Translating Aboriginal genomics - four letters Closing the Gap.

Med J Aust. 2016 Oct 17;205(8):379

Authors: Baynam GS, Pearson G, Blackwell J

PMID: 27736627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Pulmonary complications of type 1 neurofibromatosis.

Rev Mal Respir. 2016 Jun;33(6):460-73

Authors: Reviron-Rabec L, Girerd B, Seferian A, Campbell K, Brosseau S, Bergot E, Humbert M, Zalcman G, Montani D

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Type 1 neurofibromatosis is one of the most common genetic diseases, with an incidence of 1/3500 live births. Its diagnosis primarily relies on the clinical features of the condition.
CURRENT KNOWLEDGE: The life expectancy of these patients is reduced by 10 years, on average, compared to the general population. Type 1 neurofibromatosis has been shown to increase the risk of various types of neoplasia, primarily those affecting the neural crest. In addition, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and pulmonary hypertension have been observed during the third or the fourth decade of an adult's life.
PERSPECTIVES: There are only few case reports available that address the pulmonary complications of neurofibromatosis type 1. It is thus crucial to fully understand this rare disease and its potential complications in order to allow for early diagnosis so we are able to improve the quality of life and survival of those suffering from the condition.
CONCLUSIONS: The pulmonary complications of type 1 neurofibromatosis can be severe and life-threatening. Patients with this condition should thus undergo regular clinical visits and examinations to allow pulmonary complications to be detected and treatment to be initiated as early as possible.

PMID: 26868668 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Pichia guilliermondii Infection - A Rare Differential Diagnosis of Pulmonary Nodules].

Pneumologie. 2016 Sep;70(9):605-7

Authors: Frenzen F, Röder C, Wollschläger B, Großer E, Krohe K, Schmidt B

Abstract
UNLABELLED: A patient presented himself with pungent, breath-dependent right chest pain and dyspnea at rest in our emergency department. The physical examination and the ECG revealed no relevant findings. The laboratory results showed an increased CRP, leukocytosis, elevated D-dimers and a respiratory partial insufficiency. In the thoracic CT angiography unclear pulmonary nodules (PN) were seen. The bronchoscopy was macroscopically normal. In the BAL yeasts and a high proportion of immune senescence cells (CD57+) were identified. After a pulmonary wedge resection resulted histologically an epithelioid cell-granulomatous inflammation. Molecular pathological a mycelium genome, in particular Pichia guilliermondii (PC) was detected. The therapy with fluconazole was successful. PC rarely causes candidemia, increased in immunocompromised patients. In our judgement this is in Europe the first described case of PC-infection in a patient, which presented no predisposition to infection with opportunistic pathogens apart from type 2 diabetes.
CONCLUSION: It should be thought of fungal infection by these pathogens group in case of unclear PN, especially in combination with possibly predisposing factors.

PMID: 27603949 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Exome sequencing a review of new strategies for rare genomic disease research.

Genomics. 2016 10;108(3-4):109-114

Authors: Brown TL, Meloche TM

Abstract
The journey related to genomic information access and utilization by researchers and clinicians has barely begun to be travelled. There remains a broad horizon in the research and clinical arenas for fulfillment of that journey. Exciting is the potential depth and breadth of research, clinical applications, and more personalized medicine, that remain on the horizon. Exome sequencing has clarified the responsibilities of over 130 genes, greatly expanding the medical genetics database and enabling the development of orphan disease-based pharmaceuticals. Our research focus was to review >50 literature sources that related to rare genomic disease research and exome sequencing, as well as the new research and diagnostic strategies that were utilized. Using a systems approach, under discussion are ciliopathy, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, immunology, gastroenterology, hematopoiesis, metabolic diseases, and the cardiovascular system. Also discussed are genetic, syndromic, and mitochondrial exome research. Recommendations for future research will also be discussed.

PMID: 27387609 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[The use of Facebook in Spanish associations of rare diseases: how and what is it used for?].

Gac Sanit. 2015 Sep-Oct;29(5):335-40

Authors: Armayones M, Requena S, Gómez-Zúñiga B, Pousada M, Bañón AM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study whether the use of Facebook is widespread in the field of patient associations for rare diseases and, if so, the purpose for which the site is being used.
METHOD: A descriptive study was conducted to determine whether associations within the Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases use Facebook and, if so, the type of use and its objectives. The analysis was performed based on a categorization system that has been used in the field of chronic diseases and has been adapted to the specific characteristics of rare diseases.
RESULTS: Associations use Facebook to raise awareness of rare diseases in general and particularly to share content related to psychological, medical and social support, the promotion and dissemination of research, and fundraising.
CONCLUSIONS: The alignment between the interests of associations through their presence on Facebook and policy areas of the national strategy for rare diseases is a reason for optimism about the feasibility of using Facebook as a tool for encounters and collaborative work.

