RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a genetically heterogeneous condition that is associated with reduced or absent melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes, resulting in reduced vision, high sensitivity to light, and rapid and uncontrolled eye movements. To date, seventeen genes have been associated with OCA including syndromic and non-syndromic forms of the condition. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify pathogenic variants in nine Pakistani families with OCA, with validation and segregation of candidate variants performed using Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the identified variants was assessed using various in-silico tools and 3D protein structural analysis software. RESULTS: WES identified biallelic variants in three genes explaining the OCA in these families, including four variants in TYR, three in OCA2, and two in HPS1, including two novel variants c.667C > T: p.(Gln223*) in TYR, and c.2009 T > C: p.(Leu670Pro) in HPS1. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study adds further knowledge of the genetic basis of OCA in Pakistani communities and facilitates improved management and counselling services for families suffering from severe genetic diseases in Pakistan.
Assuntos
Albinismo Oculocutâneo , Sequenciamento do Exoma , Síndrome de Hermanski-Pudlak , Mutação , Linhagem , Humanos , Albinismo Oculocutâneo/genética , Paquistão , Feminino , Masculino , Síndrome de Hermanski-Pudlak/genética , Criança , Adulto , Adolescente , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Monofenol Mono-Oxigenase/genética , Pré-Escolar , Proteínas de Membrana Transportadoras/genética , Adulto Jovem , Proteínas de MembranaRESUMO
The hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are among the most genetically diverse of all Mendelian disorders. They comprise a large group of neurodegenerative diseases that may be divided into 'pure HSP' in forms of the disease primarily entailing progressive lower-limb weakness and spasticity, and 'complex HSP' when these features are accompanied by other neurological (or non-neurological) clinical signs. Here, we identified biallelic variants in the transmembrane protein 63C (TMEM63C) gene, encoding a predicted osmosensitive calcium-permeable cation channel, in individuals with hereditary spastic paraplegias associated with mild intellectual disability in some, but not all cases. Biochemical and microscopy analyses revealed that TMEM63C is an endoplasmic reticulum-localized protein, which is particularly enriched at mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites. Functional in cellula studies indicate a role for TMEM63C in regulating both endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial morphologies. Together, these findings identify autosomal recessive TMEM63C variants as a cause of pure and complex HSP and add to the growing evidence of a fundamental pathomolecular role of perturbed mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum dynamics in motor neurone degenerative diseases.
Assuntos
Canais de Cálcio , Mitocôndrias , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária , Canais de Cálcio/genética , Retículo Endoplasmático/genética , Humanos , Mitocôndrias/patologia , Mutação , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/genéticaRESUMO
Germline mutations in fundamental epigenetic regulatory molecules including DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) are commonly associated with growth disorders, whereas somatic mutations are often associated with malignancy. We profiled genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in DNMT3A c.2312G > A; p.(Arg771Gln) carriers in a large Amish sibship with Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome (TBRS), their mosaic father, and 15 TBRS patients with distinct pathogenic de novo DNMT3A variants. This defined widespread DNA hypomethylation at specific genomic sites enriched at locations annotated as genes involved in morphogenesis, development, differentiation, and malignancy predisposition pathways. TBRS patients also displayed highly accelerated DNA methylation aging. These findings were most marked in a carrier of the AML-associated driver mutation p.Arg882Cys. Our studies additionally defined phenotype-related accelerated and decelerated epigenetic aging in two histone methyltransferase disorders: NSD1 Sotos syndrome overgrowth disorder and KMT2D Kabuki syndrome growth impairment. Together, our findings provide fundamental new insights into aberrant epigenetic mechanisms, the role of epigenetic machinery maintenance, and determinants of biological aging in these growth disorders.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento/genética , DNA (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferases/genética , Epigênese Genética , Transtornos do Crescimento/genética , Mutação , Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Amish/genética , Criança , Metilação de DNA , DNA Metiltransferase 3A , Face/anormalidades , Doenças Hematológicas/genética , Humanos , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/genética , Masculino , Metiltransferases , Morfogênese/genética , Síndrome , Doenças Vestibulares/genética , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIα (PI4KIIIα/PI4KA/OMIM:600286) is a lipid kinase generating phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), a membrane phospholipid with critical roles in the physiology of multiple cell types. PI4KIIIα's role in PI4P generation requires its assembly into a heterotetrameric complex with EFR3, TTC7 and FAM126. Sequence alterations in two of these molecular partners, TTC7 (encoded by TTC7A or TCC7B) and FAM126, have been associated with a heterogeneous group of either neurological (FAM126A) or intestinal and immunological (TTC7A) conditions. Here we show that biallelic PI4KA sequence alterations in humans are associated with neurological disease, in particular hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. In addition, affected individuals may present with inflammatory bowel disease, multiple intestinal atresia and combined immunodeficiency. Our cellular, biochemical and structural modelling studies indicate that PI4KA-associated phenotypical outcomes probably stem from impairment of PI4KIIIα-TTC7-FAM126's organ-specific functions, due to defective catalytic activity or altered intra-complex functional interactions. Together, these data define PI4KA gene alteration as a cause of a variable phenotypical spectrum and provide fundamental new insight into the combinatorial biology of the PI4KIIIα-FAM126-TTC7-EFR3 molecular complex.
