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BMJ Case Reports Oct 2015Donohue syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by severe loss-of-function mutations in the insulin receptor (INSR) gene. The diagnosis is made on...
Donohue syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive condition caused by severe loss-of-function mutations in the insulin receptor (INSR) gene. The diagnosis is made on clinical, biochemical and genetic grounds. Mutations are found on chromosome 19p13.2, and code for mutations in the INSR gene. Treatment is challenging and often unsuccessful, and relies on maintaining normoglycaemia and avoiding fasting; in some patients, recombinant human insulin-like growth factor (rhIGF-1) has been trialled. The prognosis is poor, with most babies dying in infancy. Ethically, it is important to consider the benefit versus burden of treatment, the quality of life of the surviving patient and the parents' wishes, when making decisions regarding withholding or withdrawing care.
Topics: Clinical Decision-Making; Donohue Syndrome; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Infant, Newborn; Insulin Infusion Systems; Male; Mutation; Palliative Care; Prognosis; Quality of Life; Receptor, Insulin
PubMed: 26508115
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-210019 -
Nature Immunology Apr 2024One in ten severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections result in prolonged symptoms termed long coronavirus disease (COVID), yet disease phenotypes and...
One in ten severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections result in prolonged symptoms termed long coronavirus disease (COVID), yet disease phenotypes and mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we profiled 368 plasma proteins in 657 participants ≥3 months following hospitalization. Of these, 426 had at least one long COVID symptom and 233 had fully recovered. Elevated markers of myeloid inflammation and complement activation were associated with long COVID. IL-1R2, MATN2 and COLEC12 were associated with cardiorespiratory symptoms, fatigue and anxiety/depression; MATN2, CSF3 and C1QA were elevated in gastrointestinal symptoms and C1QA was elevated in cognitive impairment. Additional markers of alterations in nerve tissue repair (SPON-1 and NFASC) were elevated in those with cognitive impairment and SCG3, suggestive of brain-gut axis disturbance, was elevated in gastrointestinal symptoms. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) was persistently elevated in some individuals with long COVID, but virus was not detected in sputum. Analysis of inflammatory markers in nasal fluids showed no association with symptoms. Our study aimed to understand inflammatory processes that underlie long COVID and was not designed for biomarker discovery. Our findings suggest that specific inflammatory pathways related to tissue damage are implicated in subtypes of long COVID, which might be targeted in future therapeutic trials.
Topics: Humans; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; COVID-19; Biomedical Research; Hospitalization; Immunoglobulin G
PubMed: 38589621
DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01778-0 -
Experimental and Molecular Pathology Feb 2017This paper is based upon the "8th Charles Lieber's Satellite Symposium" organized by Manuela G. Neuman at the Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting, on June 25,... (Review)
Review
This paper is based upon the "8th Charles Lieber's Satellite Symposium" organized by Manuela G. Neuman at the Research Society on Alcoholism Annual Meeting, on June 25, 2016 at New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The integrative symposium investigated different aspects of alcohol-induced liver disease (ALD) as well as non-alcohol-induced liver disease (NAFLD) and possible repair. We revealed the basic aspects of alcohol metabolism that may be responsible for the development of liver disease as well as the factors that determine the amount, frequency and which type of alcohol misuse leads to liver and gastrointestinal diseases. We aimed to (1) describe the immuno-pathology of ALD, (2) examine the role of genetics in the development of alcoholic hepatitis (ASH) and NAFLD, (3) propose diagnostic markers of ASH and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), (4) examine age and ethnic differences as well as analyze the validity of some models, (5) develop common research tools and biomarkers to study alcohol-induced effects, 6) examine the role of alcohol in oral health and colon and gastrointestinal cancer and (7) focus on factors that aggravate the severity of organ-damage. The present review includes pre-clinical, translational and clinical research that characterizes ALD and NAFLD. Strong clinical and experimental evidence lead to recognition of the key toxic role of alcohol in the pathogenesis of ALD with simple fatty infiltrations and chronic alcoholic hepatitis with hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. These latter stages may also be associated with a number of cellular and histological changes, including the presence of Mallory's hyaline, megamitochondria, or perivenular and perisinusoidal fibrosis. Genetic polymorphisms of ethanol metabolizing enzymes and cytochrome p450 (CYP) 2E1 activation may change the severity of ASH and NASH. Other risk factors such as its co-morbidities with chronic viral hepatitis in the presence or absence of human deficiency virus were discussed. Dysregulation of metabolism, as a result of ethanol exposure, in the intestine leads to colon carcinogenesis. The hepatotoxic effects of ethanol undermine the contribution of malnutrition to the liver injury. Dietary interventions such as micro and macronutrients, as well as changes to the microbiota have been suggested. The clinical aspects of NASH, as part of the metabolic syndrome in the aging population, have been presented. The symposium addressed mechanisms and biomarkers of alcohol induced damage to different organs, as well as the role of the microbiome in this dialog. The microbiota regulates and acts as a key element in harmonizing immune responses at intestinal mucosal surfaces. It is known that microbiota is an inducer of proinflammatory T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells in the intestine. The signals at the sites of inflammation mediate recruitment and differentiation in order to remove inflammatory inducers and promote tissue homeostasis restoration. The change in the intestinal microbiota also influences the change in obesity and regresses the liver steatosis. Evidence on the positive role of moderate alcohol consumption on heart and metabolic diseases as well on reducing steatosis have been looked up. Moreover nutrition as a therapeutic intervention in alcoholic liver disease has been discussed. In addition to the original data, we searched the literature (2008-2016) for the latest publication on the described subjects. In order to obtain the updated data we used the usual engines (Pub Med and Google Scholar). The intention of the eighth symposia was to advance the international profile of the biological research on alcoholism. We also wish to further our mission of leading the forum to progress the science and practice of translational research in alcoholism.
