Spanish HTT gene study reveals haplotype and allelic diversity with possible implications for germline expansion dynamics in Huntington disease.

We aimed to determine the genetic diversity and molecular characteristics of the Huntington disease (HD) gene (HTT) in Spain. We performed an extended haplotype and exon one deep sequencing analysis of the HTT gene in a nationwide cohort of population-based controls (n = 520) and families with symptomatic individuals referred for HD genetic testing. This group included 331 HD cases and 140 carriers of intermediate alleles. Clinical and family history data were obtained when available. Spanish normal alleles are enriched in C haplotypes (40.1%), whereas A1 (39.8%) and A2 (31.6%) prevail among intermediate and expanded alleles, respectively. Alleles ≥ 50 CAG repeats are primarily associated with haplotypes A2 (38.9%) and C (32%), which are also present in 50% and 21.4%, respectively, of HD families with large intergenerational expansions. Non-canonical variants of exon one sequence are less frequent, but much more diverse, in alleles of ≥27 CAG repeats. The deletion of CAACAG, one of the six rare variants not observed among smaller normal alleles, is associated with haplotype C and appears to correlate with larger intergenerational expansions and early onset of symptoms. Spanish HD haplotypes are characterized by a high genetic diversity, potentially admixed with other non-Caucasian populations, with a higher representation of A2 and C haplotypes than most European populations. Differences in haplotype distributions across the CAG length range support differential germline expansion dynamics, with A2 and C showing the largest intergenerational expansions. This haplotype-dependent germline instability may be driven by specific cis-elements, such as the CAACAG deletion.

Dental color measurement to estimate age in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Age estimation is a major challenge in anthropology and forensic odontology laboratories, as well as in judicial settings, as one of the tools used in human identification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of age estimation methods based on the accurate measurement of tooth color changes. A systematic review was carried out following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and in compliance with Cochrane criteria recommendations (PROSPERO registration number CRD 42022343371). An electronic search was performed in the following databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, Medline, Current Contents Connect, SciELO, KCI-Korean Journal Database, Derwent Innovations Index and Russian Citation Index. The search strategy yielded a total of 18 articles. A randomized meta-analysis model of the results for the CIE L*a*b* color variables stratified by age (less than 30 years, 30-60 years, 60 years and older) was performed with 9 of the 18 studies included in this systematic review. According to our results, sex and location of color measurement are the most influential factors in color estimation. All studies were carried out in healthy anterior teeth by spectrophotometry as the most commonly used method for color measurement, with CIE L*a*b* being the most commonly analyzed parameters. Studies based on age as a dependent variable showed R2 values between 0.28 and 0.56, being higher in ex vivo teeth. Studies based on age as an independent variable showed R2 values ranging from 0.10 to 0.48. The random model showed high heterogeneity for the L*, a* and b* parameters in all age groups, which is explained by discrepancies in age range and non-standardized conditions for color measurement. This systematic review highlights the need to protocolize age estimation studies that measure tooth color, in order to apply this method in different forensic settings.

Impact of virtual reality-based therapy on post-stroke depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke depression is the most common neuropsychiatric consequence and reduces rehabilitation effectiveness. However, the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) on mental health treatment for patients after a stroke is uncertain. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of VR as a co-adjuvant form of treatment to reduce depression in stroke patients admitted to neurorehabilitation units. METHODS: We systematically searched medical databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to November 16, 2023. Clinical trials comparing the use of VR as an adjuvant form of treatment in stroke patients' rehabilitation with the usual treatment were included. Pooled standardized mean differences were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed according to type of stroke, VR characteristics, and the scale used to measure depression. Meta-regression analysis was performed for intervention duration and to determine the mean age of the participants. RESULTS: Eight studies and 388 stroke patients were included. The VR interventions were associated with a lower risk of depression in patients (ES = -0.69; 95% CI [-1.05, -0.33]; I2 = 57.6%; p ≤ .02). The estimates were not affected by the type of stroke, the type of VR used, the blinding process, the type of scale used to detect depression, the duration of the intervention (weeks and minutes), and the total number of sessions. Meta-regression shows that younger samples (p = .00; 95% CI [0.01, 0.08) and longer interventions (p = < .05; 95% CI [-0.00, -0.00) lead to a greater reduction in depression. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: This review provides an important basis for treating depression in patients after a stroke. Professionals working in stroke neurorehabilitation units should consider VR as a form of co-adjuvant treatment for depression in patients. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: CRD42022303968.