PMID: 26145457 [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 2017/04/04

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.

24 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 2017/04/01

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.

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 2017/03/31

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.

Association of Vogt Koyanagi Harada Syndrome and Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Ethiop J Health Sci. 2016 Mar;26(2):193-6

Authors: Aydin T, Taspinar O, Guneser M, Keskin Y

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vogt Koyanagi Harada (VKH) Syndrome is a rarely-seen multi-systemic, autoimmune and inflammatory disease. It observed frequently with neurologic, auditory and skin manifestations and characterized with bilateral, chronic and diffused granulomatous panuveitis. It generally affects women in young-adult period.
CASE: A 57 year-old female patient applied to a special center one year ago with a complaint of decrease in the sight acuity of the right eye. The right eye was operated on with cataract diagnosis. Uveitis was developed firstly in the right eye and then in the left eye after the operation. Having complaints about uveitis, tinnitus and hear loss, the patient was diagnosed with VKH syndrome. The pains started to be felt in small hand joints and both of the two ankles. The pains were increasing especially in the mornings and during rest. The duration of morning stiffness was two hours in hand and foot joints. The patient had had lumbar pain with mechanic characteristic for five years.
CONCLUSION: Being diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA), our case is presented because VKH syndrome is rarely seen in Turkey, and the joint findings are at the forefront.

PMID: 27222633 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The Patient Educator Presentation in Dental Education: Reinforcing the Importance of Learning About Rare Conditions.

J Dent Educ. 2016 May;80(5):533-41

Authors: Edwards PC, Graham J, Oling R, Frantz KE

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether a patient educator presentation (PEP) on pemphigus vulgaris would increase second-year dental students' awareness of the importance of learning about rare conditions and improve their retention of rare disease knowledge. The study involved students' subjective assessments of a PEP experience at two U.S. dental schools. In this mixed methods study, cross-sectional data were obtained by surveys and in-depth interviews. Questions focused on students' assessment of the messages acquired from the PEP and its likely impact on their future clinical care. At University 1, students completed paper surveys with open-ended questions and participated in a focus group. At University 2, students completed an online survey consisting of rating scale and open-ended questions. Responses to open-ended questions were categorized into themes. At University 1, 79 students (out of a possible 102; response rate 77.5%) completed the survey, and an additional ten students participated in a focus group. At University 2, 30 students (out of a possible 104; response rate 28.8%) completed the survey. At Universities 1 and 2, 88% and 100%, respectively, of respondents stated the PEP would influence their future clinical decision making. The vast majority of respondents (94% and 100% at University 1 and University 2, respectively) were of the opinion that the personal testimonial from a patient would help them recall information about pemphigus vulgaris in five years' time. Respondents from both universities commented that the PEP emphasized the importance of not dismissing a patient's concerns. These results suggest that a presentation by a patient with a rare condition can be an effective educational tool for preclinical dental students.

PMID: 27139204 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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 2017/03/28

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.

Bedside Back to Bench: Building Bridges between Basic and Clinical Genomic Research.

Cell. 2017 Mar 23;169(1):6-12

Authors: Manolio TA, Fowler DM, Starita LM, Haendel MA, MacArthur DG, Biesecker LG, Worthey E, Chisholm RL, Green ED, Jacob HJ, McLeod HL, Roden D, Rodriguez LL, Williams MS, Cooper GM, Cox NJ, Herman GE, Kingsmore S, Lo C, Lutz C, MacRae CA, Nussbaum RL, Ordovas JM, Ramos EM, Robinson PN, Rubinstein WS, Seidman C, Stranger BE, Wang H, Westerfield M, Bult C

Abstract
Genome sequencing has revolutionized the diagnosis of genetic diseases. Close collaborations between basic scientists and clinical genomicists are now needed to link genetic variants with disease causation. To facilitate such collaborations, we recommend prioritizing clinically relevant genes for functional studies, developing reference variant-phenotype databases, adopting phenotype description standards, and promoting data sharing.

PMID: 28340351 [PubMed - in process]

[Not Available].