Topics: Alcoholism; Congresses as Topic; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2E1; Hepatitis, Alcoholic; Humans; Life Style; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic; Microbiota; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Polymorphism, Genetic
PubMed: 28077318
DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2017.01.003 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Jan 2021As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
PURPOSE
As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation).
RESULTS
Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76).
CONCLUSION
Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; COVID-19; Cohort Studies; Critical Care; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epidemics; Female; Humans; International Cooperation; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Postoperative Complications; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33021869
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.20.01933 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Mar 2021As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues and millions remain vulnerable to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2...
BACKGROUND
As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues and millions remain vulnerable to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), attention has turned to characterizing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
METHODS
From April 21 to December 31, 2020, we assembled a cohort of consecutive volunteers who a) had documented history of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positivity; b) were ≥ 2 weeks past onset of COVID-19 symptoms or, if asymptomatic, first test for SARS-CoV-2; and c) were able to travel to our site in San Francisco. Participants learned about the study by being identified on medical center-based registries and being notified or by responding to advertisements. At 4-month intervals, we asked participants about physical symptoms that were new or worse compared to the period prior to COVID-19, mental health symptoms and quality of life. We described 4 time periods: 1) acute illness (0-3 weeks), 2) early recovery (3-10 weeks), 3) late recovery 1 (12-20 weeks), and 4) late recovery 2 (28-36 weeks). Blood and oral specimens were collected at each visit.
RESULTS
We have, to date, enrolled 179 adults. During acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, 10 had been asymptomatic, 125 symptomatic but not hospitalized, and 44 symptomatic and hospitalized. In the acute phase, the most common symptoms were fatigue, fever, myalgia, cough and anosmia/dysgeusia. During the post-acute phase, fatigue, shortness of breath, concentration problems, headaches, trouble sleeping and anosmia/dysgeusia were the most commonly reported symptoms, but a variety of others were endorsed by at least some participants. Some experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, as well as difficulties with ambulation and performance of usual activities. The median visual analogue scale value rating of general health was lower at 4 and 8 months (80, interquartile range [IQR]: 70-90; and 80, IQR 75-90) compared to prior to COVID-19 (85; IQR 75-90). Biospecimens were collected at nearly 600 participant-visits.
CONCLUSION
Among a cohort of participants enrolled in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we found many with persistent physical symptoms through 8 months following onset of COVID-19 with an impact on self-rated overall health. The presence of participants with and without symptoms and ample biological specimens will facilitate study of PASC pathogenesis. Similar evaluations in a population-representative sample will be needed to estimate the population-level prevalence of PASC.
PubMed: 33758895
DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.11.21252311 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Sep 2021REGEN-COV (previously known as REGN-COV2), a combination of the monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab, has been shown to markedly reduce the risk of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
REGEN-COV (previously known as REGN-COV2), a combination of the monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab, has been shown to markedly reduce the risk of hospitalization or death among high-risk persons with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Whether subcutaneous REGEN-COV prevents severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and subsequent Covid-19 in persons at high risk for infection because of household exposure to a person with SARS-CoV-2 infection is unknown.
METHODS
We randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, participants (≥12 years of age) who were enrolled within 96 hours after a household contact received a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to receive a total dose of 1200 mg of REGEN-COV or matching placebo administered by means of subcutaneous injection. At the time of randomization, participants were stratified according to the results of the local diagnostic assay for SARS-CoV-2 and according to age. The primary efficacy end point was the development of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection through day 28 in participants who did not have SARS-CoV-2 infection (as measured by reverse-transcriptase-quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction assay) or previous immunity (seronegativity).