Assuntos
Doenças Desmielinizantes Hereditárias do Sistema Nervoso Central/genética , Atresia Intestinal/genética , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidade Menor/genética , Fosfotransferases (Aceptor do Grupo Álcool)/genética , Doenças da Imunodeficiência Primária/genética , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Linhagem , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo ÚnicoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Lamb-Shaffer syndrome (LAMSHF) is a neurodevelopmental disorder described in just over two dozen patients with heterozygous genetic alterations involving SOX5, a gene encoding a transcription factor regulating cell fate and differentiation in neurogenesis and other discrete developmental processes. The genetic alterations described so far are mainly microdeletions. The present study was aimed at increasing our understanding of LAMSHF, its clinical and genetic spectrum, and the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. METHODS: Clinical and genetic data were collected through GeneMatcher and clinical or genetic networks for 41 novel patients harboring various types ofSOX5 alterations. Functional consequences of selected substitutions were investigated. RESULTS: Microdeletions and truncating variants occurred throughout SOX5. In contrast, most missense variants clustered in the pivotal SOX-specific high-mobility-group domain. The latter variants prevented SOX5 from binding DNA and promoting transactivation in vitro, whereas missense variants located outside the high-mobility-group domain did not. Clinical manifestations and severity varied among patients. No clear genotype-phenotype correlations were found, except that missense variants outside the high-mobility-group domain were generally better tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends the clinical and genetic spectrum associated with LAMSHF and consolidates evidence that SOX5 haploinsufficiency leads to variable degrees of intellectual disability, language delay, and other clinical features.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/genética , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/genética , Fatores de Transcrição SOXD/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Haploinsuficiência/genética , Humanos , Lactente , Deficiência Intelectual/diagnóstico , Deficiência Intelectual/patologia , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem/diagnóstico , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem/genética , Transtornos do Desenvolvimento da Linguagem/patologia , Masculino , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto/genética , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/diagnóstico , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/patologia , Linhagem , Fenótipo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Orofacial clefting is amongst the most common of birth defects, with both genetic and environmental components. Although numerous studies have been undertaken to investigate the complexities of the genetic etiology of this heterogeneous condition, this factor remains incompletely understood. Here, we describe mutations in the HYAL2 gene as a cause of syndromic orofacial clefting. HYAL2, encoding hyaluronidase 2, degrades extracellular hyaluronan, a critical component of the developing heart and palatal shelf matrix. Transfection assays demonstrated that the gene mutations destabilize the molecule, dramatically reducing HYAL2 protein levels. Consistent with the clinical presentation in affected individuals, investigations of Hyal2-/- mice revealed craniofacial abnormalities, including submucosal cleft palate. In addition, cor triatriatum sinister and hearing loss, identified in a proportion of Hyal2-/- mice, were also found as incompletely penetrant features in affected humans. Taken together our findings identify a new genetic cause of orofacial clefting in humans and mice, and define the first molecular cause of human cor triatriatum sinister, illustrating the fundamental importance of HYAL2 and hyaluronan turnover for normal human and mouse development.
