study, we report three patients in the same family who have different clinical features and SD-OCT findings.

Terrorist Attacks Escalate in Frequency and Fatalities Preceding Highly Lethal Attacks

PubMed Central

Martens, Andy; Sainudiin, Raazesh; Sibley, Chris G.; Schimel, Jeff; Webber, David

2014-01-01

Highly lethal terrorist attacks, which we define as those killing 21 or more people, account for 50% of the total number of people killed in all terrorist attacks combined, yet comprise only 3.5% of terrorist attacks. Given the disproportionate influence of these incidents, uncovering systematic patterns in attacks that precede and anticipate these highly lethal attacks may be of value for understanding attacks that exact a heavy toll on life. Here we examined whether the activity of terrorist groups escalates–both in the number of people killed per attack and in the frequency of attacks–leading up to highly lethal attacks. Analyses of terrorist attacks drawn from a state-of-the-art international terrorism database (The Global Terrorism Database) showed evidence for both types of escalation leading up to highly lethal attacks, though complexities to the patterns emerged as well. These patterns of escalation do not emerge among terrorist groups that never commit a highly lethal attack. PMID:24755753

Anthropometric characteristics of X-linked hypophosphatemia.

PubMed

Pronicka, Ewa; Popowska, Ewa; Rowińska, Elzbieta; Arasimowicz, Elzbieta; Syczewska, Małgorzata; Jurkiewicz, Dorota; Lebiedowski, Michał

2004-04-15

An anthropometric study was undertaken to assess head proportions of patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Fourteen morphometric parameters of the head were measured and 10 cephalic indices calculated in 82 affected persons (57 females and 25 males) from 55 unrelated families with XLH, and compared with the results obtained in the group of their healthy relatives (37 females and 33 males), as well as with general population control values. Normalized values (SD, z-score) were analyzed statistically. The group of healthy relatives, both males and females, differed significantly from Polish population control values in most of the normalized variables measured, making population control values useless as a control group for the analyzed XLH group. Intrafamilial values of cephalic parameters in healthy relatives of the XLH patients were finally applied for statistical analysis. Generally patients with XLH showed highly statistically significant increase in head length (males 0.95 +/- 1.07 vs. -0.37 +/- 1.02, females 0.57 +/- 1.59 vs. -0.06 +/- 1.15), significant decrease in occipital breadth (males -0.56 +/- 1.27 vs. 0.70 +/- 1.28, females -0.59 +/- 1.7 vs. 0.13 +/- 1.1) and several milder anomalies of craniofacial proportions. Mean cephalic index was significantly lower in XLH patients when compared with the healthy relatives (males -0.909 vs. 0.278 P < 0.0001, females -0.705 vs. 0.381 P = 0.007). The cephalic changes were found both in XLH children and XLH adults and were more pronounced in affected males than in females. There were no differences between offspring born by hypophosphatemic and normophosphatemic mothers. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Complement component 5 promotes lethal thrombosis

PubMed Central

Mizuno, Tomohiro; Yoshioka, Kengo; Mizuno, Masashi; Shimizu, Mie; Nagano, Fumihiko; Okuda, Tomoyuki; Tsuboi, Naotake; Maruyama, Shoichi; Nagamatsu, Tadashi; Imai, Masaki

2017-01-01

Extracellular histones promote platelet aggregation and thrombosis; this is followed by induction of coagulation disorder, which results in exhaustion of coagulation factors. Complement component 5 (C5) is known to be associated with platelet aggregation and coagulation system activation. To date, the pathological mechanism underlying liver injury has remained unclear. Here, we investigated whether C5 promotes liver injury associated with histone-induced lethal thrombosis. C5-sufficient and C5-deficient mice received single tail vein injections of purified, unfractionated histones obtained from calf thymus (45–75 μg/g). Subsequently, the mice were monitored for survival for up to 72 h. Based on the survival data, the 45 μg/g dose was used for analysis of blood cell count, liver function, blood coagulation ability, and promotion of platelet aggregation and platelet/leukocyte aggregate (PLA) production by extracellular histones. C5-deficient mice were protected from lethal thrombosis and had milder thrombocytopenia, consumptive coagulopathy, and liver injury with embolism and lower PLA production than C5-sufficient mice. These results indicate that C5 is associated with coagulation disorders, PLA production, and embolism-induced liver injury. In conclusion, C5 promotes liver injury associated with histone-induced lethal thrombosis. PMID:28205538

Asfotase Alfa Treatment Improves Survival for Perinatal and Infantile Hypophosphatasia

PubMed Central

Rockman-Greenberg, Cheryl; Ozono, Keiichi; Riese, Richard; Moseley, Scott; Melian, Agustin; Thompson, David D.; Bishop, Nicholas; Hofmann, Christine

2016-01-01

Context: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn error of metabolism that, in its most severe perinatal and infantile forms, results in 50–100% mortality, typically from respiratory complications. Objectives: Our objective was to better understand the effect of treatment with asfotase alfa, a first-in-class enzyme replacement therapy, on mortality in neonates and infants with severe HPP. Design/Setting: Data from patients with the perinatal and infantile forms of HPP in two ongoing, multicenter, multinational, open-label, phase 2 interventional studies of asfotase alfa treatment were compared with data from similar patients from a retrospective natural history study. Patients: Thirty-seven treated patients (median treatment duration, 2.7 years) and 48 historical controls of similar chronological age and HPP characteristics. Interventions: Treated patients received asfotase alfa as sc injections either 1 mg/kg six times per week or 2 mg/kg thrice weekly. Main Outcome Measures: Survival, skeletal health quantified radiographically on treatment, and ventilatory status were the main outcome measures for this study. Results: Asfotase alfa was associated with improved survival in treated patients vs historical controls: 95% vs 42% at age 1 year and 84% vs 27% at age 5 years, respectively (P < .0001, Kaplan-Meier log-rank test). Whereas 5% (1/20) of the historical controls who required ventilatory assistance survived, 76% (16/21) of the ventilated and treated patients survived, among whom 75% (12/16) were weaned from ventilatory support. This better respiratory outcome accompanied radiographic improvements in skeletal mineralization and health. Conclusions: Asfotase alfa mineralizes the HPP skeleton, including the ribs, and improves respiratory function and survival in life-threatening perinatal and infantile HPP. PMID:26529632

Test-Retest Intervisit Variability of Functional and Structural Parameters in X-Linked Retinoschisis.