RESULTS
Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection developed in 11 of 753 participants in the REGEN-COV group (1.5%) and in 59 of 752 participants in the placebo group (7.8%) (relative risk reduction [1 minus the relative risk], 81.4%; P<0.001). In weeks 2 to 4, a total of 2 of 753 participants in the REGEN-COV group (0.3%) and 27 of 752 participants in the placebo group (3.6%) had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (relative risk reduction, 92.6%). REGEN-COV also prevented symptomatic and asymptomatic infections overall (relative risk reduction, 66.4%). Among symptomatic infected participants, the median time to resolution of symptoms was 2 weeks shorter with REGEN-COV than with placebo (1.2 weeks and 3.2 weeks, respectively), and the duration of a high viral load (>10 copies per milliliter) was shorter (0.4 weeks and 1.3 weeks, respectively). No dose-limiting toxic effects of REGEN-COV were noted.
CONCLUSIONS
Subcutaneous REGEN-COV prevented symptomatic Covid-19 and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in previously uninfected household contacts of infected persons. Among the participants who became infected, REGEN-COV reduced the duration of symptomatic disease and the duration of a high viral load. (Funded by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04452318.).
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Asymptomatic Diseases; COVID-19; Child; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Incidence; Injections, Subcutaneous; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Acuity; SARS-CoV-2; Viral Load; Young Adult; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34347950
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2109682 -
Pediatric Research Jan 2023We hypothesised that the clinical characteristics of hospitalised children and young people (CYP) with SARS-CoV-2 in the UK second wave (W2) would differ from the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
We hypothesised that the clinical characteristics of hospitalised children and young people (CYP) with SARS-CoV-2 in the UK second wave (W2) would differ from the first wave (W1) due to the alpha variant (B.1.1.7), school reopening and relaxation of shielding.
METHODS
Prospective multicentre observational cohort study of patients <19 years hospitalised in the UK with SARS-CoV-2 between 17/01/20 and 31/01/21. Clinical characteristics were compared between W1 and W2 (W1 = 17/01/20-31/07/20,W2 = 01/08/20-31/01/21).
RESULTS
2044 CYP < 19 years from 187 hospitals. 427/2044 (20.6%) with asymptomatic/incidental SARS-CoV-2 were excluded from main analysis. 16.0% (248/1548) of symptomatic CYP were admitted to critical care and 0.8% (12/1504) died. 5.6% (91/1617) of symptomatic CYP had Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). After excluding CYP with MIS-C, patients in W2 had lower Paediatric Early Warning Scores (PEWS, composite vital sign score), lower antibiotic use and less respiratory and cardiovascular support than W1. The proportion of CYP admitted to critical care was unchanged. 58.0% (938/1617) of symptomatic CYP had no reported comorbidity. Patients without co-morbidities were younger (42.4%, 398/938, <1 year), had lower PEWS, shorter length of stay and less respiratory support.
CONCLUSIONS
We found no evidence of increased disease severity in W2 vs W1. A large proportion of hospitalised CYP had no comorbidity.
IMPACT
No evidence of increased severity of COVID-19 admissions amongst children and young people (CYP) in the second vs first wave in the UK, despite changes in variant, relaxation of shielding and return to face-to-face schooling. CYP with no comorbidities made up a significant proportion of those admitted. However, they had shorter length of stays and lower treatment requirements than CYP with comorbidities once those with MIS-C were excluded. At least 20% of CYP admitted in this cohort had asymptomatic/incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection. This paper was presented to SAGE to inform CYP vaccination policy in the UK.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Pandemics; Prospective Studies; Coronavirus Infections; United Kingdom
PubMed: 35449394
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02052-5 -
JAMA Neurology Jun 2020The Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer disease (A4) Study is an ongoing prevention trial in clinically normal older individuals with evidence of elevated...
IMPORTANCE
The Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer disease (A4) Study is an ongoing prevention trial in clinically normal older individuals with evidence of elevated brain amyloid. The large number of participants screened with amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and standardized assessments provides an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate factors associated with elevated brain amyloid.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association of elevated amyloid with demographic and lifestyle factors, apolipoprotein E (APOE), neuropsychological testing, and self- and study partner reports of cognitive function.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This cross-sectional study included screening data in the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer Disease (A4) Study collected from April 2014 to December 2017 and classified by amyloid status. Data were was analyzed from 2018 to 2019 across 67 sites in the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan and included 4486 older individuals (age 65-85 years) who were eligible for amyloid PET (clinically normal [Clinical Dementia Rating = 0] and cognitively unimpaired [Mini-Mental State Examination score, ≥25; logical memory IIa 6-18]).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Screening demographics, lifestyle variables, APOE genotyping, and cognitive testing (Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite), self- and study partner reports of high-level daily cognitive function (Cognitive Function Index). Florbetapir amyloid PET imaging was used to classify participants as having elevated amyloid (Aβ+) or not having elevated amyloid (Aβ-).