Assuntos
Moléculas de Adesão Celular/genética , Fenda Labial/genética , Fissura Palatina/genética , Coração Triatriado/genética , Hialuronoglucosaminidase/genética , Mutação , Adolescente , Animais , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Fenda Labial/patologia , Fissura Palatina/patologia , Coração Triatriado/patologia , Feminino , Proteínas Ligadas por GPI/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Linhagem , Penetrância , SíndromeRESUMO
Malan syndrome is an overgrowth disorder described in a limited number of individuals. We aim to delineate the entity by studying a large group of affected individuals. We gathered data on 45 affected individuals with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis through an international collaboration and compared data to the 35 previously reported individuals. Results indicate that height is > 2 SDS in infancy and childhood but in only half of affected adults. Cardinal facial characteristics include long, triangular face, macrocephaly, prominent forehead, everted lower lip, and prominent chin. Intellectual disability is universally present, behaviorally anxiety is characteristic. Malan syndrome is caused by deletions or point mutations of NFIX clustered mostly in exon 2. There is no genotype-phenotype correlation except for an increased risk for epilepsy with 19p13.2 microdeletions. Variants arose de novo, except in one family in which mother was mosaic. Variants causing Malan and Marshall-Smith syndrome can be discerned by differences in the site of stop codon formation. We conclude that Malan syndrome has a well recognizable phenotype that usually can be discerned easily from Marshall-Smith syndrome but rarely there is some overlap. Differentiation from Sotos and Weaver syndrome can be made by clinical evaluation only.
Assuntos
Anormalidades Múltiplas/genética , Hipotireoidismo Congênito/genética , Anormalidades Craniofaciais/genética , Deformidades Congênitas da Mão/genética , Deficiência Intelectual/genética , Fatores de Transcrição NFI/genética , Síndrome de Sotos/genética , Anormalidades Múltiplas/fisiopatologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Doenças do Desenvolvimento Ósseo/genética , Doenças do Desenvolvimento Ósseo/fisiopatologia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Deleção Cromossômica , Hipotireoidismo Congênito/fisiopatologia , Anormalidades Craniofaciais/fisiopatologia , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/genética , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/fisiopatologia , Éxons/genética , Feminino , Deformidades Congênitas da Mão/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Deficiência Intelectual/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Megalencefalia/genética , Megalencefalia/fisiopatologia , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto/genética , Fenótipo , Displasia Septo-Óptica/genética , Displasia Septo-Óptica/fisiopatologia , Síndrome de Sotos/fisiopatologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The presynaptic, high-affinity choline transporter is a critical determinant of signalling by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at both central and peripheral cholinergic synapses, including the neuromuscular junction. Here we describe an autosomal recessive presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome presenting with a broad clinical phenotype due to homozygous choline transporter missense mutations. The clinical phenotype ranges from the classical presentation of a congenital myasthenic syndrome in one patient (p.Pro210Leu), to severe neurodevelopmental delay with brain atrophy (p.Ser94Arg) and extend the clinical outcomes to a more severe spectrum with infantile lethality (p.Val112Glu). Cells transfected with mutant transporter construct revealed a virtually complete loss of transport activity that was paralleled by a reduction in transporter cell surface expression. Consistent with these findings, studies to determine the impact of gene mutations on the trafficking of the Caenorhabditis elegans choline transporter orthologue revealed deficits in transporter export to axons and nerve terminals. These findings contrast with our previous findings in autosomal dominant distal hereditary motor neuropathy of a dominant-negative frameshift mutation at the C-terminus of choline transporter that was associated with significantly reduced, but not completely abrogated choline transporter function. Together our findings define divergent neuropathological outcomes arising from different classes of choline transporter mutation with distinct disease processes and modes of inheritance. These findings underscore the essential role played by the choline transporter in sustaining acetylcholine neurotransmission at both central and neuromuscular synapses, with important implications for treatment and drug selection.
