Publications by authors named "P J van der Spek"

Refractive error (RE) and myopia are complex polygenic conditions with the majority of genome-wide associated genetic variants in non-exonic regions. Given this, and the onset during childhood, gene-regulation is expected to play an important role in its pathogenesis. This prompted us to explore beyond traditional gene finding approaches.

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Introduction: Acute onset of severe psychiatric symptoms or regression may occur in children with premorbid neurodevelopmental disorders, although typically developing children can also be affected. Infections or other stressors are likely triggers. The underlying causes are unclear, but a current hypothesis suggests the convergence of genes that influence neuronal and immunological function.

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Immunological aetiology is supported for a subgroup with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and conceptualized as autoimmune OCD. The longitudinal clinical course is detailed for three severely ill cases with OCD and indications of immunological involvement with off-label rituximab treatment every six months. All cases showed clear and sustained gains regarding symptom burden and function for over 2.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the unique heart failure (HF) characteristics in patients with obesity by analyzing 4210 circulating proteins to identify obesity-specific biomarkers in those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
  • Out of 373 patients monitored over a median of 2.1 years, 26% were classified as obese, and 30% experienced critical heart failure outcomes, showing subtle differences in prognosis between obese and non-obese groups.
  • A total of 141 proteins linked to obesity were identified, with 50 of those associated with heart failure outcomes, indicating that these proteins could enhance healthcare strategies for managing obesity-related heart failure and suggest pathways for further research.
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  • STAT3 gain-of-function variants lead to a complex clinical condition with symptoms like early immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and lymphoproliferation, though individual variant effects are not fully understood.
  • Researchers created a mouse model based on a specific STAT3 variant from a family with common and rare symptoms, revealing increased STAT3 activity and associated health issues like splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy.
  • The study highlights the importance of variant-specific effects in understanding STAT3-associated diseases and suggests that these mouse models could help in developing personalized treatments.
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