GLP-1R agonists demonstrate potential to treat Wolfram syndrome in human preclinical models.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Wolfram syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the WFS1 gene. It is characterised by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, optic nerve atrophy, diabetes insipidus, hearing loss and neurodegeneration. Considering the unmet treatment need for this orphan disease, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists under wolframin (WFS1) deficiency with a particular focus on human beta cells and neurons. METHODS: The effect of the GLP-1R agonists dulaglutide and exenatide was examined in Wfs1 knockout mice and in an array of human preclinical models of Wolfram syndrome, including WFS1-deficient human beta cells, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived beta-like cells and neurons from control individuals and individuals affected by Wolfram syndrome, and humanised mice. RESULTS: Our study shows that the long-lasting GLP-1R agonist dulaglutide reverses impaired glucose tolerance in WFS1-deficient mice, and that exenatide and dulaglutide improve beta cell function and prevent apoptosis in different human WFS1-deficient models including iPSC-derived beta cells from people with Wolfram syndrome. Exenatide improved mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress and prevented apoptosis in Wolfram syndrome iPSC-derived neural precursors and cerebellar neurons. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our study provides novel evidence for the beneficial effect of GLP-1R agonists on WFS1-deficient human pancreatic beta cells and neurons, suggesting that these drugs may be considered as a treatment for individuals with Wolfram syndrome.

Visualization and characterization of RNA-protein interactions in living cells.

RNA-protein interactions are the structural and functional basis of significant numbers of RNA molecules. RNA-protein interaction assays though, still mainly depend on biochemical tests in vitro. Here, we establish a convenient and reliable RNA fluorescent three-hybrid (rF3H) method to detect/interrogate the interactions between RNAs and proteins in cells. A GFP tagged highly specific RNA trap is constructed to anchor the RNA of interest to an artificial or natural subcellular structure, and RNA-protein interactions can be detected and visualized by the enrichment of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) at these structures. Different RNA trapping systems are developed and detection of RNA-protein complexes at multiple subcellular structures are assayed. With this new toolset, interactions between proteins and mRNA or noncoding RNAs are characterized, including the interaction between a long noncoding RNA and an epigenetic modulator. Our approach provides a flexible and reliable method for the characterization of RNA-protein interactions in living cells.

A qualitative study to elicit user requirements for lower limb wearable exoskeletons for gait rehabilitation in spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to determine a comprehensive set of requirements, perceptions, and expectations that people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the clinicians in charge of their rehabilitation have regarding the use of wearable robots (WR) for gait rehabilitation. BACKGROUND: There are concerns due to the limited user acceptance of WR for gait rehabilitation. Developers need to emphasize understanding the needs and constraints of all stakeholders involved, including the real-life dynamics of rehabilitation centers. METHODS: 15 people with SCI, 9 without experience with WR and 6 with experience with these technologies, and 10 clinicians from 3 rehabilitation centers in Spain were interviewed. A directed content analysis approach was used. RESULTS: 78 codes grouped into 9 categories (physical results, usability, psychology-related codes, technical characteristics, activities, acquisition issues, context of use, development of the technologies and clinical rehabilitation context) were expressed by at least 20% of the users interviewed, of whom 16 were not found in the literature. The agreement percentage between each group and subgroup included in the study, calculated as the number of codes that more than 20% of both groups expressed, divided over the total amount of codes any of those two groups agreed on (≥ 20%), showed limited agreement between patients and clinicians (50.00%) and between both types of patients (55.77%). The limited accessibility and availability of lower limb exoskeletons for gait rehabilitation arose in most of the interviews. CONCLUSIONS: The limited agreement percentage between patients and clinicians indicates that including both types of users in the design process of these technologies is important, given that their requirements are complementary. Engaging users with prior technology experience is recommended, as they often exhibit strong internal consensus and articulate well-defined requirements. This study adds up the knowledge available in the literature and the new codes found in our data, which enlighten important aspects that ought to be addressed in the field to develop technologies that respond to users' needs, are usable and feasible to implement in their intended contexts. APPLICATION: The set of criteria summarized in our study will be useful to guide the design, development, and evaluation of WR for gait rehabilitation to meet user's needs and allow them to be implemented in their intended context of use.

