Four genes-DAND5, PKD1L1, MMP21, and CIROP-form a genetic module that has specifically evolved in vertebrate species that harbor motile cilia in their left-right organizer (LRO). We find here that CIROZ (previously known as C1orf127) is also specifically expressed in the LRO of mice, frogs, and fish, where it encodes a protein with a signal peptide followed by 3 zona pellucida N domains, consistent with extracellular localization. We report 16 individuals from 10 families with bi-allelic CIROZ inactivation variants, which cause heterotaxy with congenital heart defects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGeroderma Osteodysplastica (GO) is a rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disease characterized by wrinkled skin and osteoporosis, two distinct aging-related features. A loss of function mutation in results in the disease. Immediately after birth, a cyanotic female neonate was found to have transposition of great vessels (TGV) that was corrected with an uneventful surgical recovery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) and its associated cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) can lead to potentially fatal complications. We analyzed two distinct cases of DAN/CAN based on comprehensive cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs). Case 1 involves a 27-year-old patient with T1DM suffering from recurrent severe hypoglycemic unawareness due to DAN.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Despite considerable research efforts, the genetic complexity of ASD remains poorly understood, complicating diagnosis and treatment, especially in the Arab population, with its genetic diversity linked to migration, tribal structures, and high consanguinity. To address the scarcity of ASD genetic data in the Middle East, we conducted genome sequencing (GS) on 50 ASD subjects and their unaffected parents.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPregnancy is a period of transition with physical changes in the maternal body but also mental and psychological ones. This phase may be accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, depression or irritability, which are part of non-pathological adaptation mechanisms. These symptoms can, however, be intense and constitute real psychiatric syndromes, particularly when the woman presents vulnerability factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObesity is a significant public health concern. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA), predominantly in use as a type 2 diabetes treatment, are a promising pharmacological approach for weight loss, while bariatric surgery (BS) remains a durable, but invasive, intervention. Despite observed heterogeneity in weight loss effects, the genetic effects on weight loss from GLP1-RA and BS have not been extensively explored in large sample sizes, and most studies have focused on differences in race and ethnicity, rather than genetic ancestry.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdv Rheumatol
September 2024
Objectives: To evaluate the tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion in chronic inflammatory arthropathies (CIA) patients on TNFα inhibitors (TNFi) and without previous latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment.
Methods: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with negative LTBI were retrospectively evaluated for TST conversion and active tuberculosis (TB) after six months of exposition to TNFi. Two groups were compared: patients who repeated TST (TST-repetition) during the follow-up and patients who did not (non-TST-repetition).
Nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI), also known as orbital pseudotumor, is a condition characterized by inflammation in the tissues around the eye socket (orbit) without a clearly identifiable cause. This inflammatory disorder can affect various structures within the orbit, including muscles, fat, and connective tissues, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and changes in vision. A 74-year-old man with a history of previous orbital trauma presented with acute-onset head and orbital pain, followed by restricted left eye movements in all directions, left ptosis, and a dilated left pupil.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArabic populations are underrepresented in large genome projects; therefore, the frequency of clinically actionable variants among Arabs is largely unknown. Here, we investigated genetic variation in 14,392 whole genomes from the Qatar Genome Program (QGP) across the list of 78 actionable genes (v3.1) determined by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anti-infliximab (IFX) antibodies on three different points of care: response/tolerance to IFX, tapering strategy, and in a subsequent treatment with a second tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi).
Methods: A prospective cohort of 60 patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis who received IFX were evaluated retrospectively regarding clinical/laboratorial data, IFX levels, and anti-IFX antibodies at baseline, after 6, 12 to 14, 22 to 24, 48 to 54, 96 to 102 weeks, and before tapering or switching.
Results: Anti-IFX antibodies were detected in 27 patients (45%), of whom 23 (85.
Adv Rheumatol
April 2024
Background: There is a remarkable variability in the frequency of HLA-B27 positivity in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA), which may be associated with different clinical presentations worldwide. However, there is a lack of data considering ethnicity and sex on the evaluation of the main clinical and prognostic outcomes in mixed-race populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of HLA-B27 and its correlation with disease parameters in a large population of patients from the Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis (RBE).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSleep-disordered breathing is common in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Sleep-disordered breathing is associated with increased perioperative morbidity, arrhythmias (e.g.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Postpartum hemorrhage is a common obstetrical emergency. Because the majority of cases respond to conservative medical therapies, trainees have limited clinical experience with hemostatic sutures or placement of a Bakri intrauterine balloon for refractory postpartum hemorrhage. Simulations provide an invaluable adjunct to resident education to learn and practice these hemostatic techniques.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAim: To investigate the association between physical activity and immunogenicity among SARS-CoV-2 seropositive patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases prior to and following a 2-dose schedule of CoronaVac (Sinovac inactivated vaccine).
Methods: This was a prospective cohort study within an open-label, single-arm, phase 4 vaccination trial conducted in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In this substudy, only SARS-CoV-2 seropositive patients were included.
Background: Physical activity associates with improved immunogenicity following a 2-dose schedule of CoronaVac (Sinovac's inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine) in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD). This study evaluates whether physical activity impacts vaccine-induced antibody responses to a booster dose in this population.
Methods: This was a phase-4 trial conducted in São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the NF1 gene. This disease presents with various system-based manifestations, including cardiac, musculoskeletal, and neuronal issues, which have been well-studied in previous research and have prompted the development of current and emerging treatments. These treatments, mainly medications targeting specific manifestations of NF1, aim to mitigate the negative impacts of the disease on patients' lives.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: To investigate factors associated with severe COVID-19 in people with psoriasis (PsO), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
Methods: Demographic data, clinical characteristics and COVID-19 outcome severity of adults with PsO, PsA and axSpA were obtained from two international physician-reported registries. A three-point ordinal COVID-19 severity scale was defined: no hospitalisation, hospitalisation (and no death) and death.
Biobanks facilitate genome-wide association studies (GWASs), which have mapped genomic loci across a range of human diseases and traits. However, most biobanks are primarily composed of individuals of European ancestry. We introduce the Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative (GBMI)-a collaborative network of 23 biobanks from 4 continents representing more than 2.
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