PubMed

Jeffrey, Brett G; Cukras, Catherine A; Vitale, Susan; Turriff, Amy; Bowles, Kristin; Sieving, Paul A

2014-09-01

To examine the variability of four outcome measures that could be used to address safety and efficacy in therapeutic trials with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. Seven men with confirmed mutations in the RS1 gene were evaluated over four visits spanning 6 months. Assessments included visual acuity, full-field electroretinograms (ERG), microperimetric macular sensitivity, and retinal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Eyes were separated into Better or Worse Eye groups based on acuity at baseline. Repeatability coefficients were calculated for each parameter and jackknife resampling used to derive 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The threshold for statistically significant change in visual acuity ranged from three to eight letters. For ERG a-wave, an amplitude reduction greater than 56% would be considered significant. For other parameters, variabilities were lower in the Worse Eye group, likely a result of floor effects due to collapse of the schisis pockets and/or retinal atrophy. The criteria for significant change (Better/Worse Eye) for three important parameters were: ERG b/a-wave ratio (0.44/0.23), point wise sensitivity (10.4/7.0 dB), and central retinal thickness (31%/18%). The 95% CI range for visual acuity, ERG, retinal sensitivity, and central retinal thickness relative to baseline are described for this cohort of participants with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS). A quantitative understanding of the variability of outcome measures is vital to establishing the safety and efficacy limits for therapeutic trials of XLRS patients.

Lethal Interpersonal Violence in the Middle Pleistocene

PubMed Central

Sala, Nohemi; Arsuaga, Juan Luis; Pantoja-Pérez, Ana; Pablos, Adrián; Martínez, Ignacio; Quam, Rolf M.; Gómez-Olivencia, Asier; Bermúdez de Castro, José María; Carbonell, Eudald

2015-01-01

Evidence of interpersonal violence has been documented previously in Pleistocene members of the genus Homo, but only very rarely has this been posited as the possible manner of death. Here we report the earliest evidence of lethal interpersonal violence in the hominin fossil record. Cranium 17 recovered from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site shows two clear perimortem depression fractures on the frontal bone, interpreted as being produced by two episodes of localized blunt force trauma. The type of injuries, their location, the strong similarity of the fractures in shape and size, and the different orientations and implied trajectories of the two fractures suggest they were produced with the same object in face-to-face interpersonal conflict. Given that either of the two traumatic events was likely lethal, the presence of multiple blows implies an intention to kill. This finding shows that the lethal interpersonal violence is an ancient human behavior and has important implications for the accumulation of bodies at the site, supporting an anthropic origin. PMID:26018668

Lethal interpersonal violence in the Middle Pleistocene.

PubMed

Sala, Nohemi; Arsuaga, Juan Luis; Pantoja-Pérez, Ana; Pablos, Adrián; Martínez, Ignacio; Quam, Rolf M; Gómez-Olivencia, Asier; Bermúdez de Castro, José María; Carbonell, Eudald

2015-01-01

Evidence of interpersonal violence has been documented previously in Pleistocene members of the genus Homo, but only very rarely has this been posited as the possible manner of death. Here we report the earliest evidence of lethal interpersonal violence in the hominin fossil record. Cranium 17 recovered from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site shows two clear perimortem depression fractures on the frontal bone, interpreted as being produced by two episodes of localized blunt force trauma. The type of injuries, their location, the strong similarity of the fractures in shape and size, and the different orientations and implied trajectories of the two fractures suggest they were produced with the same object in face-to-face interpersonal conflict. Given that either of the two traumatic events was likely lethal, the presence of multiple blows implies an intention to kill. This finding shows that the lethal interpersonal violence is an ancient human behavior and has important implications for the accumulation of bodies at the site, supporting an anthropic origin.

X-linked dominant cone-rod degeneration: Linkage mapping of a new locus for retinitis pigmentosa (RP15) to Xp22.13-p22.11

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McGuire, R.E.; Sullivan, L.S.; Daiger, S.P.

1995-07-01

Retinitis pigmentosa is the name given to a heterogeneous group of hereditary retinal degenerations characterized by progressive visual field loss, pigmentary changes of the retina, abnormal electroretinograms, and, frequently, night blindness. In this study, we investigated a family with dominant cone-rod degeneration, a variant form of retinitis pigmentosa. We used microsatellite markers to test for linkage to the disease locus and exluded all mapped autosomal loci. However, a marker from the short arm of the X chromosome, DXS989, showed 0% recombination to the disease locus, with a maximum lod (log-odds) score of 3.3. On the basis of this marker, themore » odds favoring X-linked dominant versus autosomal dominant inheritance are > 10{sup 5}:1. Haplotype analysis using an additional nine microsatellite markers places the disease locus in the Xp22.13-p22.11 region and excludes other X-linked disease loci causing retinal degeneration. The clinical expression of the retinal degeneration is consistent with X-linked dominant inheritance with milder, variable effects of Lyonization affecting expression in females. On the basis of these data we propose that this family has a novel form of dominant, X-linked cone-rod degeneration with the gene symbol {open_quotes}RP15{close_quotes}. 17 refs., 2 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Growth, patterning, and weak-link fabrication of superconducting YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilton, G. C.; Harris, E. B.; van Harlingen, D. J.

1988-09-01

Thin films of the high-temperature superconducting ceramic oxides have been grown, and techniques for fabricating weak-link structures have been investigated. Films of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) grown on SrTiO3 by a combination of dc magnetron sputtering and thermal evaporation from the three sources have been patterned into microbridges with widths down to 2 microns. Evidence is found that the bridges behave as arrays of Josephson-coupled superconducting islands. Further weak-link behavior is induced by in situ modification of the coupling by ion milling through the bridge.

Evaluation of pharmacological induction of fatty acid beta-oxidation in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

PubMed

McGuinness, M C; Zhang, H P; Smith, K D

2001-01-01

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited neurometabolic disorder associated with elevated levels of saturated unbranched very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA; C > 22:0) in plasma and tissues, and reduced VLCFA beta-oxidation in fibroblasts, white blood cells, and amniocytes from X-ALD patients. The X-ALD gene (ABCD1) at Xq28 encodes the adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP) that is related to the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette (ABCD) transmembrane half-transporter proteins. The function of ALDP is unknown and its role in VLCFA accumulation unresolved. Previously, our laboratory has shown that sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA) treatment of X-ALD fibroblasts results in increased peroxisomal VLCFA beta-oxidation activity and increased expression of the X-ALD-related protein, ALDRP, encoded by the ABCD2 gene. In this study, the effect of various pharmacological agents on VLCFA beta-oxidation in ALD mouse fibroblasts is tested. 4PBA, styrylacetate and benzyloxyacetate (structurally related to 4PBA), and trichostatin A (functionally related to 4PBA) increase both VLCFA (peroxisomal) and long-chain fatty acid [LCFA (peroxisomal and mitochondrial)] beta-oxidation. Isobutyrate, zaprinast, hydroxyurea, and 5-azacytidine had no effect on VLCFA or LCFA beta-oxidation. Lovastatin had no effect on fatty acid beta-oxidation under normal tissue culture conditions but did result in an increase in both VLCFA and LCFA beta-oxidation when ALD mouse fibroblasts were cultured in the absence of cholesterol. The effect of trichostatin A on peroxisomal VLCFA beta-oxidation is shown to be independent of an increase in ALDRP expression, suggesting that correction of the biochemical abnormality in X-ALD is not dependent on pharmacological induction of a redundant gene (ABCD2). These studies contribute to a better understanding of the role of ALDP in VLCFA accumulation and may lead to the development of more effective pharmacological therapies. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) in children with infantile-onset Pompe disease and respiratory muscle weakness.

