6 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/11/12

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Molecular Classification and Management of Rare Pediatric Embryonal Brain Tumors.

Curr Oncol Rep. 2018 07 11;20(9):69

Authors: Sin-Chan P, Li BK, Ho B, Fonseca A, Huang A

Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Malignant embryonal brain tumors (EBTs) of childhood span a wide clinical spectrum but can share remarkably similar morphologic features. This overlap presents significant diagnostic challenges, particularly for tumor entities that are rarely encountered in clinical practice and for which diagnostic criteria were poorly defined. This review will provide an update on the evolving characterization and treatment of rare EBTs.
RECENT FINDINGS: Rapid advances in genomic tools have led to the discovery of robust molecular markers, and identification of novel tumor types and subtypes for almost all major categories of pediatric brain tumors. These developments have had significant impact on improving the diagnostic classification of the rare EBTs, particularly for tumors with newly recognized C19MC alterations, central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS-PNET), and pineoblastoma (PB). These important developments in the clinical and molecular understanding of rare EBTs are paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies and improved clinical management.

PMID: 29995179 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The ability of an LC-MS/MS-based erythrocyte GALT enzyme assay to predict the phenotype in subjects with GALT deficiency.

Mol Genet Metab. 2019 04;126(4):368-376

Authors: Demirbas D, Huang X, Daesety V, Feenstra S, Haskovic M, Qi W, Gubbels CS, Hecht L, Levy HL, Waisbren SE, Berry GT

Abstract
BACKGROUND: GALT deficiency is a rare genetic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. Due to the decreased activity or absence of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), cells from affected individuals are unable to metabolize galactose normally. Lactose consumption in the newborn period could potentially lead to a lethal disease process with multi-organ involvement. In contrast to the newborn-stage disease, however, a galactose-restricted diet does not prevent long-term complications such as central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction with speech defects, learning disability and neurological disease in addition to hypergonadotropic hypogonadism or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in females. As the literature suggests an association between GALT enzyme activity and the long-term complications, it is of importance to have a highly sensitive assay to quantify the GALT enzyme activity. To that end, we had developed a sensitive and accurate LC-MS/MS method to measure GALT enzyme activity. Its ability to predict outcome is the subject of this report.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The GALT enzyme activity in erythrocytes from 160 individuals, in which 135 with classic, clinical variant or biochemical variant galactosemia, was quantified by LC-MS/MS. Individuals with GALT deficiency were evaluated for the long-term complications of speech defects, dysarthria, ataxia, dystonia, tremor, POI, as well as intellectual functioning (full scale IQ). The LC-MS/MS results were compared to a variety of assays: radioactive, [14C]-galactose-1-phosphate, paper chromatography with scintillation counting, enzyme-coupled assays with spectrophotometric or fluorometric readout or high-pressure liquid chromatography with UV detection of UDP-galactose.
RESULTS: The LC-MS/MS method measured GALT activity as low as 0.2%, whereas other methods showed no detectable activity. Largely due to GALT activities that were over 1%, the LC-MS/MS measurements were not significantly different than values obtained in other laboratories using other methodologies. Severe long-term complications were less frequently noted in subjects with >1% activity. Patients with a p.Q188R/p.Q188R genotype have no residual enzyme activity in erythrocytes.
CONCLUSION: Our LC-MS/MS assay may be necessary to accurately quantify residual GALT activities below 5%. The data suggest that patients with >1% residual activity are less likely to develop diet-independent long-term complications. However, much larger sample sizes are needed to properly assess the clinical phenotype in patients with residual enzyme activities between 0.1 and 5%.

PMID: 30718057 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/11/05

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

9 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/11/04

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

9 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/11/02

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

7 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/11/01

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Duplication 2p16 is associated with perisylvian polymicrogyria.