Efficacy of Single-Dose Primaquine With Artemisinin Combination Therapy on Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytes and Transmission: An Individual Patient Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since the World Health Organization recommended single low-dose (0.25 mg/kg) primaquine (PQ) in combination with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in areas of low transmission or artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, several single-site studies have been conducted to assess efficacy. METHODS: An individual patient meta-analysis to assess gametocytocidal and transmission-blocking efficacy of PQ in combination with different ACTs was conducted. Random effects logistic regression was used to quantify PQ effect on (1) gametocyte carriage in the first 2 weeks post treatment; and (2) the probability of infecting at least 1 mosquito or of a mosquito becoming infected. RESULTS: In 2574 participants from 14 studies, PQ reduced PCR-determined gametocyte carriage on days 7 and 14, most apparently in patients presenting with gametocytemia on day 0 (odds ratio [OR], 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], .17-.28 and OR, 0.12; 95% CI, .08-.16, respectively). Rate of decline in gametocyte carriage was faster when PQ was combined with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) compared to dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) (P = .010 for day 7). Addition of 0.25 mg/kg PQ was associated with near complete prevention of transmission to mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS: Transmission blocking is achieved with 0.25 mg/kg PQ. Gametocyte persistence and infectivity are lower when PQ is combined with AL compared to DP.

Instrumental and sensory techniques to characterize the texture of foods suitable for dysphagic people: A systematic review.

The interest to characterize texture-modified foods (TMFs) intended for people with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) has grown significantly since 2011. Several instrumental and sensory techniques have been applied in the analysis of these foods. The objective of the present systematic review was to identify the most appropriate techniques, especially for the food industry and clinical setting. The search was carried out in three online databases according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA). Across the multiple trials reviewed, Texture Profile Analysis and the Uniaxial Compression Test were most used as the instrumental technique for solid foods, and the Back Extrusion Test for fluid and semisolid foods. All trials used descriptive analysis as the sensory technique. However, the experimental conditions of the trials lacked standardization. Consequently, the results of the trials were not comparable. To properly characterize the texture of TMFs intended for OD by each technique, an international consensus is needed to establish standardized experimental conditions. Methods based on these techniques should also be validated by collaborative studies to verify repeatability, replicability, and reproducibility.

tRNA Biology in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes: Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors.

The global rise in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental assaults that negatively affect insulin action in peripheral tissues and impair pancreatic ß-cell function and survival. Nongenetic heritability of metabolic traits may be an important contributor to the diabetes epidemic. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in protein synthesis. tRNAs also have noncanonical functions through which they control a variety of biological processes. Genetic and environmental effects on tRNAs have emerged as novel contributors to the pathogenesis of diabetes. Indeed, altered tRNA aminoacylation, modification, and fragmentation are associated with ß-cell failure, obesity, and insulin resistance. Moreover, diet-induced tRNA fragments have been linked with intergenerational inheritance of metabolic traits. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of how perturbations in tRNA biology play a role in the pathogenesis of monogenic and type 2 diabetes.

Molecular Cytogenetic Analysis of Karyotype and Y Chromosome Conservation in Species of the Genus Talpa (Insectivora).

The Talpidae family has a highly stable karyotype. Most of the chromosome studies in this mammal group, however, employed classical cytogenetic techniques. Molecular cytogenetic analyses are still scarce and, for example, no repeated DNA sequences have been described to date. In this work, we used sequence analysis, chromosomal mapping of a LINE1 retroelement sequence, as well as chromosome painting with a whole Y chromosome probe of T. occidentalis to compare the karyotypes of 3 species of the genus Talpa (T. occidentalis, T. romana, and T. aquitania). Our results demonstrate that in Talpa genomes LINE1 sequences are widely distributed on all chromosomes but are enriched in pericentromeric C-band-positive regions. In addition, these LINE1 accumulate on the Y chromosomes of the 3 Talpa species regardless of their euchromatic or heterochromatic condition. Chromosome painting shows that the Y chromosomes in these 3 species are highly conserved. Interestingly, they share sequences with heterochromatic blocks on chromosome pairs 14 and 16 and, to a lesser degree, with the pericentromeric regions of other autosomes. Together, our analyses demonstrate that the repetitive DNA content of chromosomes from Talpa species is highly conserved.

Innate IFN-lambda responses to dsRNA in the human infant airway epithelium and clinical regulatory factors during viral respiratory infections in early life.