PubMed

Jones, Harrison N; Crisp, Kelly D; Moss, Tronda; Strollo, Katherine; Robey, Randy; Sank, Jeffrey; Canfield, Michelle; Case, Laura E; Mahler, Leslie; Kravitz, Richard M; Kishnani, Priya S

2014-01-01

Respiratory muscle weakness is a primary therapeutic challenge for patients with infantile Pompe disease. We previously described the clinical implementation of a respiratory muscle training (RMT) regimen in two adults with late-onset Pompe disease; both demonstrated marked increases in inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength in response to RMT. However, the use of RMT in pediatric survivors of infantile Pompe disease has not been previously reported. We report the effects of an intensive RMT program on maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) using A-B-A (baseline-treatment-posttest) single subject experimental design in two pediatric survivors of infantile Pompe disease. Both subjects had persistent respiratory muscle weakness despite long-term treatment with alglucosidase alfa. Subject 1 demonstrated negligible to modest increases in MIP/MEP (6% increase in MIP, d=0.25; 19% increase in MEP, d=0.87), while Subject 2 demonstrated very large increases in MIP/MEP (45% increase in MIP, d=2.38; 81% increase in MEP, d=4.31). Following three-month RMT withdrawal, both subjects maintained these strength increases and demonstrated maximal MIP and MEP values at follow-up. Intensive RMT may be a beneficial treatment for respiratory muscle weakness in pediatric survivors of infantile Pompe disease.

X-Linked Congenital Hypertrichosis Syndrome Is Associated with Interchromosomal Insertions Mediated by a Human-Specific Palindrome near SOX3

PubMed Central

Zhu, Hongwen; Shang, Dandan; Sun, Miao; Choi, Sunju; Liu, Qing; Hao, Jiajie; Figuera, Luis E.; Zhang, Feng; Choy, Kwong Wai; Ao, Yang; Liu, Yang; Zhang, Xiao-Lin; Yue, Fengzhen; Wang, Ming-Rong; Jin, Li; Patel, Pragna I.; Jing, Tao; Zhang, Xue

2011-01-01

X-linked congenital generalized hypertrichosis (CGH), an extremely rare condition characterized by universal overgrowth of terminal hair, was first mapped to chromosome Xq24-q27.1 in a Mexican family. However, the underlying genetic defect remains unknown. We ascertained a large Chinese family with an X-linked congenital hypertrichosis syndrome combining CGH, scoliosis, and spina bifida and mapped the disease locus to a 5.6 Mb critical region within the interval defined by the previously reported Mexican family. Through the combination of a high-resolution copy-number variation (CNV) scan and targeted genomic sequencing, we identified an interchromosomal insertion at Xq27.1 of a 125,577 bp intragenic fragment of COL23A1 on 5q35.3, with one X breakpoint within and the other very close to a human-specific short palindromic sequence located 82 kb downstream of SOX3. In the Mexican family, we found an interchromosomal insertion at the same Xq27.1 site of a 300,036 bp genomic fragment on 4q31.2, encompassing PRMT10 and TMEM184C and involving parts of ARHGAP10 and EDNRA. Notably, both of the two X breakpoints were within the short palindrome. The two palindrome-mediated insertions fully segregate with the CGH phenotype in each of the families, and the CNV gains of the respective autosomal genomic segments are not present in the public database and were not found in 1274 control individuals. Analysis of control individuals revealed deletions ranging from 173 bp to 9104 bp at the site of the insertions with no phenotypic consequence. Taken together, our results strongly support the pathogenicity of the identified insertions and establish X-linked congenital hypertrichosis syndrome as a genomic disorder. PMID:21636067

Phenotype and genotype in 101 males with X-linked creatine transporter deficiency.

PubMed

van de Kamp, J M; Betsalel, O T; Mercimek-Mahmutoglu, S; Abulhoul, L; Grünewald, S; Anselm, I; Azzouz, H; Bratkovic, D; de Brouwer, A; Hamel, B; Kleefstra, T; Yntema, H; Campistol, J; Vilaseca, M A; Cheillan, D; D'Hooghe, M; Diogo, L; Garcia, P; Valongo, C; Fonseca, M; Frints, S; Wilcken, B; von der Haar, S; Meijers-Heijboer, H E; Hofstede, F; Johnson, D; Kant, S G; Lion-Francois, L; Pitelet, G; Longo, N; Maat-Kievit, J A; Monteiro, J P; Munnich, A; Muntau, A C; Nassogne, M C; Osaka, H; Ounap, K; Pinard, J M; Quijano-Roy, S; Poggenburg, I; Poplawski, N; Abdul-Rahman, O; Ribes, A; Arias, A; Yaplito-Lee, J; Schulze, A; Schwartz, C E; Schwenger, S; Soares, G; Sznajer, Y; Valayannopoulos, V; Van Esch, H; Waltz, S; Wamelink, M M C; Pouwels, P J W; Errami, A; van der Knaap, M S; Jakobs, C; Mancini, G M; Salomons, G S

2013-07-01

Creatine transporter deficiency is a monogenic cause of X-linked intellectual disability. Since its first description in 2001 several case reports have been published but an overview of phenotype, genotype and phenotype--genotype correlation has been lacking. We performed a retrospective study of clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic data of 101 males with X-linked creatine transporter deficiency from 85 families with a pathogenic mutation in the creatine transporter gene (SLC6A8). Most patients developed moderate to severe intellectual disability; mild intellectual disability was rare in adult patients. Speech language development was especially delayed but almost a third of the patients were able to speak in sentences. Besides behavioural problems and seizures, mild to moderate motor dysfunction, including extrapyramidal movement abnormalities, and gastrointestinal problems were frequent clinical features. Urinary creatine to creatinine ratio proved to be a reliable screening method besides MR spectroscopy, molecular genetic testing and creatine uptake studies, allowing definition of diagnostic guidelines. A third of patients had a de novo mutation in the SLC6A8 gene. Mothers with an affected son with a de novo mutation should be counselled about a recurrence risk in further pregnancies due to the possibility of low level somatic or germline mosaicism. Missense mutations with residual activity might be associated with a milder phenotype and large deletions extending beyond the 3' end of the SLC6A8 gene with a more severe phenotype. Evaluation of the biochemical phenotype revealed unexpected high creatine levels in cerebrospinal fluid suggesting that the brain is able to synthesise creatine and that the cerebral creatine deficiency is caused by a defect in the reuptake of creatine within the neurones.

X-linked gene expression in the Virginia opossum: differences between the paternally derived Gpd and Pgk-A loci

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samollow, P.B.; Ford, A.L.; VandeBerg, J.L.