Assuntos
Encéfalo/patologia , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto , Síndromes Miastênicas Congênitas/genética , Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento/genética , Simportadores/genética , Animais , Animais Geneticamente Modificados , Atrofia , Axônios/metabolismo , Caenorhabditis elegans , Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans/genética , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Células HEK293 , Homozigoto , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Proteínas de Membrana Transportadoras/genética , Linhagem , Terminações Pré-Sinápticas/metabolismo , Transporte Proteico , Simportadores/metabolismoRESUMO
Mutations in genes involved in lipid metabolism have increasingly been associated with various subtypes of hereditary spastic paraplegia, a highly heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative motor neuron disorders characterized by spastic paraparesis. Here, we report an unusual autosomal recessive neurodegenerative condition, best classified as a complicated form of hereditary spastic paraplegia, associated with mutation in the ethanolaminephosphotransferase 1 (EPT1) gene (now known as SELENOI), responsible for the final step in Kennedy pathway forming phosphatidylethanolamine from CDP-ethanolamine. Phosphatidylethanolamine is a glycerophospholipid that, together with phosphatidylcholine, constitutes more than half of the total phospholipids in eukaryotic cell membranes. We determined that the mutation defined dramatically reduces the enzymatic activity of EPT1, thereby hindering the final step in phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis. Additionally, due to central nervous system inaccessibility we undertook quantification of phosphatidylethanolamine levels and species in patient and control blood samples as an indication of liver phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis. Although this revealed alteration to levels of specific phosphatidylethanolamine fatty acyl species in patients, overall phosphatidylethanolamine levels were broadly unaffected indicating that in blood EPT1 inactivity may be compensated for, in part, via alternate biochemical pathways. These studies define the first human disorder arising due to defective CDP-ethanolamine biosynthesis and provide new insight into the role of Kennedy pathway components in human neurological function.
Assuntos
Etanolaminofosfotransferase/genética , Etanolaminofosfotransferase/metabolismo , Mutação/genética , Fosfolipídeos/biossíntese , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/genética , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Cromatografia Líquida , Consanguinidade , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Saúde da Família , Feminino , Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Espectrometria de Massas , Omã , Fosfolipídeos/sangue , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/diagnóstico por imagem , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/enzimologia , Paraplegia Espástica Hereditária/patologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In Australia's Northern Territory, most Aboriginal people primarily speak an Aboriginal language. Poor communication between healthcare providers and Aboriginal people results in adverse outcomes including death. This study aimed to identify remediable barriers to utilisation of Aboriginal Interpreter services at the Northern Territory's tertiary hospital, which currently manages over 25,000 Aboriginal inpatients annually. METHODS: This is a multi-method study using key stakeholder discussions, medical file audit, bookings data from the Aboriginal Interpreter Service 2000-2015 and an online cross-sectional staff survey. The Donabedian framework was used to categorise findings into structure, process and outcome. RESULTS: Six key stakeholder meetings each with approximately 15 participants were conducted. A key structural barrier identified was lack of onsite interpreters. Interpreter bookings data revealed that only 7603 requests were made during the 15-year period, with completion of requests decreasing from 337/362 (93.1%) in 2003-4 to 649/831 (78.1%) in 2014-15 (p < 0.001). Non-completion was more common for minority languages (p < 0.001). Medical files of 103 Aboriginal inpatients were audited. Language was documented for 13/103 (12.6%). Up to 60/103 (58.3%) spoke an Aboriginal language primarily. Of 422 staff who participated in the survey, 18.0% had not received 'cultural competency' training; of those who did, 58/222 (26.2%) indicated it was insufficient. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service effectiveness was reported to be good by 209/368 (56.8%), but only 101/367 (27.5%) found it timely. Key process barriers identified by staff included booking complexities, time constraints, inadequate delivery of tools and training, and greater convenience of unofficial interpreters. CONCLUSION: We identified multiple structural and process barriers resulting in the outcomes of poor language documentation and low rates of interpreter bookings. Findings are now informing interventions to improve communication.