INTRODUCTION: IFN lambda (type III-IFN-λ1) is a molecule primarily produced by epithelial cells that provides an important first-line defence against viral respiratory infections and has been linked to the pathogenesis of viral-induced wheezing in early life. The goal of this study was to better understand the regulation of innate IFN-lambda responses in vitro in primary human infant airway epithelial cells (AECs) and in vivo using nasal aspirates during viral respiratory infections. METHODS: IFN-lambda protein levels were quantified: (a) in human infant AECs exposed to (poly(I:C) dsRNA) under different experimental conditions (n = 8 donors); and (b) in nasal aspirates of young children (≤3 years) hospitalized with viral respiratory infection (n = 138) and in uninfected controls (n = 74). In vivo IFN-lambda airway levels during viral infections were correlated with individual characteristics and respiratory disease parameters. RESULTS: Our in vitro experiments showed that the poly(I:C)-induced innate production of IFN lambda in human infant AECs is regulated by (a) p38-MAPK/NF-kB dependent mechanism; and (b) exposure to pro-inflammatory signals such as IL1ß. Our in vivo studies demonstrated that (a) infants (<18 months) had higher virus-induced IFN-lambda airway secretion; (b) subjects with RSV infection showed the highest IFN-lambda airway levels; and (c) individuals with the highest virus-induced IFN-lambda levels (>90th percentile) had higher viral loads and were more likely to have respiratory sick visits within 12 months of discharge (OR = 5.8). CONCLUSION: IFN-lambda responses to dsRNA in the human infant airway epithelium are regulated by p38-MAPK and NF-kB signalling. High in vivo IFN-lambda production is influenced by virus type and associated with recurrent respiratory sick visits in young children.

MCPH1 is essential for cellular adaptation to the G2-phase decatenation checkpoint.

Cellular checkpoints controlling entry into mitosis monitor the integrity of the DNA and delay mitosis onset until the alteration is fully repaired. However, this canonical response can weaken, leading to a spontaneous bypass of the checkpoint, a process referred to as checkpoint adaptation. Here, we have investigated the contribution of microcephalin 1 (MCPH1), mutated in primary microcephaly, to the decatenation checkpoint, a less-understood G2 pathway that delays entry into mitosis until chromosomes are properly disentangled. Our results demonstrate that, although MCPH1 function is dispensable for activation and maintenance of the decatenation checkpoint, it is required for the adaptive response that bypasses the topoisomerase II inhibition----mediated G2 arrest. MCPH1, however, does not confer adaptation to the G2 arrest triggered by the ataxia telangiectasia mutated- and ataxia telangiectasia and rad3 related-based DNA damage checkpoint. In addition to revealing a new role for MCPH1 in cell cycle control, our study provides new insights into the genetic requirements that allow cellular adaptation to G2 checkpoints, a process that remains poorly understood.-Arroyo, M., Kuriyama, R., Guerrero, I., Keifenheim, D., Cañuelo, A., Calahorra, J., Sánchez, A., Clarke, D. J., Marchal, J. A. MCPH1 is essential for cellular adaptation to the G2-phase decatenation checkpoint.

Morphotype divergence and genetic diversity of Hedeoma piperita Benth. in western Mexico.

Hedeoma piperita Benth. is a perennial herb from the Lamiaceae family, which is highly valued for its medicinal and culinary properties by the Purépecha ethnic group in Michoacán, Mexico. The species presents populations of two morphotypes (white and purple corollas) that have not been formally studied. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the morphological and genetic variation between the two morphotypes. We sampled individuals from 15 populations within the Purépecha Plateau in western Mexico to measure 33 quantitative and qualitative morphological variable characters (vegetative and reproductive) and to estimate genetic diversity and structure using six nuclear microsatellite markers. Principal Component Analysis showed a clear separation between populations of the two morphotypes, which differences were statistically significant for all vegetative (n = 11) and reproductive (n = 22) characters. Similarly, Bayesian and multivariate cluster analyses based on the microsatellite data supported the distinction of the two morphotypes, except for one population of the white corolla that was genetically closer to the purple corolla group. Genetic diversity was moderate to low across populations of the two morphotypes, and inbreeding (FIS) was significantly higher in populations of the purple corolla. Our morphological and genetic data support the presence of two divergent morphotypes in H. piperita. This species is of high importance within the Purépecha culture, but unfortunately is declining in the region due to its high extraction rates. Thus, our results are valuable to delineate germplasm zones for future breeding programs and for informing in situ conservation strategies.