1987-01-01

Expression of X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phosphoglycerate kinase-A (PGK-A) in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) was studied electrophoretically in animals from natural populations and those produced through controlled laboratory crosses. Blood from most of the wild animals exhibited a common single-banded phenotype for both enzymes. Rare variant animals, regardless of sex, exhibited single-banded phenotypes different in mobility from the common mobility class of the respective enzyme. The laboratory crosses confirmed the allelic basis for the common and rare phenotypes. Transmission of PGK-A phenotypes followed the pattern of determinate (nonrandom) inactivation of the paternally derived Pgk-A allele, and transmission ofmore » G6PD also was consistent with this pattern. A survey of tissue-specific expression of G6PD phenotypes of heterozygous females revealed, in almost all tissues, three-banded patterns skewed in favor of the allele that was expressed in blood cells. Three-banded patterns were never observed in males or in putatively homozygous females. These patterns suggest simultaneous, but unequal, expression of the maternally and paternally derived Gpd alleles within individual cells. The absence of such partial expression was noted in a parallel survey of females heterozygous at the Pgd-A locus. Thus, it appears that Gpd and Pgk-A are X-linked in D. virginiana and subject to preferential paternal allele inactivation, but that dosage compensation may not be complete for all paternally derived X-linked genes.« less

Spontaneous closure of macular hole in a patient with x-linked juvenile retinoschisis.

PubMed

Gao, Hua; Province, William D; Peracha, Mohammed O

2010-01-01

To observe macular hole in a patient with juvenile retinoschisis. A 4-year-old boy with X-linked juvenile retinoschisis was examined and followed-up for 2 years. Optical coherence tomography was used to study his maculae. A full-thickness macular hole was detected by clinical examination and optical coherence tomography. Spontaneous closure of the macular hole was noticed and confirmed by optical coherence tomography 2 years later with visual improvement. Macular hole in patients with juvenile retinoschisis should be observed for at least a short period of time before a surgical repair is considered.

Novel mutations in the connexin 32 gene associated with X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tan, C.; Ainsworth, P.

1994-09-01

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a pathologically and genetically hetergenous group of disorders that cause a progressive neuropathy, defined pathologically by degeneration of the myelin (CMT 1) of the axon (CMT 2) of the peripheral nerves. An X-linked type of the demyelinating form of this disorder (CMT X) has recently been linked to mutations in the connexin 32 (Cx32) gene, which codes for a 284 amino acid gap junction protein found in myelinated peripheral nerve. To date some 7 different mutations in this gene have been identified as being responsible for CMT X. The majority of these predict nonconservative amino acid substitutions,more » while one is a frameshift mutation which predicts a premature stop at codon 21. We report the results of molecular studies on three further local CMT X kindreds. The Cx32 gene was amplified by PCR in three overlapping fragments 300-450 bp in length using leukocyte-derived DNA as template. These were either sequenced directly using a deaza dGTP sequencing protocol, or were cloned and sequenced using a TA vector. In two of the kindreds the affected members carried a point mutation which was predicted to effect a non-conservative amino acid change within the first transmembrane domain. Both of these mutations caused a restriction site alteration (the loss of an Nla III and the creation of a Pvu II, respectively), and the former mutation was observed to segregate with the clinicial phenotype in affected family members. Affected members of the third kindred, which was a very large multigenerational family that had been extensively studied previously, were shown to carry a point mutation predicted to cause a premature truncation of the Cx32 gene product in the intracellular carboxy terminus. This mutation obliterated an Rsa I site which allowed a rapid screen of several other family members.« less

Lethality In Mice Following Localized Photodynamic Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrario, Angela; Gomer, Charles J.; Murphree, A. L.

1989-06-01

Porphyrin photodynamic therapy directed specifically to the hind leg of various strains of mice was found to induce a high percentage of lethality at dosages which would be required to achieve cures in tumor bearing mice. Toxicity was observed in both pigmented and albino mouse strains. An inverse relationship between light dose rate and lethality was documented. Anti-coagulant drugs and anti-inflammatory agents which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase had protective effects. The response induced by localized PDT appears to mimic that of a classical traumatic shock syndrome and may be limited to PDT in small animals such as mice.

Classic infantile Pompe patients approaching adulthood: a cohort study on consequences for the brain.

PubMed

Ebbink, Berendine J; Poelman, Esther; Aarsen, Femke K; Plug, Iris; Régal, Luc; Muentjes, Carsten; van der Beek, Nadine A M E; Lequin, Maarten H; van der Ploeg, Ans T; van den Hout, Johanna M P

2018-06-01

To examine the long-term consequences of glycogen storage in the central nervous system (CNS) for classic infantile Pompe disease using enzyme replacement therapy. Using neuropsychological tests and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we prospectively assessed a cohort of 11 classic infantile Pompe patients aged up to 17 years. From approximately age 2 years onwards, brain MRI showed involvement of the periventricular white matter and centrum semiovale. After 8 years of age, additional white-matter abnormalities occurred in the corpus callosum, internal and external capsule, and subcortical areas. From 11 years of age, white-matter abnormalities were also found in the brainstem. Although there seemed to be a characteristic pattern of involvement over time, there were considerable variations between patients, reflected by variations in neuropsychological development. Cognitive development ranged from stable and normal to declines that lead to intellectual disabilities. As treatment enables patients with classic infantile Pompe disease to reach adulthood, white-matter abnormalities are becoming increasingly evident, affecting the neuropsychological development. Therefore, we advise follow-up programs are expanded to capture CNS involvement in larger, international patient cohorts, to incorporate our findings in the counselling of parents before the start of treatment, and to include the brain as an additional target in the development of next-generation therapeutic strategies for classic infantile Pompe disease. In our long-term survivors treated intravenously with enzyme replacement therapy, we found slowly progressive symmetric white-matter abnormalities. Cognitive development varied from stable and normal to declines towards intellectual disabilities. © 2018 The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Mac Keith Press.

X-linked recessive panhypopituitarism associated with a regional duplication in Xq25-q26.

PubMed Central

Lagerström-Fermér, M; Sundvall, M; Johnsen, E; Warne, G L; Forrest, S M; Zajac, J D; Rickards, A; Ravine, D; Landegren, U; Pettersson, U

1997-01-01

We present a linkage analysis and a clinical update on a previously reported family with X-linked recessive panhypopituitarism, now in its fourth generation. Affected members exhibit variable degrees of hypopituitarism and mental retardation. The markers DXS737 and DXS1187 in the q25-q26 region of the X chromosome showed evidence for linkage with a peak LOD score (Zmax) of 4.12 at zero recombination fraction (theta(max) = 0). An apparent extra copy of the marker DXS102, observed in the region of the disease gene in affected males and heterozygous carrier females, suggests that a segment including this marker is duplicated. The gene causing this disorder appears to code for a dosage-sensitive protein central to development of the pituitary. Images Figure 2 PMID:9106538

Suppression of metabolic activity caused by infantile strabismus and strabismic amblyopia in striate visual cortex of macaque monkeys.

