Role of desmoplakin in supporting neuronal activity, neurogenic processes, and emotional-related behaviors in the dentate gyrus.

Desmoplakin (Dsp) is a component of desmosomal cell-cell junctions that interacts with the cadherin complex and cytoskeletal intermediate filaments. In addition to its function as an adhesion component, Dsp is involved in various biological processes, such as gene expression, differentiation, and migration. Dsp is specifically expressed in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in the central nervous system.

Pediatric case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma forming a solitary skin tumor on the forearm.

A 5-year-old girl noticed a rapidly growing reddish nodule on her right forearm. Although oral antibiotics had been administrated for 2 weeks, the tumor enlarged. Skin biopsy revealed excessive infiltration of atypical neoplastic cells expressing CD4, CD30 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).

Successful acute lymphoblastic leukemia-type therapy in two children with mixed-phenotype acute leukemia.

Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare type of leukemia expressing both myeloid and lymphoid markers. There is limited information, especially on pediatric cases. Therefore, the optimal therapeutic approach to pediatric MPAL has not been defined.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis caused by systemic herpes simplex virus type 1 infection: Successful treatment with dexamethasone palmitate.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory condition resulting from an uncontrolled and ineffective immune response. Here, we report a case of HLH caused by disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 infection. The patient was initially treated with prednisolone and high-dose acyclovir.

X-ray imaging using the thermoluminescent properties of commercial Al2O3 ceramic plates.

This research demonstrated that commercially available alumina is well-suited for use in large area X-ray detectors. We discovered a new radiation imaging device that has a high spatial resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, large imaging area, repeatable results, and low operating costs. The high thermoluminescent (TL) properties of Al2O3 ceramic plates make them useful for X-ray imaging devices.

Giardiasis in a patient undergoing chemotherapy for retinoblastoma and acute myelogenous leukemia.

Giardiasis is a common cause of diarrhea in undeveloped countries, but is very rare in developed countries. A patient with acute myelogenous leukemia and retinoblastoma presented with a high fever and severe watery diarrhea during induction chemotherapy. On microscopy, cysts were seen in her stool, suggesting Giardia intestinalis, which was confirmed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Identification of FOXP3-negative regulatory T-like (CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low)) cells in patients with immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome.

Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder caused by mutations in the FOXP3 gene, which plays a key role in the generation of CD4(+)CD25(+)regulatory T (Treg) cells. We selected CD127 as the surface marker of Treg cells to illustrate the development and function of Treg cells in IPEX syndrome. CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) T cells, the putative Treg cells, were almost completely absent in all patients.

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome mimicking chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is defined as a systemic EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly in apparently immunocompetent persons. Recent studies have revealed that EBV infects T or natural killer cells in most patients with CAEBV; the etiology of CAEBV, however, remains unknown. Autoimmune lymphoproliferative disorder (ALPS) is an inherited disorder associated with defects in apoptosis, and clinically characterized by lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hypergammaglobulinemia, and autoimmune disease.

[IPEX syndrome and human Treg cells].

CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells which have also been described as regulatory T cells (Treg), have immune inhibitory functions in the immune system. This population inhibits excessive immune responses, such as those present in patients with autoimmune disease, allergy and inflammation, and plays an important role in maintenance of immunological homeostasis. It has been demonstrated that the FOXP3 gene is a master gene for a transcriptional factor of Tregs.

ETV6-ARNT fusion in a patient with childhood T lymphoblastic leukemia.

The ETS variant gene 6 (ETV6) gene is located at 12p13, and is frequently involved in translocations in various human neoplasms, resulting in the expression of fusion proteins consisting of the amino-terminal part of ETV6 and unrelated transcription factors or protein tyrosine kinases. Leukemia with t(1;12)(q21;p13) was previously described in a 5-year-old boy with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML-M2) who exhibited a novel ETV6-aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) fusion protein. We herein report the case of a 2-year-old boy with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) harboring t(1;12)(q21;p13).

Clinical and genetic analyses of presumed Shwachman-Diamond syndrome in Japan.

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bone marrow dysfunction, and skeletal abnormalities. SBDS was identified as a causative gene for SDS in 2003, and genetic analyses of SDS have been performed. We performed genetic analysis of 13 Japanese patients with presumed SDS and found that 10 of them had SBDS mutations.