Am J Med Genet A. 2019 Oct 29;:

Authors: Amrom D, Poduri A, Goldman JS, Dan B, Deconinck N, Pichon B, Nadaf J, Andermann F, Andermann E, Walsh CA, Dobyns WB

Abstract
Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a heterogeneous brain malformation that may result from prenatal vascular disruption or infection, or from numerous genetic causes that still remain difficult to identify. We identified three unrelated patients with polymicrogyria and duplications of chromosome 2p, defined the smallest region of overlap, and performed gene pathway analysis using Cytoscape. The smallest region of overlap in all three children involved 2p16.1-p16.3. All three children have bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (BPP), intrauterine and postnatal growth deficiency, similar dysmorphic features, and poor feeding. Two of the three children had documented intellectual disability. Gene pathway analysis suggested a number of developmentally relevant genes and gene clusters that were over-represented in the critical region. We narrowed a rare locus for polymicrogyria to a region of 2p16.1-p16.3 that contains 33-34 genes, 23 of which are expressed in cerebral cortex during human fetal development. Using pathway analysis, we showed that several of the duplicated genes contribute to neurodevelopmental pathways including morphogen, cytokine, hormonal and growth factor signaling, regulation of cell cycle progression, cell morphogenesis, axonal guidance, and neuronal migration. These findings strengthen the evidence for a novel locus associated with polymicrogyria on 2p16.1-p16.3, and comprise the first step in defining the underlying genetic etiology.

PMID: 31660690 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[IMERSLUND-GRÄSBECK SYNDROME CONGENITAL FORM OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY ANEMIA].

Georgian Med News. 2019 May;(290):45-48

Authors: Kvezereli-Kopadze M, Mtvarelidze Z

Abstract
Normal red blood cells maturation depends on many different hematological factors, including vitamin (vit.) B12. Megaloblastic anemias are basically caused by vit. B12 deficiency. In childhood the deficiency of this vitamin is extremely rare. The article captures findings of observation of the patient with rare form congenital vit. B12 deficiency anemia - Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome. The disease is characterized with selective intestinal malabsorption of vit. B12 and permanent proteinuria, without sings of kidney disease. The diagnosis was confirmed by our team in early childhood and based on the history, clinical and paraclinical data. After two weeks of specific treatment with vit. B12 , complete clinical - hematological remission was achieved. Treatment includes lifelong vit. B12 injections once per month. Cathamnesic observation for 18 months revealed that the patient is in remission, but there was continued macrocytosis of red blood cells and mild proteinuria. The presented case is interesting as a rare case of megaloblastic anemia caused by vit. B12 deficiency in childhood. Such patients often treated under different diagnosis. In such cases early diagnosis, treatment and prevention are crucial for the good prognosis.

PMID: 31322513 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Whipple's disease: very rare, fatal without treatment but easily cured].

Lakartidningen. 2019 May 28;116:

Authors: Melas N, Haji Younes A, Egerszegi P

Abstract
Whipple's disease is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the small intestine, but several organs can be involved simultaneously. The disease is caused by a gram-positive bacterium called Tropheryma whipplei. The disease is difficult to suspect because it is rare, and produces unspecific and long-term symptoms. Whipple's disease can lead to death if not treated. We here present a case of a man who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms in the form of diarrhea with blood, weight loss, fever, and lymphadenopathy and who was finally diagnosed with Whipple's disease 4 years after the occurrence of manifestations from the joints. The diagnosis was made both with 16S rRNA against Tropheryma whipplei and histopathologically from biopsy taken from the duodenum and distal ileum. The purpose of this case report is to raise awareness of a very rare disease that presented with a combination of symptoms similar to other and significantly more common diseases.

PMID: 31192432 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/10/29

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Lipochoristoma of the Internal Auditory Canal: Long-Term Surveillance.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019 02;160(2):359-360

Authors: Kedarisetty S, Surapaneni K

PMID: 30322341 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Associations: a driving force for Rare Diseases research. Resilience: a driving force for Patient Associations.