PubMed

Wong, Agnes M F; Burkhalter, Andreas; Tychsen, Lawrence

2005-02-01

Suppression is a major sensorial abnormality in humans and monkeys with infantile strabismus. We previously reported evidence of metabolic suppression in the visual cortex of strabismic macaques, using the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome oxidase as an anatomic label. The purpose of this study was to further elucidate alterations in cortical metabolic activity, with or without amblyopia. Six macaque monkeys were used in the experiments (four strabismic and two control). Three of the strabismic monkeys had naturally occurring, infantile strabismus (two esotropic, one exotropic). The fourth strabismic monkey had infantile microesotropia induced by alternating monocular occlusion in the first months of life. Ocular motor behaviors and visual acuity were tested after infancy in each animal, and development of stereopsis was recorded during infancy in one strabismic and one control monkey. Ocular dominance columns (ODCs) of the striate visual cortex (area V1) were labeled using cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry alone, or CO in conjunction with an anterograde tracer ([H 3 ]proline or WGA-HRP) injected into one eye. Each of the strabismic monkeys showed inequalities of metabolic activity in ODCs of opposite ocularity, visible as rows of lighter CO staining, corresponding to ODCs of lower metabolic activity, alternating with rows of darker CO staining, corresponding to ODCs of higher metabolic activity. In monkeys who had infantile strabismus and unilateral amblyopia, lower metabolic activity was found in (suppressed) ODCs driven by the nondominant eye in each hemisphere. In monkeys who had infantile esotropia and alternating fixation (no amblyopia), metabolic activity was lower in ODCs driven by the ipsilateral eye in each hemisphere. The suppression included a monocular core zone at the center of ODCs and binocular border zones at the boundaries of ODCs. This suppression was not evident in the monocular lamina of the LGN, indicating an intracortical rather than

TGF-β Tumor Suppression Through A Lethal EMT

PubMed Central

David, Charles J.; Huang, Yun-Han; Chen, Mo; Su, Jie; Zou, Yilong; Bardeesy, Nabeel; Iacobuzio-Donahue, Christine A.; Massagué, Joan

2016-01-01

TGF-β signaling can be pro-tumorigenic or tumor suppressive. We investigated this duality in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), which, with other gastrointestinal cancers, exhibits frequent inactivation of the TGF-β mediator Smad4. We show that TGF-β induces an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), generally considered a pro-tumorigenic event. However, in TGF-β sensitive PDA cells, EMT becomes lethal by converting TGF-β-induced Sox4 from an enforcer of tumorigenesis into a promoter of apoptosis. This is the result of an EMT-linked remodeling of the cellular transcription factor landscape, including the repression of the gastrointestinal lineage-master regulator Klf5. Klf5 cooperates with Sox4 in oncogenesis and prevents Sox4-induced apoptosis. Smad4 is required for EMT but dispensable for Sox4 induction by TGF-β. TGF-β-induced Sox4 is thus geared to bolster progenitor identity, while simultaneous Smad4-dependent EMT strips Sox4 of an essential partner in oncogenesis. Our work demonstrates that TGF-β tumor suppression functions through an EMT-mediated disruption of a lineage-specific transcriptional network. PMID:26898331

A bacterial cocaine esterase protects against cocaine-induced epileptogenic activity and lethality.

PubMed

Jutkiewicz, Emily M; Baladi, Michelle G; Cooper, Ziva D; Narasimhan, Diwahar; Sunahara, Roger K; Woods, James H

2009-09-01

Cocaine toxicity results in cardiovascular complications, seizures, and death and accounts for approximately 20% of drug-related emergency department visits every year. Presently, there are no treatments to eliminate the toxic effects of cocaine. The present study hypothesizes that a bacterial cocaine esterase with high catalytic efficiency would provide rapid and robust protection from cocaine-induced convulsions, epileptogenic activity, and lethality. Cocaine-induced paroxysmal activity and convulsions were evaluated in rats surgically implanted with radiotelemetry devices (N=6 per treatment group). Cocaine esterase was administered 1 minute after a lethal dose of cocaine or after cocaine-induced convulsions to determine the ability of the enzyme to prevent or reverse, respectively, the effects of cocaine. The cocaine esterase prevented all cocaine-induced electroencephalographic changes and lethality. This effect was specific for cocaine because the esterase did not prevent convulsions and death induced by a cocaine analog, (-)-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-phenyltropane. The esterase prevented lethality even after cocaine-induced convulsions occurred. In contrast, the short-acting benzodiazepine, midazolam, prevented cocaine-induced convulsions but not the lethal effects of cocaine. The data showed that cocaine esterase successfully degraded circulating cocaine to prevent lethality and that cocaine-induced convulsions alone are not responsible for the lethal effects of cocaine in this model. Therefore, further investigation into the use of cocaine esterase for treating cocaine overdose and its toxic effects is warranted.

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis: clinical diagnosis, genetic analysis, and molecular mechanisms.

PubMed

Molday, Robert S; Kellner, Ulrich; Weber, Bernhard H F

2012-05-01

X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS, MIM 312700) is a common early onset macular degeneration in males characterized by mild to severe loss in visual acuity, splitting of retinal layers, and a reduction in the b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG). The RS1 gene (MIM 300839) associated with the disease encodes retinoschisin, a 224 amino acid protein containing a discoidin domain as the major structural unit, an N-terminal cleavable signal sequence, and regions responsible for subunit oligomerization. Retinoschisin is secreted from retinal cells as a disulphide-linked homo-octameric complex which binds to the surface of photoreceptors and bipolar cells to help maintain the integrity of the retina. Over 190 disease-causing mutations in the RS1 gene are known with most mutations occurring as non-synonymous changes in the discoidin domain. Cell expression studies have shown that disease-associated missense mutations in the discoidin domain cause severe protein misfolding and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, mutations in the signal sequence result in aberrant protein synthesis, and mutations in regions flanking the discoidin domain cause defective disulphide-linked subunit assembly, all of which produce a non-functional protein. Knockout mice deficient in retinoschisin have been generated and shown to display most of the characteristic features found in XLRS patients. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) mediated delivery of the normal RS1 gene to the retina of young knockout mice result in long-term retinoschisin expression and rescue of retinal structure and function providing a 'proof of concept' that gene therapy may be an effective treatment for XLRS. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Status of Adults With X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia

PubMed Central

Winkelstein, Jerry A.; Conley, Mary Ellen; James, Cynthia; Howard, Vanessa; Boyle, John

2010-01-01

Since many children with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) can now be expected to reach adulthood, knowledge of the status of adults with XLA would be of importance to the patients, their families, and the physicians caring for these patients. We performed the current study in adults with XLA to examine the impact of XLA on their daily lives and quality of life, their educational and socioeconomic status, their knowledge of the inheritance of their disorder, and their reproductive attitudes. Physicians who had entered adult patients with XLA in a national registry were asked to pass on a survey instrument to their patients. The patients then filled out the survey instrument and returned it directly to the investigators. Adults with XLA were hospitalized more frequently and missed more work and/or school than did the general United States population. However, their quality of life was comparable to that of the general United States population. They achieved a higher level of education and had a higher income than did the general United States population. Their knowledge of the inheritance of their disease was excellent. Sixty percent of them would not exercise any reproductive planning options as a result of their disease. The results of the current study suggest that although the disease impacts the daily lives of adults with XLA, they still become productive members of society and excel in many areas. PMID:18794707

Mapping X-linked ophthalmic diseases. IV. Provisional assignment of the locus for X-linked congenital cataracts and microcornea (the Nance-Horan syndrome) to Xp22.2-p22.3.