Assuntos
Barreiras de Comunicação , Atenção à Saúde/organização & administração , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/organização & administração , Havaiano Nativo ou Outro Ilhéu do Pacífico , Tradução , Pessoal Técnico de Saúde , Comunicação , Estudos Transversais , Competência Cultural , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Northern TerritoryRESUMO
A variety of ocular anomalies have been described in the rare ring 14 and 14q terminal deletion syndromes, yet the character, prevalence, and extent of these anomalies are not well defined. Identification of these ocular anomalies can be central to providing diagnoses and facilitating optimal individual patient management. We report a child with a 14q32.31 terminal deletion and ring chromosome formation, presenting with severe visual impairment secondary to significant bilateral coloboma and microphthalmia. This patient is compared to previously reported patients with similar ocular findings and deletion sizes to further refine a locus for coloboma in the 14q terminal region. Those with ring formation and linear deletions are compared and the possibility of ring formation affecting the proximal 14q region is discussed. This report highlights the severity of ocular anomalies that can be associated with ring 14 and 14q terminal deletion syndromes and reveals the limited documentation of ocular examination in these two related syndromes. This suggests that many children with these genetic changes do not undergo an ophthalmology examination as part of their clinical assessment, yet it is only when this evaluation becomes routine that the true prevalence and extent of ocular involvement can be defined. This report therefore advocates for a thorough ophthalmological exam in children with ring 14 or 14q terminal deletion syndrome.
Assuntos
Deleção Cromossômica , Coloboma/diagnóstico , Coloboma/genética , Microftalmia/diagnóstico , Microftalmia/genética , Fenótipo , Cromossomos Humanos Par 14/genética , Hibridização Genômica Comparativa , Fácies , Humanos , Hibridização in Situ Fluorescente , Cromossomos em AnelRESUMO
Proteoglycans are components of the extracellular matrix with diverse biological functions. Defects in proteoglycan synthesis have been linked to several human diseases with common features of short stature, hypermobility, joint dislocations, and skeletal dysplasia. B4GALT7 encodes galactosyltransferase-I that catalyzes the addition of a galactose moiety to a xylosyl group in the tetrasaccharide linker of proteoglycans. Mutations in this gene have been associated with the rare progeroid form of Ehlers Danlos syndrome and in addition more recently found to underlie Larsen of Reunion Island syndrome. Nine individuals have been reported with a diagnosis of the progeroid form of Ehlers Danlos syndrome, four of whom have had molecular characterization showing homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in B4GALT7. We report two newly described patients with compound heterozygous mutations in B4GALT7, and show that the six individuals with confirmed mutations do not have the progeroid features described in the original five patients with a clinical diagnosis of the progeroid form of Ehlers Danlos syndrome. We suggest that galactosyltransferase-I deficiency does not cause the progeroid form of Ehlers Danlos syndrome, but instead results in a clinically recognizable syndrome comprising short stature, joint hypermobility, radioulnar synostosis, and severe hypermetropia. This group of syndromic patients are on a phenotypic spectrum with individuals who have Larsen of Reunion Island syndrome, although the key features of osteopenia, fractures and hypermetropia have not been reported in patients from Reunion Island. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assuntos
Galactosiltransferases/genética , Estudos de Associação Genética , Mutação , Fenótipo , Substituição de Aminoácidos , Densidade Óssea , Códon , Ecocardiografia , Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos/diagnóstico , Síndrome de Ehlers-Danlos/genética , Fácies , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Radiografia , SíndromeRESUMO
AIM: Aboriginal leaders concerned about high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy invited researchers to determine the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS) in their communities. METHODS: Population-based prevalence study using active case ascertainment in children born in 2002/2003 and living in the Fitzroy Valley, in Western Australia (April 2010-November 2011) (n = 134). Socio-demographic and antenatal data, including alcohol use in pregnancy, were collected by interview with 127/134 (95%) consenting parents/care givers. Maternal/child medical records were reviewed. Interdisciplinary assessments were conducted for 108/134 (81%) children. FAS/pFAS prevalence was determined using modified Canadian diagnostic guidelines. RESULTS: In 127 pregnancies, alcohol was used in 55%. FAS or pFAS was diagnosed in 13/108 children, a prevalence of 120 per 1000 (95% confidence interval 70-196). Prenatal alcohol exposure was confirmed for all children with FAS/pFAS, 80% in the first trimester and 50% throughout pregnancy. Ten of 13 mothers had Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scores and all drank at a high-risk level. Of children with FAS/pFAS, 69% had microcephaly, 85% had weight deficiency and all had facial dysmorphology and central nervous system abnormality/impairment in three to eight domains. CONCLUSIONS: The population prevalence of FAS/pFAS in remote Aboriginal communities of the Fitzroy Valley is the highest reported in Australia and similar to that reported in high-risk populations internationally. Results are likely to be generalisable to other age groups in the Fitzroy Valley and other remote Australian communities with high-risk alcohol use during pregnancy. Prevention of FAS/pFAS is an urgent public health challenge.