Ann Ig. 2018 Jul-Aug;30(4):307-316

Authors: Pulciani S, Nutile E, Taruscio D

Abstract
Until a few decades ago, Rare Diseases were relatively unknown. Their low prevalence made them invisible to public opinion, and were of little concern to researchers and pharmaceutical industries. Rare disease sufferers and their loved ones had become victims of the disease as their implications were overlooked. Consequently, some of these individuals formed associations and embarked on ways to change this situation of neglect they had found themselves, in finally having their rights recognized. These associations have over time gained important roles in planning public health and biomedical research, especially after the introduction of the Human Genome Project. Their active participation and awareness activities have been crucial in establishing reliable Rare Diseases Registries and related Biobanks, essential tools in fully utilizing the data and the new omics technologies derived from the Human Genome Project in the field of Rare Diseases. The founders and members of these associations have a high degree and considerable ability to face the difficulties of life, while also maintaining a positive attitude and a confident vision, best defined as resilience. Not everyone, and not always, is endowed with a resilience capability. However resilience can be improved or reinforced through appropriate training and intervention programs. This review points out specific programs centered mainly on mindfulness.

PMID: 29895048 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Missense variants in TAF1 and developmental phenotypes: challenges of determining pathogenicity.

Hum Mutat. 2019 Oct 23;:

Authors: Cheng H, Capponi S, Wakeling E, Marchi E, Li Q, Zhao M, Weng C, Stefan PG, Ahlfors H, Kleyner R, Rope A, Lumaka A, Lukusa P, Devriendt K, Vermeesch J, Posey JE, Palmer EE, Murray L, Leon E, Diaz J, Worgan L, Mallawaarachchi A, Vogt J, de Munnik SA, Dreyer L, Baynam G, Ewans L, Stark Z, Lunke S, Gonçalves AR, Soares G, Oliveira J, Fassi E, Willing M, Waugh JL, Faivre L, Riviere JB, Moutton S, Mohammed S, Payne K, Walsh L, Begtrup A, Guillen Sacoto MJ, Douglas G, Alexander N, Buckley MF, Mark PR, Adès LC, Sandaradura SA, Lupski JR, Roscioli T, Agrawal PB, Kline AD, Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study, Wang K, Timmers HTM, Lyon GJ

Abstract
We recently described a new neurodevelopmental syndrome (TAF1/MRXS33 intellectual disability syndrome) (MIM# 300966) caused by pathogenic variants involving the X-linked gene TAF1, which participates in RNA polymerase II transcription. The initial study reported eleven families, and the syndrome was defined as presenting early in life with hypotonia, facial dysmorphia, and developmental delay that evolved into intellectual disability (ID) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We have now identified an additional 27 families through a genotype-first approach. Familial segregation analysis, clinical phenotyping, and bioinformatics were capitalized on to assess potential variant pathogenicity, and molecular modelling was performed for those variants falling within structurally characterized domains of TAF1. A novel phenotypic clustering approach was also applied, in which the phenotypes of affected individuals were classified using 51 standardized Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms. Phenotypes associated with TAF1 variants show considerable pleiotropy and clinical variability, but prominent among previously unreported effects were brain morphological abnormalities, seizures, hearing loss, and heart malformations. Our allelic series broadens the phenotypic spectrum of TAF1/MRXS33 intellectual disability syndrome and the range of TAF1 molecular defects in humans. It also illustrates the challenges for determining the pathogenicity of inherited missense variants, particularly for genes mapping to chromosome X. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 31646703 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Rare, genetically conditioned forms of rickets: Differential diagnosis and advances in diagnostics and treatment.

Clin Genet. 2018 07;94(1):103-114

Authors: Michałus I, Rusińska A

Abstract
Apart from the classic forms of rickets, there are rare genetic disorders from the group of vitamin D-resistant rickets where the clinical picture is very similar to the classic forms. Diagnosis of genetically conditioned rickets is often delayed. It is very important to know that a disorder of genetic background may be the cause of the failure of classic treatment in patients with rachitic symptoms. In the group of genetically conditioned rickets there are, among others, congenital hypophosphatemic rickets and vitamin D-dependent rickets type I and II. Congenital hypophosphatemic rickets is characterised by bone mineralisation disturbances related to hypophosphatemia secondary to renal loss of phosphates. The term "hypophosphatemic rickets" covers a group of diseases with similar phenotype but with different genotypes, inheritance models and etiopathogeneses. Mutation of at least 10 genes underlying this disease entity has been described. Vitamin D-dependent rickets are caused by defects of vitamin D metabolism. There are 4 forms described in literature that are distinguished by their genetic causes: type 1A (vitamin D-dependent rickets type IA), type 1B (vitamin D-dependent rickets type IB) and type 2A (vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2A), type 2B (vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2B). A detailed family history in combination with a physical examination, biochemistry and X-ray imaging helps in differential diagnostics of rare forms of rickets.