PubMed

Lewis, R A; Nussbaum, R L; Stambolian, D

1990-01-01

The Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS) is an infrequent X-linked disorder typified by dense congenital central cataracts, microcornea, anteverted and simplex pinnae, brachymetacarpalia, and numerous dental anomalies. The regional location of the genetic mutation causing NHS is unknown. The authors applied the modern molecular techniques of analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms to five multigenerational kindreds in which NHS segregated. Provisional linkage is established to two DNA markers--DXS143 at Xp22.3-p22.2 and DXS43 at Xp22.2. Regional localization of NHS will provide potential antenatal diagnosis in families at risk for the disease and will enhance understanding of the multifaceted genetic defects.

Oscillopsia in "inverse latent" infantile nystagmus syndrome.

PubMed

Abel, Larry A; Malesic, Linda A

2007-11-01

A possibly unique individual with infantile nystagmus syndrome presented with incessant oscillopsia but good stereopsis when viewing binocularly; her nystagmus was greatly reduced with left eye occlusion. We have attempted to explain this and to identify an intervention that preserves binocular vision while maximizing perceptual stability. Eye movements were recorded and analyzed for duration of foveation (% time when the target was on or near the fovea and the eye was moving at < or = 4 degrees /sec) under different viewing conditions. Changes in foveation were compared with the patient's reports of her perceptual stability. In her right gaze null with her right eye fixating, foveation was 52.9%. This fell to 32.3% for the same eye in primary position and to 0.8% when viewing binocularly in primary position. When viewing binocularly oscillopsia was incessant; when viewing with her right eye vision was stable except in left gaze. Prism correction of her phoria greatly reduced her oscillopsia when viewing binocularly while preserving stereopsis; foveation went up to 33.7%. The patient's ability to maintain good foveation only when viewing with her right eye forces her to choose between stereopsis and stable vision. This may result from the rare combination of (1) requiring good foveation for oscillopsia suppression and (2) nystagmus deteriorating under the stress of maintaining binocularity. There may be many other infantile nystagmus syndrome patients who do not develop oscillopsia but may suffer sufficient asthenopia from a phoria to exacerbate their nystagmus.

Chiari malformation, syringomyelia and bulbar palsy in X linked hypophosphataemia

PubMed Central

Watts, Laura; Wordsworth, Paul

2015-01-01

X linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare condition with numerous musculoskeletal complications. It may mimic other more familiar conditions, such as vitamin D deficiency, ankylosing spondylitis or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. We describe two cases with Chiari type 1 malformations and syringomyelia, neither of which is well recognised in XLH. The first presented late with the additional complications of spinal cord compression, pseudofracture, renal stones and gross femoroacetabular impingement requiring hip replacement. The second also had bulbar palsy; the first case to be described in this condition, to the best of our knowledge. We wish to raise awareness of the important neurological complications of syringomyelia, Chiari malformation, spinal cord compression and bulbar palsy when treating these patients. We also wish to draw attention to the utility of family history and genetic testing when making the diagnosis of this rare but potentially treatable condition. PMID:26561226

Chiari malformation, syringomyelia and bulbar palsy in X linked hypophosphataemia.

PubMed

Watts, Laura; Wordsworth, Paul

2015-11-11

X linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare condition with numerous musculoskeletal complications. It may mimic other more familiar conditions, such as vitamin D deficiency, ankylosing spondylitis or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. We describe two cases with Chiari type 1 malformations and syringomyelia, neither of which is well recognised in XLH. The first presented late with the additional complications of spinal cord compression, pseudofracture, renal stones and gross femoroacetabular impingement requiring hip replacement. The second also had bulbar palsy; the first case to be described in this condition, to the best of our knowledge. We wish to raise awareness of the important neurological complications of syringomyelia, Chiari malformation, spinal cord compression and bulbar palsy when treating these patients. We also wish to draw attention to the utility of family history and genetic testing when making the diagnosis of this rare but potentially treatable condition. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

A self-controlled study of intralesional injection of diprospan combined with topical timolol cream for treatment of thick superficial infantile hemangiomas.

PubMed

Xu, Peng; Yu, Qian; Huang, Huizhen; Zhang, Wenjie; Li, Wei

2018-04-30

Topical application of timolol cream is effective and convenient for treating superficial infantile hemangiomas. Intralesional injection of corticosteroids, such as diprospan, is useful for the treatment of superficia infantile hemangiomas without systemic side effects. We conducted a self-controlled study to investigate whether a combination of intralesional injection of diprospan with topical timolol 0.5% cream would be more efficient than timolol cream alone in thick superficial infantile hemangiomas. Thirty-eight patients with 39 thick superficial infantile hemangiomas were recruited. Each lesion was randomly divided into two equal parts: one part was treated with topical timolol 0.5% cream (timolol cream group), while the other part was treated with injection of diprospan combined with topical timolol 0.5% cream (combined treatment group). Infants were followed every 4 weeks to determine whether injections should be continued, and timolol cream was applied four times daily for 5 months. During 5 months of treatment, three specialist physicians were invited to evaluate the therapeutic effects. The combined treatment group showed better lesion involution than did the timolol cream group regarding lesion thickness and color of lesions. The combination of intralesional injection of diprospan with topical timolol 0.5% cream is a suitable and safe strategy for thick superficial infantile hemangiomas. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lethal mechanisms in gastric volvulus.

PubMed

Omond, Kimberley J; Byard, Roger W

2017-01-01

A 55-year-old wheelchair-bound woman with severe cerebral palsy was found at autopsy to have marked distention of the stomach due to a volvulus. The stomach was viable, and filled with air and fluid and had pushed the left dome of the diaphragm upwards causing marked compression of the left lung with a mediastinal shift to the right (including the heart). There was no evidence of gastric perforation, ischaemic necrosis or peritonitis. Removal of the organ block revealed marked kyphoscoliosis. Histology confirmed the viability of the stomach and biochemistry showed no dehydration. Death in cases of acute gastric volvulus usually occurs because of compromise of the gastric blood supply resulting in ischaemic necrosis with distention from swallowed air and fluid resulting in perforation with lethal peritonitis. Hypovolaemic shock may also occur. However, the current case demonstrates an alternative lethal mechanism, that of respiratory compromise due to marked thoracic organ compression.

