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Medical Microbiology and Immunology May 2024To date, there is no licensed vaccine for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Therefore, MERS-CoV is one of the diseases targeted by the Coalition...
To date, there is no licensed vaccine for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Therefore, MERS-CoV is one of the diseases targeted by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) vaccine development programs and has been classified as a priority disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). An important measure of vaccine immunogenicity and antibody functionality is the detection of virus-neutralizing antibodies. We have developed and optimized a microneutralization assay (MNA) using authentic MERS-CoV and standardized automatic counting of virus foci. Compared to our standard virus neutralization assay, the MNA showed improved sensitivity when analyzing 30 human sera with good correlation of results (Spearman's correlation coefficient r = 0.8917, p value < 0.0001). It is important to use standardized materials, such as the WHO international standard (IS) for anti-MERS-CoV immunoglobulin G, to compare the results from clinical trials worldwide. Therefore, in addition to the neutralizing titers (NT = 1384, NT = 384), we determined the IC and IC of WHO IS in our MNA to be 0.67 IU/ml and 2.6 IU/ml, respectively. Overall, the established MNA is well suited to reliably quantify vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies with high sensitivity.
Topics: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus; Humans; Neutralization Tests; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Coronavirus Infections; Animals; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38722338
DOI: 10.1007/s00430-024-00789-w -
Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and... Feb 2024Sanjad Sakati Syndrome (SSS) is categorized as a neuroendocrine-related disease due to disorders of the nervous and hormonal systems. Since hormonal changes in these...
Sanjad Sakati Syndrome (SSS) is categorized as a neuroendocrine-related disease due to disorders of the nervous and hormonal systems. Since hormonal changes in these patients may affect the nature and function of the immune system. Thus, in this study, cell count and phagocytotic function of neutrophils were evaluated which may be influenced by changes in the hormonal rate and growth factors. In this study, the neutrophil count value and the oxidative burst were evaluated in six patients diagnosed with SSS and six healthy individuals. There was a significant reduction in the neutrophil count observed in SSS patients compared to healthy controls (37.41±7.93 percent vs. 66.5±6.8 percent). However, there was no significant difference in neutrophil oxidative index between patients with SSS and control subjects (172.33±55.08 vs. 217.00±77.38). We concluded that in patients with SSS, the phagocytic activity of neutrophils was not affected by hormonal changes, while the number of neutrophils and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) index were decreased.
Topics: Humans; Neutrophils; Respiratory Burst; Intellectual Disability; Leukocyte Count; Lymphocyte Count; Abnormalities, Multiple; Growth Disorders; Acrocephalosyndactylia; Osteochondrodysplasias; Hypoparathyroidism; Seizures
PubMed: 38485906
DOI: 10.18502/ijaai.v23i1.14959 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, broad thumbs and big toes, and partial syndactyly of the hands and feet. This case report...
INTRODUCTION
Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, broad thumbs and big toes, and partial syndactyly of the hands and feet. This case report presents the case of a girl diagnosed with type 2 Pfeiffer syndrome who experienced severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
CASE REPORT
The patient had been using an oropharyngeal airway since the age of 4 months due to snoring and witnessed apnea during sleep. At 11 months old, she was referred to our sleep clinic because of growth limitation and gross motor ability issues. Polysomnography (PSG) showed severe obstructive hypopnea before any treatment, and revealed severe central sleep apnea with the oropharyngeal airway in place. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy was initiated, which improved both her sleep and gross motor ability.
CONCLUSION
This case report emphasizes the importance of thorough sleep studies for diagnosing sleep and breathing disorders in Pfeiffer syndrome patients and highlights the effectiveness of PAP therapy in managing these conditions.
PubMed: 38274866
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1337236 -
Journal of Oral Biosciences Mar 2024The purpose of this study was to perform morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of the submandibular glands (SMGs) in early development in Apert syndrome...
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to perform morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of the submandibular glands (SMGs) in early development in Apert syndrome model mice (Ap mice).
METHODS
ACTB-Cre homozygous mice were mated with fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2) mice; ACTB-Cre heterozygous mice (ACTB-Cre mice) at embryonic day (E) 13.5 served as the control group, and Fgfr2 mice (Ap mice) served as the experimental group. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed on SMGs; Total SMG area and epithelial area were determined, and the epithelial occupancy ratio was calculated. Immunostaining was performed to assess the localization of FGF signaling-related proteins. Next, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells were evaluated to assess cell proliferation. Finally, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to assess apoptosis in SMGs.