Assuntos
Transtornos do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal/etnologia , Havaiano Nativo ou Outro Ilhéu do Pacífico/estatística & dados numéricos , Saúde da População Rural/etnologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/efeitos adversos , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/etnologia , Criança , Feminino , Transtornos do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal/diagnóstico , Transtornos do Espectro Alcoólico Fetal/etiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Comportamento Materno/etnologia , Gravidez , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Saúde da População Rural/estatística & dados numéricos , Austrália Ocidental/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemAssuntos
Proteínas de Transporte/genética , Estudos de Associação Genética , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Mutação , Fenótipo , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Consanguinidade , Análise Mutacional de DNA , Feminino , Estudos de Associação Genética/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Linhagem , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Recent extreme weather events attributable to climate change have major implications for policy. Here we summarize and evaluate the current state of climate change adaptation policy, from a health perspective, for Aotearoa New Zealand, based on government sources. Legislation relating to both environmental management and health are currently subject to major reforms. At present, adaptation policy emphasises protection of health care facilities from climate extremes; there is insufficient attention paid to broader determinants of health. We argue for greater health input into adaptation planning. Without intersectoral collaboration, contributions from diverse communities, and better support of indigenous solutions, climate change policy is unlikely to achieve effective health outcomes and there is a risk that climate change will exacerbate inequities. We recommend that the Climate Change Commission engage formally and directly with health bodies to strengthen the Commission's advice on the implications of climate change, and of national climate change policies, on health and equity. Climate resilient development does not occur without better public health. For this reason, the health sector has a critical role in the development and implementation of adaptation policy.
RESUMO
Given the growing professional interest of speech-language pathologists (SLP) in global development work and the opportunities for minority world health providers to use their skills internationally, conversations about what SLPs do when working in majority world settings, and how they do it are imperative. This paper presents case studies of speech-language pathology work in global settings examined within the context of ethical frameworks developed by: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Speech-Language and Audiology Canada, and Speech Pathology Australia. These case studies drawn from personal experiences working as SLPs in majority world contexts are used to discuss the following issues: (1) the need for honest and reflective conversations about SLPs' motivations for engagement in global work; (2) the need to consider how funds are used to have the biggest and most sustainable impact on emerging professional contexts; (3) the necessity of long-term mutually beneficial global partnerships; (4) critical examination of culturally appropriate speech-language pathology services and recommendations; (5) learning to listen to majority world colleagues; (6) creating opportunities for majority world colleagues to represent themselves at conferences, meetings and in the literature, and; (7) the crucial role university staff play in fostering ethical and sustainable speech-language pathology practices.
Assuntos
Transtornos da Comunicação , Patologia da Fala e Linguagem , Comunicação , Transtornos da Comunicação/terapia , Humanos , Aprendizagem , Motivação , Estados UnidosRESUMO
Mitochondria membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) neurodegenerative disorder is typically associated with biallelic C19orf12 variants. Here we describe a new and review candidate previous monoallelic de novo C19orf12 variants to define loss of function mutations located in the putative non-membrane spanning C19orf12 isoform as the potential basis of monoallelic MPAN.