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus: an X chromosome-linked dominant inheritance pattern with a vasopressin type 2 receptor gene that is structurally normal.

PubMed Central

Friedman, E; Bale, A E; Carson, E; Boson, W L; Nordenskjöld, M; Ritzén, M; Ferreira, P C; Jammal, A; De Marco, L

1994-01-01

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is a rare hereditary disorder, most commonly transmitted in an X chromosome-linked recessive manner and characterized by the lack of renal response to the action of antidiuretic hormone [Arg8]vasopressin. The vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) has been suggested to be the gene that causes the disease, and its role in disease pathogenesis is supported by mutations within this gene in affected individuals. Using the PCR, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and direct DNA sequencing, we examined the V2R gene in four unrelated kindreds. In addition, linkage analysis with chromosome Xq28 markers was done in one large Brazilian kindred with an apparent unusual X chromosome-linked dominant inheritance pattern. In one family, a mutation in codon 280, causing a Tyr-->Cys substitution in the sixth transmembrane domain of the receptor, was found. In the other three additional families with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, the V2R-coding region was normal in sequence. In one large Brazilian kindred displaying an unusual X chromosome-linked dominant mode of inheritance, the disease-related gene was localized to the same region of the X chromosome as the V2R, but no mutations were found, thus raising the possibility that this disease is caused by a gene other than V2R. Images PMID:8078903

Spectrum of X-linked hydrocephalus (HSAS), MASA syndrome, and complicated spastic paraplegia (SPG1): Clincal review with six additional families

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schrander-Stumpel, C.; Hoeweler, C.; Jones, M.

X-linked hydrocephalus (HSAS) (MIM{sup *}307000), MASA syndrome (MIM {sup *}303350), and complicated spastic paraplegia (SPG1) (MIM {sup *}3129000) are closely related. Soon after delineation, SPG1 was incorporated into the spectrum of MASA syndrome. HSAS and MASA syndrome show great clinical overlap; DNA linkage analysis places the loci at Xq28. In an increasing number of families with MASA syndrome or HSAS, mutations in L1CAM, a gene located at Xq28, have been reported. In order to further delineate the clinical spectrum, we studied 6 families with male patients presenting with MASA syndrome, HSAS, or a mixed phenotype. We summarized data from previousmore » reports and compared them with our data. Clinical variability appears to be great, even within families. Problems in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis, the possible overlap with X-linked corpus callosum agenesis and FG syndrome, and the different forms of X-linked complicated spastic paraplegia are discussed. Since adducted thumbs and spastic paraplegia are found in 90% of the patients, the condition may be present in males with nonspecific mental retardation. We propose to abandon the designation MASA syndrome and use the term HSAS/MASA spectrum, incorporating SPG1. 79 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.« less

The lethal injection quandary: how medicine has dismantled the death penalty.

PubMed

Denno, Deborah W

2007-10-01

On February 20, 2006, Michael Morales was hours away from execution in California when two anesthesiologists declined to participate in his lethal injection procedure, thereby halting all state executions. The events brought to the surface the long-running schism between law and medicine, raising the question of whether any beneficial connection between the professions ever existed in the execution context. History shows it seldom did. Decades of botched executions prove it. This Article examines how states ended up with such constitutionally vulnerable lethal injection procedures, suggesting that physician participation in executions, though looked upon with disdain, is more prevalent--and perhaps more necessary--than many would like to believe. The Article also reports the results of this author's unique nationwide study of lethal injection protocols and medical participation. The study demonstrates that states have continued to produce grossly inadequate protocols that severely restrict sufficient understanding of how executions are performed and heighten the likelihood of unconstitutionality. The analysis emphasizes in particular the utter lack of medical or scientific testing of lethal injection despite the early and continuous involvement of doctors but ongoing detachment of medical societies. Lastly, the Article discusses the legal developments that led up to the current rush of lethal injection lawsuits as well as the strong and rapid reverberations that followed, particularly with respect to medical involvement. This Article concludes with two recommendations. First, much like what occurred in this country when the first state switched to electrocution, there should be a nationwide study of proper lethal injection protocols. An independent commission consisting of a diverse group of qualified individuals, including medical personnel, should conduct a thorough assessment of lethal injection, especially the extent of physician participation. Second, this

Empirical complexities in the genetic foundations of lethal mutagenesis.

PubMed

Bull, James J; Joyce, Paul; Gladstone, Eric; Molineux, Ian J

2013-10-01

From population genetics theory, elevating the mutation rate of a large population should progressively reduce average fitness. If the fitness decline is large enough, the population will go extinct in a process known as lethal mutagenesis. Lethal mutagenesis has been endorsed in the virology literature as a promising approach to viral treatment, and several in vitro studies have forced viral extinction with high doses of mutagenic drugs. Yet only one empirical study has tested the genetic models underlying lethal mutagenesis, and the theory failed on even a qualitative level. Here we provide a new level of analysis of lethal mutagenesis by developing and evaluating models specifically tailored to empirical systems that may be used to test the theory. We first quantify a bias in the estimation of a critical parameter and consider whether that bias underlies the previously observed lack of concordance between theory and experiment. We then consider a seemingly ideal protocol that avoids this bias-mutagenesis of virions-but find that it is hampered by other problems. Finally, results that reveal difficulties in the mere interpretation of mutations assayed from double-strand genomes are derived. Our analyses expose unanticipated complexities in testing the theory. Nevertheless, the previous failure of the theory to predict experimental outcomes appears to reside in evolutionary mechanisms neglected by the theory (e.g., beneficial mutations) rather than from a mismatch between the empirical setup and model assumptions. This interpretation raises the specter that naive attempts at lethal mutagenesis may augment adaptation rather than retard it.

Hungry bone syndrome and normalisation of renal phosphorus threshold after total parathyroidectomy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism in X-linked hypophosphataemia: a case report.

PubMed

Crowley, Rachel K; Kilbane, Mark; King, Thomas Fj; Morrin, Michelle; O'Keane, Myra; McKenna, Malachi J

2014-03-04

This is the first report of which the authors are aware to describe this c.2166delinsGG mutation in X-linked hypophosphataemia and to describe normalisation of renal threshold for phosphate excretion after parathyroidectomy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism in X-linked hypophosphataemia. We present the case of a 34-year-old Caucasian woman with X-linked hypophosphataemia. She developed tertiary hyperparathyroidism with markedly high bone turnover requiring total parathyroidectomy and had prolonged requirement for intravenous calcium infusion after surgery. She had a novel mutation in her phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X-chromosome and had an unusual degree of dependence on phosphate supplementation. Prior to operative intervention she had a trial of cinacalcet that improved bone turnover markers when used in isolation but which led to a paradoxical rise in parathyroid hormone levels when given with phosphate supplementation. After correction of hungry bone syndrome, the renal phosphorus threshold normalised as a manifestation of hypoparathyroid state despite marked elevation in level of fibroblast growth factor 23. This case illustrates the risk of tertiary hyperparathyroidism as a complication of treatment for hypophosphataemia; it highlights the morbidity associated with hungry bone syndrome and provides novel insight into renal handling of phosphorus.