Karyotype Analysis of the New Talpa Species Talpa aquitania (Talpidae; Insectivora) from Northern Spain.

Karyotypes of 3 male Talpa specimens from northern Spain were analyzed. The mesostyles of upper molars and cytochrome b sequence analysis identified these specimens as belonging to Talpa aquitania, a new Talpa species recently described from northern Spain and southern France. We describe here for the first time the karyotype of Talpa aquitania. Its diploid number is 2n = 34 and NFa = 64, and all chromosomes including the sex chromosomes are biarmed, either metacentric or submetacentric. G-banding demonstrated that the karyotypes of T. aquitania and T. occidentalis (the most closely related species) are almost identical. However, the karyotype of T. aquitania differs from the karyotypes of both T. europaea and T. occidentalis in that it has a medium-sized biarmed Y chromosome rather than a dot-like chromosome and that chromosome 16 is submetacentric in T. aquitania but has a small p-arm in both T. europaea and T. occidentalis. Pericentromeric C-bands were scarce and only clearly visible in a few chromosomal pairs. In addition, C-banding demonstrated that half of the 14p, the 16p, and the Y chromosome are all heterochromatic. rDNA genes were located at the secondary constriction in autosomal pair 3, a common feature in the karyotypes of all Talpa species. Hybridization signals for telomeric repeats were found on the telomeres and the pericentric regions of some chromosomes and co-localized in the secondary constriction of pair 3 with the rDNA genes. In conclusion, the karyotype of T. aquitania from northern Spain is very similar to the karyotype of other species belonging to the genus Talpa.

Correction: Arterial tortuosity syndrome: 40 new families and literature review.

In the published version of this paper the author Neus Baena's name was incorrectly given as Neus Baena Diez. This has now been corrected in both the HTML and PDF versions of the paper.

Genetic and clinical characterization of BRCA-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in Navarra (Spain).

BACKGROUND: Genetic testing for BRCA1/2 genes is widely used as a strategy to reduce incidence and morbidity of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). The purpose of this study is to analyse the demographic and molecular characteristics of BRCA germline mutations in Navarra, Spain, and to investigate the clinical profile of hereditary and sporadic breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) in the Community. METHODS: The study includes 1246 individuals assessed for BRCA1/2 genetic testing in Navarra, during 2000-2016, and a cohort of BC (n = 4384) and OC (n = 561) from the population-based Navarra Cancer Registry. Distribution and molecular characteristics of BRCA1/2 mutations, as well as, comparative analysis of the clinical course, pathologic features and overall survival (OS) of patients in different risk groups were investigated. RESULTS: BRCA mutation detection rate was 16%, with higher proportion (63%) of BRCA2 families. Nineteen per cent of mutations were recurrent, one of which, BRCA2 c.6024dupG, showed high association to OC. BRCA carriers had double risk (95% CI = 1.04-4.33) of developing multiple malignancies than low risk families and were diagnosed at a much earlier age (16.6 and 11.7 years difference for BC and OC, respectively) when compared to the general population. For BC, BRCA carriers showed a more advanced histological stage, higher risk of bilateral neoplasms (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.3-11.4, for BRCA2 carriers) and worse OS rate at 5-, 10- and 15- years, than women with sporadic tumors. For OC, over 70% of patients of all risk groups showed advanced stages at diagnosis, with the highest among BRCA1 carriers (91%). Furthermore, they also had higher probability of developing ovarian bilateral tumors (OR = 7.8, 95% CI = 1.7-55.7, for BRCA1 carriers) than the general population. Five-year OS rate was worse among women with sporadic OC than BRCA carriers, but it levelled out over the 15-year period. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to national similarities in the HBOC-BRCA1/2 associated mutational spectrum, we identified a recurrent BRCA2 pathogenic variant (c.6024dupG), highly associated to OC in Navarra. Carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations showed a more severe BC and OC phenotype and had a worse overall prognosis when compared to a large cohort of women with sporadic counterpart tumors.

Correction to: Genetic and clinical characterization of BRCA-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in Navarra (Spain).