Assuntos
Distúrbios do Metabolismo do Ferro/genética , Proteínas de Membrana/genética , Membranas Mitocondriais/metabolismo , Proteínas Mitocondriais/genética , Distrofias Neuroaxonais/genética , Amish , Humanos , Distúrbios do Metabolismo do Ferro/diagnóstico , Distúrbios do Metabolismo do Ferro/patologia , Distúrbios do Metabolismo do Ferro/fisiopatologia , Mutação com Perda de Função , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Distrofias Neuroaxonais/diagnóstico , Distrofias Neuroaxonais/patologia , Distrofias Neuroaxonais/fisiopatologia , Linhagem , Isoformas de ProteínasRESUMO
Ciliopathy disorders due to abnormalities of motile cilia encompass a range of autosomal recessive conditions typified by chronic otosinopulmonary disease, infertility, situs abnormalities and hydrocephalus. Using a combination of genome-wide SNP mapping and whole exome sequencing (WES), we investigated the genetic cause of a form of situs inversus (SI) and male infertility present in multiple individuals in an extended Amish family, assuming that an autosomal recessive founder variant was responsible. This identified a single shared (2.34 Mb) region of autozygosity on chromosome 15q21.3 as the likely disease locus, in which we identified a single candidate biallelic frameshift variant in MNS1 [NM_018365.2: c.407_410del; p.(Glu136Glyfs*16)]. Genotyping of multiple family members identified randomisation of the laterality defects in other homozygous individuals, with all wild type or MNS1 c.407_410del heterozygous carriers being unaffected, consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. This study identifies an MNS1 variant as a cause of laterality defects and male infertility in humans, mirroring findings in Mns1-deficient mice which also display male infertility and randomisation of left-right asymmetry of internal organs, confirming a crucial role for MNS1 in nodal cilia and sperm flagella formation and function.
Assuntos
Mutação da Fase de Leitura , Infertilidade Masculina/genética , Situs Inversus/genética , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Linhagem , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo ÚnicoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Binge drinking has been highlighted as a growing problem in the UK, particularly amongst females aged 18-25 years. University of Leeds is situated within a population that has one of the highest reported statistics of binge drinking in the UK. In September 2006, the 'Unit 1421' campaign was launched at University of Leeds with the aim to promoted sensible drinking amongst students. The aim of this study is to explore female perspectives on binge drinking and on 'Unit 1421' campaign in the University of Leeds. METHODS: Using a purposive sample, two focus groups were conducted with 12 female students aged 18-23 years within university grounds. Participants were recruited via email and poster advertisements on campus. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the data: (i) lay perception of binge drinking; (ii) pressures of matching the drinking patterns of male peers; (iii) student rite of passage; (iv) evaluation of the 'Unit 1421' campaign. CONCLUSION: The social context of student life impacts greatly upon students' choices to binge drink. The norms, beliefs and morals governing student culture and the use of alcohol to assert identity should be considered when tailoring health promotion efforts to this target audience. Larger qualitative and ultimately quantitative studies are warranted to extrapolate and test the social pressures on drinking in this age group.
Assuntos
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas , Intoxicação Alcoólica/epidemiologia , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Estudantes , Universidades , Adolescente , Adulto , Alcoolismo , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Masculino , Percepção , Projetos Piloto , Prevalência , Assunção de Riscos , Reino UnidoRESUMO
Genetic test results can be relevant to patients and their relatives. Questions thus arise around whether clinicians regard genetic information as confidential to individuals or to families, and about how they broach this and other issues, including the potential for incidental findings, in consent (forms) for genetic testing. We conducted a content analysis of UK-wide genetic testing consent forms and interviewed 128 clinicians/laboratory scientists. We found that almost all genetic services offered patients multiple, sometimes unworkable, choices on forms, including an option to veto the use of familial genetic information to benefit relatives. Participants worried that documented choices were overriding professional judgement and cautioned against any future forms dictating practice around incidental findings. We conclude that 'tick-box' forms, which do little to enhance autonomy, are masking valid consent processes in clinical practice. As genome-wide testing becomes commonplace, we must re-consider consent processes, so that they protects patients'-and relatives'-interests.