Surgical Treatments for Infantile Purulent Meningitis Complicated by Subdural Effusion.

PubMed

Wang, Xianshu; Zhang, Xiaoru; Cao, Hongbin; Jing, Shiyuan; Yang, Zhiguo; Cheng, Zhenghai; Liu, Ye; Li, Xin; Gao, Feifei; Ji, Yuanqi

2015-10-20

Infantile purulent meningitis (PM) is a commonly severe intracranial infectious disease in infants under age 1 year. In recent years, several diagnostic and treatment methods were reported, but in these cases the neurological complications and sequel were often observed, among which subdural effusion (SE) is the most common complication in PM. Timely diagnosis and early intervention are vital for better outcomes. In this study, the surgical treatments for infantile PM complicated by SE were investigated. Patients who had PM complicated by SE in the Children's Hospital of Hebei Province from June 2000 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed and 170 patients were enrolled in the study. Surgical treatment for each patient was adopted according to producing effusion time, leucocyte count, protein content, intracranial pressure, and bacteria culture, coupled with cranial ultrasound examination, CT, and MRI scans. Nearly, 15 patients were cured using serial taps, with a 50% cure rate. Seventeen out of 30 (56.6%) patients receiving subcutaneous reservoir drainage had better outcome. Nearly 80% of patients (55/69) who underwent minimally invasive trepanation and drainage were positive. Surgical procedure of minimally invasive trepanation and drainage combined with drug douche was effective in 63% of patients (19/30). In addition, 6 patients were cured with subdural-peritoneal shunt. Only 1 patient died, after the recurrence of meningitis, and the remaining 4 patients were cured by craniotomy. For infantile PM complicated with SE, treatment needs be chosen according to the specific situation. Surgical procedure of minimally invasive trepanation and drainage is a very effective treatment in curing PM complicated by SE. The treatment was highly effective with the use of drug douche. Subdural-peritoneal shunt and craniotomy were as effective as in refractory cases.

Surgical Treatments for Infantile Purulent Meningitis Complicated by Subdural Effusion

PubMed Central

Wang, Xianshu; Zhang, Xiaoru; Cao, Hongbin; Jing, Shiyuan; Yang, Zhiguo; Cheng, Zhenghai; Liu, Ye; Li, Xin; Gao, Feifei; Ji, Yuanqi

2015-01-01

Background Infantile purulent meningitis (PM) is a commonly severe intracranial infectious disease in infants under age 1 year. In recent years, several diagnostic and treatment methods were reported, but in these cases the neurological complications and sequel were often observed, among which subdural effusion (SE) is the most common complication in PM. Timely diagnosis and early intervention are vital for better outcomes. In this study, the surgical treatments for infantile PM complicated by SE were investigated. Material/Methods Patients who had PM complicated by SE in the Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province from June 2000 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed and 170 patients were enrolled in the study. Surgical treatment for each patient was adopted according to producing effusion time, leucocyte count, protein content, intracranial pressure, and bacteria culture, coupled with cranial ultrasound examination, CT, and MRI scans. Results Nearly, 15 patients were cured using serial taps, with a 50% cure rate. Seventeen out of 30 (56.6%) patients receiving subcutaneous reservoir drainage had better outcome. Nearly 80% of patients (55/69) who underwent minimally invasive trepanation and drainage were positive. Surgical procedure of minimally invasive trepanation and drainage combined with drug douche was effective in 63% of patients (19/30). In addition, 6 patients were cured with subdural-peritoneal shunt. Only 1 patient died, after the recurrence of meningitis, and the remaining 4 patients were cured by craniotomy. Conclusions For infantile PM complicated with SE, treatment needs be chosen according to the specific situation. Surgical procedure of minimally invasive trepanation and drainage is a very effective treatment in curing PM complicated by SE. The treatment was highly effective with the use of drug douche. Subdural-peritoneal shunt and craniotomy were as effective as in refractory cases. PMID:26482715

Lethality to leukemia cell lines of DNA interstrand cross-links generated by Cloretazine derived alkylating species

PubMed Central

Penketh, Philip G.; Baumann, Raymond P.; Ishiguro, Kimiko; Shyam, Krishnamurthy; Seow, Helen A.; Sartorelli, Alan C.

2010-01-01

Cloretazine [1, 2-bis(methylsulfonyl)-1-(2-chloroethyl)-2-[(methylamino)carbonyl]-hydrazine; VNP40101M; 101M] is a relatively new prodrug with activity in elderly acute myelogenous leukemia patients. Its therapeutic action is due largely to the production of 1-(3-cytosinyl),2-(1-guanyl)ethane cross-links (G-C ethane cross-links) in DNA. The number of cross-links produced in three experimental leukemia lines (L1210, U937 and HL-60) were fewer than 10 per genome at their respective LC50 concentrations. Only 1 in approximately 20,000 90CE molecules produce a cross-link in the AGT (O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase) negative L1210 and U937 cell lines and 1 in 400,000 in the AGT positive HL-60 cell line. PMID:18479747

Sex-linked recessive

MedlinePlus

X-linked recessive diseases most often occur in males. Males have only one X chromosome. A single recessive ... half of the XY gene pair in the male. However, the Y chromosome doesn't contain most ...

Key Clinical Features to Identify Girls with "CDKL5" Mutations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bahi-Buisson, Nadia; Nectoux, Juliette; Rosas-Vargas, Haydee; Milh, Mathieu; Boddaert, Nathalie; Girard, Benoit; Cances, Claude; Ville, Dorothee; Afenjar, Alexandra; Rio, Marlene; Heron, Delphine; Morel, Marie Ange N'Guyen; Arzimanoglou, Alexis; Philippe, Christophe; Jonveaux, Philippe; Chelly, Jamel; Bienvenu, Thierry

2008-01-01

Mutations in the human X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 ("CDKL5") gene have been shown to cause infantile spasms as well as Rett syndrome (RTT)-like phenotype. To date, less than 25 different mutations have been reported. So far, there are still little data on the key clinical diagnosis criteria and on the natural history of…

28 CFR 552.25 - Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Use of less-than-lethal weapons... Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents. (a) The Warden may authorize the use of less-than-lethal weapons, including those containing chemical agents, only when the situation is such...

28 CFR 552.25 - Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Use of less-than-lethal weapons... Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents. (a) The Warden may authorize the use of less-than-lethal weapons, including those containing chemical agents, only when the situation is such...

28 CFR 552.25 - Use of less-than-lethal weapons, including chemical agents.