Rofo. 2016 Jul;188(7):687-9

Authors: Kunz WG, Paprottka PM, Reichelt A

PMID: 27355634 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Not Available].

Rofo. 2016 Jul;188(7):684-5

Authors: Peters S, Cohrs G, Larsen N

PMID: 27355632 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

ZNHIT3 is defective in PEHO syndrome, a severe encephalopathy with cerebellar granule neuron loss.

Brain. 2017 Mar 01;:

Authors: Anttonen AK, Laari A, Kousi M, Yang YJ, Jääskeläinen T, Somer M, Siintola E, Jakkula E, Muona M, Tegelberg S, Lönnqvist T, Pihko H, Valanne L, Paetau A, Lun MP, Hästbacka J, Kopra O, Joensuu T, Katsanis N, Lehtinen MK, Palvimo JJ, Lehesjoki AE

Abstract
Progressive encephalopathy with oedema, hypsarrhythmia, and optic atrophy (PEHO) syndrome is an early childhood onset, severe autosomal recessive encephalopathy characterized by extreme cerebellar atrophy due to almost total granule neuron loss. By combining homozygosity mapping in Finnish families with Sanger sequencing of positional candidate genes and with exome sequencing a homozygous missense substitution of leucine for serine at codon 31 in ZNHIT3 was identified as the primary cause of PEHO syndrome. ZNHIT3 encodes a nuclear zinc finger protein previously implicated in transcriptional regulation and in small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particle assembly and thus possibly to pre-ribosomal RNA processing. The identified mutation affects a highly conserved amino acid residue in the zinc finger domain of ZNHIT3. Both knockdown and genome editing of znhit3 in zebrafish embryos recapitulate the patients' cerebellar defects, microcephaly and oedema. These phenotypes are rescued by wild-type, but not mutant human ZNHIT3 mRNA, suggesting that the patient missense substitution causes disease through a loss-of-function mechanism. Transfection of cell lines with ZNHIT3 expression vectors showed that the PEHO syndrome mutant protein is unstable. Immunohistochemical analysis of mouse cerebellar tissue demonstrated ZNHIT3 to be expressed in proliferating granule cell precursors, in proliferating and post-mitotic granule cells, and in Purkinje cells. Knockdown of Znhit3 in cultured mouse granule neurons and ex vivo cerebellar slices indicate that ZNHIT3 is indispensable for granule neuron survival and migration, consistent with the zebrafish findings and patient neuropathology. These results suggest that loss-of-function of a nuclear regulator protein underlies PEHO syndrome and imply that establishment of its spatiotemporal interaction targets will be the basis for developing therapeutic approaches and for improved understanding of cerebellar development.

PMID: 28335020 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A Rare Congenital Pulmonary Anomaly of a Young Adult: Pseudosequestration.

Ann Thorac Surg. 2016 Aug;102(2):e163

Authors: Özdil A, Akçam Tİ, Çağırıcı U, Savaş R

PMID: 27449457 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8 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 2017/03/23

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.

A rare life-threatening condition: metastasis to the heart.

Am J Emerg Med. 2016 Sep;34(9):1912.e3-4

Authors: Topcu S, Gülcü O, Aksu U, Aksakal E

PMID: 26922641 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8 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 2017/03/18

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.

AIFM1 mutation presenting with fatal encephalomyopathy and mitochondrial disease in an infant.

Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud. 2017 Mar;3(2):a001560

Authors: Morton SU, Prabhu SP, Lidov HG, Shi J, Anselm I, Brownstein CA, Bainbridge MN, Beggs AH, Vargas SO, Agrawal PB

Abstract
Apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondrion-associated 1 (AIFM1), encoded by the gene AIFM1, has roles in electron transport, apoptosis, ferredoxin metabolism, reactive oxygen species generation, and immune system regulation. Here we describe a patient with a novel AIFM1 variant presenting unusually early in life with mitochondrial disease, rapid deterioration, and death. Autopsy, at the age of 4 mo, revealed features of mitochondrial encephalopathy, myopathy, and involvement of peripheral nerves with axonal degeneration. In addition, there was microvesicular steatosis in the liver, thymic noninvolution, follicular bronchiolitis, and pulmonary arterial medial hypertrophy. This report adds to the clinical and pathological spectrum of disease related to AIFM1 mutations and provides insights into the role of AIFM1 in cellular function.

PMID: 28299359 [PubMed - in process]