RESULTS
The epithelial occupancy ratio was significantly higher in SMGs of Ap mice compared with that in SMGs of controls. FGF7 and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) exhibited different localizations in SMGs of Ap mice compared with SMGs of controls. Cell proliferation was higher in SMGs of Ap mice compared with that of controls; however, apoptosis did not different significantly between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that enhanced FGF signaling conferred by missense mutations in FGFR2 promotes branching morphogenesis in SMGs of Ap mice.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Acrocephalosyndactylia; Morphogenesis; Mutation; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; Submandibular Gland
PubMed: 38246420
DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2024.01.001 -
Life Science Alliance Apr 2024The X-linked form of Opitz BBB/G syndrome (OS) is a monogenic disorder in which symptoms are established early during embryonic development. OS is caused by pathogenic...
The X-linked form of Opitz BBB/G syndrome (OS) is a monogenic disorder in which symptoms are established early during embryonic development. OS is caused by pathogenic variants in the X-linked gene Disease-associated variants are distributed across the entire gene locus, except for the N-terminal really interesting new gene (RING) domain that encompasses the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. By using genome-edited human induced pluripotent stem cell lines, we here show that absence of isoforms containing the RING domain of MID1 causes severe patterning defects in human brain organoids. We observed a prominent neurogenic deficit with a reduction in neural tissue and a concomitant increase in choroid plexus-like structures. Transcriptome analyses revealed a deregulation of patterning pathways very early on, even preceding neural induction. Notably, the observed phenotypes starkly contrast with those observed in MID1 full-knockout organoids, indicating the presence of a distinct mechanism that underlies the patterning defects. The severity and early onset of these phenotypes could potentially account for the absence of patients carrying pathogenic variants in exon 1 of the gene coding for the N-terminal RING domain.
Topics: Humans; Brain; Esophagus; Hypertelorism; Hypospadias; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; Microtubule Proteins; Nuclear Proteins; Transcription Factors; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
PubMed: 38238086
DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302288 -
Cureus Dec 2023Craniosynostosis is a fetal skull condition that occurs when one or multiple sutures merge prematurely. This leads to limited growth perpendicular to the fused suture,... (Review)
Review
Craniosynostosis is a fetal skull condition that occurs when one or multiple sutures merge prematurely. This leads to limited growth perpendicular to the fused suture, which results in compensatory growth of cranial bones parallel to it. Syndromic craniosynostosis ensues when the cranial deformity is accompanied by respiratory, neurological, cardiac, musculoskeletal, and audio-visual abnormalities. The most common syndromes are Apert, Crouzon, Pfeiffer, Muenke, and Saethre-Chotzen syndromes and craniofrontonasal syndrome. Each of these syndromes has distinct genetic mutations that contribute to their development. Mutations in genes such as FGFR, TWIST, and EFNB1 have been identified as playing a role in the development of these syndromes. Familiarity with the genetic basis of each syndrome is not only essential for identifying them but also advantageous for current pharmacological investigations. Surgical treatment is often necessary for syndromic craniosynostosis to correct the cranial deformities. Advances have been made in surgical techniques for each specific syndrome, but further research is needed to develop personalized approaches that address the unique symptoms and complications of individual patients, particularly those related to neurological and respiratory issues. This group of syndromes included in cranial synostosis presents significant educational and clinical interest due to the wide range of symptoms and the variable course of the disease, especially in the last decades when crucial advances in diagnosis and treatment have been achieved, altering the prognosis as well as the quality of life of these patients. In summary, this article provides a comprehensive overview of syndromic craniosynostosis, including the genetic mutations associated with each syndrome and the surgical treatment options available.
PubMed: 38222144
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50448 -
Journal of AAPOS : the Official... Feb 2024To better characterize the correlation of bony orbital dysmorphology with strabismus in craniosynostosis.
PURPOSE
To better characterize the correlation of bony orbital dysmorphology with strabismus in craniosynostosis.
METHODS
The medical records of patients with craniosynostosis with and without strabismus seen at Rady Children's Hospital (San Diego, CA) from March 2020 to January 2022 were reviewed retrospectively in this masked, case-control study. Computed tomography scans of the orbits were analyzed to obtain dimensions of the orbital entrance and orbital cone. Primary outcome was correlation of strabismus with orbital measurements.
RESULTS
A total of 30 orbits from 15 patients with strabismus and 15 controls were included. Craniofacial disorders included in the study were nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (63%), Crouzon syndrome (13%), Apert syndrome (13%), and Pfeiffer syndrome (10%). Orbital index (height:width ratio) (P = 0.01) and medial orbital wall angle (P = 0.04) were found to differ significantly between the strabismus and control groups.