PMID: 29417983 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Hydrocephalus Due to Idiopathic Fourth Ventricle Outflow Obstruction.

J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Jul;30(5):e397-e400

Authors: Bai J, Yu Q, Sun X, Xiao H, Wang K, Sun F, Sui Q

Abstract
The fourth ventricle outlet obstruction (FVOO) is a rare but well-established cause of obstructive tetra-ventricular hydrocephalus, characterizing with dilatation or large cerebrospinal fluid collection of the foramina of Magendie and Luschka. In children, it is usually the consequence of posterior cerebral fossa malformations; while in adult, the occlusion is rather acquired than congenital, mostly linked to an inflammatory process, intraventricular hemorrhage, head trauma, brain tumors or Arnold-Chiari malformation. However, idiopathic FVOO is extremely rare, and only 6 such cases have been reported in the English literature. Hereby, we described an extraordinarily rare case of idiopathic FVOO in a 15-year-old patient successfully treated with direct microsurgical excision of the obstruction membrane. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics and treatment for this rare disease were investigated and reviewed.

PMID: 31299790 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia With Eosinophilia: New Concept to Lower Recurrence.

J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Jul;30(5):e386-e388

Authors: Labib A, Estawrow M

Abstract
Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia (AHLE) is a rare benign vascular disorder of unknown etiology. While World Health Organization recognizes it as a benign neoplasm, its progressive nature and high recurrence rate are consistent with being a locally malignant tumor. It may present as solitary or multiple nodules with more predilection to head and neck region, especially auricular area. Despite variety of available treatment options, high recurrence rate remains a compelling issue. The spectrum of these treatment modalities includes topical or systemic steroids use, intralesional injection of certain materials such as Bleomycin, Vinblastine or interferon, or even surgical excision.In our study, the authors present a case of middle-aged female with recurrent AHLE in left concha and preauricular region. Excision of the lesion with 4 mm of the normal surrounding skin, preserving auricular cartilage, was done while the resultant defect was covered by grafted Temporoparietal Fascia Flap. Our 1-year follow-up period showed aesthetically accepted outcome with no recurrence.The authors hypothesize that treating AHLE as a locally malignant tumor by excising the lesion with 4 mm safety margin decreases recurrence rates. Moreover, reconstruction by grafted temporoparietal fascia flap achieves a reasonable aesthetic outcome with minimal donor site morbidity.

PMID: 31299786 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/10/23

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

14 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

"Rare Diseases"[Mesh] OR "orphan disease"

These pubmed results were generated on 2019/10/23

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

Biallelic mutation of FBXL7 suggests a novel form of Hennekam syndrome.

Am J Med Genet A. 2019 Oct 21;:

Authors: Boone PM, Paterson S, Mohajeri K, Zhu W, Genetti CA, Tai DJC, Nori N, Agrawal PB, Bacino CA, Bi W, Talkowski ME, Hogan BM, Rodan LH

Abstract
Hennekam lymphangiectasia-lymphedema syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital lymphedema, intestinal lymphangiectasia, facial dysmorphism, and variable intellectual disability. Known disease genes include CCBE1, FAT4, and ADAMTS3. In a patient with clinically diagnosed Hennekam syndrome but without mutations or copy-number changes in the three known disease genes, we identified a homozygous single-exon deletion affecting FBXL7. Specifically, exon 3, which encodes the F-box domain and several leucine-rich repeats of FBXL7, is eliminated. Our analyses of databases representing >100,000 control individuals failed to identify biallelic loss-of-function variants in FBXL7. Published studies in Drosophila indicate Fbxl7 interacts with Fat, of which human FAT4 is an ortholog, and mutation of either gene yields similar morphological consequences. These data suggest that FBXL7 may be the fourth gene for Hennekam syndrome, acting via a shared pathway with FAT4.

PMID: 31633297 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]