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error in Figure 2, where the color code of the text boxes is reversed. Figure 2-amended shows the correct color association between the text boxes and the different areas in the map: Navarra, neighbouring communities and other Spanish communities.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection at the primary care level. The implementation of specific counseling improves eradication rates.

BACKGROUND: Management of Helicobacter pylori infection has been expanded from the gastroenterology specialist (GS) to primary care physicians (PCPs), with a large increase in requests for urea breath tests (UBT). Due to the lack of evidence at this level, we evaluated the appropriateness of UBT indications and treatment for H pylori infections between PCPs and GSs and the effect of introducing specific counseling to PCPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study. Phase I included 650 consecutive UBT requested by PCPs (400) and GSs (250). Indications and treatments were classified as appropriate or inappropriate based on national guidelines. Data on eradication rates were also collected. In phase II, 240 UBT and patients' treatment outcomes were analyzed after individually counseling PCPs on both aspects. RESULTS: Of 1049 UBT, inappropriate indications in phase I were significantly higher in tests requested by PCP compared with GS (35.9% vs 7.2%; P < 0.001). Inappropriate treatment regimens were significantly higher for PCPs in phase I (65.8% vs 26.4%; P < 0.001). Consequently, eradication rates were significantly lower in patients treated by PCPs compared with those treated by GS (63.7% vs 81.4%; P = 0.004). A significant increase in adherence to appropriate treatment regimens (75.8% vs 34.2%; P < 0.001) and eradication rates (79.2% vs 63.7%; P = 0.002) were observed in the PCP group after counseling; however, the appropriateness of indications did not improve. CONCLUSIONS: Patients infected with H pylori managed at the primary care level had poorer outcomes. The introduction of specific counseling for PCPs significantly improved treatment management, but not indications.

Neuroanatomical features and its usefulness in classification of patients with PANDAS.

OBJECTIVE: An obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) subtype has been associated with streptococcal infections and is called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococci (PANDAS). The neuroanatomical characterization of subjects with this disorder is crucial for the better understanding of its pathophysiology; also, evaluation of these features as classifiers between patients and controls is relevant to determine potential biomarkers and useful in clinical diagnosis. This was the first multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) study on an early-onset OCD subtype. METHODS: Fourteen pediatric patients with PANDAS were paired with 14 healthy subjects and were scanned to obtain structural magnetic resonance images (MRI). We identified neuroanatomical differences between subjects with PANDAS and healthy controls using voxel-based morphometry, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and surface analysis. We investigated the usefulness of these neuroanatomical differences to classify patients with PANDAS using MVPA. RESULTS: The pattern for the gray and white matter was significantly different between subjects with PANDAS and controls. Alterations emerged in the cortex, subcortex, and cerebellum. There were no significant group differences in DTI measures (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity) or cortical features (thickness, sulci, volume, curvature, and gyrification). The overall accuracy of 75% was achieved using the gray matter features to classify patients with PANDAS and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The results of this integrative study allow a better understanding of the neural substrates in this OCD subtype, suggesting that the anatomical gray matter characteristics could have an immune origin that might be helpful in patient classification.

Arterial tortuosity syndrome: 40 new families and literature review.

PURPOSE: We delineate the clinical spectrum and describe the histology in arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS), a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by tortuosity of the large and medium-sized arteries, caused by mutations in SLC2A10. METHODS: We retrospectively characterized 40 novel ATS families (50 patients) and reviewed the 52 previously reported patients. We performed histology and electron microscopy (EM) on skin and vascular biopsies and evaluated TGF-ß signaling with immunohistochemistry for pSMAD2 and CTGF. RESULTS: Stenoses, tortuosity, and aneurysm formation are widespread occurrences. Severe but rare vascular complications include early and aggressive aortic root aneurysms, neonatal intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and gastric perforation. Thus far, no reports unequivocally document vascular dissections or ruptures. Of note, diaphragmatic hernia and infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) are frequently observed. Skin and vascular biopsies show fragmented elastic fibers (EF) and increased collagen deposition. EM of skin EF shows a fragmented elastin core and a peripheral mantle of microfibrils of random directionality. Skin and end-stage diseased vascular tissue do not indicate increased TGF-ß signaling. CONCLUSION: Our findings warrant attention for IRDS and diaphragmatic hernia, close monitoring of the aortic root early in life, and extensive vascular imaging afterwards. EM on skin biopsies shows disease-specific abnormalities.