CONCLUSIONS
In our small cohort, bony orbital dimensions, including the ratio of orbital height to width and bowing of the medial orbital wall, were associated with strabismus in craniosynostosis.
Topics: Child; Humans; Case-Control Studies; Retrospective Studies; Craniosynostoses; Acrocephalosyndactylia; Strabismus; Orbit
PubMed: 38219920
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2023.10.006 -
PloS One 2024We identified two different inherited mutations in KCNH2 gene, or human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG), which are linked to Long QT Syndrome. The first mutation was...
We identified two different inherited mutations in KCNH2 gene, or human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG), which are linked to Long QT Syndrome. The first mutation was in a 1-day-old infant, whereas the second was in a 14-year-old girl. The two KCNH2 mutations were transiently transfected into either human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells or human induced pluripotent stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes. We performed associated multiscale computer simulations to elucidate the arrhythmogenic potentials of the KCNH2 mutations. Genetic screening of the first and second index patients revealed a heterozygous missense mutation in KCNH2, resulting in an amino acid change (P632L) in the outer loop of the channel and substitution at position 428 from serine to proline (S428P), respectively. Heterologous expression of P632L and S428P into HEK cells produced no hERG current compared to the wild type (WT). Moreover, the co-transfection of WT and P632L yielded no hERG current; however, the co-transfection of WT and S428P yielded partial hERG current. Action potentials were prolonged in a complete or partial blockade of hERG current from computer simulations which was more severe in Purkinje than ventricular myocytes. Three dimensional simulations revealed a higher susceptibility to reentry in the presence of hERG current blockade. Our experimental findings suggest that both P632L and S428P mutations may impair the KCNH2 gene. The Purkinje cells exhibit a more severe phenotype than ventricular myocytes, and the hERG current blockade renders the ventricles an arrhythmogenic substrate from computer modeling.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Infant; Action Potentials; Computer Simulation; Epithelial Cells; ERG1 Potassium Channel; Long QT Syndrome; Mutation
PubMed: 38181028
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287206 -
Journal of Cranio-maxillo-facial... Jan 2024Craniosynostosis, characterized by premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, results in a distorted skull shape. Only three studies have assessed facial asymmetry...
Craniosynostosis, characterized by premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, results in a distorted skull shape. Only three studies have assessed facial asymmetry manually in unicoronal synostosis patients. It is therefore important to understand how uni- and bicoronal synostosis affect facial asymmetry with a minimum risk of human bias. An automated algorithm was developed to quantify facial asymmetry from three-dimensional images, generating a mean facial asymmetry (MFA) value in millimeters to reflect the degree of asymmetry. The framework was applied to analyze postoperative 3D images of syndromic patients (N = 35) diagnosed with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis with respect to MFA values from a healthy control group (N = 89). Patients demonstrated substantially higher MFA values than controls: Muenke syndrome (unicoronal 1.74 ± 0.40 mm, bicoronal 0.77 ± 0.21 mm), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (unicoronal 1.15 ± 0.20 mm, bicoronal 0.69 ± 0.16 mm), and TCF12-related craniosynostosis (unicoronal 1.40 ± 0.51 mm, bicoronal 0.66 ± 0.05 mm), compared with controls (0.49 ± 0.12 mm). Longitudinal analysis identified an increasing MFA trend in unicoronal synostosis patients. Our study revealed higher MFA in syndromic patients with uni- and bicoronal synostosis compared with controls, with the most pronounced MFA in Muenke syndrome patients with unilateral synostosis. Bicoronal synostosis patients demonstrated higher facial asymmetry than expected given the condition's symmetrical presentation.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Retrospective Studies; Facial Asymmetry; Craniosynostoses; Acrocephalosyndactylia
PubMed: 38135649
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2023.11.006 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Dec 2023In Denmark, around 4,500 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) annually. This review investigates that while the efficacy of immunotherapy in CRC is still... (Review)
Review
In Denmark, around 4,500 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) annually. This review investigates that while the efficacy of immunotherapy in CRC is still being studied, immunotherapy is currently only indicated in the treatment of mismatch-repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic CRC, which accounts for 10-15% of patients. Recent studies indicate high rates of pathologic response in dMMR CRC treated with pre-operative immunotherapy while large-scale studies on novel immunotherapy combinations are ongoing.
Topics: Humans; Immunotherapy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Colonic Neoplasms; Rectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38105736
DOI: No ID Found