RESULTS
Amyloid PET results were acquired for 4486 participants (mean [SD] age, 71.29 [4.67] years; 2647 women [59%]), with 1323 (29.5%) classified as Aβ+. Aβ+ participants were slightly older than Aβ-, with no observed differences in sex, education, marital or retirement status, or any self-reported lifestyle factors. Aβ+ participants were more likely to have a family history of dementia (3320 Aβ+ [74%] vs 3050 Aβ- [68%]) and at least 1 APOE ε4 allele (2602 Aβ+ [58%] vs 1122 Aβ- [25%]). Aβ+ participants demonstrated worse performance on screening Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite results and reported higher change scores on the Cognitive Function Index.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Among a large group of older individuals screening for an Alzheimer disease (AD) prevention trial, elevated brain amyloid was associated with family history and APOE ε4 allele but not with multiple other previously reported risk factors for AD. Elevated amyloid was associated with lower test performance results and increased reports of subtle recent declines in daily cognitive function. These results support the hypothesis that elevated amyloid represents an early stage in the Alzheimer continuum and demonstrate the feasibility of enrolling these high-risk participants in secondary prevention trials aimed at slowing cognitive decline during the preclinical stages of AD.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Brain; Cognition; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Positron-Emission Tomography; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32250387
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.0387 -
Turk Pediatri Arsivi Dec 2017Donohue syndrome (Leprechaunism) is characterized by severe insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, preprandial hypoglycemia, intrauterine and...
Donohue syndrome (Leprechaunism) is characterized by severe insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, postprandial hyperglycemia, preprandial hypoglycemia, intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, dysmorphic findings, and clinical and laboratory findings of hyperandrogenemia due to homozygous or compound heterozygous inactivating mutations in the insulin receptor gene. A female newborn presented with lack of subcutaneous fat tissue, bilateral simian creases, hypertrichosis, especially on her face, gingival hypertrophy, cliteromegaly, and prominent nipples. Her laboratory tests revealed hyperandrogenism, postprandial hyperglycemia and preprandial hypoglycemia, and very high concurrent insulin levels. She was diagnosed as having Donohue syndrome. Metformin and continuous nasogastric feeding were administrated. During follow-up, relatively good glycemic control was obtained. However, severe hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and severe malnutrition developed. She died aged 75 days of severe heart failure and pneumonia. Her insulin receptors gene analysis revealed a compound heterozygous mutation. One of these mutations was a p.R813 (c.2437C>T) mutation, which was defined previously and shown also in her father, the other mutation was a novel p.777-790delVAAFPNTSSTSVPT mutation, also shown in her mother. The parents were heterozygous for these mutations.
PubMed: 29483803
DOI: 10.5152/TurkPediatriArs.2017.3193 -
BMC Pediatrics Mar 2021The prevalence of monogenic diabetes is estimated to be 1.1-6.3% of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Europe. The overlapping clinical features of various forms of...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of monogenic diabetes is estimated to be 1.1-6.3% of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Europe. The overlapping clinical features of various forms of diabetes make differential diagnosis challenging. Therefore, this study investigated the etiologic distribution and clinical characteristics of pediatric diabetes, including monogenic diabetes, who presented at a single tertiary center over the last 20 years.
METHODS
This study included 276 consecutive patients with DM diagnosed before 18 years of age from January 2000 to December 2019 in Korea. Clinical features, biochemical findings, β-cell autoantibodies, and molecular characteristics were reviewed retrospectively.
RESULTS
Of the 276 patients, 206 patients (74.6%), 49 patients (17.8%), and 21 patients (7.6%) were diagnosed with type 1 DM, type 2 DM, and clinically suspected monogenic diabetes, respectively. Among 21 patients suspected to have monogenic diabetes, 8 patients had clinical maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), and the remaining 13 patients had other types of monogenic diabetes. Among them, genetic etiologies were identified in 14 patients (5.1%) from 13 families, which included MODY 5, transient neonatal DM, developmental delay, epilepsy, and neonatal diabetes (DEND) syndrome, Wolfram syndrome, Donohue syndrome, immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome, Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, Wolcott-Rallison syndrome, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, and maternally inherited diabetes and deafness.
CONCLUSIONS
Genetically confirmed monogenic diabetes accounted for 5.1% of patients evaluated at a single tertiary center over 20-year period. Based on the findings for our sample, the frequency of mutations in the major genes of MODY appears to be low among pediatric patients in Korea. It is critical to identify the genetic cause of DM to provide appropriate therapeutic options and genetic counseling.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Deafness; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Europe; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mitochondrial Diseases; Mutation; Republic of Korea; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 33663443
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02575-6